Windows 7 - Newbie questions

Hi, I'm new here - I have been having problems with Windows XP Pro 64 since the moment I installed it, and thought I would try out Windows 7 64 to see how much things have improved.

In many ways I like it better, but I did have some questions.

First, I am running build 7000 - by running Windows Update daily, am I receiving the O/S updates as well, to keep me up to date with the current builds? Or would I need to reinstall when a new major build is released?

Also, I understand that later this month no new people will be allowed to test the beta. Does that mean that future builds of the Windows 7 beta and release candidates will be unavailable to the public (and we, the current beta testers)?

Finally, is there somewhere I can read about what happens at the end of the beta? That is, will my O/S stop working when the real thing is released until I purchase it?

Thanks in advance!

(Sorry if these have been answered, I tried the search option but came up with nothing)

Hello Khelvan, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Unfortunately you will need to do a clean reinstall for each new build of Windows 7 released. Windows Updates will not update to the new build.

If you have signed up with Microsoft Connect as a beta tester, then you will be able to download the official releases from there. Otherwise, you will have to take your chances with the torrents.

The beta versions of Windows 7 will stop working on August 1, 2009. After that date, there may be a new build (ex: Release Candidate) to use instead. Otherwise, we will need to purchase it when it released to retail.

Hope this helps,
Shawn