Windows 7 Public Beta on Friday: Microsoft

Much like a Steve Job-less Macworld seemed to launch a new era, so did a Bill Gates-less CES, with CEO Steve Ballmer giving the keynote. And, as they had no DRM-less iTunes-like announcement to make, Ballmer had to make due with talking about Windows 7, and a public beta on Friday.

That is, of course, assuming those interested haven't already downloaded it via P2P networks already.

"I really believe that Windows 7 is the best operating system we've ever developed. I encourage you all to get out and download it." said Ballmer. Personally, you might want to download it, but unless you're somewhat of a techie, tread carefully. It is a beta after all.

As I said, Windows 7 Beta 1 will be available at the Windows 7 website on Friday --- but TechNet and MSDN users can get it now.

Microsoft has said that Windows 7 will get a simplified UAC (meaning less nagging security pop-ups), faster startup and shutdown times, better power management for improved battery life on laptops, multitouch support, simplified home networking, an updated Taskbar, new animated desktop effects, context-sensitive menus and an even smarter desktop search tool.

All that and Microsoft promises it will run on a netbook, which is certainly necessary since Windows XP is the only OS that Microsoft can effectively run on most netbooks, and you know they want to retire that OS.

In other news, Ballmer also noted that Windows Live, meaning Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Photo Gallery, and Windows Live Mail are all final.

He also announced several deals, such as the Facebook deal, which allows users to have their Windows Live network notified when they post updates to Facebook. Also a mobile search deal with Verizon, which is making Microsoft's search the default on its phones for the next 5 years.

Finally, another deal, this one with Dell, that will put Live Search and a Windows Live toolbar on the most of consumer and small-business PCs sold by Dell over the next three years, replacing the Google toolbar. Great, more crapware to uninstall.

Still, it was Windows 7 that drew the majority of interest and the majority of time, as it should be, with Microsoft wanting to erase any bad memories of Windows Vista from the minds of end users.

Can it live up to expectation? We'll see, starting Friday.