Want to get your hands on Microsoft’s latest operating system and be able to test it for a year, completely free of charge? Well, here’s your chance!

Microsoft has opened the gates on the Windows 7 Release Candidate download. The “Release Candidate” part means that Microsoft expects this code to be what they finally release, barring any major bugs floating up to the surface.

Windows 7 RC is available directly from Microsoft (if that first link seems unresponsive, try this TechNet link). You can choose between the 32-bit version or 64-bit (if you are not sure as to which you need, choose 32-bit … it’ll present you with fewer challenges and it’s a smaller download).

The cool part about the RC is that you get a long time to test it before it expires. In fact, it doesn’t expire until June 1, 2010. However, starting on March 1, 2010, your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. Windows will notify you two weeks before the bi-hourly shutdowns start.

Have fun!