Windows 7 RTM Makes it to TechNet Subscriber Downloads

Rick just broke the news over on the Canadian IT Pro blog that the bits for Windows 7 RTM (released-to-manufacturing code) are available for download for TechNet subscribers. I’ve included the post below or you can access the original post. Early access to the latest technologies from Microsoft is just one of the many benefits included in a TechNet subscription. When I was working as an IT support technician and later on as an IT consultant, my subscription was my life-line – I couldn’t have done without it!

On another note, if you’re curious about Windows 7 and have questions about how it’s different from previous Windows client operating systems and what it brings to the table in the way of business productivity and IT operational efficiency, let me know. I’m going to be conducting an interview with Rob Geller, the Product Manager for Windows Client at Microsoft Canada for the AlignIT IT Manager Podcast series and I’d love to add your questions to the interview. I’ve already heard from a few people when I posted on Twitter and early on the blog but I’m sure there are more of you with questions. The interview has been moved to mid-August, so there’s still time for you to get your questions in.

Below is Rick’s post with all the details of getting and using Windows 7 from your TechNet subscription:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ladies and Gentlemen – start your download engines.

Like most of the “geek” world of technical enthusiasts and professionals who have been waiting with baited breath for the official RTM ISO files to be available – I have been watching the Subscriber Download site most of the day in the background and hitting refresh periodically. Well – the wait is over.

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-ca/subscriptions/securedownloads/default.aspx

I’ve got it up and running on a couple of boxes (grabbed an internal ISO last week) and I can say that I’m quite impressed.

While you are waiting for the download to complete – some things to think about:

You can install without a key and have it run for 30 days. Great for a lab environment.
there are plenty of resources you should check out – notably the Canadian SpringBoard site.
There is an “upgrade advisor” tool to see if your hardware and applications have any known issues (get it here).
Check out the great video series on XP to Windows 7 migration my friends Adam Carter and the gang from edge.technet.com have created.
If you have a Beta or RC version installed now – you are going to want to use migwiz.exe to save your data/settings and do a clean install.
Looking for some great technical training on Windows 7? Check out www.techdays.ca to register for the client track at a city near you.

Share your experiences and thoughts on Windows 7 here on the blog, Drop me an email for inclusion in a future post or blog / tweet / facebook it yourself. Use the #cdnwin7 tag to stay connected with other Canadian experiences with Windows 7.

Happy Downloading!