Windows 7 beta is now available for public download after Microsoft decided to hand out unlimited free license keys to the software through Jan. 24, according to media reports Monday.(Photo: microsoft.com) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Jan. 12 (Xinhuanet) -- Windows 7 beta is now available for public download after  Microsoft decided to hand out unlimited free license keys to the software through Jan. 24, according to media reports Monday.

    Microsoft suspended the previous 2.5 million download limit after its servers were overwhelmed by users trying to download the operating system.

    "... We have clearly heard that many of you want to check out the Windows 7 Beta and, as a result, we have decided remove the initial 2.5 million limit on the public beta for the next two weeks (thru January 24th)..." Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc announced the move in a company blog.

    On its Windows 7 site, Microsoft posted a note saying "The Windows 7 Beta is now available for download." The site also lists a page where the beta can be downloaded.

    Microsoft officials said activation keys for the code would be capped at 2.5 million, but users who try the beta after that limit is reached will be able to trial it for at least 30 days.

    Microsoft has been aiming to have the final version ready to be on PCs for this year's holiday shopping season, but Windows boss Bill Veghte said it is still too soon to say whether the company will make that time frame. Officially, Microsoft has promised that it will be out before the third anniversary of Vista's January 2007 mainstream launch.

    (Agencies)