Problems? Best read this!

[BoaterDave]

An extract (NOT my own work!)
___________________________________________________________________________

Learn from the Mistakes of others. You won't live long enough to make them
all yourself!

#1 Cause of Computer Problems: Installing Programs
#2 Cause of Computer Problems: Uninstalling Programs
#3 Cause of Computer Problems: Video Drivers
#4 Cause of Computer Problems: Running Crash Protection Software
#5 Cause of Computer Problems: Running Antivirus Software in Background or
Autoprotect Mode
Least Likely Cause of Computer Problems: A Virus

Beta software is a test version so buggy that the manufacturer is too
embarrassed to sell or even pretend that it works (and they don't embarrass
easily)

Do Not install Beta software unless it is your job to evaluate or support
software, or your life just doesn't have enough problems.

Do Not install Beta software unless you have a detailed understanding of the
inner workings of your Operating System. This includes how to backup, modify
and restore the Operating System, Applications, Configuration Settings and
Data.

You should expect the Beta software to trash your system to the point that
it won't boot.

You should expect that you will have to reformat your hard drive and
reinstall the Operating System, Applications and Data in order to get a
usable system after using the Beta software. (This is the only reliable way
to remove any software, Beta or Production).

This advice is attributable to Mike, here:
http://pages.prodigy.net/michael_santovec/techhelp.htm

Lots and lots of helpful items on the web site - IMO, well worth a visit!
David B.

PS I've have used MS AntiSpyware(Beta) and Windows OneCare for a while just
out of interest - now removed!

 

[Linuxgirl]

That's a great post and so true.

LG

An extract (NOT my own work!)
___________________________________________________________________________

Learn from the Mistakes of others. You won't live long enough to make
them all yourself!

#1 Cause of Computer Problems: Installing Programs
#2 Cause of Computer Problems: Uninstalling Programs
#3 Cause of Computer Problems: Video Drivers
#4 Cause of Computer Problems: Running Crash Protection Software
#5 Cause of Computer Problems: Running Antivirus Software in
Background or Autoprotect Mode
Least Likely Cause of Computer Problems: A Virus

Beta software is a test version so buggy that the manufacturer is too
embarrassed to sell or even pretend that it works (and they don't
embarrass easily)

Do Not install Beta software unless it is your job to evaluate or
support software, or your life just doesn't have enough problems.

Do Not install Beta software unless you have a detailed understanding
of the inner workings of your Operating System. This includes how to
backup, modify and restore the Operating System, Applications,
Configuration Settings and Data.

You should expect the Beta software to trash your system to the point
that it won't boot.

You should expect that you will have to reformat your hard drive and
reinstall the Operating System, Applications and Data in order to get
a usable system after using the Beta software. (This is the only
reliable way to remove any software, Beta or Production).

This advice is attributable to Mike, here:
http://pages.prodigy.net/michael_santovec/techhelp.htm

Lots and lots of helpful items on the web site - IMO, well worth a
visit! David B.

PS I've have used MS AntiSpyware(Beta) and Windows OneCare for a
while just out of interest - now removed!

--

 

[Guest]

Your idea that beta software is so buggy is incorrect. That is not the
function of a beta test. The fact is that even with the best testing methods
there are certain configurations and paths through the application that
cannot be duplicated in a testing lab. It is used to find issues if there
are any in the thousands of possible permutations that can occur.

 

[Guest]

Hello Matt

I've just noticed your response to me. So sorry I didn't respond before.

I thought I had made it clear that it was NOT my thoughts I was conveying -
simply passing on advice from someone more wise than me (maybe wiser than you
too!) ;-))