This Microsoft service runs in a virtual environment and you only need a browser with an Active-X plugin to run the Windows 7 demo online. The website also has step-by-step walkthroughs that highlight the new operating system’s features such as the taskbar, libraries, version control and checking, troubleshooting, Windows ribbon, and Internet Explorer 8.

Windows 7 Test Drive was primarily created for developers and IT personnel to highlight the advantages of Windows 7 for deployment in businesses. Even so, individual users thinking of making a switch can learn a lot from this website.

Features:

• Test Windows 7 from your browser.
• Walkthroughs and training videos available include taskbar, libraries, Windows ribbon and more.
• Learn more about increasing productivity, enhancing security, and cutting costs with Windows 7.
• Also ideal for individual users.
• Needs Windows Live ID to use Test Drive.

Check out Windows 7 Test Drive @ www.microsoft.com/click/WindowsTestDrive/Dev/

Currently it features a desktop, start menu, taskbar and sidebar gadgets like clock, calendar and a simple notepad. It also includes built-in apps like File Explorer, Internet Explorer, Video Player, rich text editor, RSS reader, Paint, Calculator, Games etc.

You can create text documents and save them temporarily. Just like in any desktop operating system you may install new apps.

Features:

• Web based windows like OS.
• Launch applications right within the web browser without any installation.
• Features a desktop, start menu, taskbar and sidebar gadgets.
• Built in apps include File Explorer, Internet Explorer, Video Player, Rich text editor, RSS reader, Paint, Calculator and Games.
• Provides an option to install new applications.
• Requires Silverlight 2 player to operate.
• Easy to use, no registration required.

Check out Windows4all @ www.windows4all.com (by Srikanth AD from Firefox Ninjas)

Feature Overview

• Get personal online desktop and keep your media files online. Access your files anytime, from anywhere.
• Upload and organize your files online. Upload from PC or get files directly from URL.
• Store and share up-to 3GB of photos, videos, music and documents from one place.
• Wixi Universal Flash Player: listen to your music, view photos, and stream videos.
• Invite friends to Wixi: Acess and get each other’s files with one click.
• Embed stored files on your, website or profile page.
• Need more storage space? Disturbed by ads? Subscribe to one of Wixi premium services.

Note: Wixi currently works as an invite only service so to get Wiki account you mayb either join their waiting list (pretty fast) or request an invite from MakeUseOf. If you want one invite from us just drop me an email at ‘aibek[at]makeuseof.com’.

Check out Wixi @ www.wixi.com

Goowy Features

• Get highly customizable startpage incl. hundreds of all kind of widgets (clock, noteboard, sudoku, etc.)
• Organize your feeds and widgets in multiple tabs.
• Flexible feedreader and podcast player.
• Integrated email, calendar and instant messaging clients.
• Bookmark manager.
• File Manager: Upload, Store, Manage and Share files online.
• Access your music from anywhere using Goowy music player.
• Contact and Task (ToDo) management tools.
• Dozens of free flash games.
• Try Goowy demo here (no login requred).
• Leran more about in Goowy FAQ page.

Go to Goowy @ [www.goowy.com]

“Jooce is your very own, private online desktop ““ with public file sharing capabilities. A highly-secure, online space to keep, view, listen to ““ and instantly share with friends ““ all your files, photos, music and video.”

Jooce Features

• Securely store and organize your files online – photos, music, documents, videos – with drag’n drop ease.
• Easily share files with friends.
• Watch videos, view photos, listen to music, play games. (from any computer)
• Communication tools: integrated email, chat, etc.
• Option to customize look and feel of the desktop according to your taste.

Jooce Demo Tutorial (1)

Jooce Demo Tutorial (2)

Check out Jooce @ www.jooce.com