SP2 + 7 = TechDays

Ok so that isn't exactly math but it does remind me of the calculus I took in high school but let me explain :)

I know there is a lot of interest in Windows 7 with nearly everyone asking me when there will be a public beta.  I know there are a few places that have decided to hold off their Windows Vista deployments in anticipation of 7.  I am not at liberty to say when the 7 beta will open (well not without losing my job) but there are some resources available to help you prepare for Windows 7 and/or Windows Vista SP2.

Windows Vista SP2 beta is now available (or will be shortly as the TechNet servers get seeded) via TechNet Plus subscriptions, for those who don't have a TechNet Plus subscription SP2 will be available on Technet.com on December 4th.  SP2 beta is also applicable to Windows Server 2008 for testing.  One thing to note is that you will need to have SP1 installed in order to install SP2.

Now on to Windows 7!  I know there is a lot of anticipation for Windows 7 and I can see why.  I've been running the PDC build on my production notebook for about 3 weeks now and I must say it is much more stable than I expected, in fact I haven't had any issues at all.  If you are like some of the people I talked to who have decided to wait, don't sit on your hands you can start testing hardware and applications for Windows 7 using Windows Vista!

Unlike the transition from Windows XP to Vista that incurred a few driver issues as well as some app compat issues, Windows 7 uses the same driver and application models meaning that if it works on Vista, it will almost surely work on 7.  If you have use the Application Compatability Toolkit to create shims and the good news is you can use that exact same shim on 7.  I wrote a couple of articles on creating shims over at thelazyadmin.com and there is also a great TechNet Virtual Lab covering this as well.

So what does this have to do with TechDays?  Well if you attended the Toronto and Montreal events you might already have your TechNet Plus subscription and you can get your hands on the beta today!

Finally if you are looking for a one stop Windows Vista or Windows 7 deployment resource be sure to check out Springboard!