June 24, 2009 - 18:38 AMT
Microsoft Windows 7 free download to end August 15
Microsoft has confirmed its Windows 7 release candidate download program will expire on 15 August.

After that date testers won't be able to get their hands on the download via Microsoft's website, although it will undoubtedly be available elsewhere on the interwebs.

Microsoft launched its Windows 7 Release Candidate late on May 4, months before the final rollout of its next-generation operating system.

On the Microsoft TechNet Website, the company made several key points about the release. First, Windows 7 RC was supposed to be available "at least through June 2009," and expire on June 1, 2010. However, beginning on March 1, 2010, the user's PC will begin shutting down every two hours unless a non-expired version of Windows is installed before that date.  

As a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter learned from Microsoft Armenia Country Manager Grigor Barseghyan, the Armenian version of Windows 7 is not ready yet but its release is expected next year.