Here’s the check list from Microsoft for the download:

* You don’t need to rush to get the RC. The RC will be available at least through July 2009 and we’re not limiting the number of product keys, so you have plenty of time.
* Watch the calendar. The RC will expire on June 1, 2010. Starting on March 1, 2010, your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. Windows will notify you two weeks before the bi-hourly shutdowns start. To avoid interruption, you’ll need to install a non-expired version of Windows before March 1, 2010. You’ll also need to install the programs and data that you want to use. (Learn more about installing Windows.)
* Protect your PC and data. Be sure to back up your data and please don’t test the RC on your primary home or business PC.
* Tech details/updates: Before installing the RC, please read the Release Notes and Things to Know for important information about the release.
* Keep up with the news. You can keep up with general technical information and news by following the team blog. And, you can get non-technical news, tips, and offers by subscribing to the monthly Exploring Windows newsletter.
* Keep your PC updated: Be sure to turn on automatic updates in Windows Update in case we publish updates for the RC.
* Installation: You can install the Windows 7 RC on a PC running Windows Vista without backing up the PC—but we encourage you to make a backup for safe keeping. If you’re running Windows XP or the Windows 7 Beta, you’ll need to backup your data, then do a clean installation of the RC, then reinstall your applications and restore your data. If you need to do a backup, please see How to back up your PC for more details and a suggestion for how to backup a PC running Windows 7 Beta or Windows Vista.

You can access the Windows 7 download here.

Related posts:

1. Windows 7 Beta Download: How to Get It and Should You Upgrade
2. Windows 7 Student Upgrade Kit Fails To Install, Microsoft Offers Refunds
3. Windows 7 – The agony and the glory

Windows 7 Beta Download: Where to Find It

The Microsoft Windows 7 beta download can be found here. If you’re thinking about downloading it, you might want to do so sooner than later — the beta is being offered only to the first 2.5 million users who snag the file.

As with any beta software, the standard disclaimers apply: Windows 7 beta is meant only for advanced computer users who are willing and able to look for bugs and help provide feedback on any issues that arise. Microsoft recommends you use it only on a secondary computer dedicated to testing the software. There is also no direct technical support available, and you may encounter some compatibility issues with older hardware and software.

Windows 7 Beta: Should I Upgrade?

So given all of that, is it worth the upgrade to Windows 7 beta? It’s still early to have any solid impressions or definitive answers, but we’ve culled a few worthwhile opinions on both sides from around the Web. Check out these views and decide for yourself.

• Reason’s to Skip Microsoft’s Windows 7 Beta Download — ZDNet’s Sam Diaz
Diaz lists a host of negatives he found about the Windows 7 beta, including some XP driver issues and its limited shelflife. (The software expires in August.)

• Windows 7 Public Beta: First Impressions — PC World’s Robert Strohmeyer
Strohmeyer presents a thorough breakdown of the good and the bad following his first day impressions of using the Windows 7 beta software.

• What You Should Expect From The Windows 7 Beta — The How-To Geek
“The Geek” gives a great detailed rundown of the changes in the new Windows version.

• Get Windows 7’s Best Features Right Now — LifeHacker’s Gina Trapani
Trapani looks at some of her picks for Windows 7’s best features and shows you ways to get them within Windows XP or Vista using a combination of settings tweaks and third-party apps.

Any reviews or early impressions of your own? Share them with us below.

Related posts:

1. Windows 7 Student Upgrade Kit Fails To Install, Microsoft Offers Refunds
2. Microsoft Offering 2.5 million copies of Windows 7 Beta For Free
3. Microsoft: We Screwed Up Windows 7 Beta, So Unlimited Downloads for Two Weeks