Requirements:
For basic operation you must have at least an 800MHz processor, 512MB RAM, and a 20GB hard drive with 15GB free space. To find out if you meet the requirements to use the various features and display the advanced graphics of Windows Vista, it is highly recommended that you click here to download and run the Vista Upgrade Advisor first.
Versions:
Vista Beta 2 is currently available in x86 (32-bit) and x64 (64-bit) versions in English, German, and Japanese. Support for additional languages will be available at the time of release, which at this time is scheduled for January 2007.
Time Limitations:
1.) Microsoft is offering the downloads and DVD orders for a limited time only...once a set number of people (presumably 2 million) have downloaded Vista Beta 2, no new requests will be accepted.
2.) This is a time-limited demo that will cease to function on June 1, 2007.
This is a BETA!
Remember, this is a Beta, and should be treated as such. It should not be used on a mission-critical computer, nor should it be relied upon for mission-critical tasks. (I cannot stress this enough!) Vista Beta 2 is prone to crashes, is not compatible with all software, and does not yet support a variety of hardware due to driver issues. Those of us here on Cnet and other sites will try to answer any questions that are asked, but due to the nature of the product there are no guarantees that all questions can or will be answered. So, once again, use at your own risk!
Availability:
The first option is to download a copy of Windows Vista Beta 2 yourself. For instructions and the download link,
CLICK HERE. Note that the download of the 32-bit version is 3200MB and the 64-bit version is 4109MB, so a broadband connection is strongly recommended. Due to the size, you will need to burn the ISO to a DVD, and so the computer you wish to install it on must have a DVD-ROM drive. Note that Microsoft is not offering the download as a set of ISOs for burning to CD.
Also note that while the initial rush has subsided, Microsoft’s servers are still bogged down with requests, so it may take an extended period of time to download the ISO. For this reason it is recommended that you use a download manager. I recommend using your own as opposed to Microsoft’s as it has proven itself unreliable in my usage of it. After testing several download managers,/accelerators, ReGet Deluxe (30-day free trial) proved to be the fastest, consistently producing download speeds in excess of 500Kbps while others hovered between 50Kbps and 130Kbps.
Note: If you are receiving an error message that Microsoft’s servers are overwhelmed, you can download the English versions directly: Vista Beta 2 x86 (32-bit) and Vista beta 2 x64 (64-bit). You’ll have to officially register later to receive your Product Key, but this way you can avoid the wait to install.
The other option is to order a DVD containing the Beta from Microsoft. The cost of the CD is free, but you must pay for shipping and handling, and it is not currently available in all countries. You can reach the order form using the link above.
Linear Mode
