Got 9 Friends? You can get Windows 7 DVD for Free

First, answer some simple questions:

1. Do you have a computer at home that can run Windows 7. You may use the free Upgrade Advisor utility to determine if your current Windows XP, Vista or Linux machine* meets the system requirements for Windows 7.

2. Do you have 9 or more friends in town?

3. Do you live in any of the following countries – India, US, UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Italy, Spain or Hong Kong?

If you just said yes to all the above questions, here’s an opportunity for you to grab a free Windows 7 Ultimate DVD shipped to you without charge along with some other Windows 7 goodies straight from Microsoft.

Microsoft will do a public launch of Windows 7 on October 22 and to generate buzz around the event, they are inviting Windows enthusiasts from around the world to throw up small parties at their own homes and show off the new Windows 7 to friends and family members.

You can apply to become a party host at houseparty.com and if selected, you’ll receive a special Signature Edition of Windows 7 Ultimate edition in your mailbox.

You may sign-up to become a host using your existing Facebook account or your Windows Live ID. Microsoft will send you an email sometime in the second week of September to let you know if you are through.

*Though Microsoft has not mentioned Mac users anywhere, I guess you can also apply if your Macbook is running Windows via Parallels, VMWare Fusion, Boot Camp or some other virtualization software.