Windows 7 Release Candidate was released way back in May, 2009 with an expiry date of 1st June, 2010. So that means we still have 4 odd months left, right? Wrong! Come March, the systems running Windows 7 RC will automatically shut down every two hours without prompting and saving your work. And the systems will start displaying periodic notices to remind you about this auto-shutdown from 15th February, 2010. Yes, Microsoft is back to dirty business.

“ To avoid any data loss, I suggest making plans to move to a released version of Windows 7 before the automatic shutdowns start. During these shutdowns, your work will not be saved. “, said Microsoft spokesman Brandon LeBlanc on the Windows 7 blog. And as you might have expected the post also contained details on ‘nightmares’ you will have to face if you continue to stick to Windows 7 RC and upgrade possibilities if you do not want to face ‘nightmares’.

So, if you want to continue using Windows 7, only option left to you is to upgrade. Sticking to its promise Microsoft is offering Windows 7 Premium Upgrade at a discounted price of $110.99. ( thats $69 discount on Windows 7 Home Premium’s $179.99 price tag).

Other options include downgrading to Windows Vista or even better Windows XP, if you want to stick to Windows world. And then theres the beautiful open source world which comes without a price tag. And Mr. Steve Jobs is also out there trying to get your attention, just in case you want to 'think different'.