Microsoft To Give Some Beta Testers Free Copies Of Windows

Microsoft has decided that it will reward some of their beta testers with free copies of Windows 7 Ultimate Edition, however use regular folks shouldn't get too excited. The company is planning on sending these free copies to invitation-only testers who received the very earliest builds of the OS last year.

"To show our appreciation, members of the invitation-only Windows 7 Technical Beta Program will be eligible for a free, final copy of Windows 7 Ultimate," said Microsoft spokesman Brandon LeBlanc in a post to the Windows 7 blog. Just last week, LeBlanc had categorically said no to the question of whether or not testers would receive a free copy.

Since the free copies are for invitation only users those of us that downloaded the public beta or release candidate will not be eligible.

"If you were invited to join the Windows Technical Beta Program, you are eligible to receive a free final copy of Windows 7 Ultimate," added Anthony Mann in a post to TechNet. Mann is the Microsoft employee who manages the Windows forums on TechNet. "If you were not sent an invitation to participate, this offer does not apply to you."

Mann has added that all eligible users will be getting a direct email in the next couple days. He also said, "If you want to check the newsgroups now, you can login to Microsoft Connect and go the “Windows 7 Beta Program” site. This is secured only to members of Windows 7 Beta. You can then click on “Newsgroups” on the left to find the .Beta_Program newsgroup to ask any questions you might have. If you don’t have access to the “Windows 7 Beta Program” site on Connect you were not part of this program and are therefore not eligible."

Unfortunately I'm not on the invitation list so it looks like I'll be waiting until Oct. 22nd and dishing out my hard earned cash like everyone else.