Trial copy?

Is it possible to get a trial copy of Vista Business (64-bit)?

I need a 64-bit OS for some technical software I run for my business,
and as a first go decided to try openSUSE 10.2 64-bit (in a dual boot
with Windows XP Pro). But after a couple of months with SUSE I've about
decided it's not for me (too much maintenance). So I would like to
see how Vista does. I haven't been able to find any place to download a
trial though. All the trials I've come across were "pre-release" and
now closed. Is this available?

Thanks for any help with this.

Pat

Pat wrote:
> Is it possible to get a trial copy of Vista Business (64-bit)?
>
> I need a 64-bit OS for some technical software I run for my business,
> and as a first go decided to try openSUSE 10.2 64-bit (in a dual boot
> with Windows XP Pro). But after a couple of months with SUSE I've about
> decided it's not for me (too much maintenance). So I would like to
> see how Vista does. I haven't been able to find any place to download a
> trial though. All the trials I've come across were "pre-release" and
> now closed. Is this available?
>
> Thanks for any help with this.
>
> Pat

I don't know if it has 64 bit available as it doesn't say, but this is
the only way I am aware of to trial Vista. If this does not pan out for
you, you should find a friend with a DVD and install it from there. Do
not activate it as you are just testing it. Either way should give you
at least 30 days to test with.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

--
Priceless quotes in m.p.w.vista.general group:
http://protectfreedom.tripod.com/kick.html

Most recent idiotic quote added to KICK (Klassic Idiotic Caption Kooks):
"They hacked the Microsoft website to make it think a linux box was a
windows box. Thats called hacking. People who do hacking are called
hackers."

"Good poets borrow; great poets steal."
- T. S. Eliot

The poster formerly known as Nina DiBoy wrote:
> Pat wrote:
>> Is it possible to get a trial copy of Vista Business (64-bit)?
>>
>> I need a 64-bit OS for some technical software I run for my business,
>> and as a first go decided to try openSUSE 10.2 64-bit (in a dual boot
>> with Windows XP Pro). But after a couple of months with SUSE I've about
>> decided it's not for me (too much maintenance). So I would like to
>> see how Vista does. I haven't been able to find any place to download a
>> trial though. All the trials I've come across were "pre-release" and
>> now closed. Is this available?
>>
>> Thanks for any help with this.
>>
>> Pat
>
> I don't know if it has 64 bit available as it doesn't say, but this is
> the only way I am aware of to trial Vista. If this does not pan out for
> you, you should find a friend with a DVD and install it from there. Do
> not activate it as you are just testing it. Either way should give you
> at least 30 days to test with.
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
>
>

Thanks for the link, but I really want to test it installed directly on
my system (not a virtualized installation, which I think is what this is).

Unfortunately I don't know anybody who has the DVD either (otherwise I
would borrow it for evaluation purposes). I don't really want to buy it
though until I've tried it, given all the mixed reviews I've read. I'm
very surprised MS doesn't offer some sort trial, given how expensive it is.

If anyone has any other suggestions please let me know.

Thanks,

Pat

Pat wrote:
> The poster formerly known as Nina DiBoy wrote:
>> Pat wrote:
>>> Is it possible to get a trial copy of Vista Business (64-bit)?
>>>
>>> I need a 64-bit OS for some technical software I run for my business,
>>> and as a first go decided to try openSUSE 10.2 64-bit (in a dual boot
>>> with Windows XP Pro). But after a couple of months with SUSE I've about
>>> decided it's not for me (too much maintenance). So I would like to
>>> see how Vista does. I haven't been able to find any place to download a
>>> trial though. All the trials I've come across were "pre-release" and
>>> now closed. Is this available?
>>>
>>> Thanks for any help with this.
>>>
>>> Pat
>> I don't know if it has 64 bit available as it doesn't say, but this is
>> the only way I am aware of to trial Vista. If this does not pan out for
>> you, you should find a friend with a DVD and install it from there. Do
>> not activate it as you are just testing it. Either way should give you
>> at least 30 days to test with.
>>
>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
>>
>>
>
> Thanks for the link, but I really want to test it installed directly on
> my system (not a virtualized installation, which I think is what this is).
>
> Unfortunately I don't know anybody who has the DVD either (otherwise I
> would borrow it for evaluation purposes). I don't really want to buy it
> though until I've tried it, given all the mixed reviews I've read. I'm
> very surprised MS doesn't offer some sort trial, given how expensive it is.
>
> If anyone has any other suggestions please let me know.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Pat

I completely see your point and I also agree that MS should have made
some kind of evaluation download. If I see anything else I'll be sure
to post it here. Good luck in your search.


