On January 9th, Windows 7 beta will be available for download from the Windows 7 page on Windows.com. The beta will be a download-only, no media will be sent out. If you want a copy of the beta, you will have to be one of the first 2.5 million people to download it.

Windows 7 beta will be available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions, and will be an ISO image so you have to burn the ISO image to a DVD to install Windows 7. So you want to be sure you have a DVD burner before spending the time downloading the ISO image.

The Windows 7 beta only supports Windows Vista SP1 to Windows 7 upgrades, or a clean installation. It’s only available in one edition, the equivalent of Ultimate. The beta will expire on August 1st, 2009.

Be sure to backup all your important data. The Windows 7 beta is targeted toward the enthusiast – people excited and knowledgeable about technology. If you don’t understand what a beta release is and can’t troubleshoot your own PC, then you probably shouldn’t try to install the Windows 7 beta.

If you are an IT Pro, you can visit the Springboard Series for Windows 7 on TechNet (click the Windows 7 tab) on January 9th to sign up for the Windows 7 beta. You can also get access to resources including video walkthroughs and the new Windows 7 forums.