Microsoft has announced the beta availability of the Windows 7 operating system. The beta version of Windows 7 can be downloaded today by MSDN, TechBeta and TechNet subscribers. Consumers who want to test-drive the beta will be able to download it beginning Jan. 9 at http://www.microsoft.com/windows7



Some of the new features in Windows 7 Beta include:

+ Improved taskbar and full-screen previews
+ Jump Lists
+ New intuitive ways to open, close, resize, and arrange windows
+ Internet Explorer 8
+ Windows Live Essentials which include Windows Live Messenger, Photo Gallery, Mail, Writer, Movie Maker, and more
+ Better device management- use a single Devices and Printers screen to connect, manage, and use whatever printers, phones, and other devices you have.
+ Device Stage- Device Stage helps you interact with any compatible device connected to your computer. From Device Stage you can see device status and run common tasks from a single window.
+ HomeGroup- Allows you to connect to other computers and devices on a wireless home network, so you can share files and printers throughout your home
+ Themes- New theme packages include rich backgrounds, 16 glass colors, sound schemes, and screensavers.
+ Windows Touch- If you’ve got a touch-screen monitor, you can use your fingers to scroll, resize windows, play media, and pan and zoom.
+ Handwriting Recognition- Windows 7 improves pen input in several ways. You can write math expressions, create personalized custom dictionaries for handwriting recognition

The Windows 7 Beta is going to be available download-only (Microsoft will not send the physical media) in 32-bit and 64-bit versions and will available for a limited time to the first 2.5 million people who download the beta.

After downloading either the 32-bit or 64-bit ISO image of the Windows 7 Beta, you will be required to burn the ISO image to a DVD to install Windows 7. The Windows 7 Beta only supports Windows Vista SP1 to Windows 7 upgrades. Also, the Windows 7 Beta will be only available in one edition, which is roughly equivalent the Ultimate edition of Windows Vista.

The Windows 7 Beta is set to expire on August 1st, 2009.