Microsoft confirms Windows 7 Family Pack, RTM

[Jos]

Update: The Windows 7 development team announced on their blog this afternoon that the operating system has been released to manufacturing (RTM). Windows 7 Build 7600 (7600.16385.090713-1255) has been signed off as the official RTM build. Windows Server 2008 R2 which was being developed in parallel also went RTM today.

Microsoft has confirmed it does plan to offer a “family pack” for Windows 7 Home Premium that can be used on up to three PCs. According a recent entry on the Windows Team Blog, the decision followed feedback from beta testers and enthusiasts over the last three years clamoring for “a better solution for homes with multiple PCs.” There’s no official word on pricing yet, although rumors and previously leaked information suggest it will sell for somewhere just under $150.

The blog posting also discussed the release to manufacturing process but did not offer any update on the exact timing of that stage. However, Microsoft provided more information when this final RTM code will make its way to certain customer groups.

TechNet and MSDN subscribers will be able to download English-language versions of the RTM code on August 6 (and remaining languages by October 1), while volume license customers with existing Software Assurance licenses can get the OS via the firm’s Volume License Service Center on August 7. Microsoft partner program gold-certified partners and Action Pack subscribers will be getting the code next, on August 16 and 23 respectively, and everybody else will have to wait until the official release on October 22.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/35542-microsoft-confirms-windows-7-family-pack-rtm.html

 

[Burty117]

what does it mean by "final RTM Code"?? is this the overall finished product? i work in an IT support company and we're glod certified and i'm currently in the little pool of people testing out windows 7 RC1, currently using it to type this message! does that mean I might get hold of the final version?

 

[isamuelson]

burty117 said:
what does it mean by "final RTM Code"?? is this the overall finished product? i work in an IT support company and we're glod certified and i'm currently in the little pool of people testing out windows 7 RC1, currently using it to type this message! does that mean I might get hold of the final version?

RTM means Release To Manufacturer. It's the final code as it would be released to those companies that preload Windows onto machines they sell. Unlike the RC and Beta releases, it's the "final" release of Windows that would be the same if you purchased it in the stores.

 

[raybay]

When is the last time anyone remembers Microsoft giving a deal to any tech shops or technians who were not Microsoft Certified?

 

[Burty117]

why would they give discounts if your not certified? isn't the reason you certify is to get the deals?

 

[Guest]

so microsoft are going to offer for $150 a 3 licence version ? USA only of course her in UK we are going to get stung again on software pricing
Amazon uk are offering the folowing for advanvced orders windows 7 ultimate (e) pc £189.97 and claim this is a 17% discount (also what does the ''E'' stand for ?). windows 7 pro £159.99 again claiming this is a 27% discount and finaly £69.98 for home premium at a claimed 53% discount
rip off britian strikes again as we are unable to register copy's of microsoft software purchased in USA as when you try microsoft accuses you of piracy and threatens you with legal action

 

[mizkitty]

The pool of people testing RC1 is hardly "little" since it was a public release (still open, by the way).
Probably numbers several hundred thousand at least.

 

[IanDSamson]

I am amased to see Microsoft allowing the installation of Windows onto 3 PCs with one licence. This will make things so much nicer for home users with many machines, especially us pensioners. I have 5 machines: 3 Desktops and 2 Laptops. I will install Windows 7 Home Premium on one desktop now with XP-Home and the two HP Laptops, leave the Windows 2000 SP4 machine alone (due to drivers and devices that are not Vista/Windows 7 compatible), and install Windows 7 Ultimate on my behemoth machine "Brutus". Well done, Microsoft. It's not every day one gets a gift from them!

 

[Headache101]

also what does the ''E'' stand for ?
____________________________________

The Windows 7 E version is the EU release without a browser (IE) installed due to the anti-trust litigation that has been going on for the past 5 years.
Article about it found here:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Microsoft-to-let-users-pick-apf-687214689.html?x=0

"Brad Smith, Microsoft's general counsel, said in a statement that until EU regulators rule on the company's proposal, it will continue to require PC makers to sell computers with the browserless Windows 7 "E" version in the region. Windows 7 will go on sale on Oct. 22."

 

[Guest]

It is in MS best interests to offer the home 3 pack special. Were it not offered, I would keep my Vista on 2 machines and XP on the 3rd. I would switch to 7 at some point a few years down the road if the price was right. So, MS may have gotten it right this time, offering the Home combo pack. Cheers MS...

My next worry is with 2 machines running 64 Bit and the 3rd at 32 bit, how is that going to be handled?