intoWindows7.com

Microsoft has opened up a beta test of Windows 7 SP1 , but only if you’re willing to sign on as an IT manager or professional. It’s not all that different from Microsoft’s normal course of action—corporate and IT go first, then consumers—but it’s actually a bit more open than normal, not requiring a TechNet subscription or the like. Microsoft goes out of its way to warn consumers off downloading the beta, as it “does not provide new end-user features.” At best, there might be some Wi-Fi and Bluetooth improvements, and maybe Bluetooth 3.0 inside, but if you’re really, truly eager to try out the service pack, before the anticipated public release later this month, you know where to look

Earlier this week we asked you if Windows 7 vindicated Microsoft from Vista, in light of a regarded customer satisfaction survey . The result was overwhelmingly positive in favor of Windows 7

Windows 7 launched six months ago yesterday, and the folks at Microsoft are happy to report that they’ve sold over 100 million Windows 7 licenses—which, according to their official Windows 7 blog, adds up to more than 10% of all PCs worldwide. Regardless of what informs your decision to skip software upgrades , it’s pretty clear that Microsoft’s figured out what it takes to get users to upgrade to Windows 7

As the seasons change, the sun rises and sets, so, too, do supposedly private Microsoft betas reach the wider internet . Windows 7 Service Pack 1 is comprised mainly of small bug fixes and an improved Remote Desktop client , but if you’re the type who hates to wait, you can find it on the usual torrent search suspects. GeekSmack via Download Squad More »

Earlier this week we asked you to share whether or not you’re satisfied with Windows 7 , and nearly 18,000 votes later, we hear you loud and clear: 72 percent of Lifehacker readers identify as being “Absolutely!” satisfied with Windows 7; 22 percent have some complaints but are happy overall; and a meager 4 percent think it should be “a lot better” (2 percent answered “Other”). The interesting thing: That means that a whopping 94 percent of you are pretty damn pleased with Windows 7.

This Sunday is the last day users still running Windows 7 RC will be able to go about their everyday computing before Windows starts with the nagging and auto-rebooting . The annoying part is less that the Windows 7 RC period is ending (it was a great run!), but more that there’s no upgrade path for going from Windows 7 RC to Windows 7 proper. Luckily we’ve already highlighted a simple step-by-step method that will allow you to upgrade from Windows 7 RC to the official Windows 7 release with minimal complications—so if you haven’t upgraded already, this weekend is the time to do it

Microsoft is working on an update to Windows 7 that will close a number of the loopholes Win7 pirates are using to avoid activation, according to CNET. The update is slated for later this month and ‘closes more than 70 “activation hacks,’ according to Joe Williams, general manager of Microsoft’s Genuine Windows unit.” CNET

Microsoft is working on an update to Windows 7 that will close a number of the loopholes Win7 pirates are using to avoid activation, according to CNET. The update is slated for later this month and ‘closes more than 70 “activation hacks,’ according to Joe Williams, general manager of Microsoft’s Genuine Windows unit.” CNET

If you’re the type to prefer a seriously minimal desktop —so much so that you choose a solid-color desktop over setting a custom wallpaper—you may be wondering why-oh-why Windows 7 takes so long to boot your machine. Turns out a bug in Win7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 causes a 30-second delay at login. Microsoft discusses the problem, potential solutions, and offers a hotfix here , though you could also just set a desktop wallpaper of your own

According to Microsoft’s director of marketing Craig Beilinson, “Windows 7 is by far the fastest selling Operating System in history.” And while Beilinson doesn’t offer specific numbers, we’re not terribly surprised by the claim. Consider that after only having been out for a few weeks, 41% of Lifehacker readers were using Windows 7 as their main OS —a number that’s likely only grown. We realize the folks who read Lifehacker are often early adopters, but it’s still a mind-blowing adoption rate.