and if you really don't want vista and don't want to wait for the final version of Windows 7,

Err, the final version has been released to the public on October, 22nd.
It has been available thrugh MSDN(AA)/Technet fpr even longer.

Now if they would only update mine sweeper LOL

I have to agree... Win7 is an upgrade from XP, I knew if we waited long enough they would get there!
I just hope they don't blow it up with a bad service pack .

The fact that they finaly released an OS that requires less RAM than it's predecessor really impressed me too.

However, it was probably not that tough to do,
I bet most of it was ripping the digital media licensing / copy protection BS, that MS was never able to sell any licenses for, out of the kernal . Of course they don't (and won't) admit that is what it is... ;P

Have you guys seen the new ads for win7 "I'm a PC, and Win7 was my idea!"   Well... Typical MS.

I shot them and email and told them - I am a PC and I need a new search engine with "Bling"...
Sigh...
Win7 it was my idea... - ** BUT I said "B-L-I-N-G"! not "B-I-N-G"!  ** - LOL

I would however be very pleased to see a heck of a lot more of that "Less is More" attitude!!!

Planning to purchase license after testing a week specially the WinXP mode...

Introducing improved taskbar previews, bigger icons, pinning, and creative ways to personalize.

Takes the headache out of home networking, so it's easier to share files and printers.

Speedy access to your favorite pictures, songs, websites, and documents.

A quick (and fun) new way to resize and compare windows on your desktop.

Must-have software for your PC—free! Get Mail, Photo Gallery, and other favorites.

At last, searching your PC is as simple as searching the web.

It's designed to sleep and resume quicker, be less memory hungry, and spot USB devices faster.

Windows 7 makes the most of powerful 64-bit PCs, the new desktop standard.

New power-saving features are designed to help laptops run longer.

Easier wireless networking

Windows 7 gets you online in fewer clicks.

Watch, record, and pause live TV (additional hardware required).

Pair Windows 7 with a touch-sensitive PC and you won't always need a keyboard or mouse.

I certainly agree with you regarding anything from the Torrents, spyware, bots etc.

A couple of sites are saying later builds do not work with the Microsoft key #'s and so timeout after 30 days.
Microsoft of course is not issuing #'s for those releases.

The old thing about you get what you deserve from the Torrents is certainly true.

Stu

So if the 'test' release you are working with was ORIGINALLY available from a trusted source as an ISO, go ahead and play if you can verify the hashsums.

But if your play release started out as a VHD, you can be sure that it's been heavily screwed with and by it's nature untrustworthy regadless of who published the download links or hashsums.