Invite-only Windows 7 beta testers get their free copies after all

Microsoft's support for a public "eager to begin using Windows 7" has now extended to Technical beta testers, who will be getting a free full version of the operating system.

Earlier this month, word got out that Windows 7 tech beta testers would actually not be receiving a free copy of Windows 7 as testers of Vista did, which elicited the expected amount of criticism.

However, official Windows blogger Brandon LeBlanc, who made that announcement announced today that he was wrong, and that members of the invitation only Windows 7 Technical Beta program will be able to download free English language copies of Windows 7 Ultimate on August 6, or have a boxed copy shipped on October 22, the day it is released in stores.

This offer does not involve those who tested the Windows 7 public beta and release candidate versions, and instructions and forms for obtaining the free copy of the OS will be put up on Microsoft Connect on Monday, August 3.