Last chance to get Windows 7 release candidate for free

While Microsoft's Windows 7 will go on sale in just about two months, there is still a little time to get a free copy of the operating system.

Well, at least a free test copy of Windows 7, anyway. Users have until Thursday morning to download the "release candidate" version of the software - the final test version of the operating system. It's a good option for those who have a spare machine to try out the software or for Mac users looking to experiment with running Windows either in virtualisation software or via Boot Camp.

Microsoft has provided free, unlimited downloads of the release candidate version, but plans to halt distribution after Thursday.

Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc said in a blog posting this week: "After that date, you will still be able to register your product and get registration keys but, the media will no longer be available for download."

Even for those that get the software, the free ride only lasts so long. The release candidate will only work through early next year. The software will expire entirely on 1 June and, starting 1 March, it will begin shutting down every two hours to remind users that the end is nigh.

Users should remember that to move from the release candidate to the final version requires a clean installation of the operating system, meaning backing up data, reinstalling Windows 7, and then restoring the data and reinstalling any applications.

Original article: Last chance to get free Windows 7 test copy from CNET News.com