--
Priceless quotes in m.p.w.vista.general group:
http://protectfreedom.tripod.com/kick.html

Most recent idiotic quote added to KICK (Klassic Idiotic Caption Kooks):
"They hacked the Microsoft website to make it think a linux box was a
windows box. Thats called hacking. People who do hacking are called
hackers."

"Good poets borrow; great poets steal."
- T. S. Eliot

"Pat" <> wrote in message
news:...
> Is it possible to get a trial copy of Vista Business (64-bit)?
>
> I need a 64-bit OS for some technical software I run for my business,
> and as a first go decided to try openSUSE 10.2 64-bit (in a dual boot
> with Windows XP Pro). But after a couple of months with SUSE I've about
> decided it's not for me (too much maintenance). So I would like to
> see how Vista does. I haven't been able to find any place to download a
> trial though. All the trials I've come across were "pre-release" and
> now closed. Is this available?
>
> Thanks for any help with this.
>
> Pat

Pat,

Contrary to what you may have been told.
You may not "borrow"another persons DVD and install from that.
The 30 day period for activation is NOT there to be used as a trial period.
The installation of the software requires that you agreed to be bound under
the terms of the End User License Agreement.
If you do not own a valid license to use this product then your are
effectively pirating the product and using unlicensed software.

The only trial of Widows Vista available for end users who do not have a
TechNet Plus subscription which does give you access to a number of products
for evaluation purposes is the VHD download.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
If your business is serious about trialing Microsoft products then the
minimum price of investing in a TechNet Plus subscription for you would be
worth while.
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/abouttn/default.mspx
--

Mike Brannigan

* Pat:
> Is it possible to get a trial copy of Vista Business (64-bit)?
>
> I need a 64-bit OS for some technical software I run for my business,
> and as a first go decided to try openSUSE 10.2 64-bit (in a dual boot
> with Windows XP Pro). But after a couple of months with SUSE I've about
> decided it's not for me (too much maintenance). So I would like to
> see how Vista does. I haven't been able to find any place to download a
> trial though. All the trials I've come across were "pre-release" and
> now closed. Is this available?
>
> Thanks for any help with this.

Pat,

If you can, borrow a Vista install disk from someone,
and then install without a product key. If you lived near
me, I'd be more than happy to lend you my Vista disk.

Read the info in the link below.
Ed Bott's pinky toe jam knows more than Mike Brannigan.

http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=222

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/e...erts/bott.mspx
Ed Bott is a best-selling author and award-winning journalist who has been a part of the
personal computer industry since the days when an 8-MHz 80286 was a smokin' machine. Ed's
feature stories and columns about Microsoft Windows have appeared regularly in print and on the
Web for more than a decade, and he has written books on nearly every version of Microsoft
Windows. Ed twice won the Computer Press Award for his work on PC Computing's groundbreaking
"Windows SuperGuide," a compendium of tips, tricks, and in-depth explanations. He is also a
three-time winner of the prestigious Jesse H. Neal Award. His books for Microsoft Press include
Faster Smarter Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows XP Inside Out, Deluxe Edition, and
Microsoft Windows Security for Windows XP and Windows 2000. You'll find much more at Ed's Web site.



-Michael

"MICHAEL" <> wrote in message
news:%23y%...
>
>
> * Pat:
>> Is it possible to get a trial copy of Vista Business (64-bit)?
>>
>> I need a 64-bit OS for some technical software I run for my business,
>> and as a first go decided to try openSUSE 10.2 64-bit (in a dual boot
>> with Windows XP Pro). But after a couple of months with SUSE I've about
>> decided it's not for me (too much maintenance). So I would like to
>> see how Vista does. I haven't been able to find any place to download a
>> trial though. All the trials I've come across were "pre-release" and
>> now closed. Is this available?
>>
>> Thanks for any help with this.
>
> Pat,
>
> If you can, borrow a Vista install disk from someone,
> and then install without a product key. If you lived near
> me, I'd be more than happy to lend you my Vista disk.
>
> Read the info in the link below.
> Ed Bott's pinky toe jam knows more than Mike Brannigan.
>
> http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=222
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/e...erts/bott.mspx
> Ed Bott is a best-selling author and award-winning journalist who has been
> a part of the
> personal computer industry since the days when an 8-MHz 80286 was a
> smokin' machine. Ed's
> feature stories and columns about Microsoft Windows have appeared
> regularly in print and on the
> Web for more than a decade, and he has written books on nearly every
> version of Microsoft
> Windows. Ed twice won the Computer Press Award for his work on PC
> Computing's groundbreaking
> "Windows SuperGuide," a compendium of tips, tricks, and in-depth
> explanations. He is also a
> three-time winner of the prestigious Jesse H. Neal Award. His books for
> Microsoft Press include
> Faster Smarter Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows XP Inside Out,
> Deluxe Edition, and
> Microsoft Windows Security for Windows XP and Windows 2000. You'll find
> much more at Ed's Web site.
>
>
>
> -Michael

