Microsoft acknowledges Windows 7 activation leak

 

Friendly Computers found out that there has been a leak of Windows 7 product key on the internet. This means that computers that were installed using this key will not be a genuine copy of Windows and may be more susceptible to hackers and viruses. Read the article below for more details:

 

Alex Kochis, Microsoft's director of Genuine Windows, posted a blog late Thursday addressing the "leak of a special product key" of Windows 7 RTM (release to manufacturers). This confirmed the rumor on Tuesday that an ISO file of Windows 7 RTM sent to Lenovo that contains a master key--a number used to verify the authenticity of the software--was leaked to the Internet.

According to the blog, "The key is for use with Windows 7 Ultimate RTM product that is meant to be preinstalled by the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) on new PCs to be shipped later this year. As such, the use of this key requires having a PC from the manufacturer it was issued to. We've worked with that manufacturer so that customers who purchase genuine copies of Windows 7 from this manufacturer will experience no issues validating their copy of Windows 7. At the same time we will seek to alert customers who are using the leaked key that they are running a non-genuine copy of Windows. It's important to note that no PCs will be sold that will use this key."

This means the hacked key will still work, though it will likely be identified, presumably when the computer with this version of the hacked Windows 7 OS installed connects to download updates from Microsoft.

Kochis said Windows 7 includes an improved capability to detect activation exploits and it should be able to alert the customer when the leaked version or other hacks are used to install Windows 7 on a PC.

He added, "Our primary goal is to protect users from becoming unknowing victims, because customers who use pirated software are at greater risk of being exposed to malware as well as identity theft. Someone asked me recently--and I think it's worth noting here--whether we treat all exploits equally in responding to new ones we see. Our objective isn't to stop every "mad scientist" that's out there from dabbling; our aim is to protect our customers from commercialized counterfeit software that impacts our customers' confidence in knowing they got what they paid for."

Personally, I don't see what Microsoft can do now that the key and the ISO is out in the wild, other than wait for a system installed with that copy of Windows 7 to connect to its update servers. In the meantime, it can issue another key to OEMs to make sure they don't use they leaked key and hope that consumers will buy its genuine product and, of course, pay the full price for it.

It's safe to say that we probably have to wait for a service pack of the operating system to be sure that this leak is fully addressed. In the meantime, this leaked key could still pose a big problem if the hackers are able to alter the ISO and sell it as counterfeit retailed package of the OS. In this case, customers will only find out that they don't have an genuine copy, if they ever do, when it's too late.

Source: http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-10300857-75.html?tag=mncol;title

Listen to Your MP3 Player Through Your Windows 7 PC’s Speakers

Windows 7 introduces a useful new feature that allows you to listen to your MP3 player or other audio device through your computer’s speakers without installing any additional software. Friendly Computers has more information below…

Windows expert Ed Bott finds a useful feature in Windows 7: you can play an external audio device through your computer's speakers without any extra software using a simple configuration setting.

To activate the setting, you'll need to plug the device into the Line In or microphone jacks, head to the Sounds panel, and then find the new Listen tab under the input jack. You'll be able to direct the input from your iPod or other device to play directly from your speakers, an extremely useful feature if you've got a nice set of speakers connected to your PC.

Readers will note that you can always play your iPod's music using iTunes, but this method works even if you connect a friend's iPod or any other sound input you would like to use—and this method doesn't require using any software.

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5326409/play-your-ipod-through-your-windows-7-pcs-speakers

Can my PC run Windows 7?

Although Windows 7 will not be released for three months, Microsoft has already released its Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor so you can start planning ahead. Friendly Computers has more information below…

In general, if your PC can run Windows Vista, it can run Windows 7. But if you're not running Windows Vista, or are just not sure if your system is ready to run Windows 7, there's a quick way to do a simple check.

Just download, install, and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Beta. You'll get a report telling you if your PC can run Windows 7 and if there are any known compatibility issues. If an issue can be resolved, you'll get suggestions for next steps. For example, it may let you know that you need an updated driver for your printer and where to get it.

Note: Information about your PC will be sent back to Microsoft; however, no information will be used to identify or contact you. For more information, read our privacy statement.

