Windows 7 RC Available in May 2009

Posted on April 4, 2009 by Marc Liron

Microsoft made the Windows 7 Beta version available for the world to download last month.

Now in May 2009 Microsoft plan to release Windows 7 RC (Release Candidate) for the world to download and try…

According to rumours and a webpage that was posted to early on Microsoft’s Technet website (since been removed). Windows 7 RC is due to be published in May 2009 for broad download and that the Windows 7 RC will expire on June 1, 2010.

It is also rumoured that there will be no limit on registration keys, like there was with the earlier Windows 7 Beta build.

…so we just have to wait a little while longer!

The problem for me is I can’t wait – I want it now… I want to see all the changes that have been made since the Windows 7 Beta download (Which was great.)

So until next month.

Regards

Marc Liron – Microsoft MVP

Windows XP Support Ends in 2009 and 2014

Posted on April 4, 2009 by Marc Liron

Microsoft has traditionally offered 10 years support for its operating systems, which is actually great value and not something you see with other vendors!

However, there are TWO types of support:

- Mainstream

Mainstream support delivers free fixes for security patches and other bug fixes to everyone.

- Extended

Extended support delivers free security updates to all users, however non-security hot fixes are only provided to companies that have signed support contracts with Microsoft.

With Windows 7 due out later this year, it is important to note when the very popular Windows XP software will reach the end of its support from Microsoft.

These are the important dates:

On April 14, 2009. The following Windows XP editions will come out of Mainstream Support and enter Extended Support:

- Windows XP Home
- Windows XP Pro 32-bit and 64-bit
- Windows XP Media Center Edition
- Windows XP Tablet PC Edition

On April 08, 2014. These Windows XP editions will come out of Extended Support.

Please note that “Self-help” online support will continue to be available for a minimum of 12 months after the product reaches the end of its support lifecycle.

I hope this information helps you in planning your next upgrade!

Kind Regards

Marc Liron – Ex-Microsoft MVP (2004-2010)
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Dell Are Liking Windows 7

Posted on April 4, 2009 by Marc Liron

In a post from Dell product strategist Daniel Judd, the major PC/Server maker are liking Windows 7.

They have tested 100′s of machines with the Windows 7 Beta code and have found the following:

- On many systems we are seeing noticeable improvements in boot to desktop times (versus Vista)
- Almost all existing Vista drivers are working – great sign in terms of compatibility
- Vista Application compatibility is promising as well (including the IE 8 compatibility mode)
- Transcoding (ripping) media files is faster than Vista

…and this information certainly fits in with the positive response I have been seeing in the blogosphere of late.

Now I just wish it was May and I could get my hands on a copy of the Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) code!

Regards

Marc Liron – Microsoft MVP