Vista Beta 2 - A few questions about the install

[Guest]

I am about to install Vista Beta 2 from the CD and have a few questions.
Thanks in advance for your time and replies.

1. Upgrade / Separate Install

In the installation notes there is the following sentence: - ".....This
pre-release version of Windows Vista will only support installation upgrade
from Windows XP....."

Does this mean that one has to upgrade XP? I did not want to do that. I
wanted to install Vista in a separate partition and run it totally
independently from XP. When you start the install from the CD does the UI
provide for either an upgrade or a separate install?

2. 32-bit & 64-bit

I would like to install both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions (in separate
partitions) with a view to determining software support in both. Can both
versions be installed simultaneously on the same disk? If "yes" will the
Vista boot loader be able to see all installed OS's (XP-32; Vista-32;
Vista-64) and provide these 3 options for booting? (If possible I DON'T want
to install a separate 3rd-party boot manager).

3. 64-bit driver support

Is there a link to supported hardware under 64-bit? If one's graphic card
was not supported that could result in a little problem

4. Walk-through

I would like to "walk-through" the installation before actually doing it. Is
there a link to a step-by-step walk-through?

5. AntiVirus & Firewall

Most of the "big-name" AV vendors are not supporting Vista 64-bit as yet.
Are there any reliable vendors who are providing a satisfactory AV product
for Vista 64-bit?

I assume Vista has a built-in Firewall like XP?


TiA for your time and advice.

 

[Jimmy Brush]

Hello,

1. Upgrade / Separate Install

In the installation notes there is the following sentence: - ".....This
pre-release version of Windows Vista will only support installation
upgrade
from Windows XP....."

Does this mean that one has to upgrade XP?

No, you can either do a clean install OR upgrade from XP. This is worded a
little funny. What it is trying to say is that if you choose to do an
upgrade, you will only be able to upgrade from Windows XP.

I did not want to do that. I
wanted to install Vista in a separate partition and run it totally
independently from XP. When you start the install from the CD does the UI
provide for either an upgrade or a separate install?

Yes, and it is HIGHLY recommended that you do a clean install to a seperate
partition.

2. 32-bit & 64-bit

I would like to install both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions (in separate
partitions) with a view to determining software support in both. Can both
versions be installed simultaneously on the same disk?
Yes.

If "yes" will the
Vista boot loader be able to see all installed OS's (XP-32; Vista-32;
Vista-64) and provide these 3 options for booting? (If possible I DON'T
want
to install a separate 3rd-party boot manager).

Yes, you don't need a seperate boot manager. Just make sure you don't
install an older version of windows AFTER vista.

3. 64-bit driver support

Is there a link to supported hardware under 64-bit? If one's graphic card
was not supported that could result in a little problem

Nothing official that I am aware of. Here's a website where users have
reported their findings:

http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.php/Windows_Vista_Beta_2_Hardware_Compatibility_List

In general, though, 64-bit vista drivers are much harder to come by than
32-bit drivers. Especially things like printer and sound drivers.

4. Walk-through

I would like to "walk-through" the installation before actually doing it.
Is
there a link to a step-by-step walk-through?
http://www.vistamania.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=403&Itemid=29

5. AntiVirus & Firewall

Most of the "big-name" AV vendors are not supporting Vista 64-bit as yet.
Are there any reliable vendors who are providing a satisfactory AV product
for Vista 64-bit?
Yes.

http://www.avast.com/eng/avast-antivirus-and-windows-vista.html

I assume Vista has a built-in Firewall like XP?

That's correct.

- JB

Vista Support FAQ
http://www.jimmah.com/vista/