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Vista Evaluation.

  • 27-04-2007 3:32pm
    #1
    SeanW
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,167 ✭✭✭


    I've heard that there's a Vista evaluation mode or programme or something, but I don't know too much about it.

    Is there a "try-before you buy" scheme for Windows Vista?

    Because if so, I'd be interested in using it on a trial basis to determine when, (or indeed if,) to buy it and start using it. I'd like to know how well all my hardware and software works with it, and if the new stuff like DVD authoring and the eye candy is worth the migration.

    (Note to mods: I have no interest whatsoever in using illegal/unlicensed Vista or Evaluation mode hacking or anything like that. I'm simply looking for information about evaluation)


Comments

  • #2
    aidan_walsh
    Closed Accounts Posts: 17,208 ✭✭✭✭aidan_walsh


    There were some public limited-time beta programs at various late stages of Vista's development, though Microsoft no longer offer the download for those.


  • #3
    seamus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 68,317 ✭✭✭✭seamus


    Was it not documented that you could use an upgrade disk to install an evaluation version?


  • #4
    jor el
    Closed Accounts Posts: 16,713 ✭✭✭✭jor el


    When you install there's a 30 day grace period in which to activate Vista. During this 30 days Vista is fully functional, Windows Update and all. After 30 days you have to activate or remove it as it won't work any more. I'm not sure if this is officially a trial period that people without a valid license can use but I did read somewhere that the 30 day period is fully functional in order to allow people to check out all of Vista's features before committing to buy. You can also install Vista without a license key (can be entered later before activating), so I'd guess it is.


  • #5
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 93,596 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    jor el wrote:
    When you install there's a 30 day grace period in which to activate Vista. During this 30 days Vista is fully functional, Windows Update and all. After 30 days you have to activate or remove it as it won't work any more.
    Been that way with XP since 2001
    Windows 95 beta was set to Date expire - so it's been standard microsoft practice on desktop OS's since mid 1994 at least.

    Server OS's on the other hand typically have eval versions that time expire - with windows 2003 server you can still get 6 months and with a few tweaks it's not a bad desktop OS.


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