More time to play with Windows 7 beta

Microsoft announced Friday night that computer enthusiasts will have a while longer to get their hands on the beta version of Windows 7.

In a blog posting, Microsoft said the test version of the operating system will be available for download until 10 February. Previously, Microsoft had said the OS would only be open until late this month.

Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc said in the blog posting: "We are at a point where we have more than enough beta testers and feedback coming in to meet our engineering needs, so we are beginning to plan the end of general availability for Windows 7 beta.

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"Because enthusiasm continues to be so high for the Windows 7 beta and we don't want anyone to miss out, we will keep the beta downloads open through 10 February."

Those who start the download process before 10 February will have until 12 February to finish the task.

The deadline applies to the general public, while members of Microsoft's TechNet and MSDN developer programmes will continue to have access to the code, LeBlanc said.

CEO Steve Ballmer announced the beta of Windows 7 during his speech at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on 7 January. After a slight hiccup, Microsoft made the code available on 10 January.

Original article: Windows 7 beta to be available through Feb. 10 from CNET News.com