Core OS

Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 will be the next version of the Windows Server operating system from Microsoft. Building on the features and capabilities of the current Windows Server 2008 release version, Windows Server 2008 R2 allows you to create solutions that are easier to plan, deploy, and manage than previous versions of Windows Server.

Server 2008 R2 Beta Enterprise: TFGPQ-J9267-T3R9G-99P7B-HXG47
Server 2008 R2 Beta Standard: 2T88R-MBH2C-M7V97-9HVDW-VXTGF
Server 2008 R2 Beta Datacenter: GQJJW-4RPC9-VGW22-6VTKV-7MCC6
Web Server 2008 R2 Beta: GT8BY-FRKHB-7PB8W-GQ7YF-3DXJ6

Download from here.

The Windows Automated Installation Kit (Windows AIK) helps you to install, customize, and deploy the Microsoft Windows 7 beta family of operating systems.

After installing Windows 7, err on the side of safe and install KB 961367 to avoid a rare MP3 corruption bug. You can download the x86 version here and the x64 version here.

This might have installed already if you've done a Windows Update after installation.

Windows 7 Walkthrough: AppLocker
Learn how you can realize the security, operational, and compliance benefits of application standardization by using AppLocker.

Windows 7 Walkthrough: BitLocker and BitLocker to Go
Learn about enhanced BitLocker Drive Encryption functionality in Windows 7 and the and the new BitLocker To Go, which gives system administrators control over how removable storage devices can be used and the strength of protection required.

Windows 7 Walkthrough: Deployment Image Servicing and Management
Explore Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM), a new command-line tool for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

Windows 7 Walkthrough: Enterprise Application Compatibility
Explore enterprise application compatibility in Windows 7 with this video feature walkthrough.

Windows 7 Walkthrough: Problem Steps Recorder
Explore the Problem Steps Recorder in the Windows 7 operating system.

Windows 7 Walkthrough: User State Migration Tool
Explore the User State Migration Tool (USMT) for Windows 7, now part of Windows AIK.

Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows 7 enables IT administrators to manage roles and features that are installed on remote computers that are running Windows Server 2008 R2 (and, for some roles and features, Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2003) from a remote computer that is running Windows 7. It includes support for remote management of computers that are running either the Server Core or full installation options of Windows Server 2008 R2, and for some roles and features, Windows Server 2008. Some roles and features on Windows Server 2003 can be managed remotely by using Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows 7, although the Server Core installation option is not available with the Windows Server 2003 operating system.

This feature is comparable in functionality to the Windows Server 2003 Administrative Tools Pack and Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 (SP1).

Download it here.

Although the site is getting quite hammered right now, you can try to grab a copy here.

Update: Unfortunately, it looks like they are working on getting more bandwidth/horsepower for the download site. It looks like it is offline at the moment. (Evening of 1/9/2009)

Update #2: The links are back - try the page here.