Before you begin

Before you run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Beta, be sure to plug in any USB devices or other devices such as printers, external hard drives, or scanners that are regularly used with the PC you're evaluating.

Important: The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Beta is a pre-release version and is available in U.S. English only. While we consider this a stable and high-quality beta, it's not the finished product.

Next steps

When the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor scan ends, it'll display your options for upgrading a PC you already have or recommend that you just go buy a new PC for the best Windows 7 experience.

In general, if you are running a PC with Windows Vista and the Windows Upgrade Advisor says you can upgrade it, the transition to Windows 7 should be pretty smooth, although you may first need to update your Windows Vista system to the latest service pack. If you do decide to upgrade your PC, Windows 7 will be available for purchase October 22.

On the other hand, if you're running Windows XP, or any other operating system for that matter, we recommend that you experience Windows 7 on a new PC. The Laptop Scout can help you find a great PC fit for you, or you can browse through these featured PCs that can run Windows 7.

...And while we don't recommend it, should you choose to upgrade your current PC from Windows XP or another operating system to Windows 7, we recommend that you get help with this process from your local computer service provider. You'll need to back up your current files and settings, perform a custom (clean) installation, and then reinstall your files, settings, and programs.

Source: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx

They're soup: Windows 7, Server 2008 R2 released to manufacturing

Last night Windows 7 was released to manufacturing. This means that after months and months of testing, Windows 7 is officially finished. Friendly Computers has more information below…

Windows 7 has been a tightly controlled product from its first days on the drawing board. The last milestone is proving to be no exception: On July 22, at precisely 4:40 p.m. ET, Microsoft announced it had released to manufacturing Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

(What’s up with the weird hand-off time? It seems to be designed to coincide with CEO Steve Ballmer’s keynote address for Microsoft’s 13,000 or so field sales folks who are in Atlanta this week for the MGX conference. Unfortunately, the MGX folks are running late and Ballmer wasn’t yet speaking at 4:40… oh well.)

The Windows builds that are being released to manufacturing today were compiled over a week ago, on Monday July 13, company officials confirmed. Specifically, it’s build 7600.16385 that is the RTM version of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

There’s not much new left to say about either product. Very little has changed between the Release Candidate builds that went to the public in May and the RTM versions, testers who’ve been dabbling with leaked copies of the 16835 build say.

While Microsoft did a bunch of tuning and final testing in the last month-plus, the final Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 products won’t be very different from the last build testers saw, officials said. Microsoft’s intention was to keep the code base stable so that partners and customers could start testing on it months before the products went to manufacturing, officials said. While some testers welcomed that dependability, others were less-enamored of going to the trouble of testing with the feeling their input was going to make little difference.

PC makers will get the official bits from Microsoft by the end of this week, as Microsoft officials said yesterday. Those who want to download the official builds from Microsoft won’t be able to do so for another week plus (depending on whether you have an MSDN/TechNet, volume-license agreement or some other way of getting the bits earlier than the general availability date of October 22).

Speaking of October 22, that is the date Microsoft is considering to be its worldwide consumer launch of Windows 7. There will be a bunch of new hardware that has yet to be seen from a variety of manufacturers that will be preloaded with Windows 7 available on that date, said Mike Angiulo, General Manager of Microsoft’s Planning and PC Ecosystem team. (No word still on whether Microsoft will hold a single big launch, like it did with Vista in New York; I hear company officials are leaning away from going that route.)

The “business launch” of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 is slated for November 9, officials said. (Actually, it’s going to be a triple-play launch of Win7/Win Server 2008 R2 and Exchange 2010, as Microsoft told its partners attending the Worldwide Partner Conference last week.) It sounds as if there will be a number of business launch events starting on that date and continuing for the next couple of months.

“This will be our first ever launch of Windows client and server together,” said Angiulo. (Microsoft came close a couple of times, but there was always some gap between the two.) And Microsoft is planning to emphasize the “better together” theme in its upcoming marketing and sales collateral.

This is also the first time “we haven’t doubled systems requirements for a new Windows release,” Angiulo said. ” We kept them the same, if not even a little better,” in terms of power, graphics, hard drive and other requirements, he said.