Both the use of the 30 day grace period for activation and the use of the
"rearm" function to extend this are NOT there to allow the use of the
product for evaluation purposes.
If you do not have a VALID license for Windows Vista then installation
without one is using unlicensed software (also known as piracy.
It really is that simple.
Ed Bott and many others have posted entries about ways to extend the 30 day
period or even try and by pass it completely.
However none of this is relevant.
During the install process you must agree to be bound by the EULA you
cannot do this is you do not hold a valid license for the product and thus
you must not continue the install process otherwise again you are using
unlicensed software. (even eval software is operated under specific
licensing terms from Microsoft when made available)
Windows Vistas is not made available under any licensed terms for evaluation
purposes except as the downloadable VHD or through approved programs such as
TechNet Plus.
(If Windows Visa was available for eval from Microsoft by any other approved
means it would be posted on the site along with all of the other
downloadable eval products. Ask your self the very simple question - are
you allowed to just borrow any software that is sold under licensed terms
from someone and run it for as long as you want or even until it demands
activation because you are "evaluating" it? Of course not - it is no
different with Vista.)
The from a technical perspective what Ed and he other poster have mention is
feasible but it is not permitted under the licensing terms. The OP was
asking about this form a corporate perspective and it would not be advisable
for a corporate body to indulge in unlicensed software usage.
They should either use one of the approved methods or if they have one deal
with their Microsoft Account Manager.
--

Mike Brannigan

"MICHAEL" <> wrote in message
news:%23y%...
>
>
> * Pat:
>> Is it possible to get a trial copy of Vista Business (64-bit)?
>>
>> I need a 64-bit OS for some technical software I run for my business,
>> and as a first go decided to try openSUSE 10.2 64-bit (in a dual boot
>> with Windows XP Pro). But after a couple of months with SUSE I've about
>> decided it's not for me (too much maintenance). So I would like to
>> see how Vista does. I haven't been able to find any place to download a
>> trial though. All the trials I've come across were "pre-release" and
>> now closed. Is this available?
>>
>> Thanks for any help with this.
>
> Pat,
>
> If you can, borrow a Vista install disk from someone,
> and then install without a product key. If you lived near
> me, I'd be more than happy to lend you my Vista disk.
>
> Read the info in the link below.
> Ed Bott's pinky toe jam knows more than Mike Brannigan.
>
> http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=222
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/e...erts/bott.mspx
> Ed Bott is a best-selling author and award-winning journalist who has been
> a part of the
> personal computer industry since the days when an 8-MHz 80286 was a
> smokin' machine. Ed's
> feature stories and columns about Microsoft Windows have appeared
> regularly in print and on the
> Web for more than a decade, and he has written books on nearly every
> version of Microsoft
> Windows. Ed twice won the Computer Press Award for his work on PC
> Computing's groundbreaking
> "Windows SuperGuide," a compendium of tips, tricks, and in-depth
> explanations. He is also a
> three-time winner of the prestigious Jesse H. Neal Award. His books for
> Microsoft Press include
> Faster Smarter Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows XP Inside Out,
> Deluxe Edition, and
> Microsoft Windows Security for Windows XP and Windows 2000. You'll find
> much more at Ed's Web site.
>
>
>
> -Michael

There are beta 3 evaluation versions of 64 bit Windows Server 2008 here -

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/default.mspx

By many accounts it is a better OS than current Vista.


"Pat" <> wrote in message
news:...
> Is it possible to get a trial copy of Vista Business (64-bit)?
>
> I need a 64-bit OS for some technical software I run for my business,
> and as a first go decided to try openSUSE 10.2 64-bit (in a dual boot
> with Windows XP Pro). But after a couple of months with SUSE I've about
> decided it's not for me (too much maintenance). So I would like to
> see how Vista does. I haven't been able to find any place to download a
> trial though. All the trials I've come across were "pre-release" and
> now closed. Is this available?
>
> Thanks for any help with this.
>
> Pat

