Windows Vista Beta | WinVistaBeta.com - Message | Getting Ready for Windows BETA 2 - QuickStarter

September 07, 2008  
Subject: Getting Ready for Windows BETA 2 - QuickStarter
Group: microsoft.public.windows.developer.winfx.announcements,microsoft.public.windows.developer.winfx.general,microsoft.public.windows.vista.general,microsoft.public.windows.vista.installation_setup
Date: 6/7/2006 10:13:23 AM
From: "Andre Da Costa [Extended64]" [Email Address Protection]

This is a multi-part message in MIME format.

------=_NextPart_000_00FD_01C68A1B.0259D6B0
Content-Type: text/plain;
charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

What is Windows Vista BETA 2?
Windows Vista BETA 2 is a test pre-release/preview version of the next =
version of Windows client operating system.

What is the system requirements for running Windows Vista?
Bare minimum:
800 MHz PC
15 GBs of free hard disk space
512 MBs of RAM
64-MBs of vRAM - For AERO Glass

Premium Ready PC:
1GHz PC
20 GBs of free hard disk space
512 MBs of RAM
128 MBs of vRAM
Lear more at the following link:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/evaluate/hardware/vistahard=
ware.mspx=20

How do I install Windows Vista BETA 2?
There are a few methods available, you can use either Virtual Drive =
software such as Daemon Tools 4.03 or NERO Image Drive. You can burn the =
DVD as an image using DVD Burning software such as Roxio or NERO.=20

NERO
Insert a Blank DVD, open Nero StartSmart > change the media type to DVD =
> select Copy and Backup > click "Burn Image to Disc" > navigate to =
where the Windows Vista BETA 2 Image is stored on your hard disk, (note: =
if you don't see it, make sure the image file type is changed to ISO" =
click Open and the burning process will automatically start.=20

Roxio
Open Creator Classic > click File > "Record Disc from Image" > navigate =
to where the Windows Vista BETA 2 Image is stored >click Open and the =
burning process will automatically start.

Ensure that the ISO burns at a low speed, recommended speed, 2x for best =
results.=20

How should I install Windows Vista BETA 2?
This is very important, ensure you are installing on a clean logical =
partition with enough free space. If you have a spare installation of =
Windows XP SP2 you don't mind ruining, you can upgrade from that or you =
can start the new installation by booting from the DVD drive, (make sure =
your boot drive in your BIOS is set to optical drive). I launched setup =
from within XP, type in my Product Key > Accept the EULA > click Custom =
> select the partition you created for Windows Vista.=20

Note: If you want to upgrade Windows XP make sure you launch setup from =
within Windows XP SP2, upgrades are not supported by booting from the =
DVD. Upgrades are not supported for Windows XP Professional x64 Edition =
at all.=20

Most important of all, back up any important data you might have on that =
computer you plan on installing Vista.=20

For persons with SATA/RAID configurations, please ensure you have =
appropriate drivers for either x86 or x64 platform to load when =
requested during setup. Also remove any unnecessary external devices =
that might cause problems detecting during setup, this includes external =
drives and USB based devices.

How long does Windows Vista BETA 2 take to install?
It depends, my install took 35 mins, some install times can vary =
depending on the system configuration, so I would say 35 to 40 mins, but =
don't be surprised if it takes 75 mins.

What happens during setup?
Windows copies files to the disk, expands them, and restarts a couple =
times, install features, installs updates and Completes setup. During =
the install routine there can be signs of delay but usually its just a =
delay and setup will continue just fine.=20

What happens after Windows Vista is installed?=20
After setup Completes, your Computer reboots, you are then taken to the =
Out of Box Experience Page. The first page configures your keyboard, I =
defaulted to US English, > Next is User account information, and =
selecting a nice profile picture, next a nice wallpaper and you are =
ready to start using Windows Vista.=20

Where is the Boot logo?
This has not been finalized yet.

How do I activate Windows Vista?
Click Start > right click Computer > click "Properties" > scroll down > =
under Windows Activation "Click here to activate Windows"? You have a 14 =
day grace period to activate the software or it will go into Reduced =
Functionality Mode and require that you activate the software before =
continued use.=20

Where do you send in bugs and report bugs?
For Feedback:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=3D55160

Feedback reporting tool:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=3D43655

Here are some things to consider when filing a problem report:

Please file your report as soon as possible after you find a problem. =
The sooner we hear from you, the sooner we can investigate and try to =
fix the problem.

