a quick word nda s all

Just want to get a few things sorted here... because there's a lot of repitition and a lot of anger it seems...
1) The latest build of Windows Vista is 5342. Because it's not a CTP and because it's not a Beta, it's purely an interim build. They released it because they are heading towards the milestone of Beta 2 of which *will* be public. Expect this in April/May perhaps.
2) They wanted the technical testers (the guys who have access to Connect and the beta newsgroups) to see that they have fixed loads of bugs ready for Beta 2... a bit like a confidence boost to us testers.
3) *NOBODY* else other than the technical testers - so MSDN and TechNet, and TechNet Plus, and Microsoft Partners, nobody gets the build other than the technical testers and there's a 32-bit and a 64-bit version waiting for those who haven't downloaded it yet.
4) Please nobody keep going on about NDA's and violations and all that... there isn't an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) with Windows Vista because it's such a big beta, they can't expect people to be quiet about it. They do have however, a Terms of Conditions which actually comes with Microsoft Connect and not the beta program itself.
5) We *are* allowed to blog about Vista, as well as post screenshots, and articles and tweaks and anything funnily enough, with Vista. The things we are *not* allowed to do, are redistribute downloads that we have access to. So, Connect folks can't dish out Connect downloads to other people - MSDN people can't dish out downloads from their sites... otherwise you can expect to get your subscription cancelled with no refund, or get kicked out the beta program
I hope this sorts things out - and hopefully gets some things cleared up :o)
-- Zack Whittaker » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: www.msblog.org » Vista Knowledge Base: www.vistabase.co.uk » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, Ghandi, my mother or my cat. Glad we cleared that up!

Well said that man :)
Scøtt Live Messenger FAQs - http://wlm.scottisafool.co.uk/
Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor) wrote:

Just want to get a few things sorted here... because there's a lot of repitition and a lot of anger it seems...
1) The latest build of Windows Vista is 5342. Because it's not a CTP and because it's not a Beta, it's purely an interim build. They released it because they are heading towards the milestone of Beta 2 of which *will* be public. Expect this in April/May perhaps.
2) They wanted the technical testers (the guys who have access to Connect and the beta newsgroups) to see that they have fixed loads of bugs ready for Beta 2... a bit like a confidence boost to us testers.
3) *NOBODY* else other than the technical testers - so MSDN and TechNet, and TechNet Plus, and Microsoft Partners, nobody gets the build other than the technical testers and there's a 32-bit and a 64-bit version waiting for those who haven't downloaded it yet.
4) Please nobody keep going on about NDA's and violations and all that... there isn't an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) with Windows Vista because it's such a big beta, they can't expect people to be quiet about it. They do have however, a Terms of Conditions which actually comes with Microsoft Connect and not the beta program itself.
5) We *are* allowed to blog about Vista, as well as post screenshots, and articles and tweaks and anything funnily enough, with Vista. The things we are *not* allowed to do, are redistribute downloads that we have access to. So, Connect folks can't dish out Connect downloads to other people - MSDN people can't dish out downloads from their sites... otherwise you can expect to get your subscription cancelled with no refund, or get kicked out the beta program
I hope this sorts things out - and hopefully gets some things cleared up :o)

BTW: anyone correct me if I'm wrong on the 2nd and 4th one... pretty sure I'm correct on that, but just want to make sure :o)
-- Zack Whittaker » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: www.msblog.org » Vista Knowledge Base: www.vistabase.co.uk » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, Ghandi, my mother or my cat. Glad we cleared that up!
--- Original message follows --- ""Scøtt Lovegrove [ScottIsAFool]"" wrote in message

