While Windows 7 has been publicly available since October 2009, many users began demoing the operating system when it was still a release candidate in early 2009.

Unfortunately the time has come for the RC to call it quits, and beginning Monday, March 1st 2010 those still using the RC – including this writer – will  finally have to bite the bullet and install a retail version of the OS.

Come March 1st, users still using the RC will begin receive a constant reminder about their expired license and will experience shutdowns every two hours without warning – your work will not be saved. All support will cease on June 1st 2010, and you will be targeted as using non-genuine software.

Unfortunately there is no direct upgrade path for those moving to a retail version from the RC; users will have to complete a fresh install.

So, pickup a copy of Windows 7 which can be found for around $99 (Home Premium) and prep yourself for an action packed weekend of document backup and program re-installation.

For more info and a comparison of Windows 7 versions, visit the Microsoft Website

Which operating system are you currently using, and for those currently using the Release Candidate, will you be updating to the full retail version or going back to a previous version of Windows?