Microsoft has unveiled a Release Preview of its desktop OS, Windows 8. This particular version is available for download, and can be evaluated by the general public before the launch of the retail version, possibly in October. The download is available as an ISO file that can be written onto a DVD or bootable USB flash drive. If you have Windows 7, you can use the Windows Disc Image Burner, but other OS versions will require a third-party programme. The system requirements are the same as that for Windows Vista and Windows 7, as mentioned below:

• 1 GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor.
• 1 GB RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit).
• 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit).
• Graphics card supporting DirectX 9 or higher.

Developer: Microsoft
Size: 2.5 GB (x86), 3.3 GB (x64)
Platform: Windows
Licence: Free (Valid until Jan 2013)
URL: windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows-8/release-preview

TAGS: Software, Downloads, Windows, Microsoft, Jayesh