I gotta say this new Window 7 is very slick and quite an improvement over Vista (and even XP), I think it might just catch on!  Windows 7 is due to hit store shelves in at least four editions on October 22. Up until mid-August you could get a FREE “release candidate” of Windows 7 licensed through June 2010.  The license key was good on up to three PCs too! But, Microsoft  shut this down August 20.

Very Helpful Windows 7 Links:

• Microsoft Windows 7 Center
• Windows 7 System requirements (for upgrades)
  
• Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
• Windows 7 Download site – no longer available (ended Aug. 20, 2009)
  
• Walt Mossberg (Wall Street Journal) on Win7:
  Transitioning from XP to Windows 7
  Deciphering the Windows 7 Upgrade Guide
  The many versions of Windows 7

Q: What if you want to try Windows 7 and see how it works?  See if it’s worth the upgrade and expense?

A: You could borrow a NMRLS Mac mini with Windows 7 installed!
All you need to provide is a monitor, we supply the unit, keyboard and mouse.  The Mac mini has both Apple OS X 10.5 and Windows 7 RC (with Office 2007) installed, it can boot to either.   It also has wifi built-in so it can join a public network in your library flawlessly (I promise!).  And I can set the mini to boot directly to Windows 7 and avoid all the Apple stuff (but, you won’t know what you’re missing!).

• Just contact me if you’re interested: scott@nmrls.org.
• NMRLS has lots of stuff to Loan! Find out more HERE.