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Microsoft has another special surprise in store for its loyal beta testers, in addition to the pre-order-- family pack pricing.  (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Microsoft fills us in on all the Windows 7 info we've been missing

Last week Windows 7 builds claiming to be the Release to Manufacturing (RTM) build of Windows 7 hit torrents.  Only, it wasn't really the RTM build, Microsoft announced midweek -- the RTM build was still forthcoming.  The natural question remaining was -- when?

Microsoft has now answered that, laying out its roadmap for RTM releases to different parties.  For its ISV (Independent software vendor) and IHV (Independent hardware vendor) OEM partners, it will be gifting them with the RTM build via Microsoft Connect or MSDN on August 6 (in other words, expect the official RTM builds to hit torrents then).

Microsoft Partner Program Gold/Certified Members will have access to the RTM on August 16 via the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) Portal, with remaining languages available on October 1, ahead of Microsoft's October 22 release date.  Microsoft Action Pack Subscribers can get the RTM build on August 23.

Volume License (VL) customers with existing Software Assurance (SA) licenses can get their hands on the RTM builds via the Volume License Service Center (VLSC) on August 7.  Those without SA licenses will have to wait until September 1.

TechNet and MSDN subscribers will get the RTM build on August 6.

Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc confirms that Windows 7 beta testers will not be given free copies of the OS, but he also confirms that a Family Pack multi-license bundle for Windows 7 Home Premium edition is forthcoming. 

He states, "I know there have been some rumors going around about a “family pack” for Windows 7. We have heard a lot of feedback from beta testers and enthusiasts over the last 3 years that we need a better solution for homes with multiple PCs. I’m happy to confirm that we will indeed be offering a family pack of Windows 7 Home Premium (in select markets) which will allow installation on up to 3 PCs. As I’ve said before, stay tuned to our blog for more information on this and any other potential offers."

No information on the pack's official pricing is available at this time, though it street prices have already been leaked.  According to Microsoft, over 40 percent of Windows 7 beta testers are IT professionals, so Microsoft estimates a significant percentage will be eligible for (legal) copies of Windows 7 RTM.

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August 6th it is
By Sazar on 7/22/2009 12:44:07 PM , Rating: 3
Marked on my Calendar and DVD at the ready :D

Show me some MSDN love Microsoft.




RE: August 6th it is
By wempa on 7/22/2009 1:06:47 PM , Rating: 2
This is NICE ! I have 2 PCs still running Vista since I didn't want to put a "release candidate" OS on them. I'll be grabbing it from MSDN too !


RE: August 6th it is
By damianrobertjones on 7/22/2009 1:47:11 PM , Rating: 2
Technet for me.

So far it's been simply great on my two home pcs and laptop. Actually been easier than the first few months of Vista with it's copy folder issues etc (Which still reside on my works Vista install even after sp2)

Look forward to it and I'm wondering what it'll be like on my Asus R2h UMPC! Should I or shouldn't I!? Ahh go on then :)


RE: August 6th it is
By damianrobertjones on 7/22/2009 1:47:42 PM , Rating: 2
P.s. Office 2010 is looking good so far


RE: August 6th it is
By fownde on 7/23/2009 10:04:51 AM , Rating: 2
Agreed. Been enjoying it and can't wait for it to come out.


RE: August 6th it is
By walk2k on 7/22/09, Rating: -1
RE: August 6th it is
By Kibbles on 7/22/2009 2:02:36 PM , Rating: 2
I don't believe they will be releasing patchs for RC builds after RTM rolls out. I haven't seen one for my RC build for awhile.


RE: August 6th it is
By Sazar on 7/22/2009 2:14:52 PM , Rating: 2
I don't have to buy anything :)

I have an MSDN home use account through my employer.

But that's besides the point. Vista worked perfectly fine for me (other than Nvidia drivers) from RC1 and Windows 7 has been working even better than Vista with SP2, which is why I have migrated everything over.

The only thing I haven't been able to get working with my Windows7 installs has been my PS3 controller using that driver hack. Unfortunately, just not recognized correctly :(


all the "funny" pics of Balmer and Jobs
By mattclary on 7/22/2009 2:43:28 PM , Rating: 5
Getting kind of tired of the pics of Jobs doing the weird reach-aroundy thing and Balmer looking like a perv. Can you guys get some new material?