Well said that man :)
Scøtt Live Messenger FAQs - http://wlm.scottisafool.co.uk/
Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor) wrote: Just want to get a few things sorted here... because there's a lot of repitition and a lot of anger it seems...
1) The latest build of Windows Vista is 5342. Because it's not a CTP and because it's not a Beta, it's purely an interim build. They released it because they are heading towards the milestone of Beta 2 of which *will* be public. Expect this in April/May perhaps.
2) They wanted the technical testers (the guys who have access to Connect and the beta newsgroups) to see that they have fixed loads of bugs ready for Beta 2... a bit like a confidence boost to us testers.
3) *NOBODY* else other than the technical testers - so MSDN and TechNet, and TechNet Plus, and Microsoft Partners, nobody gets the build other than the technical testers and there's a 32-bit and a 64-bit version waiting for those who haven't downloaded it yet.
4) Please nobody keep going on about NDA's and violations and all that... there isn't an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) with Windows Vista because it's such a big beta, they can't expect people to be quiet about it. They do have however, a Terms of Conditions which actually comes with Microsoft Connect and not the beta program itself.
5) We *are* allowed to blog about Vista, as well as post screenshots, and articles and tweaks and anything funnily enough, with Vista. The things we are *not* allowed to do, are redistribute downloads that we have access to. So, Connect folks can't dish out Connect downloads to other people - MSDN people can't dish out downloads from their sites... otherwise you can expect to get your subscription cancelled with no refund, or get kicked out the beta program
I hope this sorts things out - and hopefully gets some things cleared up :o)

Kevin knows this. He is just a Moron.
-- Peter
Please Reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others Requests for assistance by email can not and will not be acknowledged.
"Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor)" wrote in message

BTW: anyone correct me if I'm wrong on the 2nd and 4th one... pretty sure I'm correct on that, but just want to make sure :o)
-- Zack Whittaker » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: www.msblog.org » Vista Knowledge Base: www.vistabase.co.uk » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, Ghandi, my mother or my cat. Glad we cleared that up!
--- Original message follows --- ""Scøtt Lovegrove [ScottIsAFool]"" iwantalivemessengerinvite@googlemail.com> wrote in message Well said that man :)
Scøtt Live Messenger FAQs - http://wlm.scottisafool.co.uk/
Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor) wrote: Just want to get a few things sorted here... because there's a lot of repitition and a lot of anger it seems...
1) The latest build of Windows Vista is 5342. Because it's not a CTP and because it's not a Beta, it's purely an interim build. They released it because they are heading towards the milestone of Beta 2 of which *will* be public. Expect this in April/May perhaps.
2) They wanted the technical testers (the guys who have access to Connect and the beta newsgroups) to see that they have fixed loads of bugs ready for Beta 2... a bit like a confidence boost to us testers.
3) *NOBODY* else other than the technical testers - so MSDN and TechNet, and TechNet Plus, and Microsoft Partners, nobody gets the build other than the technical testers and there's a 32-bit and a 64-bit version waiting for those who haven't downloaded it yet.
4) Please nobody keep going on about NDA's and violations and all that... there isn't an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) with Windows Vista because it's such a big beta, they can't expect people to be quiet about it. They do have however, a Terms of Conditions which actually comes with Microsoft Connect and not the beta program itself.
5) We *are* allowed to blog about Vista, as well as post screenshots, and articles and tweaks and anything funnily enough, with Vista. The things we are *not* allowed to do, are redistribute downloads that we have access to. So, Connect folks can't dish out Connect downloads to other people - MSDN people can't dish out downloads from their sites... otherwise you can expect to get your subscription cancelled with no refund, or get kicked out the beta program
I hope this sorts things out - and hopefully gets some things cleared up :o)

On Sun, 26 Mar 2006 12:21:00 +0100, Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor) wrote:

Just want to get a few things sorted here... because there's a lot of repitition and a lot of anger it seems...

