Mac OS X is my primary OS these days, but I still use Windows (XP on my Netbook, XP and Vista in VMware Fusion) for testing software that my company builds for our clients.
I had recently heard that Windows 7 was available for some to play around with, but I hadn’t paid much attention. However, it turns out you can get a fully configured VMware virtual machine with Windows 7 Ultimate Beta Build 6956 pre-installed. For free! I found this while perusing the VMware Appliances at the VMware site. It’s provided by TuxDistros and is available here:
http://www.vmware.com/appliances/directory/61622
I took a few hours to download using BitTorrent. Once it was downloaded I just created a new VM in VMware Fusion and added the hard drive to it. It started with no trouble, although the screen display flashes crazily until it gets to the login screen. I did have to update the VMware tools, though. Internet access worked like a charm, the graphics display properly and the mouse is integrated with OS X nicely.
What do I think of Windows 7? That’s a post for another day, after I’ve had more time to play with it. So far, the beta for Internet Explorer 8 seems to work OK. Strangely, attempting to start FreeCell locks up the entire VM.
One Response to “A Quick and Easy Way to Try Windows 7”
Hope this helps turn off Video Acceleration in VMWare Fusion. Windows 7 ‘s game will lock up the VM with it is on.