If your organization is considering an upgrade to Windows 7, now would be a good time to start evaluation and testing. Windows 7 (RC) is now available for download to IT pros from Microsoft TechNet. It will be available through July 2009 and Microsoft is not limiting the number of license keys, allowing you to set up a test network with real hardware.
If you are upgrading from Vista, no problem but if you are currently on XP Pro, there is no direct upgrade path, a clean install is necessary. Also, if you are running Vista, Windows 7 (RC) should run on the same hardware without a problem. However, machines that are running XP Pro should be evaluated for compatibility. A good place to start is the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Beta .
Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade advisor will also test any peripheral devices such as printers, external storage, and scanners; so make sure that everything you plan to run with Windows 7 (RC) is plugged in, including all USB devices.
In Windows 7 Release Candidate ready for testing – part 2, I will layout Microsoft’s minimum system requirements and add my own recommendations and comments.