Microsoft has unleashed the Release Candidate version of its much anticipated Windows 7 operating system and so far most reviewers have given it the thumbs up. Windows 7 is faster in terms of start-up and shutdown and more user-friendly than Vista OS, they say.Microsoft says the Release Candidate version is being given away because it is entering the final phases of development (the final public release is expected late this year).
 
The company is encouraging partners to develop new applications, device drivers and services for the new OS.
 
They’re also encouraging IT professionals to evaluate and examine how it will operate in their environment.
 
Microsoft said Windows 7 has comparable system requirements to Vista, so PCs capable of running Vista will also run Windows 7.
 
The free release candidate version will run until June 1 next year. It is free to use for a year after which time the user can opt to buy it or revert their system to its previous operating system. It can be downloaded from http://microsoft.com/downloads.