Vista Beta-2 Software Question

[stevem326]

I'm thinking about installing Vista Beta-2 when it becomes available to the public on 5/27 but I have a question.

Do you think my anti-virus software (McAfee), anti-spyware software (Webroot), and firewall software (Zone Alarm) would actually work in Vista? I'm guessing they probably wouldn't since they were all developed for XP/ME/98/95 before Vista even came out.

So, if I do install Vista, this means I'll be going onto the internet without any protection from viruses, hackers, or spyware...correct?

 

[stash]

The only one you really need is the AV. I don't know if it will work or not.

Vista has built in firewall and antispyware software.

 

[stevem326]

Originally posted by: stash
The only one you really need is the AV. I don't know if it will work or not.

Vista has built in firewall and antispyware software.

Cool, thanks for the reply. So, at least I'd be covered by their anti-spyware and firewall (assuming it's a halfway strong firewall that is)...and I could always try installing McAfee within Vista...either it will work or it won't.

 

[stash]

The Windows firewall is more than 'halfway strong' It's an improved version of the one in XP SP2 and 2003 SP1.

 

[stevem326]

Originally posted by: stash
The Windows firewall is more than 'halfway strong' It's an improved version of the one in XP SP2 and 2003 SP1.

Okay, great...well I might just take the plunge and install it when it comes out then. If I have a blank partition on my hard drive, could I just install it there and create a dual boot system with XP on one partition and Vista on the other?

 

[stash]

Yes, but you need to install XP first if you want to dual boot. The rule is always install the older OS first then the newer one. When you install Vista second, you'll get the Vista bootloader that you need for everything to work.

 

[stevem326]

Originally posted by: stash
Yes, but you need to install XP first if you want to dual boot. The rule is always install the older OS first then the newer one. When you install Vista second, you'll get the Vista bootloader that you need for everything to work.

Thanks a lot...I may give this a try then. I appreciate all of your feedback (just realized you work for MS, so that's kinda cool). Thanks.

 

[stash]

NP Just make sure you have good backups of your data in case something goes wrong. It is still a beta after all. I'm sure when it is released, it will come with plenty of warnings to that effect.

 

[stevem326]

Yep, I've got that covered. I do backups on a regular basis, even when I'm not planning on doing any major system work like this.

So, is 5/27 (or thereabouts) actually the date Vista Beta-2 will be released to the public?

Thanks again!

 

[stash]

So, is 5/27 (or thereabouts) actually the date Vista Beta-2 will be released to the public?

The best I can give you is Q2 2006.

 

[stevem326]

Cool, that's fine...thanks again for the info and advice!

 

[spyordie007]

Just thought I would add in - If you do run into issues with McAfee dont forget to bug them.

I had some issues with McAfee AV Enterprise 8.0 running the earlier builds (havent had a chance to test it with the recent builds, shame on me).

Erik

 

[stevem326]

Originally posted by: spyordie007
Just thought I would add in - If you do run into issues with McAfee dont forget to bug them.

I had some issues with McAfee AV Enterprise 8.0 running the earlier builds (havent had a chance to test it with the recent builds, shame on me).

Erik

By "bug them", do you mean make MS aware of the issues? Or, McAfee?

 

[stash]

He means file a bug report on the issue and submit it to MS. There should be a way for everyone who downloads the beta to file bugs.

 

[ProviaFan]

Speaking of things that should be "bugged" in the coming Vista beta, what is to be made of compatibility [or lack thereof] with legacy XP drivers? If I were to find, for example, that the drivers for my color calibration hardware wouldn't install, is this just to be expected, or should I file a report on it?

 

[stevem326]

Originally posted by: stash
He means file a bug report on the issue and submit it to MS. There should be a way for everyone who downloads the beta to file bugs.

Gotcha, thanks a lot. I've never been a beta tester before so I don't have the lingo down yet

 

[pkme2]

Verrrrry Interesting..........
I'm waiting and watching too.

 

[MBrown]

Originally posted by: pkme2
Verrrrry Interesting..........
I'm waiting and watching too.

5/27? I'm definately going to get me a copy of this beta!!!

 

[thescreensavers]

No, they will not work, the only one that works is avast. this has been tested

 

[stash]

Originally posted by: thescreensavers
No, they will not work, the only one that works is avast. this has been tested

I assume you are talking about AV software? I know for a fact etrust works, because that is what Microsoft uses.

 

[AstroGuardian]

McAfee works on Vista. I tested it and did not run into problems. AVG Antivirus 7.1 works great also. Tested it too.
But PandaAntivirus Titanium 2005 and 2006 do not work with Vista. Tried to run them in Windows XP compatibility mode but doesn't work.

Have a nice day