Well said Zack! -- Tekguru (Daron Brewood) MS-MVP/Mobile Devices
Webmaster: UKs largest Pocket PC Site http://www.4WinMobile.com

Thank you, Zack! You've hit the nail on the head, and now, maybe the Beta Police will cease and desist. :-} NOT gonna happen, though. Because Beta Police have one track minds...
The only thing you missed is that we're also not allowed to "repeat" anything that's said in the beta newsgroups. Like some dipstick did when they lifted Wendy's post and gave it to Neowin, signature and all.
"Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor)" wrote in message

Just want to get a few things sorted here... because there's a lot of repitition and a lot of anger it seems...
1) The latest build of Windows Vista is 5342. Because it's not a CTP and because it's not a Beta, it's purely an interim build. They released it because they are heading towards the milestone of Beta 2 of which *will* be public. Expect this in April/May perhaps.
2) They wanted the technical testers (the guys who have access to Connect and the beta newsgroups) to see that they have fixed loads of bugs ready for Beta 2... a bit like a confidence boost to us testers.
3) *NOBODY* else other than the technical testers - so MSDN and TechNet, and TechNet Plus, and Microsoft Partners, nobody gets the build other than the technical testers and there's a 32-bit and a 64-bit version waiting for those who haven't downloaded it yet.
4) Please nobody keep going on about NDA's and violations and all that... there isn't an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) with Windows Vista because it's such a big beta, they can't expect people to be quiet about it. They do have however, a Terms of Conditions which actually comes with Microsoft Connect and not the beta program itself.
5) We *are* allowed to blog about Vista, as well as post screenshots, and articles and tweaks and anything funnily enough, with Vista. The things we are *not* allowed to do, are redistribute downloads that we have access to. So, Connect folks can't dish out Connect downloads to other people - MSDN people can't dish out downloads from their sites... otherwise you can expect to get your subscription cancelled with no refund, or get kicked out the beta program
I hope this sorts things out - and hopefully gets some things cleared up :o)
-- Zack Whittaker » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: www.msblog.org » Vista Knowledge Base: www.vistabase.co.uk » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, Ghandi, my mother or my cat. Glad we cleared that up!

-- Nancy Ward MVP

<very wide grin>
"Peter Foldes" wrote in message Kevin knows this. He is just a Moron.
-- Peter
Please Reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others Requests for assistance by email can not and will not be acknowledged.
"Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor)" wrote in message

BTW: anyone correct me if I'm wrong on the 2nd and 4th one... pretty sure I'm correct on that, but just want to make sure :o)
-- Zack Whittaker » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: www.msblog.org » Vista Knowledge Base: www.vistabase.co.uk » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, Ghandi, my mother or my cat. Glad we cleared that up!
--- Original message follows --- ""Scøtt Lovegrove [ScottIsAFool]"" iwantalivemessengerinvite@googlemail.com> wrote in message Well said that man :)
Scøtt Live Messenger FAQs - http://wlm.scottisafool.co.uk/
Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor) wrote: Just want to get a few things sorted here... because there's a lot of repitition and a lot of anger it seems...
1) The latest build of Windows Vista is 5342. Because it's not a CTP and because it's not a Beta, it's purely an interim build. They released it because they are heading towards the milestone of Beta 2 of which *will* be public. Expect this in April/May perhaps.
2) They wanted the technical testers (the guys who have access to Connect and the beta newsgroups) to see that they have fixed loads of bugs ready for Beta 2... a bit like a confidence boost to us testers.
3) *NOBODY* else other than the technical testers - so MSDN and TechNet, and TechNet Plus, and Microsoft Partners, nobody gets the build other than the technical testers and there's a 32-bit and a 64-bit version waiting for those who haven't downloaded it yet.
4) Please nobody keep going on about NDA's and violations and all that... there isn't an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) with Windows Vista because it's such a big beta, they can't expect people to be quiet about it. They do have however, a Terms of Conditions which actually comes with Microsoft Connect and not the beta program itself.
5) We *are* allowed to blog about Vista, as well as post screenshots, and articles and tweaks and anything funnily enough, with Vista. The things we are *not* allowed to do, are redistribute downloads that we have access to. So, Connect folks can't dish out Connect downloads to other people - MSDN people can't dish out downloads from their sites... otherwise you can expect to get your subscription cancelled with no refund, or get kicked out the beta program
I hope this sorts things out - and hopefully gets some things cleared up :o)

