Hi All:
I ordered build 5384 via disk. But, I wanted to proceed faster so I downloaded the ISO file and burned it to a DVD.
When installing, I wanted to keep my well-functioning XP Pro system intact as far as possible. So, my approach was to image my system to an external using Ghost and then to a new internal. Subsequently, I installed Beta 2 as an upgrade. All in all, I was very successful.
At first, things were pretty entertaining. I have never seen so many "things" come at me in such a short period of time. I finally got everything mostly tamed--with the initial bads being no Bluetooth, no Ghost, no MacDrive, and limited Synaptic's Touch-Pad functioning. Most things seem to work well, although it is too early to know how well for sure.
If you are using MacDrive, then I suggest that you uninstall it before doing an upgrade; it can be annoying until you finally get it turned off. Also, I would unintall Ghost (Beta 2 can't do so), anything AOL, anything McAfee (a requirement), and the Google Desktop.
I have a few persistent bads. First, I have am having a great deal of trouble staying connected to one of our network printers. I think I am getting the hang of getting it back when it disappears. Second, I struggle to stay connected with our Linksys WRT54GS. I hoped to solve this by problem substituting Linksys high-gain antennas, but the problem persists. So, maybe I have a driver problem here and with the printer too. Third, I always use single clicks to open files, etc. But, using that option is something of a nightmare for me with an inadequate Synaptics touchpad driver. So, I swithced back to double clicks--which is better. Now, I only accidentally click on online links when I move over them or stay on them too long. Still, Synaptics think is a pain. I don't like mice, but my laser mouse works well.
Right now I am using my XP drive--because the Linksys browsing problem is so annoying. I would greatly appreciate it is anyone could help me on this one especially.
I have noticed some new features that I really like. I like the new Pocket PC interface (Mobile PC as I recall)/syncer--which I use with my Pharos 525. Also, I like Media Player 11, although I have not done much with it. I did use it to sync some tunes with with my Pharos. I also like some of the new items in the Control Panel--e.g., Programs, Welcome Center (it helped), Windows Mobile (of course), Personalize, Performance Rating, etc. I got a 1 in performance. ~(;^)
Note that a variety of my previously existing programs appear to be working well, although my tests have been very limited. Those apparantly working well are Word, Excel, Analyze It for Excel, MM Jukebox, FireFox, iTunes, Photoshop/Imageready CS2, Quicken, QuickTime, and G-Tech Pass Pro RR. All are the latest versions.
I have had no freezes. However, lots of Beta 2 features do not work, as best I can tell, or do not work well. Some windows are slow to open or don't open, and some seem to come and go as they please. While I like Beta 2 and plan to keep using it provided that no deal breakers turn up or persist, I have trouble believing that Vista is near to being ready to go even from the perspective of mundane day-to-day functioning. I understand that the new developers-only version (5456) is much better. Boy, would I like to get a hold of that. (Hint)
A few emoticons.
