Finally, the Windows Vista Beta 2 has reached the hands of the public. Although it is a trial version, it is creating an enthusiastic buzz among computer enthusiasts, second only to the World Cup.
To successfully install this latest operating system, you should pay attention to at least the following six points:
1. Your computer should be equipped with a DVD drive.
Users in the U.S. can order a DVD containing Windows Vista Beta 2 from Microsoft for $6, plus $4 for shipping. However, those outside the U.S. can only download it.
The download size of Windows Vista Beta 2 is over 3GB, and downloading with DSL will take between 2 to 9 hours. You cannot install from the downloaded version stored on your hard drive; you must burn all downloaded content onto a DVD for installation from that DVD.
2. You cannot revert to the previous operating system while installing Windows Vista Beta 2.
Microsoft advises that before installing Windows Vista Beta 2 on any computer, users should back up all important data, as the installation process could completely erase data from the hard drive partition containing it.
Once the installation of Windows Vista Beta 2 has begun, users cannot revert to their previous version of Windows. In other words, Windows Vista Beta 2 will entirely replace the old Windows. Microsoft recommends using Norton Ghost by Symantec to create a backup of the old Windows before installing Windows Vista Beta 2, so that if any issues arise, the computer can be restored to its previous state.
3. Be cautious about all security issues related to Windows Vista Beta 2.
Microsoft warns that users need to carefully consider before installing and trying out Windows Vista Beta 2. Since this is a beta version, Microsoft has limited responsibility for any issues it may cause to users.
Problems may arise in various aspects, such as incompatibility with many hardware devices available on the computer, as well as potential conflicts with software and security tools that users install afterward. Users should also minimize using Windows Vista Beta 2 for online transactions, especially in high-value electronic business deals.
4. Windows Vista Beta 2 will expire on June 1, 2007.
5. Windows Vista Beta 2 will not be able to update everything for the official version of Windows Vista.
6. Recommendations for users of pirated Windows.
For those using pirated Windows, it’s best to forget downloading Windows Vista Beta 2 because Microsoft always checks the license code of the Windows version being downloaded. However, if someone is fortunate enough to have a DVD of Windows Vista Beta 2 with an installation code, the installation process will proceed normally.
THUY KHANH
