Windows 7 Beta available worldwide Friday

At the Microsoft’s CES keynote in Las Vegas today, a passionate Steve Ballmer announced the worldwide availability of Windows 7 Beta.

The much-anticipated successor to Windows Vista will be available as a download from Microsft’s official site on Friday and is not just for tech-heads to use. In fact, Ballmer enthused: "I encourage you all to download it!"

But if you are a MSDN or TechNet subscriber, you can download the beta immediately.