By Chris Scott Barr

With a rise in netbooks and a new version of Windows on the way, there are plenty of users who find themselves in a bit of a pickle. Sure, you can go out and buy an external optical drive just for installing the OS, but who wants to do that? Besides, discs are too easily scratched and otherwise damaged. So why not instead use a flash drive to load Windows?

WinToFlash looks as though it would be a great solution for those with a netbook, or any other computer that’s not equipped with an optical drive. Basically, this free utility transfers your Windows installation disc to a bootable USB drive. Then when you’re ready to install your OS, just pop it in (make some BIOS adjustments if your computer doesn’t boot from USB by default) and you’re on your way. If it works like they claim, I might just start loading Windows from a flash drive. I hate dealing with discs when I don’t really need to.

[ WinToFlash ] VIA [ Lifehacker ]

By Chris Scott Barr

I’ve been running Windows 7 on two different machines since RC1 was released, and I’ve been happy with it thus far. I’ll definitely be buying a full license when they become available on October 22nd. Just how much will the different versions set me back? Well Microsoft finally gave up the details and I’ve got the full list below.

• Home Premium (Full) – $199.99
• Home Premium (Upgrade) – $119.99
• Professional (Full) – $299.99
• Professional (Upgrade) – $199.99
• Ultimate (Full) – $319.99
• Ultimate (Upgrade) – $219.99

The prices (mostly) fall in line with their Vista equivalents. Sure, it’s still pretty expensive to upgrade, but you’re in luck. Starting today through July 11th (in the US only) you can pre-order the Home Premium upgrade for $50 or the Professional upgrade for just $100.

[ Yahoo News ] VIA [ CrunchGear ]

By Chris Scott Barr

If you’re wanting to get a new netbook with a copy of Windows 7, it will come with a special version of the OS. Obviously, it is a somewhat limited version that will cost less (thus making the netbook cost less for the end-user), but just how limited is it? Surprisingly, it’s not nearly as bad as some have thought. For one, Microsoft has decided not to limit the graphics capabilities (such as Aero) or the ability to use a touchscreen which is nice. The main thing that Microsoft is worried about is making sure that the hardware used isn’t too powerful. That’s right, this is the first piece of software that I’ve seen with “maximum hardware requirements.”

Basically what it comes down to is that the netbook will need a 10.2-inch or smaller screen, no more than 250GB of storage on a hard drive, or 64GB on a SSD and no more than 1GB or RAM. The CPU can only have a single core, be clocked at no higher than 2.0Ghz and run at 15W or less. It doesn’t look like these are set in stone yet, but it does give us a good idea of what to expect.

[ TechARP ] VIA [ UberGizmo ]

By Chris Scott Barr

I always liked the concept of Windows Media Center, I really did. I just couldn’t ever quite justify upgrading to MCE or Vista on my little HTPC, so I made do with what I had. Eventually my 360 would turn into my main media player in the living room, supplemented by my old HTPC running Boxee. Well for those of you that are depending on Windows Media Center, you’ll be happy to know that Microsoft has finally added support for streaming Netflix.

I feel like I should be more excited about this than I really am. You see, I use Netflix, and I already stream my movies to my Xbox 360. Hell, I’ve been doing that for like six months. Sure, it’s great to see them add this to WMC, but shouldn’t this have been done a long time ago?

[ Microsoft ] VIA [ CrunchGear ]

By Chris Scott Barr

Have you checked out the Windows 7 RC yet? If you’re the early-adopter type, I’d definitely recommend it. I just wiped off Vista from my main PC  this past weekend and am typing this up on Windows 7 as we speak. So far, it’s been great, with no hiccups to speak of yet. Installation was quick and painless, without the need to even run off and download any drivers whatsoever.

As for the official release of Microsoft’s latest OS, we’ve heard rumors that point to October 23rd. Now a statement from Redmond has at the very least confirmed that it will indeed be out in time for the “holiday shopping season.” That being said, I still think it is very reasonable to think that October 23rd will in fact be the official date. We’ll just have to wait and see.

[ Microsoft ] VIA [ CrunchGear ]

By Chris Scott Barr

We know that Microsoft will be offering up the first release candidate of Windows 7 in just a few days. This means that we’re probably only a few short months away from an actual release date, right? Well according to Acer it will be out in just under 6 months.

Acer’s marketing director in the UK pinpointed the release down to the very day it will hit shelves. October 23rd to be exact. I’d take this with a little grain of salt, but the timing does make sense. After all, it was about 5 months between RC1 of Vista and the actual retail date. My advice? I’d start thinking long and hard before going out and buying a new PC when there’s a new OS just around the corner.

VIA [ PocketLint ]

By Chris Scott Barr

I’ve been using the Windows 7 beta on one of my desktops for a couple of months now. Honestly, I haven’t noticed any more issues with it than on my XP or Vista installations. Naturally I’m looking forward to the actual release of the OS, but for now I have to wait patiently like the rest of the world. At least there’s a nice update coming down the pipes in short order.

Cinco de Mayo seems to be a pretty big day for going out and getting smashed, so you might want to download your copy of the Windows 7 Release Candidate early in the day. That’s right, the official release date for RC1 is May 5th. Actually on second thought, you might want to wait until the next day to install it. You don’t to be late for happy hour because you’re stuck troubleshooting a driver issue or something do you?

[ WindowsTeamBlog ] VIA [ CrunchGear ]