What would be a benefit of trying the Windows 7 Beta? -

If there are any? Does it cost anything? Would I get a free version of windows if I reported errors? But I am excited about windows 7 as opposed to vista.

You won t get anything trying it..I guess you are trying the pre beta of windows 7.Microsoft never gave a free copy of a OS to who is using a illegal copy..

I am using it now (dont ask how i got it, wait till the official beta in january) it costs nothing because it is a beta version (for bug testing) the benefit would be that you get to have a taste of what it will be like when it officially releases. You will still have to buy windows 7 when it comes out, just like everybody else, but you can help microsoft make a better product buy reporting bugs, errors, glitches and other problems. also, when and if you do install the beta, make sure you DO NOT upgrade, install on a second partition or a second hdd. that way you can keep your current operating system if 7 fails for whatever reason (although it hasn t crashed once for me, internet explorer 8 beta can be a bit buggy. as long as you use firefox, you ll be fine)

Well, it really depends on how experienced and prepared you are. While the Windows 7 Beta seems so far to be quite stable (see link below), when dealing with beta operating systems one is always risking the partial or complete loss of data. At the moment the Windows 7 Beta is only available on torrent sites, and has yet to be released to actual beta testers. As for benefits to you, you would be able to test drive the latest operating system technology before anyone else. I don t know which operating system you are currently using, but the smart choice might be to stick with what you have until some real feedback starts becoming available as to the stability of the Windows 7 Beta.

Well im currently using Windows 7 BETA build 7000 its really good specially since its beta and it s requirements for a computer are much lower than vista so it still runs very well on crappy computers, it looks great and is really smooth. I seriously recommend trying it. Im going to keep it, It s Great Plus it allows u to use the upgrade setting and you can keep all your files. (What i did) Just DO NOT use it on a Virtual machine that makes it suck balls!

Unless you re curious and brave enough to use a beta OS, I d advise against it. It s free, but Microsoft probably won t compensate you. And as buggy as Windows can be, a beta will be even riskier.

it is still in Testing Version, date not yet official though, and it is very likely that there will be none anytime soon.