-- Nancy Ward MVP

Well, it makes Wendy even more famous then she is eh <G> Does annoy me how people flaunt all the rules to get there first.... what about Paul Thurrott and his site? How the hell does he get the releases when he's not even on Connect? :-o
-- Zack Whittaker » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: www.msblog.org » Vista Knowledge Base: www.vistabase.co.uk » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, Ghandi, my mother or my cat. Glad we cleared that up!
--- Original message follows --- "Nancy Ward" wrote in message

Thank you, Zack! You've hit the nail on the head, and now, maybe the Beta Police will cease and desist. :-} NOT gonna happen, though. Because Beta Police have one track minds...
The only thing you missed is that we're also not allowed to "repeat" anything that's said in the beta newsgroups. Like some dipstick did when they lifted Wendy's post and gave it to Neowin, signature and all.
"Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor)" wrote in message Just want to get a few things sorted here... because there's a lot of repitition and a lot of anger it seems...
1) The latest build of Windows Vista is 5342. Because it's not a CTP and because it's not a Beta, it's purely an interim build. They released it because they are heading towards the milestone of Beta 2 of which *will* be public. Expect this in April/May perhaps.
2) They wanted the technical testers (the guys who have access to Connect and the beta newsgroups) to see that they have fixed loads of bugs ready for Beta 2... a bit like a confidence boost to us testers.
3) *NOBODY* else other than the technical testers - so MSDN and TechNet, and TechNet Plus, and Microsoft Partners, nobody gets the build other than the technical testers and there's a 32-bit and a 64-bit version waiting for those who haven't downloaded it yet.
4) Please nobody keep going on about NDA's and violations and all that... there isn't an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) with Windows Vista because it's such a big beta, they can't expect people to be quiet about it. They do have however, a Terms of Conditions which actually comes with Microsoft Connect and not the beta program itself.
5) We *are* allowed to blog about Vista, as well as post screenshots, and articles and tweaks and anything funnily enough, with Vista. The things we are *not* allowed to do, are redistribute downloads that we have access to. So, Connect folks can't dish out Connect downloads to other people - MSDN people can't dish out downloads from their sites... otherwise you can expect to get your subscription cancelled with no refund, or get kicked out the beta program
I hope this sorts things out - and hopefully gets some things cleared up :o)
-- Zack Whittaker » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: www.msblog.org » Vista Knowledge Base: www.vistabase.co.uk » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, Ghandi, my mother or my cat. Glad we cleared that up!

-- Nancy Ward MVP

As if Wendy can stand any more fame; what she needs is fortune! She's provided it to us, that's for sure!
Well, that T guy's got a connection somewhere within Microsoft, and somebody else is turning a blind eye. The only thing I can come up with. Somebody's gotta be the bad guy; the infamous one; the one everybody loves to hate. And I'm sure PT's making a bundle by being that guy.
One other thought: It could be that Microsoft is using the Win Supersite for its own reasons. :-}
Personally, I'd rather be in Wendy's shoes. Everybody loves Wendy! Wendy Rocks!
"Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor)" wrote in message

