Microsoft invites some of its bestest OEM buddies over for a Windows 7 RTM code handoff party
By Paul Miller 
posted Jul 25th 2009 1:54PM
posted Jul 25th 2009 1:54PM
[Thanks, JagsLive]
Please note: If you're a current Engadget commenter, you do not need to re-register. Simply login and you will be prompted to select a username.
...and the rest of the internets is already wallowing in the leaked torrent goodness.
So what's the real deal, is the real RTM out in the wild or not? I have seen some builds labeled as "7600", but how does one really know?
Not if OEMs are just getting it now.
7600 builds are RTM. They were released last week.
@AndrewNoNumbers
Every single build of windows 7 were released before Microsoft. Even the ones that Microsoft didn't release were released.
Does this mean we will start seeing netbooks with windows 7 upgrades. That's all I'm waiting for before I buy myself a HP mini
i've seen torrents labeled The Hangover that turn out to be German schizer videos. its a torrent download. you take your chances
Are you all serious? The top posts actually talk about stealing software and no-one gives a damn? As a software engineer it makes me down right pissed off that the first thing people think of when it comes to new software is: Is there a torrent yet??
Sentax
Nope. No one cares. Go be pissed somewhere else.
Sentax I don't see the problem with that considering I, like many people, have it preordered. It is not like most of us won't up grade to the retale verisions when it is released.
Sentax:
Sorry that's how it goes. I can avoid buying software but I cannot easily avoid paying my rent, car payment, etc. If I lived in a world where I absolutely had to buy software I would use OSS stuff exclusively or just stick with an old version. So, as a software engineer, you're probably not losing much to piracy. You can't assume every download = a lost sale.
I may have to ... "examine" the rtm...
I have it preordered and I'm using a pirated copy of build 7600 right now, until I get my legit copy. I know that doesn't make it any more legal, but I can feel good about it.
if linux and the mac are great oses why do people still run microsoft on their rig or as 2ndary OS on their laptop?
@Sentax
As a software/web developer, I get where you are coming from, but there are a few things to consider..
Windows 7 is not released yet. There are many enthusiasts who are not developers and do not have TechNet/MSDN subscriptions, and want to get their hands on the RTM. Many of those who download it have pre-ordered or are going to buy Windows 7 upgrades when it is released. If you already have it, all the better as you can install it now and just enter the legit serial code later when you buy it.
On a more general level, as I'm sure many others did, I grew up using pirated software in junior high and highschool. I am not taking about PC games, or cheap shareware, I am talking about applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, Flash, 3D studio max, Visual Studio, and many other expensive media applications and development tools that I could have never afforded.
Similarly, there was no other way I would have been able to learn to use these tools without piracy. With piracy, I would have used crappy consumer-level apps or open source software. And now that I am older, all of these companies have gained a loyal paying customer. So while it may not have been the most ethical thing to do at the time, it actually became a positive thing for many companies.
Granted, there are many unscrupulous adults and businesses out there who use pirated software to decrease costs, but I think it is a major disservice to both software companies and students that organizations like the business software alliance completely ignore the reasons behind piracy, and treat it as a monolithic crime problem. I do have to commend a lot of companies now days, as many have created initiatives for getting cheap software to students for learning. Microsoft's in particular has done a great job of getting kids started with software development with the free Visual Studio express editions. Similarly, companies like Adobe should really find a way to make a far cheaper Creative Suite for students to learn. After all, these are their future customers.
@ECS Sucks - Nope, this is a perfect place to be pissed, the topic I'm getting pissed about is in this thread and the article is about software. Whatever business you're in, I hope someone is stealing from you, maybe if you knew about it, you'd be pissed too.
@Inect - I can only hope that's the case, if so, great.
@Sinister Joe - If you lived in a world that you had to buy software, there wouldn't be such a thing as OSS. And you're right, I can't assum every download is a lost sale, which brought me to..
@Loosley Coupled - You have a lot of good points and I can see where you're coming from. Piracy is a vicious cycle, once you're in and you see how easy it is to get the tools for free that would normally cost you hundreds and hundreds of dollars, what would make you want to stop? I would only hope that morally you feel guilty enough to stop, or else it just keeps feeding and its a snowball effect.
looks like a box of donuts to me
I have the same thought. I think the word "party" makes me think in this way.
This thread is literally made of Win
Paul found out how to use two accounts in the same post! He's gonna outsmart us all!
Paul. Do me a favor and get a life.
all of you, gtfo of my thread.
I don't think Paul can a get life ... he is probably 17, really fat with sweaty little sausage looking hands and tons of zits on his face ....
I guess talking shit about every non-apple product is the only thing he is capable of
Paul Chapel is a character invented by a reasonably clever exec.
Poor Chapel... it must Lonely on that Island of Incredibly Bad analogies!
Hi!
In computer science, "code" is an abbreviation of "source code". Which means "human readable". As opposed to "binaries".
Just because Micro$oft wants to obscure this difference, and I wonder why they might want to, doesn't mean you have to also.
that is so clever! you spelled Microsoft with a $. brilliant! is this because they make money like all corporations strive to?
Brilliant! By assuming that I "hate corporations" you can avoid any rational engagement with the widespread stifling of innovation that Microsoft has caused.
Oh wait, I meant Micro$oft.
Dster, you are so awesome. You wrote "Microsoft" with a "$."
That is like the awesomest thing I've seen in a long time!
I wish I was you friend and for some reason your opinion is so genuin and awesome now!
Sure, you have a point, but to assume that Microsoft or Engadget have some sort of ulterior motive by "obscuring" the true meaning of the word "code" is a bit ridiculous. Sometimes people use terms incorrectly, believe it or not, by accident.
Dster:
I been a computer engineer for 20+ years. And I realize that "code" can also mean object code, which is what MS is handing off here.
Actually binaries could be considered more "code" than the source. Binaries after all are machine code, whereas the source is not usable as-is, except in interpreted languages of course.
"If you were supposed to understand it, we wouldn't call it code"
that pic is of lenovo...not asus.... :P
how can you possibly tell
from this http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/07/25/oems-pick-up-windows-7-rtm-code-today-in-redmond.aspx
they mentioned the names and companies along with each photo....check it out
It is funny how one third of the people in the group of images do not look happy to be getting the windows 7 box since it is PR for both companies. Of course maybe if MS would have made a some stickers to make then the box look like it actually had a new product in it. They might not feel as silly using it as a prop in a photo they probably were not aware was on the days agenda.
okay now we know who to steal from......anyone with me ;)
We could be jealous of the attendees, but lets not forget most Engadget readers probably have their own regular windows handoff parties.
no...just you.
So you're a mac user?
Lucky Ethan that sad wanker likes you !
ASUS is not the team pictured. That guys is the engineer from Lenovo. Seriously, you guys need to pay lil more attention to this whole blogging thing.
Code in a white Box .... Strange!
that's just the virus
RTM? Read The Manual? Im guessing not...
anyone want to elaborate on that abbreviation?
Release to Manufacturing
LOL @ Read The Manual
I think wako's dog made that post.
Release to Mindy.
That'd be RT F M