FAO Vista Beta testers

I've just run the Vista Advisor prog. to see how compatible my system is. No
real hardware problems, but quite a number of programmes may have a prob. I

pmj...

As is to be expected, cos far too many Programs (that Run on WinXP)
were designed taking advantage of its relatively poor (& poorly
designed) Security features.

It was far too easy to let stuff (both legitimate & also MalWare stuff)
get Installed on a PC Running WinXP (as you have already found out,
several times, haven't you?)

Vista is at least making an *attempt* to be a bit more stringent about
what can get Installed (& what stuff can do, once it's Installed)

But many of it's (so-called) "Security" Features are basically
patching up a broken Concept & just put the Onus on the *User* to
choose what happens - so many people will *still* choose the wrong
choice, when the many "Warnings" Pop Up, asking them what to do...

& a lot of the Security Features can be turned off, so many people
will turn them off, rather than have to keep seeing the warnings.

would not normally touch a new OS for at least 18 months, but Aria are
offering a free upgrade voucher when you buy a copy of XP now. Not being one
to miss a freebie................ should I jump into the deep end?? :)

pmj...

Eh?
How is that a "Freebie"? - if yo uhave to buy a Copy of WinXP to
get it?
Surely, you already *have* a working copy of WinXP? - So why buy
another one?

BoyPete...

Cos I need a copy to update a W98 system :)

pmj...

That all depends how well you can swim!!!
:-)

(& on what's swimming around in/under the water)!
:-)

Steve...

I've been running Vista since build 5384 now running RC2 5744 with no
major problems, the only S/W issues I had was with Nero. I have this
machine tri boot with XP Pro, Vista x86 5744 and Vista x86 5840, I keep
daily backups of everything and on a couple of occasions have been
needed. Ive found the latest 5840 build to be more unstable than 5744, I
think its because of my ATi graphics driver. Like you though I would not
run a new OS as my main OS for approx 12 months into its life cycle, but
as its a freebie why not go for it and set-up a dual boot system.

BoyPete...

One of my software probs apparently is Ati cayalyst control centre. I
presume ATi are preparing updates. (cough)
The upgrade voucher is for 'basic' but I guess that will surfice for most
things. Thanks for your comments Steve :)

Ponder...

Vista Basic won't even cope with my very most basic of needs. When it
says Basic it really means BASIC. It's crippled.

Mike Tullett...

I wouldn't make Vista the main OS for some time, but it is worth getting
(if free) and dual booting, as I am doing already, and will be doing when
it is finally out very soon. It can be annoying with all the user
restrictions in it, but most of them can be easily turned off.

I doubt it will be seen as such a big jump as XP was from 95 and 98, but
there are some attractive features it in. Maybe after about a year, when
SP1 is out, you would make it main OS.

BoyPete...

Thanks Mike. I guess you're running the equivelant if what is called
'ultimate'? Are the clever bits worth having, or is basic ok? :)

Mike Tullett...

My default has always been "Ultimate" for the last 16 months and I haven't
a clue just how cut down "Basic" is in comparison. Maybe MS will soon have
details on their website. I see Paul Thurrott has some info on the various
versions here:

It seems Amazon are offering the ultimate version for only Ł325:-)