Dream Machine

[MSC290]

Windows 7 RC

Have been running the Beta Windows 7-7000 series 32 bit release since Jan on two different test drives. Jumped from XP-Pro to Windows 7, bypassing Vista, without any problems. Downloaded both versions of the 7100 RC (32 and 64 bit) this morning and have been up and running for a few hours.

Currently running the 64 bit version on a 10 year old 3-1/2" IDE hard drive with a 20GB capacity. The minimum system requirements as you posted are 20 GB for the (64-bit) but the hard drive is only showing 14.7 used with the OS installed along with Avast antivirus, E-Trade Pro, a RSS news reader and Xmarks for IE. Still need to download Firefox and Xmarks for Firefox. The 32 bit version specifies 16 GB of hard drive to be available but both of the Beta 7000 series installs used around 10 GB.

For anyone who wants to try Windows 7 RC, the program downloads will be available at least through July per Microsoft. The RC will expire June 1, 2010, and the bi-hourly shutdowns will begin on March 1, 2010. Just be sure to write down your assigned product key number when you download as it will be needed to install the program

A good way to try Windows 7 (without using your current hard drive) is by using an old hard drive you may have or by getting a low capacity hard drive (30-60 GB) from somewhere like Geeks.com for under $20. Just be sure to get the IDE or SATA version that will run in your machine and have a free available bay to install the drive.

http://www.geeks.com/products.asp?cat=HDD

Notebook hard drives (2-1/2") work fine in a desktop (get the IDE or SATA version that will run in your machine). They just need an adapter similar to the one at the link below. They take up less room in the case, allow for more air flow, and cost slightly less to ship.

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=HD-108&cpc=SCH