14 DAY TRIAL // The Windows vs. Mac OS X and Linux face-offs are bound to evolve to the next chapter with the availability of Windows 7. Microsoft is in fact ready to catalyze the new operating system measuring contest, and has started off with a tad of a challenge. The software giant is asking users to prove why Windows 7 is the clear choice over Linux and Mac OS X in order to have a chance at winning some sweet prizes. Microsoft Evangelists Matt Hester and Keith Combs have announced the availability of “The Microsoft Windows 7 Rocks Screencast Contest.”
“If you are a technology professional and enthusiast all you have to create for us is a screencast video that will showcase: “Why Windows 7 is the clear choice over Linux and OS X!” The screencast entries will be judged by a blue ribbon group of IT Pro superstars and will be judged on Creativity, Presentation, Inclusion of Microsoft Technologies and Effective demonstration of Windows 7 value,” Hester stated.
The contest has already debuted as of 12:01 AM Pacific Time (PT) on March 1, 2009 and participants have until 11:59 PM PT on April 30, 2009 to prove in their videos that Windows 7 beats the open source Linux operating system and Apple's Mac OS X. However, there is a catch. Microsoft will only accept participants from the U.S who will have to submit their entry in .WMV format, with the video at a screen resolution size of 1024 x 768, compatible with Silverlight and in English.
“What are the prizes? Feast your eyes on the following: One (1) Grand Prize. A Lenovo Thinkpad T61p Laptop. Approximate Retail Value (ARV) US $1700.00; One (1) First Place Prize. An Xbox 360 Video Game Entertainment System. ARV US $300.00; One (1) Second Place Prize. An 120 GB Zune Digital Media Player. ARV US $ 250.00; One (1) Third Place Prize. An 8GB Zune Digital Media Player. ARV US $ 150.00,” Combs stated.