RE: all the "funny" pics of Balmer and Jobs
By smackababy on 7/22/2009 2:55:45 PM , Rating: 5
MS needs a firefox girl. Or, like every Asian TV maker, a couple good looking models to stand next to their newest product.


By mattclary on 7/22/2009 3:12:17 PM , Rating: 2
THAT I would not complain about. Heck, they could use the firefox girl and gadget waifs for every article and I wouldn't complain.


Any ETA for Server 2008 R2?
By Lord 666 on 7/22/2009 6:19:45 PM , Rating: 2
Currently have a 2003 to 2008 AD migration planned for tomorrow night. Might cancel if R2 will be released around Aug 6th as well using my SA.

The basic feature set hasnt changed, but the options for Windows 7 will be included in R2. Not sure when MS will release the add-on pack for 2003/2008 to be make use of new features of Win 7.




RE: Any ETA for Server 2008 R2?
By TomZ on 7/22/2009 10:21:48 PM , Rating: 2
AFAIK, 2008 R2 is releasing at the same time as Windows 7.


RE: Any ETA for Server 2008 R2?
By Lord 666 on 7/23/2009 8:43:06 AM , Rating: 2
One of our test Win7 machines leaked into the training room accidentally. Worked out for the best because the unexpected UAT went too well with a IT complainer now wanting Win7.

Now shifting gears by making all of the training machines Win7 RTM since Aug 6 is right around corner.

Now where are those DX11 cards? ;)


RE: Any ETA for Server 2008 R2?
By Lord 666 on 7/23/2009 5:01:06 PM , Rating: 2
For SA customers, R2 will be available Aug 19.

http://blogs.iis.net/windowsserver/archive/2009/07...


The apocolypse is nigh!
By Hieyeck on 7/22/2009 5:20:24 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
We have heard a lot of feedback from beta testers and enthusiasts over the last 3 years that we need a better solution for homes with multiple PCs. I’m happy to confirm that we will indeed be offering a family pack of Windows 7 Home Premium (in select markets) which will allow installation on up to 3 PCs.
MICROSOFT LISTENED? Starting to wish I kept that bomb shelter around...




RE: The apocolypse is nigh!
By Sazar on 7/23/2009 10:52:54 AM , Rating: 3
They did a good job of listening :)

Now they also need to get their PR team working to explain how XP's resource usage is completely different than Vista and Windows 7 and MORE usage is not necessarily bad.

Pretty much all the articles out there bashing Windows 7 right now are all about how it is has higher resource and memory usage than XP. Well DUH, that's the way it is designed, to allow it to remain snappy in various situations as opposed to XP which would stumble and slow to a crawl.

This whole resource and memory issue that the "experts" are decrying reminds me of the "gigahertz is king" battles between AMD and Intel back in the AthlonXP and early K8 days.


Family Pack for Pro or only for Premium?
By middlehead on 7/22/2009 2:29:21 PM , Rating: 2
The article claims Pro, but the quote immediately afterward from whats-his-face says otherwise.




By kellehair on 7/22/2009 3:09:34 PM , Rating: 2
I want Pro. Hopefully MS comes though. They better if they want me as a paying customer.


Looks like August is early this year.
By Landiepete on 7/23/2009 4:11:00 AM , Rating: 2
By TomZ on 7/23/2009 8:14:36 AM , Rating: 2
The RTM is done, but Microsoft is holding it for two weeks before they release it, for whatever reason.


Vista SP2 to Win7 RC UPGRADE
By really on 7/22/2009 5:12:06 PM , Rating: 2
Just this weekend I installed Windows 7 RC on my Lenovo W500 without a single unexpected hitch. I ran the compatibility wizard and after installation only two things didn't work correctly, my fingerprint reader and the drivers for the ATI V5700 graphics card which were exactly the two thing the compat wizard said I would have problems with. It also has an intel graphics card built so it isn't much of an issue. So far very impressed with Windows 7. Oh and I didn't do a CLEAN INSTALL I upgraded from Vista SP2. This is the first time I've had an upgrade actually work problem free. I use that as a test with every new release. XP to Vista upgrade was a nightmare. Vista to Win7...ease, breezy, beautiful..you know the rest. ;)




RE: Vista SP2 to Win7 RC UPGRADE
By really on 7/22/2009 5:14:02 PM , Rating: 1
Correction I upgraded last weekend, so I have been using it for a week without any problems.


