MICROSOFT WARNS PC USERS

Microsoft has warned computer users against downloading the latest test version of Windows, for it might harm their computers.The firm today released a "beta" version of Windows 7, which allows expert users to try the product and highlight any glitches.However, owing to the soaring demands for the new version, Microsoft has put a 2.5 million limit on the number of copies available until January 24.And today, the firm has made it clear that the product is not meant for every user, but is only aimed at computer experts.Microsoft, which designed the product to make everyday tasks easier and to allow better access to entertainment content such as music and films, currently offers no technical support to those testing the product.Laurence Painell, a product manager for Microsoft, said the company was "genuinely surprised" at the number of users vying to test Windows 7 Beta, but he asked home PC users to stay away from it for the time being."We don't recommend that if you've got one PC at home and you're an average consumer that you install a beta product because it's unfinished. It can have bugs and issues with it," The Independent quoted him as saying.John Bogue from consumer magazine 'Which? Computing' said the average PC user "should not go near it"."They make it quite clear there's no point if you're not completely self-sufficient with computers. You shouldn't go near it otherwise, because anything beta by definition is not a complete product. It's a testing product and it could crash any machine at any time, "There's no guarantees with a beta, it could completely ruin your computer. It's only for the enthusiasts who have a spare computer to install it on. You wouldn't ever install it on your main machine."A final version of Windows 7 is expected to go on sale before January 2010.