Windows 7 download

The beta version of Windows 7 is available! The only thing needed is
1.) a Windows Live account
2.) patience to wait till the 3.15 GB data downloads.
3.) IE 7 - at least I couldn't start the download with my usual browser

Link here. I don't know how long it will be available. Should be free for the first 2.5 million participants.

update:
Windows 7 beta will be available till the 24th of January for everyone who wants to be a beta tester: http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/01/10/here-s-where-
we-stand.aspx
Guide to make a Dual-Boot system with Vista or XP: http://lifehacker.com/5126781/how-to-dual-boot-windows-7-with-xp-or-vista

After the huge flop of Windows Vista (the moment they abandoned the cool project name Longhorn I knew it won't get good :P) Microsoft needs to continue to support Windows XP operation system, although they announced to end supporting the personal version at 1. January 2007 (not completely abandon the product, just cease updates and patches). Now Win XP SP2 will be supported till 13 July 2010, but is not sold anymore as an OEM with PC or by retail sales.

So MS needs to get back some of the trust of the users, which they lost after the introduction of Vista. A very nice way is also this campaign with free beta testing. It is good for MS, as they get real-time feedback from enthusiasts by that getting a view from the outside, and if the new users will be satisfied, than they will get a better publicity.

Will see how it ends.