Drivers
By crystal clear on 7/23/2009 6:34:24 AM , Rating: 2
Win 7 RTM launch/release appears to be flawless at least till now ,AMD/Nvidia are ready with their drivers for release hope others are also ready with theirs.

AMD Ready with Unified, WHQL-Certified Graphics Drivers for Windows 7 RTM

http://www.amd.com/us/press-releases/Pages/amd-rea...

GeForce/ION Driver Release 190 WHQL
Version: 190.38
Release Date: July 21, 2009
Operating System: Windows 7 or Windows Vista (32-bit)

This is a WHQL-Certified driver for GeForce 6, 7, 8, 9, 100, and 200-series desktop GPUs and ION GPUs.

http://www.nvidia.com/object/win7_winvista_32bit_1...




Family pack
By walk2k on 7/22/09, Rating: -1
RE: Family pack
By TomZ on 7/22/2009 2:35:58 PM , Rating: 5
Windows 7 >>> Windows XP.


RE: Family pack
By invidious on 7/22/2009 4:10:13 PM , Rating: 5
XP will always have cult following of loyal hermits. The rest of the world will be using windows 10 with a virtual reality interface that will read our minds telepathically and they will be complaining that it sucks because they can't use it on their computer from the 1998 with 512mb ram.


RE: Family pack
By EricMartello on 7/22/2009 5:03:50 PM , Rating: 5
I hate XP because it runs so slow on my Pentium 133 with 64 MB of EDO ram. I paid like $500 for that ram! I'm sticking with DOS until something better comes along. :)


RE: Family pack
By Hieyeck on 7/22/2009 5:17:25 PM , Rating: 2
actually, windows 7 performs quite well with only 512, office apps and all - but definitely no gaming anything recent :)


RE: Family pack
By xsilver on 7/22/2009 5:59:49 PM , Rating: 2
I think those loyal hermits are actually bandwagon jumpers.

I think there were loyalists to win98 when xp just came out. Where are they all now?

The bandwagon jumpers wont jump till next year I suspect but when tech friend is using it - the hermits will have no choice.


RE: Family pack
By fictisiousname on 7/22/2009 7:46:19 PM , Rating: 2
Well, I was one of those Win98 holdouts. Eventually moved to XP after SP1, then learned how to slipstream. So while I was slow to move from Win98, I've had the Beta and then RC on two of my home computers and looking forward to this new release (and a new computer). This "reformed Hermit" is impressed most is how easy the new OS installs and runs.

.


RE: Family pack
By damianrobertjones on 7/23/2009 6:31:37 AM , Rating: 2
Good lord.

I recall having left Win9x behind and was still using Windows2000 when XP hit. I refused to jump as all I could see were pretty green colours and a new taskbar.

Eventually, slowly, I had no choice as games moved, new direct x appeared and the colours called to me.

Years later, I jumped all over oem Vista the day it was released, 3 licences, installed asap.

Oh how times change. Some people may never want to move, but if that is the case, then why not stay with Win2000 over XP? Give in, open your mind, try things and if you still don't like them.... .

If Microsoft stayed with 2000, then we'd probably scream that they never change. Either way... let's all be happy


RE: Family pack
By sieistganzfett on 7/23/2009 7:44:44 PM , Rating: 2
screw that, there are people with windows 3.11 last time i checked... that shiz is lighting fast on my athlon64 after i tweaked the config to allow more ram.. turn pc on=instant program manager. sweet.


Windows XP is like Coke Classic
By 2tweeked on 7/23/09, Rating: -1
RE: Windows XP is like Coke Classic
By dark matter on 7/23/2009 5:58:57 AM , Rating: 2
You might as well say every application should run on DOS.

Or punch cards...

Erm, they already have included XP on the pro version. You really should keep up.


By Oregonian2 on 7/23/2009 1:48:56 PM , Rating: 3
I think you said that backwards.

Didn't you mean to say that all DOS applications should still run on Windows 7 (and many probably do)?

Compatibility usually is upwards, not downwards.


RE: Windows XP is like Coke Classic
By TomZ on 7/23/2009 8:12:32 AM , Rating: 3
quote:
Microsoft must stop remaking itself and repainting old software with new paint.
Sorry, but your comments are ignorant. You seem to understand that there are app compatibility issues between XP and 7, but then you characterize 7 as "repainting"?

