Microsoft plans to release the first beta of Windows 7 http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2008/10/30/232947/microsoft-takes-the-wraps-off-windows-7.htm, the successor to Windows Vista, as early as next January.
Developers attending a series of US developer events from this month through to early February are being told in a blog they will get a copy of the operating system.
Those attending the first December events will get a copy of the operating system mailed to them, with Microsoft suggesting those attending events from January will get a copy straight away.
http://blogs.technet.com/keithcombs/archive/2008/12/02/i-know-where-you-can-get-windows-7-beta-1-dvd-s-shhhhh.aspx
http://www.msdndevcon.com/pages/about.aspx#giveaways
Photos: Sneak peek at Windows 7 >>
http://www.computerweekly.com/galleries/232965-1/Windows-7-Desktop-layout.htm