Angiulo characterized Windows 7 as a “learning release” for Microsoft, in terms of working more closely with its hardware and software partners. He gave the Windows team high marks for its processes with the newly minted client and server releases.

“We set rigorous engineering milestones and hit them. we did what we said we were going to do,” he said.

Source: http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=3445&tag=nl.e539

Microsoft Details Windows 7 RTM Plans: What You Need to Know

Microsoft has released details about the RTM release of Windows 7, and what the means for everyone from consumers to developers. Friendly Computers has more information below…

Microsoft still hasn't officially announced that Windows 7 has been "released to manufacturing" (RTM) for production and packaging in preparation for its October 22 release to consumers. But the company did share more fascinating details yesterday on its pending RTM schedule on the Windows 7 Team Blog.

The company said it's still right on target to deliver the RTM as promised in the second half of this month. Well, that's got to mean we're pretty darn close -- today is July 22, leaving only nine more days this month for RTM to happen. Let the guesswork begin!

Meanwhile, while Microsoft is picking a date for RTM, let's look at what it will mean for you every step of the way.

*For beta testers and other enthusiasts: The biggest news so far is Microsoft's confirmation that they will indeed offer a "family pack" for Windows 7, which will be a specially-priced copy that can legally be installed on up to three PCs.

That's great news for all of us who maintain multiple PCs and want to be able to afford to move them all to Windows 7 without having to take out a second mortgage. "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," wrote Microsoft's Windows Communications Manager Brandon LeBlanc in the blog post. "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."

Also notable for beta testers and enthusiasts: Following the move to RTM, Microsoft will be releasing an evaluation of Windows 7 Professional for IT Professionals via its TechNet Springboard Series, LeBlanc wrote. "Over 40 percent of beta testers are IT Professionals and this will allow them to quickly access the RTM code and plan for deployments," he said. That should provide lots of needed information that can be used to evaluate and plan the move for corporate users.

Beta testers won't automatically get a free copy of Windows 7, LeBlanc reiterated, but will be able to continue to use their Release Candidate test versions through its expiration on June 1, 2010. Microsoft TechNet subscribers will be able to download and install the RTM version when it is ready, LeBlanc said.

*For general consumers, there are no other major new details to report today, except for the good news about the pending family pack: Windows 7 will be available for sale starting October 22 in retail stores and on new PCs, according to Microsoft.

*For partners and OEMs: Windows 7 RTM downloads will be available to Independent Software Vendors (ISV) and Independent Hardware Vendor (IHV) partners starting on Aug. 6 from Microsoft Connect or MSDN, the blog said. "If you are a partner who has been working on Windows 7 for a while, now is the time to complete your testing with final version of Windows 7," LeBlanc wrote. "For partners that haven't gotten started yet with Windows 7, now is the time to get involved. You can also visit www.readyset7.com to learn more about getting ready for Windows 7."

Downloads in English will be available starting August 16 for Microsoft Partner Program Gold/Certified Members through the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) Portal, LeBlanc wrote. Other language versions will be ready by October 1.

"OEMs will receive Windows 7 RTM software images beginning approximately 2 days after we officially RTM, as a little time is required to release and distribute these images," LeBlanc wrote. "This will allow them to begin preparing images for new PCs to ship with Windows 7 on them. We know our OEMs are excited for Windows 7 and we can't wait to hand them the final RTM bits!"

*For business customers: Downloads of Windows 7 RTM in English will be available starting August 7 if you are a Volume License (VL) customer with an existing Software Assurance (SA) license, according to Microsoft. Other languages will be available later using the same Volume License Service Center (VLSC) portal for downloads. Volume License customers who don't have an SA license will have to wait until September 1 to purchase Windows 7 through Volume Licensing.

*For IT professionals: If you have a TechNet subscription, you'll be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English starting August 6, with other languages available by October 1. The Microsoft Springboard Series Web pages provide lots more information to help with successful deployments and with finding answers to problems, the company said.

*For developers: If you have an MSDN subscription, you'll be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English starting August 6, with other languages available by October 1. Several helpful information resources are being touted by Microsoft to help you with application development for Windows 7, including the Windows 7 for Developers Blog, the Windows 7 Developers Guide on MSDN and a series of helpful videos on Channel 9.

