Go get it - http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/beta-download.aspx

• You'll need some technical skills, like knowing how to:

  • Burn an ISO file to make an install DVD (A good example of what we mean by “technical”)

  • Install Windows (of course)

  • Backup and restore your PC (There's a chance of losing files, so it's a good idea to do a backup of anything you want to save.)

  • Set up a network

  It can be glitchy—so don't use a PC you need every day.

• Minimum recommended specs call for:

  • 1 GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor

  • 1 GB of system memory

  • 16 GB of available disk space

  • Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128 MB memory (to enable the Aero theme)

  • DVD-R/W Drive

  • Internet access (to download the Beta and get updates)

  And yes, like anything tech-related, these specs could change.

• Some product features of Windows 7, such as the ability to watch and record live TV or navigation through the use of "touch," may require advanced or additional hardware.

• You'll need a system recovery disk (and know how to use it).

• You're [almost] flying solo: you'll need to troubleshoot problems yourself and call on other Beta testers for their know-how.

• It's a two-way thing—Beta testing is about feedback so our developers can fix bugs and hear what appeals to the people who use our products daily. Please tell us what you think.

• Watch the calendar. The Beta expires on August 1, 2009. To continue using your PC, please be prepared to reinstall a prior version of Windows or a subsequent release of Windows 7 before the expiration date. (See installation instructions.)

A new poster from Hugh MacLeod - I like it a lot and plan to paste it around the building as liberally as I can and to see what Mr Ballmer thinks of it :)

Hugh gives a few explanations for which are:

• Microsoft telling its potential customers to change the world or go home.
• Microsoft telling its employees to change the world or go home.
• Microsoft employees telling their colleagues to change the world or go home.
• Everybody else telling Microsoft to change the world or go home.
• Everyone else telling their colleagues to change the world or go home.
• And so forth.

 and then paraphrases with

Basically, Microsoft is in the world-changing business. If they ever lose that, they might as well all go home

That's what I say to people a lot when they said what is my job? I work for a company the changes the world. Maybe I drank too much from the firehose but I do believe it. I spent a day with Microsoft Research last week and that continued to make prove the point to me. I know not everyone will agree that we change the world for good (I'm expecting a tonne of flak on this post) but when you see some of the projects and causes that software touches you can't help but feel humble about it. I'm hoping to help our UK citizenship team get a blog up and running soon to show you some more of this.

I periodically review what search terms bring people to my blog and it continues to surprise me that a search for I’m A PC Stickers is pretty high up the list. I can only conclude people are looking for advice on ways to remove these things from their PC :)

Seriously…for years I have said that stickers are one of the most effective and viral social objects so if you are looking for an I’m A PC sticker leave your name here in the comments. I’m trying to see if there really is demand for these things and if so, whether I can help get them dropped from helicopters or something similar.

Oh and if you’re in London this Monday night (Feb 2nd) I may have a few of these things to hand out at The Burlington Arms

James and I just collected a limited edition run of the Blue Monster lithographs from Stormhoek Towers. Mucho gracias to Jason and Hugh :)

Hands up who wants one of the limited run of these puppies? More info soon....

[update] okay, I can sense we may be inundated here so my plan is to put all the names in a hat on Christmas eve and announce the 10 winners on Christmas Day and for those who still want one but don't get drawn out, I'll add 3 more on to eBay on New Years Day with all profits from sales going to Microsoft UK's chosen charity, NSPCC.

I strong armed the Live Mesh team in to giving me a few extra invites to share with friends. So, hand up who wants to experience the future? Please deliver a low mileage Ferrari 430 Scuderia to my home address this weekend and one is yours :)

Seriously, let me know here why you think you should be a lucky recipient and I’ll confirm the winners on Friday night GMT.

[update]

I’m going to announce early as I want to ensure these folks make it inside the 10,000 entrants of the preview. US only so I can’t guarantee it will work but after long deliberation my winners are

1. Jon Paul (should be obvious why!)
2. Davidacoder – I can’t wait to hear about Mesh climate change!
3. nanexcool – he was in first and watched the Ozzie video. respect!

Judges decision is final….unless the Ferrari shows up :)
Invites will be on their way fellas. If I get more I already have a list of the next 5 :)