Please provide a brief, descriptive title. The title is the first thing =
we see when we get the report, so a succinct, clear title will help us =
effectively identify and prioritize the problem.

Please provide enough detail in the description for us to understand the =
problem. The more detail you can provide, the better.

Please provide the steps we can follow to reproduce the problem. Any =
incorrect or missing steps can prevent us from being able to reproduce =
and address the problem.
If you have any supplemental files, screen shots, etc., that will help =
us investigate the problem, please attach those to your report. Seeing a =
picture can sometimes help us identify the problem more quickly.

Some of my devices are not working, what do I do?

You can do a couple things, check the manufacturers website for updates. =
If your internet connection is working in Windows Vista, I suggest you =
try obtaining the drivers through Windows Update. Click Start > All =
Programs > Windows Update > Turn on Windows Update. A list of available =
updates will then be downloaded, you will have the option to view them, =
do so and check off the appropriate drivers you need and click Install.=20

I need AntiVirus software, are there any out there for Windows Vista?

You are in luck, here are few recommended choices:
http://www3.ca.com/press/PressRelease.aspx?CID=3D88876
http://www.my-etrust.com/Microsoft/vista/default.aspx
here are 2 others:
Avast 4.7 32-bit
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html

https://www.trendbeta.com/index.php?get=3D80
run "Bcdedit.exe /set nointegritychecks ON" from an elevated command =
prompt
on Vista x64 (Thanks Barb Bowman for the tip)

If some thing goes wrong in Windows Vista, you can always try using a =
restore point to fix the problem:
Click Start > right click Computer > click Properties > click Advanced =
System Settings under Taskpane > click System Protection > click System =
Restore and follow the instructions for restore your PC to an earlier =
point.=20

I don't get the new Windows Vista AERO Glass user interface, why?
Windows AERO Glass requires that you have a minimum of 64 MBs video RAM =
that is Direct X 9 compliant and supports the Windows Display Driver =
Model (WDDM), formerly (LDDM). If your video card does not meet these =
requirements, its the likely cause why you are not seeing it. For =
onboard/integrated cards, you need to have 1 GB of dual channel memory =
installed with 512 MBs of RAM allocated to the system.=20

Where is the Windows XP Luna theme?
This has been removed, the only available themes are Windows Classic, =
Standard, Vista Basic and Vista AERO. No word if Luna will return.=20

How can I edit and set the default operating system that starts up when =
I bootup my PC in an easy way?
VistaBootPRO would be your answer, it provides a graphical front end to =
BCDEdit that makes it easy for you define startup settings and edit boot =
entries on the new Windows Longhorn Server/Vista boot manager. =
http://www.pro-networks.org/vistabootpro/

How can I know if my PC is Vista ready or needs upgrading ?
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeadvisor/default.msp=
x
Please note, the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor does not support Windows =
XP Professional x64.

Is it recommended I use Windows Vista in a production environment?
Well, this is a tricky question, since it is pre-released software which =
is still not ready for prime time. My recommendation would be no, its =
still too early and there is a guarantee of failure and there have been =
reports of system failure with Windows Vista BETA 2, so I would use it =
only for curiosity, enthusiasm and giving in feedback about what works =
and what does not work.=20

When will Windows Vista be available in stores and on new PCs?
Volume License customers can expect to receive Windows Vista through =
Software Assurance/Enterprise Agreements in November 2006, while =
consumers can expect to get the software on new PCs and retail copies of =
Vista some time in January of 2007.=20

How much will Windows Vista cost?
Pricing has not been determined yet.

How many editions of Windows Vista will be available?
There will be a total of 6 editions of Windows Vista available through =
different channels.
Starter Edition - only on new PC's in emerging markets such as Asia, =
Mexico, Africa and others.
Home Basic
Home Premium
Business
Enterprise - only available to Volume License Customers under Enterprise =
Agreements
Ultimate Edition
Learn more here: =
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/versions/default.mspx=20

Well, this is just some of what I am working on. Its still subject to =
change and I definitely welcome your feedback, suggestions and =
additional help. I will be posting this on Windows Connected and my =
blog. Anything else you need to know, just reply to it and I will update =
where necessary or add where necessary. Thanks
--=20
--=20
Andre
Windows Connected | http://www.windowsconnected.com
Extended64 | http://www.extended64.com
Blog | http://www.extended64.com/blogs/andre
http://spaces.msn.com/members/adacosta