Source: http://www.pcworld.com/news.html

Windows 7 Almost Here

Friendly Computers has been testing the latest build of Windows 7 and we are very happy with the product. We are very excited to hear it finally made it’s way to RTM (Release to Manufacturing). More info below.

Microsoft gave an update on Windows 7 this week, outlining a timeline for the release of the upcoming operating system to manufacturers. The company noted that you shouldn't "believe everything you read on the Internet" and proceeded to set the record straight.

Microsoft's Windows Communications Manager Brandon LeBlanc yesterday took to the official Windows 7 blog, in an attempt to quell rumors that the company has already sent off the finished Windows 7 code to its manufacturing team.

Release to Manufacturing, or RTM, means that the code is oh-so-close to being finished for product release and moves on to the next step -- which includes testing and building images for new PCs, according to LeBlanc. "RTM is essentially the final ‘stage' of engineering for Windows 7 before it hits the market at General Availability (GA)," he wrote.

While RTM hasn't happened yet, Microsoft is getting very close to manufacturing and packing millions of its highly anticipated Windows 7 disks for shipment to stores near you, where it will land on October 22.

Read the full article here: http://www.pcworld.com/article/168371/windows_7_not_done_yet_but_close.html

Businesses can get Windows 7 in September

 

Friendly Computers read that Microsoft plans to make Windows 7 available to businesses before the release to the general public. Check it out:

While most of the attention on Day 1 of Microsoft's partner conference was on the Office side of things, Microsoft did announce two notable pieces of Windows 7 news on Monday.

The company said that business customers will be able to get Windows 7 ahead of its October 22 retail launch, though they won't be able to get it immediately after the code is finalized. The software maker said that businesses will be able to order Windows 7 from volume licensing partners as of September 1.

Microsoft also said it will have a limited-time, six-month promotion whereby businesses can get the Windows 7 Professional upgrade at a price discounted 15 percent or more from what Microsoft was charging for Vista upgrades.

The news comes as Microsoft prepares to finalize the operating system later this month.

However, a new survey suggests that although many businesses have yet to move to Vista, they may not jump to Windows 7 either. In a survey with more than 1,000 IT administrators sharing their plans, Quest Software's ScriptLogic found that nearly six in 10 have no current plans to move to Windows 7.

Source: http://news.cnet.com/microsoft-news/?tag=hdr;snav

Microsoft to Offer Family Discount on Windows 7?

 

Friendly Computers read that there are some rumors going around that Microsoft will be offering a discounted “Family Pack” version of Windows 7. This package is rumored to allow users to upgrade up to 3 computers on one home license. See the details below:

he world may be fixated on Google's Chrome OS, but some interesting rumors about Windows 7 Family Pack pricing leaked out yesterday. It looks like Microsoft has assigned a product number and a UPC code to something called Windows 7 Family Pack/Home Premium Upgrade.

Just plunk in the new product code GFC-00236 into Google Product Search and you'll see several online retailers offering the upgrade in the neighborhood of $140. The family discount price leak was first reported by ZDNet's Ed Bott, who found the upgrade being offered for just under $136.95 on a small, independent retailer's Web site.

The only problem is that when you get to the actual Web sites that are supposed to be selling the discounted upgrade, most retailers list the product as out of stock or discontinued. Other retailers don't have a live page for the family pack, even though Google lists the page in its search results. I guess Google's Web spiders must be a little too efficient. Interestingly enough, if you slap the family pack product code into Microsoft Bing's product search, the results page says, "Sorry, we did not find any product results for this search."

Last week, a reference to a 'Family Pack' was discovered in the licensing agreement for the latest beta release of Windows 7. The clause said a "Qualified Family Pack User" could install a copy of the software marked as 'Family Pack' on up to three computers in the same household.

Now I suppose it's possible the 'Family Pack' could be some sort of extra software bundle. However, I think we can say with near certainty that Microsoft will be introducing a family pack discount for Windows 7-- bearing in mind that nothing is guaranteed until Microsoft says so. Not only do a number of retailers have the Windows 7 upgrade in stock, but a part number--GFC-00236--and a UPC code--882224898249--are universal across all instances of the product that I found online.

