**UPDATE: AS of 10:20p (EST) anyone with a TechNet account attempting to download any of the Windows 7 Versions. Click on Top Downloads on the top of the screen. All other areas in TechNet will show you the files but will not allow you the download.
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As I happily wait for my x64 version of Windows 7 Ultimate RTM to download from Microsoft TechNet (I have a TechNet plus account)
For those who may not know what TechNet is, this is the description from Microsoft’s TechNet page
“A TechNet Plus subscription is the ultimate resource for IT professionals. TechNet Plus provides convenient access to full-version Microsoft evaluation software—without time limits! The annual subscription also includes Professional Support incidents, a technical information library, and many other resources for evaluating, deploying, and maintaining Microsoft software.
Subscription Benefits
Microsoft software licensed for evaluation purposes. Evaluate full-version commercial products without time limits or feature limits, including Microsoft operating systems, servers, and Office System software. With full-version software, you can make informed decisions about new technologies and deployments at your own pace.
Beta software. Receive pre-release versions of Microsoft operating systems, servers and business applications.1
Professional Support Incidents. For the toughest technical questions, a TechNet Plus subscription includes two complimentary Professional Support incidents2 and a 20% discount on additional purchased support incidents3. Talk to a Microsoft Support Professional to help resolve mission-critical technical issues fast.
Managed Newsgroup Support. TechNet Plus provides unlimited access to over 100 Managed Newsgroups. Exchange ideas with other IT Professionals and get expert answers to your technical questions within the next business day—guaranteed.
Technical resources for Microsoft products. Access the Technical Information Library containing the Microsoft Knowledge Base, security updates, service packs, resource kits, utilities, technical training, and product documentation to keep systems and IT skills up-to-date.
Microsoft eLearning courses. To prepare for certification or simply to help build your technical skills, TechNet Plus includes a selection of Microsoft eLearning courses for free each quarter.
Online Concierge Chat. Chat with a Microsoft Search Assistant online for help finding the technical resources you need or for assistance with non-technical questions.
Subscription to TechNet Magazine. Receive a free one-year subscription to TechNet Magazine which provides hands-on information to help IT Professionals maximize their system’s security, reliability, scalability and interoperability.4”
I have been running the RC or Release Candidate since it was available from Microsoft. Now with RTM or Release to Manufacturing, which is the version that will be on new PC’s sold and the boxed version on store shelves, we will see if everything on Windows 7 ends up being as good as it seemed during the trial period.
If your a tech, a soon to be tech, or just a “Home” tech that likes to play with new software before anyone else, TechNet is a good investment. It is also a great support source for help with “real-world” software issues. If you want to find out more details on Microsoft TechNet you can go to http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/bb892759.aspx (http://technet NULL.microsoft NULL.com/en-us/subscriptions/bb892759 NULL.aspx) and go to http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/bb892756.aspx (http://technet NULL.microsoft NULL.com/en-us/subscriptions/bb892756 NULL.aspx) for pricing information.