------=_NextPart_000_00FD_01C68A1B.0259D6B0
Content-Type: text/html;
charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN">
<HTML><HEAD>
<META http-equiv=3DContent-Type content=3D"text/html; =
charset=3Diso-8859-1">
<META content=3D"MSHTML 6.00.2900.2873" name=3DGENERATOR>
<STYLE></STYLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>What is Windows Vista BETA=20
2?</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Windows Vista BETA 2 is a test =
pre-release/preview=20
version of the next version of Windows client operating =
system.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>What is the system requirements =
for running=20
Windows Vista?</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Bare minimum:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>800 MHz PC</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>15 GBs of free hard disk =
space</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>512 MBs of RAM</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>64-MBs of vRAM - For AERO =
Glass</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Premium Ready PC:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>1GHz PC</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>20 GBs of free hard disk =
space</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>512 MBs of RAM</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>128 MBs of vRAM</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Lear more at the following=20
link:</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><A=20
href=3D"http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/evaluate/hardware/v=
istahardware.mspx">http://<FONT=20
color=3D#008000>www.microsoft.com/technet/<B>windows</B><B>vista</B>/eval=
uate/hardware/<B>vista</B>hardware.mspx</A>=20
</FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>How do I install Windows Vista =
BETA=20
2?</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>There are a few methods available, you =
can use=20
either Virtual Drive software such as Daemon Tools 4.03 or&nbsp;NERO =
Image=20
Drive. You can burn the DVD as an image using DVD Burning software such =
as Roxio=20
or NERO. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>NERO</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Insert a Blank DVD, open Nero =
StartSmart &gt;=20
change the media type to DVD &gt; select Copy and Backup &gt; click =
"Burn Image=20
to Disc" &gt; navigate to where the Windows Vista BETA 2 Image is stored =
on your=20
hard disk, (note: if you don't see it, make sure the image file type is =
changed=20
to ISO"&nbsp;click Open and the burning process will automatically =
start.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>Roxio</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Open Creator Classic &gt; click File =
&gt; "Record=20
Disc from Image" &gt; navigate to where the Windows Vista BETA 2 Image =
is stored=20
&gt;click Open and the burning process will automatically =
start.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Ensure that the ISO burns at a =
low speed,=20
recommended speed, 2x for best results. </FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG></STRONG></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>How should I install Windows =
Vista BETA=20
2?</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>This is very important, ensure you are =
installing=20
on a clean logical partition with enough free space. If you have a spare =