The only thing that has me confused is why Microsoft hasn't been offering this family discount during its pre-order Windows 7 upgrade sale. Redmond is already letting you pre-order a single license upgrade for $50, so perhaps a further discount was too much of a giveaway for Microsoft. The Windows 7 pre-order upgrade sale in the United States and Canda expires on July 11, which means we may see an announcement over the weekend or early next week about permanent pricing for Windows 7 upgrades.

But it will be interesting to see if Microsoft only offers Windows 7 upgrades at a family pack discount, or if Redmond will see fit to introduce a full version of Windows 7 with a small volume discount for households. We may find out in just a few days time.

 

Source: http://www.pcworld.com/article/168115/microsoft_to_offer_family_discount_on_windows_7.html

Windows 7 Ultimate Edition: Not So Ultimate

 

When you think of the Ultimate operating system, you would think it would come with every feature that you could possibly need. Friendly Computers read that this might not be the case. Take a look at the article below and decide for yourself.

At the risk of piling on, I'll join the chorus of those who wish Windows 7 Ultimate was, well, more ultimate--offering truly important features that aren't in other versions of the new OS. While I don't think having an "Ultimate" that really isn’t will be the undoing of the House of Gates, I can tell you I won't be buying it.

I did, however, based on previous experience, purchase a copy of Windows Ultimate, because it was the upgrade for Windows XP Pro and required for the network I was running at the time. A business network I was running at home, mind you.

Having switched to a mix of Macs and PCs, I don't run that network anymore so Vista Ultimate doesn't get me anything and when I upgrade to Win7 it will mostly be by doing clean installs--that is if I upgrade my XP machines at all, which is becoming more and more doubtful.

Microsoft will have to prove to me that Win7 won't slow down my XP boxes before I will even consider upgrading. It's more likely, I think, that Win7 will arrive at whatever pace I replace older machines with newer hardware.

When I do that, I will be much more careful about choosing the proper version of Windows 7 with the new hardware than I have been in the past. I might be willing to go as far as Professinal, but the enterprise features that define Ultimate, such as BitLocker, drive encryption, aren't worth the money, at least not to me.

And, did I mention that Mac OS X comes with drive encryption as a standard feature included in the one-and-only version Apple sells to users? (I am not including the Mac OS Server since it's not a user OS).

I think Windows 7 may finally get Microsoft over the impasse that Vista created. My testing, and that conducted by those I trust, makes me look forward to its release. But, OS upgrades aren't nearly as important as they used to be and, without built-in apps to upgrade, Microsoft is at a disadvantage to Apple in getting my upgrade dollars.

The more I think about it, the less interested I am in doing any XP conversions to Windows 7. And if I can talk myself out of upgrading that easily, it's a bad sign for Microsoft.

The good news: I probably will be replacing some hardware and will be happy to find Windows 7 on-board. Windows 7 Professional, or less, that is.

 

Source: http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/167974/windows_7_ultimate_edition_not_so_ultimate.html

Windows 7 testers have long path to upgrade

With the final release of Windows 7 just on the horizon, those running pre-release versions of the operating system may be wondering how to upgrade to the final release. Friendly Computers found an article that outlines the process. Read more below…

Going from Windows Vista to Windows 7 is relatively straightforward. So one might think that moving from a pre-release version of Windows 7 to the final version would also be simple.

One would be wrong.

That's because the upgrade versions of the Windows operating system (the cheapest way to move to the final version) check for a previous paid version of Windows on the drive. That means, if a user did a clean installation of Windows 7 on their test system (as recommended by Microsoft), that same user will have to back up their data, reinstall their original operating system (XP or Vista), then install Windows 7, restore their data, and then reinstall their applications.

For testers who were running XP, that means doing a clean installation of Windows XP over their Windows 7 test build and then a clean installation of Windows 7 over that. Vista users have the option of reinstalling that operating system and then doing an in-place upgrade or a clean installation of Windows 7.

Microsoft says that, for what it's worth, that's roughly the same thing that was required for those moving from pre-release versions of Windows Vista to the final release.

