heh unlikely, very few people are going to want to use a beta 9 months or so after the gold. They all have expiry dates..
Or - do a Bios-Mod and enjoy a problem-free existence with a 'genuine' OS, like it is possible with Vista
The fact that you can use the RC for a year+ is unprecedented. If you can't come up with the money to buy the OS in a year then you deserve to have your OS reboot on your in time-bomb fashion.
uhh...its a beta! I'm not sure if it means much but as a beta tester myself i was under the understanding that the beta should not be used in a mision critical machine or where the loss of data would be a issue...so going into it knowing that it was a beta should tell me to back up any vital data or place it on a non beta machine.....just my thoughts
Lawsuits, et al. Blued makes a very good point that I have elaborated elsewhere, to wit: MS, mindful of the potential harm to users' systems, users who may not fully understand issues related to trial/beta/legitimacy, bends over backwards to avoid even the potential for suits. Thus, for example, users with pirated copies are still able to DL and apply security fixes, although they may not be able to do the same with non-critical components. As HSChronic aptly points out, if one cannot come up with (and be willing to spend) a hundred or so bucks in a year or more, then I think it fitting to add my own "you deserve what you get" accolade. Monk
I got sick of pirating MS software, I find other ways to get it without breaking my wallet. One easy way is all the people that work retail get the Retail Edge program which different vendors such as Intel and MS participate to propagandize you to sell their products (they say it is to 'teach you'), and in return for the e-learnings you get points to spend in the virtual marketplace on stuff. A second which is a real good deal for anyone that has their own home network or wants a good way to try MS products in a non-timebomb fashion is Technet, there is a coupon code out there that knocks $50 off the $350 price so for $300 to get access to just about every MS product out there is a good deal. Then there are giveaways, or buying the software from a 3rd party. People will still pirate the OS, and that is your deal but I am satisfied with the OS, so I think I should take some of my money and give it back to the people that helped design the OS by buying it or at least getting a legit license.
Im not too worried myself. I'll just go back to Vista Ultimate until I have enough money to buy a genuine copy of windows 7 when it comes out.
Not to the topic but it fits in nicely here: Does anybody know how many $$$s Microsoft will charge for the retail version of Windows 7? I doubt it will be as cheap as Vista but rather up in the price range of Windows XP Pro ... ?
Maybey you could search on Google and see if anyone out there can tell the future while your there ask them if it will activate with the same slic's as vista