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First things first, while Windows 7 should be stable, it is important to point out that this is still a Release Candidate.  In other words, this is not the final release and you may experience an issue or two.  That said, I have been running Windows 7 beta 7000 since that became available several months ago and it has been smooth sailing.  Bottom line, make sure you back up any data before you do an install just in case something happens.  Also if something does go wrong, don’t say we did not warn you.

Ok, assuming you are still ready to check out Windows 7 RC1, if you have not gotten your download, then it may be a good time to get that started.  Here is the download link. [Download Windows 7 RC1]

After you have completed the download, you will have to burn the ISO to a DVD and get ready to perform the installation.  Don’t forget to back up those files first.

For those running Windows XP, you will have to do a clean install and those running Windows Vista will be able to upgrade.  Additionally, if you were running Windows 7 beta 7000 you will also have to perform a clean install.  Personally I would suggest doing a clean install regardless of your current OS as this will give you a nice clean starting point.

Now, as to what you can expect with Windows 7 RC1; if you have been running beta 7000 then you will not see much in the way of change.  Overall the look remains the same however there will be a few key features which include some overall improvements in terms of stability and performance.  Of course, like I previously mentioned, my current Windows 7 experience has been pretty smooth so far.

Those that are new to Windows 7 expect to see:

• Improvements to the taskbar: To begin with, the taskbar now has a new look. It offers bigger icons as well as the ability to show previews. If you hover over any application icon you will see a thumbnail for every window that program has open. Also, if you hover over one of those previews, you will be given a full screen preview.
• Jump Lists: This is a new feature in Windows 7 and a useful one at that. With a jump list you will have quick and easy access to recently used files. For example, you have Microsoft Word in your Taskbar, all you have to do is right click on that icon and you will be given a list of recently opened documents. Additionally, some programs like Windows Media Player will be able to offer tasks such as “Resume last playlist” and “Play all music shuffled” from the Jump List.
• Desktop enhancements: A few enhancements include the ability to organize and work on the desktop a little better. A feature called Snaps will allow you to compare two windows side by side with ease. Other features include invisible windows, which allows you to quickly see what is on your desktop. This feature is activated by dragging your cursor to the lower right-hand corner of the desktop. One other nice item deals with minimizing multiple windows. If you grab the top of a window and shake it, that will cause all other open windows to move to the taskbar.
• Better Device Management: With this all of your devices are managed from one location. Making it easier to find and maintain any devices, of course, it goes a little further with the introduction of Device Stage. That will allow you to quickly check any status to include items such as how many images are on your camera.
• Power Management Improvements: A few items to note here is the “adaptive display brightness” which will automatically dim your display when it has not been used in a while. Additionally, Windows 7 will also use less power when playing a DVD, a nice perk that will come in handy while traveling.
• Remote media streaming: Using Windows Media Player you will be able to view pictures as well as listen to music or watch videos that are on your home computer from any Internet connected computer. Basically, this sounds like it will act like a media server, not a new idea, but hopefully this will make it easier for the non-geek to use.
• XP Mode: Windows 7 comes with the ability to run Windows XP virtually. Of course, this is nothing new, however in this case, you can just run XP and you will not need a separate XP installation disc or serial code.

Windows 7 also comes with support for multitouch, but unfortunately many (myself included) will not be able to experience that due to the lack of a touch-capable display.

Finally, Windows 7 RC1 will be free to use until June 1, 2010, however there is a catch.  That catch is as of March 1, 2010 your computer will automatically shut down every two hours.  In other words, be prepared to install another operating system come March 1, 2010.

As for required specs, you will need;

• 1 GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
• 1 GB RAM (32-bit) / 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
• 16 GB available disk space (32-bit) / 20 GB (64-bit)
• DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

Otherwise, finish up that download, burn the ISO, install Windows 7 and begin enjoying what we have to look forward to.

Download [Windows 7]