installation of Windows XP SP2 you don't mind ruining, you can upgrade =
from that=20
or you can start the new installation by booting from the DVD drive, =
(make sure=20
your boot drive in your BIOS is set to optical drive). I launched setup =
from=20
within XP, type in my Product Key &gt; Accept the EULA &gt; click Custom =
&gt;=20
select the partition you created for Windows Vista. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Note: If you want to upgrade Windows XP =
make sure=20
you launch setup from within Windows XP SP2, upgrades are not supported =
by=20
booting from the DVD. Upgrades are not&nbsp;supported for Windows XP=20
Professional x64 Edition at all. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Most important of all, back up any =
important data=20
you might have on that computer you plan on installing Vista. =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>For persons with SATA/RAID =
configurations, please=20
ensure you have appropriate drivers for either x86 or x64 platform to =
load when=20
requested during setup. Also remove any unnecessary external devices =
that might=20
cause problems detecting during setup, this includes external drives and =
USB=20
based devices.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>How long does Windows Vista =
BETA 2 take to=20
install?</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>It depends, my install took 35 mins, =
some install=20
times can vary depending on the system configuration, so I would say 35 =
to 40=20
mins, but don't be surprised if it takes 75 mins.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG></STRONG></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>What happens during=20
setup?</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; =
mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; =
mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><FONT=20
face=3DArial size=3D2>Windows copies files to the disk, expands them, =
and restarts a=20
couple times, install features, installs updates and Completes setup. =
During the=20
install routine there can be signs of delay but usually its just a delay =
and=20
setup will continue just fine. </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; =
mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; =
mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><FONT=20
face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT></SPAN>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>What happens after Windows =
Vista is=20
installed?</STRONG> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>After setup Completes, your Computer =
reboots, you=20
are then taken to the Out of Box Experience Page. The first page =
configures your=20
keyboard, I defaulted to US English, &gt; Next is User account =
information, and=20
selecting a nice profile picture, next a nice wallpaper and you are =
ready to=20
start using Windows Vista. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Where is the Boot=20
logo?</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>This has not been finalized =
yet.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>How do I activate Windows=20
Vista?</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Click Start &gt; right click =
<STRONG>Computer=20
</STRONG>&gt; click <STRONG>"Properties" </STRONG>&gt; scroll down &gt; =
under=20
Windows Activation&nbsp;"Click here to activate Windows"? You have a 14 =
day=20
grace period to activate the software or it will go into Reduced =
Functionality=20
Mode and require that you activate the software before continued use.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Where do you send in bugs and =
report=20
bugs?</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV>
<P><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>For Feedback:<BR></FONT><A =
href=3D""><U><FONT=20
color=3D#0000ff><FONT face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=3D55160</FONT></U></FONT>=
</A><BR><BR><FONT=20
face=3DArial size=3D2>Feedback reporting tool:<BR></FONT><A=20
href=3D"http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=3D43655"><U><FONT =
color=3D#0000ff><FONT=20
face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=3D43655</FONT></U></FONT>=
</A><BR><BR><FONT=20
face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>Here are some things to consider when =
filing a problem=20
report:</STRONG><BR><BR>Please file your report as soon as possible =
after you=20
find a problem. The sooner we hear from you, the sooner we can =
investigate and=20
try to fix the problem.<BR><BR>Please provide a brief, descriptive =
title. The=20
title is the first thing we see when we get the report, so a succinct, =
clear=20
title will help us effectively identify and prioritize the=20
problem.<BR><BR>Please provide enough detail in the description for us =
to=20
understand the problem. The more detail you can provide, the=20
better.<BR><BR>Please provide the steps we can follow to reproduce the =
problem.=20
Any incorrect or missing steps can prevent us from being able to =
reproduce and=20
address the problem.<BR>If you have any supplemental files, screen =
shots, etc.,=20
that will help us investigate the problem, please attach those to your =
report.=20
Seeing a picture can sometimes help us identify the problem more=20
quickly.</FONT></P>
<P><STRONG><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Some of my devices are not =
working, what do I=20
do?</FONT></STRONG></P>
<P><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>You can do a couple things, check the =
manufacturers=20
website for updates. If your internet connection is working in Windows =
Vista, I=20
suggest you try obtaining the drivers through Windows Update. Click =
Start &gt;=20
All Programs &gt; Windows Update &gt; Turn on Windows Update. A list of=20
available updates will then be downloaded, you will have the option to =
view=20
them, do so and check off the appropriate drivers you need and click =
Install.=20
</FONT></P>
<P><STRONG><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>I need AntiVirus software, are =
there any out=20
there for Windows Vista?</FONT></STRONG></P>
<P><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>You are in luck, here are few recommended =

choices:<BR></FONT><A href=3D""><FONT face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>http://www3.ca.com/press/PressRelease.aspx?CID=3D88876</FONT></A=
><BR><A=20
href=3D""><FONT face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>http://www.my-etrust.com/Microsoft/vista/default.aspx</FONT></A>=
<BR><FONT=20
face=3DArial size=3D2>here are 2 others:<BR></FONT><FONT face=3DArial=20
size=3D2><STRONG>Avast 4.7 32-bit<BR></STRONG></FONT><A href=3D""><FONT =
face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html</FONT></A><BR><BR><A =

