With Microsoft releasing the release candidate (RC) for Windows 7 to the public for free, the temptation to try it out was simply too much.

Although Windows 7 RC is extremely stable for a not-yet-finished product, I thought it best to do a dual installation for now as opposed to upgrading my Windows XP.

(For those not in the know: a dual installation means having two operating systems installed so that if the one goes bust, you can still access all your files through the other one, i.e. I kept Windows XP installed but also installed Windows 7 RC without removing the former.)

To do this, you need to create a partition on your hard drive first. Think of a partition as having two separate hard drives in your computer by telling your computer to split your one physical hard drive into two "virtual" drives.

I know... this is beginning to sound very complicated, doesn't it?

The installation of Windows 7 RC itself is actually very simply and quite quick if you're not upgrading from Vista, but the preparation work might take a while. But don't lose heart — it's a lot simpler than you might think.

So to summarise what we're going to do:

1. Backup your files;
2. Download Windows 7 RC;
3. Create a new partition;
4. Install Windows 7 RC.

So before you go any further, it's very important that you first back up all your important files to an external hard drive or write them to a DVD. If you follow the instructions below your system shouldn't crash, but it's always a good idea to be on the safe side — so back 'em up!

Now you need to get the install file for Windows 7 RC — visit the download page, sign up and begin the download. Remember to write down your product key during the sign up phase!

The download is quite big (about 2.5 GB), so it's best to let it download during the night.

When it's finished downloading, burn the iso file to a DVD (if you don't know how to burn an iso file, click here).

Now to partition your hard drive: if you have Windows Vista installed, then you can simply use its built-in partition tool; if you have Windows XP installed, then you'll need a third-party partition tool.

» Partition your hard drive - on page 2

In video: Funny ads Most ads tend to be dull and boring, but there are some that will have you cracking up!

Halo 3: ODST This standalone, almost-full-length expansion to 'Halo 3' is actually remarkably good.

Website: Interpals Corresponding with someone from another country has been a fun experience for decades.