Windows 7 RC download links expired last August 20th, but if you missed the chance to try it out, don't worry! Here's a new opportunity to take a look at Microsoft's promising new operating system: Windows 7 Enterprise.

This version of Windows 7 is especially aimed at companies and IT professionals who want to test their hardware and software with the new OS and become more familiar with all its new features and improvements before the final version comes out. But hey, that doesn't mean you can't download it as well, even if you're just a normal plain user. In fact this version doesn't require you to be a member of TechNet or MSDN. All you need is a Windows Live ID and a bit of patience to download the 2.23 GB ISO file. And you'd better hurry up because according to Microsoft, the trial will be offered for a limited time and in limited quantity.

Windows 7 Enterprise is available in both the 32 and 64-bit versions, and comes in five languages (English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish). Make your choice, fill in a short form and the website will immediately run a Java-based download manager that will deliver the ISO to your desktop. A little trick: make sure you pick an IT-related occupation in the form, otherwise the download won't start (silly, but true).

Note that this version of Windows 7 Enterprise is an RTM ("Ready To Manufacturing"), which means it's pretty much identical to the final version that will be released in October. The trial version needs to be activated within 10 days after download, and runs for 90 days – long enough for a thorough test. And for those of you who can't afford a spare PC for testing, take a look at our tutorial to test new operating systems in VirtualBox. This is how I tried Windows 7 Enterprise myself this morning, and it worked perfectly fine.