The reality is that Microsoft has made a lot of improvements to windows in the past 7-8 years. And that starts from the kernel on up. They are not making random changes for the hell of it - they are making solid improvements, especially in security, reliability, and usability.

What is amazing is that Windows 7 runs so many Windows XP apps, considering the changes under the hood. Windows 7 has two areas of compatibility - first are the application compatibility settings, which solve a lot of problems. And second is the integrated VM which runs certain "difficult" applications under Windows XP in a VM, and then presents the app in a normal window so it looks like other apps. While I'm sure these approaches don't cover 100%, I'll bet the percentage is pretty high.

One other thing you need to realize is that many of these apps with compatibility problems have those problems because they failed to follow Microsoft's programming guidelines. They are doing things like writing to Program Files, writing to areas of the registry that they shouldn't, and Microsoft has since secured the OS to protect against rogue apps. Applications that are properly archiected and written have always run just fine on Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. I know because I've written many apps that run fine on all these platforms without any special attention.

All these compatibility "helpers" in Windows 7 allow the core OS to leave behind a lot of the legacy crap that would otherwise be needed in order to allow popular, ill-behaved apps to continue to run without changes/updates. That is a good thing in the long run.

Finally, if you don't like 64-bit, you can blame AMD for that. They rushed that to market in order to beat Intel to the punch. Maybe if they hadn't, a more compatible approach could have been developed. But that ship has sailed.


RE: Windows XP is like Coke Classic
By fownde on 7/23/2009 10:12:47 AM , Rating: 2
Windows 7 compatibility is simply awesome. I was going through some old stuff of mine and found a game I hadn't played in years. Originally built for Windows 98 (and has almost been that many years since I played it). Popped it in on Win7 and set it to compatibility mode. Runs very smooth no probs. My wife wanted to play so we installed it on her XP machine. 30min-1hour in every time, it would freeze up or error out. Tried various compatibility modes on it with no luck. She finally gave up. I have a few other apps I'm going to try, but Win7 seems to run things a lot better than XP in compatibility modes.


RE: Windows XP is like Coke Classic
By crystal clear on 7/23/2009 11:51:23 AM , Rating: 2
Hey whats wrong with 64 bit,its high time everything/everybody moves to 64 bit computing.

Plus dont like the fact windows limits me to 4GB memory.

Give me 8GB !


RE: Windows XP is like Coke Classic
By TomZ on 7/23/2009 1:21:55 PM , Rating: 2
I agree - with 64-bit processors very widely used and memory still cheap, I'd like to see everything 64-bit. 64-bit Windows is clearly better, but there is the problem of certain pesky devices for which there are only 32-bit drivers available. I've had good success running some of those devices in the VM in Windows 7 (which is 32-bit only AFAIK).


RE: Windows XP is like Coke Classic
By Oregonian2 on 7/23/2009 1:54:33 PM , Rating: 2
How clearly better is it? Can one tell that one's browser is better (not with the use timing programs -- meaning sitting there typing things at the normal rate, moving one's mouse at the normal rate, etc and "telling" just by one's own eyes)? And if there's something that everybody uses that's way too slow 32-bit, but is way better ith 64-bit (what is that, btw?) is it enough of an improvement to toss out what one has and re-buy all new stuff?

For servers, I can see there are good reasons for the switch, but for most desktops, I can't see where it'd make much pragmatic difference at all the vast majority of the time.


RE: Windows XP is like Coke Classic
By TomZ on 7/23/2009 3:03:16 PM , Rating: 2
It's clearly better because it doesn't have the 3-4GB memory limitation. This lets me (a) run more apps and/or (b) run apps that need more memory. Memory is cheap, so it is kind of annoying to have performance or ability limited due to a lack of memory.

In addition, 64-bit Windows is designed to be more secure than 32-bit Windows.

These are the primary reasons for 64-bit servers, and they both apply to desktop as well.

And thinking of it another way...what's so great about 32-bit? If you have a relatively new machine with 4GB of RAM, why not run 64-bit?


RE: Windows XP is like Coke Classic
By Nekrik on 7/23/2009 4:08:16 PM , Rating: 1
Not to mention it is now the next step in the evolution of processor technology, sitting in x86 land stagnates it. The 'good enough' attitude leads to stale technology. For example, the people who bitch about how useless touch interfaces and/or natal are right now, they're happy with a kb/mouse, leave narrow minded people like that in charge and we'll never develop the next step in UI and input devices. Everything is a stepping stone, if you can't see that get the fuck out of the way of those who want to move forward :).


