How do I get Vista beta?

**MorseLady** · August 14th, 2006, 06:50 AM

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** · August 14th, 2006, 07:02 AM

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvist...y/default.mspx

**emr** · August 14th, 2006, 07:07 AM

Originally Posted by CCT

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvist...y/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** · August 14th, 2006, 07:28 AM

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

**Ferrit** · August 14th, 2006, 09:08 AM

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** · August 14th, 2006, 09:51 AM

The real question is why would you want it?

**Ferrit** · August 14th, 2006, 10:31 AM

Originally Posted by jitBob

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** · August 14th, 2006, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by Ferrit

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** · August 14th, 2006, 10:54 AM

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** · August 14th, 2006, 12:11 PM

Originally Posted by jitBob

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** · August 14th, 2006, 01:03 PM

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** · August 14th, 2006, 03:30 PM

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** · August 15th, 2006, 06:13 AM

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

**slgrieb** · August 15th, 2006, 09:18 PM

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** · August 16th, 2006, 09:43 AM

Originally Posted by emr

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.