Even so, it's an unfortunate burden for those who have provided lots of feedback and indeed been some of the operating system's biggest champions. Users were also pushed to do a fresh installation when moving from Windows 7 beta to the latest test version, although some users found ways around having to do this.

It's just one of several scenarios in which users may find getting to Windows 7 to be a tricky proposition. In general, most people get Windows through buying a new PC. But there are still plenty of folks who decide to update their existing machines.

That's proving to be tricky, not just for testers, but also for people who want to upgrade their Netbooks. That's because such machines, by their nature, don't come with a DVD drive. However, a source says Microsoft is considering offering Windows 7 via flash drive--a move that could make that upgrade easier.

Microsoft is also trying to lower the other barrier to those moving from a test version to the final Windows 7--the cost. The software maker has a limited promotion--through July 11 in the U.S.--that lets people buy an upgrade copy of Windows 7 for as low as $49.

As for those who haven't been testing Windows 7, Microsoft notes that the upgrade version of Windows 7 just looks for a copy of Windows XP or Vista, so users don't need to find their original system discs. It should be able to tell by looking at the hard drive.

Users can also use the upgrade as a chance to move to a higher-end or lower-end version of Windows. To move from Windows Vista Home Basic, for example, to Windows 7 Home Premium, a user need buy only the upgrade version of Windows 7. Likewise, one could move from Windows XP Home to Windows 7 Professional just by purchasing that upgrade version.

Moving down in versions is also possible, say from Windows Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 Professional. However, with any downgrade, a clean installation is required.

Source: http://news.cnet.com/latest-news/?tag=newsEditorsPicksArea.0

FAQ: Making sense of Windows 7 upgrade options

 

Wondering how you will go about upgrading to Windows 7 when it is released? There are a lot of versions and questions are being asked. Friendly Computers found some answers to the most popular questions, check them out:

While it's true Windows 7 doesn't arrive on retail shelves and new PCs until October, Microsoft has announced two programs designed to give a head start to those who know they want the new operating system.

The Windows Upgrade Option, which runs through early next year, allows those buying a new Vista PC to get a free copy of Windows 7 after it hits shelves in October. The other program, which runs only through July 11, allows Windows XP and Vista users to pre-order a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium for $49 or Windows 7 Professional for $99.

In the following question-and-answer post, CNET News' Ina Fried walks you through both programs.

Who qualifies for the pre-order program?
All those who are running Windows XP or Windows Vista on their system, and whose PC is capable of running Windows 7, can upgrade that machine to Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 7 Professional using the Windows pre-order program. However, the program is limited in both time (it runs through July 11 in the U.S.) and in terms of how many copies Microsoft will sell, although the company has not said what that limit is exactly.

Can I buy one of the upgrades if I am running Windows Vista Ultimate?
A lot of folks have been asking this since Microsoft isn't offering a discounted way to buy Windows 7 Ultimate. The answer is yes, one can buy an upgrade. However, any time one moves "down" in editions as part of an upgrade, it requires a clean installation of the operating system.

Will I get both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the operating system?
Yes, although moving from a 32-bit version to a 64-bit version (or vice-versa) also requires a clean installation of the operating system.

How does the Windows 7 Upgrade Option program work?
Microsoft's other program, aimed at new PC buyers, gives those who buy certain Vista machines between June 26 and the end of January the ability to get a free copy of Windows 7.

The update will be provided after Windows 7 ships on October 22. Different partners are handling it different ways, with some offering the upgrade on DVD, others via download, and some PC makers offering both means.

Is it really free?
Well, Microsoft says it isn't charging the computer makers or retailers, though in some cases the PC makers themselves are tacking on a shipping and handling charge for mailing the updates.

Do all Vista PCs qualify?
No. In general, PCs with Vista Home Premium, Vista Business, or Vista Ultimate will qualify for the program. Buyers should check with their retailer or PC maker beforehand to make sure the PC is among those that qualify.

Many of the PC makers have posted more information on their Web site, including Acer, Asus, Dell, Emachines, Fujitsu, Gateway, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, Sony and Toshiba.

