With the Windows 7 Release Candidate due for official release later this month or through May, and the rumour that you'll be able to use and install this version for a year from launch, there's no reason why you couldn't test and use this operating system on your existing PC, without having to dual-boot or install over your existing operating system. VMware Workstation is a commercial tool that enables you to create and then test your own virtual operating system. If you own this or know someone who does, there's no reason why you couldn't turn the Windows 7 RC build in to a virtual operating system you can test on top of XP or Vista.

VMware Player 2.5.2 is the free player that will run the virtual machines created by Workstation. Many are freely available, but for Windows you'll need to either create your own or get someone to create a virtual OS for you. The latest version has support for Windows Vista SP2 which is due for release soon.

VMware Player link.

02 Apr 2009