How do I get Vista beta?

[MorseLady]

Been on Planet Mars for the past few months and just learned there is a new Windows called Vista?

I gather the Beta is free? where do I get it and is it available in the UK?

[CCT]

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/default.mspx

[emr]

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/default.mspx

"The Windows Vista Customer Preview Program is now closed for new participants. "

I noticed that a few weeks ago when a friend asked me about getting the beta.

emr

[MobilePCPhysician]

Become an action pack subscriber. cost is 299 per year.

[Ferrit]

You can buy it for 7.95 or some such but you need to be a Microsoft partner or something i think if I read it right

[jitBob]

The real question is why would you want it?

[Ferrit]

The real question is why would you want it?
If ya have the hardware to run it its quite nice actually.
I have the 64 bit version running now.
It still has some issues but it runs fairly well

[jitBob]

If ya have the hardware to run it its quite nice actually.
I have the 64 bit version running now.
It still has some issues but it runs fairly well

Tried the 64 bit version however it does not have the system drivers for my MSI board. Again, why would you want to load a beta operating system that clearly states an expiration date unless you intend on reformating and reloading everything in the future?

[Ferrit]

As i said if you have the hardware
I have several spare systems sitting around just for purposes just like this.
No drivers for the MSI ?
Nforce or VIA?

[emr]

Tried the 64 bit version however it does not have the system drivers for my MSI board. Again, why would you want to load a beta operating system that clearly states an expiration date unless you intend on reformating and reloading everything in the future?

So you know what's coming and can be prepared. Saves you looking like an idiot in front of the first client that buys a new OEM pc with it installed.

Depends on your line of work I guess.

emr

[slgrieb]

Gotta admit to being in the ranks of those who are Beta shy. Unfortunately, the machines I keep as spares really aren't Vista ready or I might have played with it. Still, if past performance is a guide, I expect to score one or more freebies at one of Microsoft's roadshows.

[Ferrit]

I keep spare harddrives to load it on and omahes of my previous stuff and emr is right,
it's coming and I would like to know something about it

[MorseLady]

I am just curious about it although happy to stick with XP Pro but the geek in me want to find out more about new systems and anyway if I ever get this damm MCSA they, meaning M$, will be baying for people to upgrade and take a Vista exam won't they :rolleyes:

[slgrieb]

I agree that all of us in the biz are going to need to be ready to support Vista, but I'm both a MS Channel Partner and a MS System Builder, so I'm going to be exposed to Vista and trained on it and get a few copies before it ships. But when all this happens, it will involve Gold or Release versions of Vista. I'm content to let the explorers find the lions and tigers and bears. Oh, my!

Any experience with the current Beta is subject to change without notice when Vista goes Gold, so I'll do a serious evaluation then. I agree that the Action Pack is a great deal, but I just don't have the time or inclination to evaluate all the offerings. I do appreciate the resumed support MS has offered to small companies over the last few years, though.

[jitBob]

So you know what's coming and can be prepared. Saves you looking like an idiot in front of the first client that buys a new OEM pc with it installed.

Depends on your line of work I guess.

emr

Slgrieb hit the nail on the head. When they get close to release then I will actively persue experience with the product. Computer support is my line of work and has been for well over a decade.

Ferrit, The Vista beta is notorious at MS for not having 64 bit system drivers. Living in close proximity to Redmond and having many friends who are Microsofties, I do tend to get a little more inside knowledge of the beta programs.

[Ferrit]

Jitbob I am very familiar with 64 bit and drivers as I have been running a second XPPRO 64bit system with all the hardware for about 6 months . At this point all I am missing is webcam drivers. Everything else i have inc modem ,capture drivers,printers,tvcard, etc etc.

[jitBob]

Jitbob I am very familiar with 64 bit and drivers as I have been running a second XPPRO 64bit system with all the hardware for about 6 months . At this point all I am missing is webcam drivers. Everything else i have inc modem ,capture drivers,printers,tvcard, etc etc.

I've also been running Xp Pro 64 bit since September of last year. Runs SolidWorks very well and very fast, however it has issues with the AutoCad cam/cad plugins I use. System drivers for Vista 64 bit are problimatic.

[rgharper]

For those who may have missed it - there is currently a public download program running for the Pre-RC1 Vista release in 32-bit only. This project is limited to the first 100,000 downloads and has been running for a couple days now but ... oops, too late, it's gone already. RC1 should be just around the corner and I suspect there will be a big public offering at that point or soon afterwards.

[rgharper]

See the news section - RC1 is out! Public downloads to come soon according to Microsoft. Stay tuned.