• Windows 7 will be generally available to the public on October 22, 2009!!!
• The following SKUS will be available in the System Builder Channel:
• Windows® 7 Ultimate
• Windows® 7 Professional
• Windows® 7 Home Premium
• The Windows 7 Products and Key Features chart below provides a more detailed summary of the Windows 7 SKU strategy and a listing of key features by SKU.
Product Version Product Background Key Features Additional Product
Specific Details
Windows 7
Ultimate The no-compromise SKU for tech enthusiasts. • Windows® XP Mode
• New security and network access features in the Windows 7 Ultimate edition.
• Includes DirectAccess which connects users directly to their corporate network and access files securely from any PC, mobile phone or other internet connected device
• Includes BranchCache which makes it faster to open files and web pages from a branch office.
• Multilanguage language packs and language switching capability Windows 7 Ultimate will be available worldwide.
Windows 7
Professional The business-focused SKU for companies who have advanced networking, backup, and security needs • Windows XP Mode
• Ability to join a managed network with Domain Join
• Protect data with advanced network backup and Encrypted File System
• Print to the right printer at home or work with Location Aware Printing Windows 7 Professional will be available worldwide.
Windows 7
Home Premium The standard consumer SKU, providing full functionality on the latest hardware, easy ways to connect, and a visually rich environment. • Aero Glass and advanced windows navigation
• Easy networking and sharing across multiple PCs and devices
• Improved media format support, enhancements to Windows Media Center and media streaming, including Play To
• Multi-touch and improved handwriting recognition on systems with required hardware Windows 7 Home Premium will be available worldwide.
*Each Windows 7 product includes all features included in the lower versions, plus the additional “Key Features” listed for the version.
Some other important dates for Vista Upgrade to Win7 :
-06/19/09 Authorized Replicator start shipping Vista with Window 7 upgrade coupon
(New SKUs will be ready after June 15, 2009)
- 06/28/09 to 01/31/10 Eligible purchase period for Window 7 upgrade
- 02/28/10 Final Date to request Window 7upgrade
- 04/30/10 Final fulfillment date
Windows 7 Upgrades:
Consumer can only upgrade on eligible & “like” sku
Windows Home Basic and Windows XP are NOT eligible
Can upgrade to “like” SKU’s only:
• Windows Vista Business Window 7 Professional
• Windows Vista Home Premium Windows 7 Home Premium
• Windows Vista Ultimate Window 7 Ultimate
MICROSOFT RELEASES WINDOWS 7 RELEASE CANDIDATE
Download instructions:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/dd353205.aspx
Here’s what you need to know:
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. The RC will expire on June 1, 2010. Starting on March 1, 2010, your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. Windows will notify you two weeks before the bi-hourly shutdowns start. To avoid interruption, you’ll need to install a non-expired version of Windows before March 1, 2010. You’ll also need to install the programs and data that you want to use. (Learn more about installing Windows).
• 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.
• 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.
Extra Info:
Q: When will Windows 7 officially launch?
A: Microsoft hasn’t officially announced a launch date, but all signs point to Windows 7 being released in time for the “holiday” season this year.
Q: Should I give it a try? Can I recommend it to my customers?
A: Absolutely. I’m already running it on two of my own systems and it’s working MUCH better than Vista 
However, always backup your data just in case!
Q: I’ve heard about Windows XP Mode as a feature of Windows 7, is that included with this download?
A: No, it’s an additional download. Go here to download the Windows XP Mode image: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx
Q: Who should I give feedback to?
A: Microsoft includes a tool in Windows 7 to report feedback. Run this command in the Run menu (Keyboard shortcut: Windows key + R)
rundll32.exe FeedbackTool.dll,ShowWizard
Or, you can always provide feedback to me and I’ll pass it along to the right people within Microsoft. If you run into any problems, NOW is the time to complain
Thanks, and happy installing.