Install and evaluate SQL Server 2014

In my previous post I summarized the features that are special to SQL Server 2014 (Hekaton). Things will move very fast where data is concerned.

http://hodentek.blogspot.com/2013/06/hekaton-becomes-sql-server-2014.html

Now you can get the full product guide (
SQL_Server_2014_CTP1_Product_Guide.zip, 23.3 MB) from here:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=39269

After downloading you can use any of these OS:Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista, Windows XP. Make sure you have enabled ActiveX Controls and plug-ins.
-----------
The following is quoted from the Visual Studio site,
 "The SQL Server 2014 CTP will expire after 180 days or on Dec. 31, 2013, whichever comes first. Download options include an ISO DVD image, CAB file or Azure version. Microsoft recommends the ISO or CAB version to test the software's new in-memory capabilities"

Some of these should be known before you install:

• SQL Server 2014 CTP1 is only supported on x64 architecture

• You have to use SSMS installed with SQL Server 2014 CTP1 to administer

• There is no feature pack associated with SQL Server 2012 CTP1

• Use SQL Server 2014 CTP1 on Windows Azure for testing the features and not performance testing.
• You can update SQL Server 2012 SP1 to SQL Server 2014 CTP1

On what platforms can you install SQL Server 2014 CTP?

It is not very clear if it can be installed on Windows 7 and Windows 8. The documentation is sparse. 

http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/sqlserver/en-US/54d55a4a-c372-4c4e-9574-4526e9cc7fde/sql-server-2014-ctp-on-a-desktoplaptop

I did try it on Windows 7(x64) and the rules check did not complain (of course I have others that I should remove):