What Microsoft calls the "release candidate" of the new operating system is available to download for free "at least through July 2009", according to their web site. So if you want a copy, get it now.
This is intended to be a fully-functioning trial version of the successor to XP, but remember this is a test version only. This isn't something to be using for important work, or if you have concerns about privacy. This software is designed specifically to be in constant contact with Microsoft, and send tons of information directly to them about what you are doing with your computer, exactly how and when you are using it, other installed software, errors it encounters, and how well it's working in general. It will also update and modify itself as the engineers see fit. This is the sole reason it's being given away for free - to monitor people using it. This should be installed on a spare drive as a play toy and nothing more.
The software should function until July of 2010, then will start shutting down every 2 hours on purpose. This is a warning that it will completely stop functioning soon, as it's designed to, so you don't get caught off guard.
If you do try it out, be sure to share your thoughts.
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