Windows 7 beta to go public

Microsoft has announced that a beta version of the Windows 7 operating system will be available to download on Friday 9 January.

The announcement was made by Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), currently taking place in Las Vegas.

Ballmer was keen to emphasise the elements that would improve the lives of ordinary surfers in Windows 7, such as faster boot-up and shut-down times, and fewer intrusive pop-up messages.

Many of the features new to Windows 7, such as the touchscreen-friendly interface and entertainment capabilities, have already been demonstrated by the company.

Though the beta will be available to anyone who wants it, the company cautioned that it was not for "the majority of consumers".

Instead, the company wanted more advanced surfers to install the beta and offer feedback, said Microsoft's Leila Martine.

Martine told Web User that PCs with a specification high enough to run Windows Vista should easily be able to cope with running Windows 7.

Check the Web User site on Friday for details of where to find the Windows 7 beta download.

www.microsoft.com