Microsoft is reminding customers that systems sporting the Beta release of its Windows 7 operating system - launched back in January '09 - will begin to automatically shut down every two hours starting from today.
The bi-hourly shutdown, acting as a warning prior to the August 1st expiration of the beta, is designed to encourage users to switch to an alternative legitimate operating system.
Those wanting to continue to use Windows 7 prior to its official launch on October 22nd can do so by installing the Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC). Readers should be aware, however, that Microsoft does not encourage users to upgrade from the Beta to the RC. A clean install is the only officially supported upgrade path.
It's also worth noting that the Windows 7 RC will also eventually expire. RC users will face bi-hourly shutdowns beginning on March 1st 2010, and will be prompted to install a released version of Windows. Following that, the RC will expire on June 1st, 2010.
Want to know how you can get hold of Windows 7 once it becomes available? Check out our guide to Microsoft's Windows 7 pricing and promotions.
