After months of speculations, leaks and proofs, Microsoft has officially released the beta version of Windows 7 Service pack 1 (SP1). Microsoft announced this at its Worldwide Partner Conference 2010. The official press release goes like this Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 Beta will help you:
Keep your PCs supported and up-to-date Get ongoing updates to the Windows 7 platform Easily deploy cumulative updates at a single time Meet your users’ demands for greater business mobility Provide a comprehensive set of virtualization innovations Provide an easier Service Pack deployment model for better IT efficiency
In order to download and install the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 Beta, you must currently have a Release to Manufacturing (RTM) version of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 already installed. As expected, we do not see any major or new features except for the security and bug fixes. All of these are recommended updates similar to those you receive every week via Windows update. Windows 7 SP1 beta will be available for both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 7. Also, Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 is available. Download Windows 7 SP1 Beta from TechNet Evaluation Center Download Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 Beta Update: Most of the links above have expired. You can instead download Windows 7 ISO here.
