Ready to take Windows 7 for a test drive? After a slight delay, Microsoft has made the Windows 7 Release Candidate (a.k.a. RC1) available for download.

To get it, you need to be an MSDN, TechBeta, or TechNet subscriber. Otherwise, you'll have to wait until Tuesday, May 5, at which point RC1 will available to the general public (who will no doubt swamp Microsoft's servers for at least a few days--so download it now if you can).

Interestingly, Microsoft is not capping the number of RC1 downloads as it did with the Windows 7 beta. Even more interesting, RC1 will continue to operate until June 1, 2010, meaning enterprises will have ample time to test deployment, application and hardware compatibility, and general usability.

By all means, grab Windows 7 and get jiggy with it. But remember, there's no direct upgrade path from Windows XP to 7, so Vista remains the clear and logical choice for enterprises planning a migration path. [via ZDNet]