By Oregonian2 on 7/23/2009 9:44:34 PM , Rating: 2
First of all, the 64-bit OS's talked about here I think ALL still are x86 based ones.

Second, the rising popularity of netbooks shows that moving "power" to the next level isn't what everybody wants and needs -- else they'd sell none of those wimpy backwards piles of junk (what I presume you think of them). But they're selling like hotcakes.

When one buys a new machine, one should load it up with 64 bit is fine if it does all that's needed.

But my point is to why one would want to toss out a 32-bit machine already bought, already learned, already configured when it already does everything a person wants adequately and a new one makes little difference other than in the bit-bragging forums?

When the new stuff comes along and provides something wanted, THEN is the time for most to toss away the current junk and replace it with something new. Not just because it MIGHT have some use in the future.


RE: Windows XP is like Coke Classic
By crystal clear on 7/23/2009 9:03:10 AM , Rating: 1
Time to upgrade ! the timing is right....use the downturn(crisis) to get ready for upturn (goodtimes).

Companies skipped the Vista for whatever reasons long enough,now they are ready for Win 7 ...its Vista just much better.

Time to move on.... you cannot stay on with legacy software/products for much longer even though they work fine today,you prepare for tomorrow.

Blaming the economy is NO excuse,if not 2009 then 2010/11 but you got do it.

Classic coke is not the ideal example for WinXP...your car is a better example.
Dont you move on from the old car to the next new one ? (even though it works fine)
Dont you upgrade your legacy hardware/software ?
Dont you ever upgrade at all ?

They all require Money.....

Why buy a car when your horse does the work ? think ?

You need the horsepower of a car & not the horse ...

quote:
Companies and individuals will not move to the next platform if their software breaks.


You got to know how to do it....clean install...do some reading on microsoft sites.
Plus consult your software vendors/Microsoft/Microsoft Gold and Certified partners/ solution providers /support services provider etc for more details & assistance.

As for the time,money,manpower etc you have NO choice either you are IN or OUT ...one day you realize that your junkware doent work anymore or just out of date or not fast enough etc,then its too late.

You got to make the budgetry allocations if your a business/company or raise funds/financing for the expenses incurred.

quote:
Even though 7 has the Windows god blessing, if it doesn't run ALL XP software, sorry!


If you are a single user & dont want the 7 then keep using the XP till you buy your next computer or do an upgrade.

As for comapnies, time to accept the realities & forget the XP.

OR you will be sorry later on for having committed the blunder of NOT upgrading....nobody expects you to upgrade now but a time period of 2010 -> 2012 is the right time.

The more you delay or postpone the more you loose in the long term.

Its all about timing...


RE: Windows XP is like Coke Classic
By fownde on 7/23/2009 10:22:05 AM , Rating: 2
While I agree with many of your points, I don't entirely agree with the analogy. Using cars as an analogy isn't all that great. No, I wouldn't buy a new car if mine is working fine. What's the point? Any new car I can buy wouldn't have any better features than what I do have. Technology inside cars doesn't quite move at the same rate as computers. I will likely drive my car till it dies. The price comparison isn't even close either. New computer $1-3k (depending on the frills). New car $15-??k.. Slight diff. The idea of having a car over a horse however is definitely a good one.
Sorry to seem like the devils advocate on that. Comparing computers to cars kinda irritates me and tends to not work well. Otherwise, greats points. I've seen many companies (mine included) that are trying to continue to live off 6+yr old hardware that just isn't going to cut it anymore. Many of these computers have adobe photoshop, dreamweaver, etc that are also serious resource hogs and the old hardware just isn't going to cut it. I know things are hard in these times, but it would be nice to get some upgrades going. /rant off.


RE: Windows XP is like Coke Classic
By smegz on 7/23/2009 2:28:02 PM , Rating: 2
It's not whether my apps work but whether my hardware works. I'm using RC1 64bit now and have 2 bricked devices due to lack of drivers. One of the devices has been 64 bit driverless since Vista was released (a video capture device from Sony). There is no way in hell I am going back down to 32 bit now that I have seen the improvements from the additional RAM I can address. My 3D graphics apps fly on 8GB of RAM where they crawled on 3GB.


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