Well, it makes Wendy even more famous then she is eh <G Does annoy me how people flaunt all the rules to get there first.... what about Paul Thurrott and his site? How the hell does he get the releases when he's not even on Connect? :-o
-- Zack Whittaker » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: www.msblog.org » Vista Knowledge Base: www.vistabase.co.uk » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, Ghandi, my mother or my cat. Glad we cleared that up!
--- Original message follows --- "Nancy Ward" wrote in message Thank you, Zack! You've hit the nail on the head, and now, maybe the Beta Police will cease and desist. :-} NOT gonna happen, though. Because Beta Police have one track minds...
The only thing you missed is that we're also not allowed to "repeat" anything that's said in the beta newsgroups. Like some dipstick did when they lifted Wendy's post and gave it to Neowin, signature and all.
"Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor)" wrote in message Just want to get a few things sorted here... because there's a lot of repitition and a lot of anger it seems...
1) The latest build of Windows Vista is 5342. Because it's not a CTP and because it's not a Beta, it's purely an interim build. They released it because they are heading towards the milestone of Beta 2 of which *will* be public. Expect this in April/May perhaps.
2) They wanted the technical testers (the guys who have access to Connect and the beta newsgroups) to see that they have fixed loads of bugs ready for Beta 2... a bit like a confidence boost to us testers.
3) *NOBODY* else other than the technical testers - so MSDN and TechNet, and TechNet Plus, and Microsoft Partners, nobody gets the build other than the technical testers and there's a 32-bit and a 64-bit version waiting for those who haven't downloaded it yet.
4) Please nobody keep going on about NDA's and violations and all that... there isn't an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) with Windows Vista because it's such a big beta, they can't expect people to be quiet about it. They do have however, a Terms of Conditions which actually comes with Microsoft Connect and not the beta program itself.
5) We *are* allowed to blog about Vista, as well as post screenshots, and articles and tweaks and anything funnily enough, with Vista. The things we are *not* allowed to do, are redistribute downloads that we have access to. So, Connect folks can't dish out Connect downloads to other people - MSDN people can't dish out downloads from their sites... otherwise you can expect to get your subscription cancelled with no refund, or get kicked out the beta program
I hope this sorts things out - and hopefully gets some things cleared up :o)
-- Zack Whittaker » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: www.msblog.org » Vista Knowledge Base: www.vistabase.co.uk » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, Ghandi, my mother or my cat. Glad we cleared that up!

-- Nancy Ward MVP

-- Nancy Ward MVP

All I know is, information posted in the private beta newsgroups and on connect.microsoft.com is private, nothing else and some designated chat sessions. -- -- Andre Windows Connect | http://www.windowsconnected.com Extended64 | http://www.extended64.com Blog | http://www.extended64.com/blogs/andre http://spaces.msn.com/members/adacosta
"Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor)" wrote in message

BTW: anyone correct me if I'm wrong on the 2nd and 4th one... pretty sure I'm correct on that, but just want to make sure :o)
-- Zack Whittaker » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: www.msblog.org » Vista Knowledge Base: www.vistabase.co.uk » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, Ghandi, my mother or my cat. Glad we cleared that up!
--- Original message follows --- ""Scøtt Lovegrove [ScottIsAFool]"" iwantalivemessengerinvite@googlemail.com> wrote in message Well said that man :)
Scøtt Live Messenger FAQs - http://wlm.scottisafool.co.uk/
Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor) wrote: Just want to get a few things sorted here... because there's a lot of repitition and a lot of anger it seems...
1) The latest build of Windows Vista is 5342. Because it's not a CTP and because it's not a Beta, it's purely an interim build. They released it because they are heading towards the milestone of Beta 2 of which *will* be public. Expect this in April/May perhaps.
2) They wanted the technical testers (the guys who have access to Connect and the beta newsgroups) to see that they have fixed loads of bugs ready for Beta 2... a bit like a confidence boost to us testers.
3) *NOBODY* else other than the technical testers - so MSDN and TechNet, and TechNet Plus, and Microsoft Partners, nobody gets the build other than the technical testers and there's a 32-bit and a 64-bit version waiting for those who haven't downloaded it yet.
4) Please nobody keep going on about NDA's and violations and all that... there isn't an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) with Windows Vista because it's such a big beta, they can't expect people to be quiet about it. They do have however, a Terms of Conditions which actually comes with Microsoft Connect and not the beta program itself.
5) We *are* allowed to blog about Vista, as well as post screenshots, and articles and tweaks and anything funnily enough, with Vista. The things we are *not* allowed to do, are redistribute downloads that we have access to. So, Connect folks can't dish out Connect downloads to other people - MSDN people can't dish out downloads from their sites... otherwise you can expect to get your subscription cancelled with no refund, or get kicked out the beta program
I hope this sorts things out - and hopefully gets some things cleared up :o)