Mike Brannigan wrote:
> "Pat" <> wrote in message
> news:...
>> Is it possible to get a trial copy of Vista Business (64-bit)?
>>
>> I need a 64-bit OS for some technical software I run for my business,
>> and as a first go decided to try openSUSE 10.2 64-bit (in a dual boot
>> with Windows XP Pro). But after a couple of months with SUSE I've about
>> decided it's not for me (too much maintenance). So I would like to
>> see how Vista does. I haven't been able to find any place to download a
>> trial though. All the trials I've come across were "pre-release" and
>> now closed. Is this available?
>>
>> Thanks for any help with this.
>>
>> Pat
>
> Pat,
>
> Contrary to what you may have been told.
> You may not "borrow"another persons DVD and install from that.
> The 30 day period for activation is NOT there to be used as a trial period.
> The installation of the software requires that you agreed to be bound
> under the terms of the End User License Agreement.
> If you do not own a valid license to use this product then your are
> effectively pirating the product and using unlicensed software.
>
> The only trial of Widows Vista available for end users who do not have a
> TechNet Plus subscription which does give you access to a number of
> products for evaluation purposes is the VHD download.
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
>
> If your business is serious about trialing Microsoft products then the
> minimum price of investing in a TechNet Plus subscription for you would
> be worth while.
> http://www.microsoft.com/technet/abouttn/default.mspx


Ok. I wasn't aware that doing a trial from a borrowed DVD wasn't
allowed. It doesn't make sense to me, but I guess MS can do what they want.

The VHD would allow us to answer some of the questions we have - such as
whether certain (32-bit) software will run correctly. But we have a
64-bit technical application that must (and should) run on this. I don't
know whether VPC can virtualize a 64-bit system when running on Windows
XP. I'm guessing not. Also, I was hoping to do some benchmarks to see
how fast the code would run (compared to tests we've done with Linux).
To get an accurate measure, we would definitely need to have it directly
installed.

Based on this, sounds like our best option is to just buy a cheap copy
off eBay. Too bad MS doesn't make this easier though. I can't imagine
this is good for business, especially now that Linux has become a more
reasonable option.

Pat

"Pat" <> wrote in message
news:%...
> Mike Brannigan wrote:
>> "Pat" <> wrote in message
>> news:...
>>> Is it possible to get a trial copy of Vista Business (64-bit)?
>>>
>>> I need a 64-bit OS for some technical software I run for my business,
>>> and as a first go decided to try openSUSE 10.2 64-bit (in a dual boot
>>> with Windows XP Pro). But after a couple of months with SUSE I've about
>>> decided it's not for me (too much maintenance). So I would like to
>>> see how Vista does. I haven't been able to find any place to download a
>>> trial though. All the trials I've come across were "pre-release" and
>>> now closed. Is this available?
>>>
>>> Thanks for any help with this.
>>>
>>> Pat
>>
>> Pat,
>>
>> Contrary to what you may have been told.
>> You may not "borrow"another persons DVD and install from that.
>> The 30 day period for activation is NOT there to be used as a trial
>> period.
>> The installation of the software requires that you agreed to be bound
>> under the terms of the End User License Agreement.
>> If you do not own a valid license to use this product then your are
>> effectively pirating the product and using unlicensed software.
>>
>> The only trial of Widows Vista available for end users who do not have a
>> TechNet Plus subscription which does give you access to a number of
>> products for evaluation purposes is the VHD download.
>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
>>
>> If your business is serious about trialing Microsoft products then the
>> minimum price of investing in a TechNet Plus subscription for you would
>> be worth while.
>> http://www.microsoft.com/technet/abouttn/default.mspx
>
>
> Ok. I wasn't aware that doing a trial from a borrowed DVD wasn't
> allowed. It doesn't make sense to me, but I guess MS can do what they
> want.
>
> The VHD would allow us to answer some of the questions we have - such as
> whether certain (32-bit) software will run correctly. But we have a
> 64-bit technical application that must (and should) run on this. I don't
> know whether VPC can virtualize a 64-bit system when running on Windows
> XP. I'm guessing not. Also, I was hoping to do some benchmarks to see
> how fast the code would run (compared to tests we've done with Linux).
> To get an accurate measure, we would definitely need to have it directly
> installed.
>
> Based on this, sounds like our best option is to just buy a cheap copy
> off eBay. Too bad MS doesn't make this easier though. I can't imagine
> this is good for business, especially now that Linux has become a more
> reasonable option.
>
> Pat

The current VHD is a 32-bit guest image so would not be suitable for your
app testing.
If you are looking at benchmarking then pretty much an virtual solution will
have some degree of impact on the figures when compared to a real system,
so ideally you do need to test on a real x64 install.

Your best option by far is a TechNet Plus subscription which give you access
to a huge array of Microsoft products for testing and eval purpose (from
operating systems to server products and office applications and beta
releases too).
They are full versions and not time limited
A single user TechNet Plus Direct subscription for whole year is only $349
(for the US, pricing varies a little depending where you are in the world)

--

Mike Brannigan