I was hoping to receive a beta version to load up on my test PC and give Windows 7 a test drive, but that isn’t going to happen. Bah humbug!windows7

Microsoft sent to a select group of testers on December 16 invitations to participate in Windows 7 Beta 1. Individuals who received the invites are considered “tech beta testers” according to Microsoft.

Microsoft has yet to advise when a public release of Beta 1 would occur. If Microsoft is now planning to get tech beta testers code in the New Year, I’d expect that the final Windows 7 release could be slightly later than the mid-2009 date. In fact, I am banking on the release to be closer to the 4th quarter and possibly by the 2009 holiday season.

Microsoft officials said at the Professional Developers Conference that the company was planning to release Windows 7 Beta 1 in early 2009.

I guess I am stuck with Windows XP Pro and my trusty side kick Linux, until maybe next Christmas when I will be able to get my hands on Windows 7.

Upward and onward!