Microsoft has finally, officially launched the public beta of Windows 7 SP1, giving users a chance to download the service pack.
In late June, the SP1 was leaked online, and is still circulating on torrent, P2P and warez sites. Additionally, a beta of the Windows Server 2008 R2 was leaked as well.
The SP1, as stated by Microsoft, is mainly a rollup of already-released hotfixes.
Says Microsoft’s Tammi Reller: “I am quite pleased today to announce the public beta availability of service pack 1 both for Windows Server 2008R2 as well as Windows 7. [For Windows 7 ] mostly it is minor updates that are available through Windows update.”
Businesses will be the main beneficiaries of the update, as they will finally be free to upgrade their corporate systems to a fully stable Windows 7, from XP and Vista.
Result for: windows server
According to a roadmap revealed earlier this week, Microsoft will look to release their next updated operating system, codename “Windows 8,” in 2012.
The move will keep up the pattern Microsoft has developed in launching major releases every four years. The company, according to the slides, considers Windows Server 2008 a major release and the R2 as a “release updates.” Notably, Windows 7 is considered a “release update” as well.
Vista, released in 2007, had its release date pushed back three years when the company scrapped all existing work and started fresh after it was decided to base Vista on the then recently released Windows Server 2003.
Result for: windows server
Microsoft has announced today that the release to manufacturing (RTM) versions of the upcoming Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 operating systems are now available to developer partners.
The release of the OS will give developers time to create third-party software in time for the launch of the OS later this year.
The software will be available to the public on October 22nd and will cost from $120-$320 USD depending on the version you purchase.
Upgrade versions:
Home Premium $119.99
Professional $199.99
Ultimate $219.99
Full retail:
Home Premium $199.99
Professional $299.99
Ultimate $319.99
