new build

So im building a new computer, I would like to skip windows vista. Obviously I missed the beta download. I have looked through this forum a ton and seen all sorts of different builds, the RC release, and the RC public release (may 5th?). So how could I get access to windows 7 right now or soon??? Seems like an easy answer but I can not figure it out. Is it just not available for anyone until official release (christmas ish???). Should I wait to build a new comp? Is it going to be too long of a wait and should I just get vista 64 (not too bad)? thanks for the help!!

There are several versions of Win.7 currently available for download via torrents; however, there are a lot of "altered" versions among them. Down-loader beware! Make sure you double check anything you download and cross-check the hash signature (see the Win.7.RC leaked thread).

The public release candidate will be available directly from Microsoft on May 5th. You can register and get a free "key" and download the entire build -- both x64 and x86 (32-bit) versions -- then. This is probably your safest bet. It will work for about a year. The commercial release of Win.7 is likely to be late fall, early winter -- well before Win.7.RC will expire.

Thanks!

Yes I am, thanks for the link!! This site is a great resource. I'm sure finding out what build to download is only the beginning of wanting info on windows 7, ha, "search function" will be worn out im sure....