Now is the chance for Windows techies to get their hands on the soon-to-be-released Windows 7 Enterprise. Windows is extending a rather nice offer for a 90-day, full-feature, trial usage for network administrators and other IT professionals. The operating system is slated for release on October 22, but it still needs to be run through the gauntlet by those who know what they’re doing—people like you.

Steve Rose, Windows Senior Community Manager, blogged about the release yesterday, writing “I get the honor of announcing the availability of a resource so many of you have been asking for—a Windows Enterprise Trial edition you can use to continue testing Windows 7 in your own environment.” While basement-dwelling computer-lovers may wish to get their hands on the software, Rose makes it clear that “This evaluation release is specifically intended for IT professionals responsible for desktop administration; consumers will be able to purchase Windows 7 on October 22, 2009.”

If the shoe fits for you, it is probably a good idea to go ahead and launch the download (and to do it soon). It gives you a risk-free, see-if-you-like-it look for three months. It allows you to analyze the cost/savings/return lineup to see if it will be worth it for your network. It also gives you a jumpstart on learning the new system, and finding your way around. That will cut out some of the lag if you actually decide to upgrade in October. However, if you’re going to act, act now. Since Microsoft has never offered a try-it-first-buy-it-later deal, many have already downloaded it. Rose states: “limited number of licenses are available, so the download will only be available while supplies last.”

You can download the trial copy of Windows 7 through Springboard Series. Click here to access the download platform. Or check out the specs and qualifying page on your way to the download.

Before you merrily rush off and download, be aware the after the three-month trial is up, you will need to make a clean sweep and reinstall of the operating system in order to have the ‘real’ version. Obviously, at that point, Microsoft will ask for your money. Although the trial does contain all the features that the actual OS will come with, you will be limited in regards to downloading. Finally, you must activate your trial version within ten days of downloading it. If you don’t, the operating system will only let you look at it for sixty minutes before shutting down.