Thee Chicago Wolf wrote:
> For those brave enough to want to try it:
> http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/Microsoft_Windows_XP_Service_Pack_3/1197391546/1
Shenan wrote:
> Just as an additional warning:
>
> BETA equates to "not final version".
>
> Personally - I would not recommend running this on any machine you
> value the data on/don't have a backup of you can revert to in
> short notice. Although it is out in the world now - for public
> consumption -
>
> In other words: You install at your own risk - even more than you
> would if it was a 'final' release - because then you would at
> least you might have options to get some support if things went
> wrong.
>
>
> ** Can you get this straight from Microsoft 'publically'? A
> cursory search (by myself) could not find a legitimate Microsoft
> download link - doesn't mean there isn't one...
Thee Chicago Wolf wrote:
> I believe it does originate from the big MS. Last I checked, release
> candidate is the closest thing to final release and a beta is not a
> release candidate quality product. All responsibility for failures
> or damage from using a non-final product is always that of the
> tester. Companies "leaking" out their beta software to see how it
> behaves in the wild (or writes about it from the tech blogs) has
> become the norm. You can't put the genie back in the bottle and
> knowledge wants to be free.
>
> On the above web site, only the vendor / author or company can put
> the file there. At least, last I checked on the T's & C's of the
> site.
I have no problem with you posting it - I was just adding a warning.
Although generally 'Release Candidate' does mean it is closer to release
date - I have seen products go through several 'Release Candidate' releases
before going final - so this is *still* generally 'beta' in my mind - or to
be more accurate and use my own words: "not final version".
As for the T's and C's of the site...
http://www.betanews.com/help
"How do I list a program on FileForum/BetaNews?
Whether you are the author or just a BetaNews member, you can add programs
to FileForum/BetaNews by visiting:
http://fileforum.betanews.com/addprogram."
However - there is a procedure of checks and balances:
"The FileForum submission process allows you to update a software title
currently on the site, or submit a new program. The procedure is automated,
but our editors must verify all submissions before they appear on the site.
If you are the actual author of this program, you will have access to
changing all information including screenshot, description, links, etc. If
you are not the author, you will still be able to submit basic updates to
the program."
So it is likely legitimate - but that is *not* why I asked if there was a
public Microsoft link... I think it would be better to obtain it directly
from Microsoft however. heh
--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
