Windows 7 Release Candidate coming in May

OOPS! Microsoft spills it all over again. Now another premature download page for the Windows 7 RC just like what happened for Windows 7 Beta and it confirms that Microsoft are going to release the RC on May rather than April as previously rumored. Seems like not everything is going pretty quiet for Microsoft during the whole development of Windows 7. With a series of leaks even before and after the Beta was released and still continuing, Microsoft should look to take a cue from Apple on keeping things a big secret, even within their own departments. So, the page comes up and people see it. Where is it? See the screenshot below. The page appeared on TechNet.

 

Screenshot of the future Windows 7 RC download page

Well, I can see Microsoft banging their heads against their tables. After all, they had worked very hard to keep this is a complete rumor. All busted. Never mind. Good for us that we know when it's coming.

Meanwhile, here's what you need to know from the above image regarding the RC-

This is pre-release software, so please read the following to get an idea of the risks and key things you need to know before you try the RC.

• You don't need to rush to get Windows 7 RC. The RC release will be available at least through June 2009 and we're not limiting the number of product keys, so you have plenty of time.
• Watch the calendar. Windows 7 RC will expire on June 1, 2010. So if you install the RC release you'll either need to upgrade to the final version of Windows 7 before that date, or install a prior version of Windows. (For more about installing Windows, see installation instructions.
• Protect your PC and data. Be sure to back up your data and please don’t test Windows 7 RC on your primary home or business PC.
• Technical details/updates: before installing the RC please read the Release Notes, and Things to Know for important information about the release.
• Keep up with the news. You can keep up with general technical information and news by following the Springboard Series blog or Windows team blog. Want technical guidance, tips, and tools? Visit the Springboard Series on TechNet. And, you can get non-technical news, tips, and offers on the Springboard Series on TechNet
• Keep your PC updated: Be sure turn on automatic updates in Windows Update in case we publish updates for the RC.
• Microsoft Partners: Learn more about Windows 7 on the Microsoft Partner Portal. 

Here's what you need to have:

• Internet access (to download Windows 7 RC and get updates)
• A PC with these minimum recommended specifications:
• 1 GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor or higher
• 1 GB of system memory or more
• 16 GB of available disk space
• Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128 MB memory (to enable the Aero theme)
• DVD-R/W Drive 

This part is the same as the Beta. The rest is what you should get. Download links and general information. Surely, interesting stuff from Microsoft to let us know. The TechNet page now takes you to the beta site again. So, users eagerly awaiting for the next release of Windows 7 will have to wait till May while testers might get a new build next month.

Windows 7 RC download page goes up early
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