WindowsXP on a memory stick (US only)

MyPocketXP is an installation of Microsoft Windows XP on a keychain. MyPocketXP runs applications such as Microsoft Office™, Apple iTunes®, Web browsers or VPN clients on any PC that is running Windows™. MyPocketXP's patent pending architecture also ensures that thesystem installation stays 'clean' at all times.

How does it work? MyPocketXP runs on all editions of Windows XP and Windows Vista. Support for MacOS is currently under development. MyPocketXP is based on virtualization technology from Microsoft or VMware: A software program that runs on your computer emulates a virtual machine which you can imagine as a 'computer in a computer'. You can run a second Operating System (OS) in this virtual machine. For MyPocketXP the virtual machine runs Windows XP from a USB flash drive. The virtualization software is installed on the system MyPocketXP is plugged into. Hitting the key combination Right ALT-Enter (Virtual PC) or clicking on the maximize symbol of the virtual machine window (VMWare) switches to full screen mode, meaning that MyPocket XP takes over the entire screen. The installation takes about a minute and does not require a system reboot. All data is removed after disconnecting. MyPocketXP offers two networking options: bridged networking and networking through Network Address Translation (NAT). With bridged networking MyPocketXP behaves like another computer that is connected to the network the host computer is connected to. In this case MyPocketXP is assigned a dedicated network address in the network the host is connected to. With NAT MyPocketXP accesses the network through a virtual gateway on the host system. With this configuration MyPocketXP is not visible in the network the host is connected to. Mouse pointers, keyboards and wireless network cards that are connected to the host system through a USB port are usable by MyPocketXP. However, Microsoft Virtual PC does not provide direct access to USB ports for MyPocketXP. USB connected printers or external storage devices for example are not recognized by MyPocketXP if it is running in Microsoft Virtual PC. VMware Player provides access to USB ports. All applications tested so far have worked without any problems. This includes applications such as Microsoft Office, Cisco VPN client, Apple iTunes, OpenOffice.  MyPocketXP offers 3GB of space for applications in addition to Windows XP. MyPocketXP is $179 (to US customers only). More information at http://www.mypocketxp.com/.

When Will Windows 7 RTM Be Available?

According to this Windows Team Blog posting, Volume License (VL) customers with an existing Software Assurance (SA) license will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English starting August 7, 2009 via the Volume License Service Center (VLSC). The rest of the languages for Windows 7 RTM should be available within a couple of weeks following the English release. For IT professionals who are not part of the VL program, if you have a TechNet subscription, you will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English on August 6, 2009, and the remaining languages by October 1, 2009. Evaluation versions of Windows 7 Professional for IT professionals will be made available via the Springboard Series shortly after RTM. 

Windows 7 Upgrade Paths
For a quick view of the supported and unsupported upgrade paths for Windows 7 SKUs, download the Windows 7 Upgrade Paths document that outlines possible upgrade scenarios from older versions of Windows. For a Web version of this document, see Windows 7 Upgrade Paths in the Windows Client TechCenter Library. 

Windows 7 RTM Announcement

Sign up for newsletters | Update your profile Announcing: Release to Manufacturing It's almost here! We're very happy to tell you that we've hit the last big milestone on the way to Windows 7: Release to Manufacturing. We're packaging copies and manufacturers are putting it on new PCs. On October 22, you'll be able to get the final shipping product. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done; you helped make this an operating system we're all going to enjoy. Don't miss the good stuff. With the final release rapidly approaching, make sure you learn about special offers and other news including details about launch events in your area. A great way to keep up with what's going on is to sign up for one of our free newsletters. Not only will you get the scoop on the Windows 7 launch, you'll get useful news throughout the year. - If you're interested in general Windows topics, Exploring Windows is the best choice. - Want technical guidance and resources? Sign up to be a Springboard Series Insider. - Developer? Get MSDN Flash. Meanwhile, RC's downloads are still available. You can get the release candidate download until August 20, 2009. After that, you won't be able to get the download, but if you have the software, you can still install the RC and get a key if you need one. (Keys will be available till March 2010. To get a key, just go to the Downloads page and follow the instructions.) We're listening. Tell us what you think. If you're using Windows 7 Release Candidate, please go http://input.microsoft.com and tell us what you think. You'll be able to give feedback on various aspects of the operating system. Got the RC and need help? Experts on the Windows 7 Forum can help answer your questions. The forum also gives you a way to share what you've learned with other people. Essential resources - The Installation Instructions give you the info you need to get started. - To get more information about Windows 7, such as feature descriptions, visit the Windows 7 website. - Looking for technical help or information? Here are a few sources: - The Windows 7 online forums are a great place to start. - You can keep up to date on news about Windows 7 on the team blog. - Find essential "getting ready" info at Microsoft Answers. Thanks again for your investment in Windows 7. The Windows 7 Team Resources: • Download Page • Installation Instructions • FAQ • Windows 7 Forum • Get Windows Live You are receiving this important message about Windows 7 because you downloaded the Beta or RC from either TechNet, MSDN or the Windows web site. Microsoft respects your privacy. Please read our online Privacy Statement.  Microsoft Corporation One Microsoft Way Redmond, Washington, USA Sign up for newsletters | Update your profile © 2009 Microsoft Corporation Terms of Use | Trademarks | Privacy Statement