What about Netbooks?
A few Netbooks may qualify if they were running Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Home Premium. Microsoft is still looking at options for how folks running those systems will be able to load the operating system onto their machines, which don't have CD or DVD drives. (Netbooks running Windows XP, like other XP machines, can use an upgrade version of Windows 7, though users will have to do a clean installation of the operating system.)

Is there a limit to how many computers qualify for the update program?
Yes, the program covers a maximum of 25 PCs for an organization. Microsoft says the program is designed for consumers and small businesses and notes the limit of five machines under a similar program with Windows Vista has been lifted.

Gartner analyst Michael Silver said that big businesses should press computer makers to extend the upgrade to cover any large orders between now and when Windows 7 ships. Otherwise, the only way for businesses to be covered is to purchase one of Microsoft's volume licensing programs for Windows, such as Software Assurance.

"Microsoft is encouraging organizations to buy (Software Assurance) and those that don't will need to deal with these artificial, annoying rules," Silver said.

What about those who bought Vista PC before June 26?
Again, I've gotten a lot of e-mail from owners of older Vista machines, including some that are only a few weeks or months old, wondering where their free copy of Windows 7 is. Well, the Upgrade Option only kicked in last week, so owners of older machines won't be getting a free copy. The pre-order program probably offers the cheapest option as far as getting to Windows 7.

Update: Among the questions I was asked most frequently was whether someone could move from a version of Windows XP or Vista to a different version of Windows 7. In all combinations, the answer is yes, and it can be done using the cheaper upgrade version of the operating system, though in some cases a clean installation of Windows 7 may be required.

If you are moving from Windows Vista to the same or higher version of Windows 7 and not changing from 32-bit to 64-bit, you can do what is known as an upgrade-in-place, which transfers your existing set-up to Windows 7, preserving all your settings and favorites.

If you are going to a lower-end version of Windows 7, coming from Windows XP or moving from 32-bit to 64-bit (or vice versa), you need to do a clean installation, which means backing up your data, installing the new operating system and then restoring your data and reinstalling your applications.

Source: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10274963-56.html?tag=rtcol;inTheNewsNow

Thumbing Windows 7 onto Netbooks

Most netbooks do not have CD drives, which makes the traditional method of installing Windows difficult. However, Friendly Computers discovered that Windows 7 may be released on a USB drive to make things easier. Read more below…

Microsoft is considering offering Windows 7 on a thumb drive to allow Netbook owners to more easily upgrade their machines, a source tells CNET News.

The move, which is still under consideration, is one of several things Microsoft has looked at to try to make it convenient to upgrade machines that don't come with a CD or DVD drives.

Microsoft executives have said that they recognize that upgrading Netbooks poses a challenge and are exploring ways that the company can make it easier. In an interview on Thursday, Senior Vice President Bill Veghte said that Microsoft had nothing to announce on that front.

The challenge of getting Windows 7 on to older Netbooks threatens to cast a shadow over the technical work Microsoft did to get Windows 7 running on Netbooks. Its predecessor, Windows Vista, proved ill-suited to Netbooks forcing Microsoft to continue selling Windows XP as its answer to the low-cost notebook phenomenon.

Although a USB flash drive could offer the simplest way to move a Netbook to Windows 7, there are other options. Buyers with an external drive could hook up that to their Netbook, while another option would be an upgrade through a service such as Best Buy's Geek Squad. Microsoft also sells a downloadable version of Windows today, so, in theory it could do the same with Windows 7, allowing buyers to put the OS on their own thumb drive.

Matt Bonin, a merchant director at Best Buy, said this week that the company is aiming to work with Geek Squad to develop services to streamline Windows 7 upgrades. As for Netbooks, he said the company recognizes the challenge they present and said the store already offers services to load other types of software, such as antivirus programs.

Complicating matters further is the fact that most Netbooks are running Windows XP. Those moving from Windows XP can buy an upgrade version of the software, but must back up their data, do a clean installation of the operating system and then reload their applications.

The same goes for all XP owners, as well as users looking to move from a higher-end version of Vista to a lower-end version of Windows 7 and all users in Europe trying to upgrade to Windows 7 using the browser-less "E" version--the only one Microsoft plans to offer there.

Source: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10273188-56.html