href=3D""><FONT face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>https://www.trendbeta.com/index.php?get=3D80</FONT></A><BR><FONT=
face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>run "Bcdedit.exe /set nointegritychecks ON" from an elevated =
command=20
prompt<BR>on Vista x64 (Thanks Barb Bowman for the tip)</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>If some thing goes wrong in =
Windows Vista,=20
you can always try using a restore point to fix the=20
problem:<BR></STRONG>Click&nbsp;Start &gt; right click Computer &gt; =
click=20
Properties &gt; click Advanced System Settings under Taskpane &gt; click =
System=20
Protection &gt; click System Restore and follow the instructions for =
restore=20
your PC to an earlier point. </FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>I don't get the new Windows Vista =
AERO Glass=20
user interface, why?</STRONG><BR>Windows AERO Glass requires that you =
have a=20
minimum of 64 MBs video RAM that is Direct X 9 compliant and supports =
the=20
Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM), formerly (LDDM). If your video card =
does=20
not meet these requirements, its the likely cause why you are not seeing =
it. For=20
onboard/integrated cards, you need to have 1 GB of dual channel memory =
installed=20
with 512 MBs of RAM allocated to&nbsp;the system. </FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>Where is the Windows XP Luna=20
theme?</STRONG><BR>This has been removed, the only available themes are =
Windows=20
Classic, Standard, Vista Basic and Vista AERO. No word if Luna will =
return.=20
</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=3D2><FONT face=3DArial><STRONG>How can I edit and set the =
default=20
operating system that starts up when I bootup my PC in an easy=20
way?</STRONG><BR></FONT></FONT><FONT><FONT face=3DArial =
size=3D2>VistaBootPRO would=20
be your answer, it provides a graphical front end to BCDEdit that makes =
it easy=20
for you define startup settings and&nbsp;edit boot entries on the new =
Windows=20
Longhorn Server/Vista boot manager. </FONT><A=20
href=3D"http://www.pro-networks.org/vistabootpro/"><FONT face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>http://www.pro-networks.org/vistabootpro/</FONT></A></FONT></P>
<P><FONT><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>How can I know if my PC is =
Vista ready=20
or needs upgrading ?</STRONG><BR><FONT color=3D#008000><A=20
href=3D"http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeadvisor/def=
ault.mspx">http://www.microsoft.com/<B>windows</B><B>vista</B>/getready/<=
B>upgrade</B><B>advisor</B>/default.mspx</A><FONT=20
color=3D#000000><BR>Please note, the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor does =
not=20
support Windows XP Professional =
x64.</FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></P><FONT><FONT=20
face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT>
<P><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>Is it recommended I use Windows =
Vista in a=20
production environment?</STRONG><BR>Well, this is a tricky question, =
since it is=20
pre-released software which is still not ready for prime time. My =
recommendation=20
would be no, its still too early and there is a guarantee of failure and =
there=20
have been reports of system failure with Windows Vista BETA 2, so I =
would use it=20
only for curiosity, enthusiasm and giving in feedback about what works =
and what=20
does not work. </FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>When will Windows Vista be =
available in=20
stores and on new PCs?</STRONG><BR>Volume License customers can expect =
to=20
receive Windows Vista through Software Assurance/Enterprise =
Agreements&nbsp;in=20
November 2006, while consumers can expect to get the software on new PCs =
and=20
retail copies of Vista some time in January of 2007. </FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><STRONG>How much will Windows Vista=20
cost?</STRONG><BR>Pricing has not been determined yet.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D2><STRONG>How many editions of =
Windows Vista will=20
be available?</STRONG><BR>There will be a total of 6 editions of Windows =
Vista=20
available through different channels.<BR>Starter Edition - only on new =
PC's in=20
emerging markets such as Asia, Mexico, Africa and others.<BR>Home =
Basic<BR>Home=20
Premium<BR>Business<BR>Enterprise - only available to Volume License =
Customers=20
under Enterprise Agreements<BR>Ultimate Edition<BR><STRONG>Learn more =
here: <A=20
href=3D"http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/versions/default.mspx">http=
://</STRONG><FONT=20
color=3D#008000>www.microsoft.com/<STRONG>windowsvista</STRONG>/<STRONG>v=
ersions</STRONG>/default.mspx</A>=20
</FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
<P>Well, this is just some of what I am working on. Its still subject to =
change=20
and I definitely welcome your feedback, suggestions and additional help. =
I will=20
be posting this on Windows Connected and my blog. Anything else you need =
to=20
know, just reply to it and I will update where necessary or add where =
necessary.=20
Thanks<BR>-- <BR>-- <BR>Andre<BR>Windows Connected | <A=20
href=3D"http://www.windowsconnected.com">http://www.windowsconnected.com<=
/A><BR>Extended64=20
| <A =
href=3D"http://www.extended64.com">http://www.extended64.com</A><BR>Blog =
| <A=20
href=3D"http://www.extended64.com/blogs/andre">http://www.extended64.com/=
blogs/andre</A><BR><A=20
href=3D"http://spaces.msn.com/members/adacosta">http://spaces.msn.com/mem=
bers/adacosta</A><BR></FONT></P></DIV></BODY></HTML>

------=_NextPart_000_00FD_01C68A1B.0259D6B0--


Back