Although if we ask the right people nicely, we can sometimes post some chat sessions, but all depends on what's for the public eye and what's not :o) Wendy's usually OK with it, but it does depend :o)
-- Zack Whittaker » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: www.msblog.org » Vista Knowledge Base: www.vistabase.co.uk » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, Ghandi, my mother or my cat. Glad we cleared that up!
--- Original message follows --- "Andre Da Costa [Extended64]" wrote in message

All I know is, information posted in the private beta newsgroups and on connect.microsoft.com is private, nothing else and some designated chat sessions. -- -- Andre Windows Connect | http://www.windowsconnected.com Extended64 | http://www.extended64.com Blog | http://www.extended64.com/blogs/andre http://spaces.msn.com/members/adacosta
"Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor)" wrote in message BTW: anyone correct me if I'm wrong on the 2nd and 4th one... pretty sure I'm correct on that, but just want to make sure :o)
-- Zack Whittaker » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: www.msblog.org » Vista Knowledge Base: www.vistabase.co.uk » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, Ghandi, my mother or my cat. Glad we cleared that up!
--- Original message follows --- ""Scøtt Lovegrove [ScottIsAFool]"" iwantalivemessengerinvite@googlemail.com> wrote in message Well said that man :)
Scøtt Live Messenger FAQs - http://wlm.scottisafool.co.uk/
Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor) wrote: Just want to get a few things sorted here... because there's a lot of repitition and a lot of anger it seems...
1) The latest build of Windows Vista is 5342. Because it's not a CTP and because it's not a Beta, it's purely an interim build. They released it because they are heading towards the milestone of Beta 2 of which *will* be public. Expect this in April/May perhaps.
2) They wanted the technical testers (the guys who have access to Connect and the beta newsgroups) to see that they have fixed loads of bugs ready for Beta 2... a bit like a confidence boost to us testers.
3) *NOBODY* else other than the technical testers - so MSDN and TechNet, and TechNet Plus, and Microsoft Partners, nobody gets the build other than the technical testers and there's a 32-bit and a 64-bit version waiting for those who haven't downloaded it yet.
4) Please nobody keep going on about NDA's and violations and all that... there isn't an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) with Windows Vista because it's such a big beta, they can't expect people to be quiet about it. They do have however, a Terms of Conditions which actually comes with Microsoft Connect and not the beta program itself.
5) We *are* allowed to blog about Vista, as well as post screenshots, and articles and tweaks and anything funnily enough, with Vista. The things we are *not* allowed to do, are redistribute downloads that we have access to. So, Connect folks can't dish out Connect downloads to other people - MSDN people can't dish out downloads from their sites... otherwise you can expect to get your subscription cancelled with no refund, or get kicked out the beta program
I hope this sorts things out - and hopefully gets some things cleared up :o)

Nancy Ward wrote:

As if Wendy can stand any more fame; what she needs is fortune! She's provided it to us, that's for sure!
Well, that T guy's got a connection somewhere within Microsoft, and somebody else is turning a blind eye. The only thing I can come up with. Somebody's gotta be the bad guy; the infamous one; the one everybody loves to hate. And I'm sure PT's making a bundle by being that guy.
One other thought: It could be that Microsoft is using the Win Supersite for its own reasons. :-}
Personally, I'd rather be in Wendy's shoes. Everybody loves Wendy! Wendy Rocks!
"Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor)" wrote in message Well, it makes Wendy even more famous then she is eh <G Does annoy me how people flaunt all the rules to get there first.... what about Paul Thurrott and his site? How the hell does he get the releases when he's not even on Connect? :-o
-- Zack Whittaker » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: www.msblog.org » Vista Knowledge Base: www.vistabase.co.uk » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, Ghandi, my mother or my cat. Glad we cleared that up!
--- Original message follows --- "Nancy Ward" wrote in message Thank you, Zack! You've hit the nail on the head, and now, maybe the Beta Police will cease and desist. :-} NOT gonna happen, though. Because Beta Police have one track minds...
The only thing you missed is that we're also not allowed to "repeat" anything that's said in the beta newsgroups. Like some dipstick did when they lifted Wendy's post and gave it to Neowin, signature and all.
"Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor)" wrote in message Just want to get a few things sorted here... because there's a lot of repitition and a lot of anger it seems...
1) The latest build of Windows Vista is 5342. Because it's not a CTP and because it's not a Beta, it's purely an interim build. They released it because they are heading towards the milestone of Beta 2 of which *will* be public. Expect this in April/May perhaps.
2) They wanted the technical testers (the guys who have access to Connect and the beta newsgroups) to see that they have fixed loads of bugs ready for Beta 2... a bit like a confidence boost to us testers.
3) *NOBODY* else other than the technical testers - so MSDN and TechNet, and TechNet Plus, and Microsoft Partners, nobody gets the build other than the technical testers and there's a 32-bit and a 64-bit version waiting for those who haven't downloaded it yet.
4) Please nobody keep going on about NDA's and violations and all that... there isn't an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) with Windows Vista because it's such a big beta, they can't expect people to be quiet about it. They do have however, a Terms of Conditions which actually comes with Microsoft Connect and not the beta program itself.
5) We *are* allowed to blog about Vista, as well as post screenshots, and articles and tweaks and anything funnily enough, with Vista. The things we are *not* allowed to do, are redistribute downloads that we have access to. So, Connect folks can't dish out Connect downloads to other people - MSDN people can't dish out downloads from their sites... otherwise you can expect to get your subscription cancelled with no refund, or get kicked out the beta program
I hope this sorts things out - and hopefully gets some things cleared up :o)
-- Zack Whittaker » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: www.msblog.org » Vista Knowledge Base: www.vistabase.co.uk » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, Ghandi, my mother or my cat. Glad we cleared that up!

-- Nancy Ward MVP

AMEN to that Nancy. Wendy ROCKS!!!!! As for Paul Thurrott, I think he's a semi-official reviewer for Microsoft. One of the Press Pass people, if you will. If you look at WindowsITPro, a lot of the contributors (read Ben Smith, for one) are actual Microsoft employees. So, I figure that since the magazine is that tight with Microsoft, it stands to reason that Paul (and anyone else working there) will have an inside track on products.
I've never met him, but I have looked at his site. And I've found some useful information there. So, I do recommend it to people. He may be arrogant and whatever else people say about him. But, if his information is right-on, that's more important.

Well, mostly pretty much, but "we" as used implies that "we" have access under one-and-same terms, which is probably not so. For many years the rule of thumb I have applied is that if MS has indicated it is OK or has disclosed existence/character of to public, then it is out from under my NDA terms. Otherwise, if it was under it remains under.
-- Roger Abell Microsoft MVP (Windows Server : Security)
"Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor)" wrote in message

Just want to get a few things sorted here... because there's a lot of repitition and a lot of anger it seems...
1) The latest build of Windows Vista is 5342. Because it's not a CTP and because it's not a Beta, it's purely an interim build. They released it because they are heading towards the milestone of Beta 2 of which *will* be public. Expect this in April/May perhaps.
2) They wanted the technical testers (the guys who have access to Connect and the beta newsgroups) to see that they have fixed loads of bugs ready for Beta 2... a bit like a confidence boost to us testers.
3) *NOBODY* else other than the technical testers - so MSDN and TechNet, and TechNet Plus, and Microsoft Partners, nobody gets the build other than the technical testers and there's a 32-bit and a 64-bit version waiting for those who haven't downloaded it yet.
4) Please nobody keep going on about NDA's and violations and all that... there isn't an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) with Windows Vista because it's such a big beta, they can't expect people to be quiet about it. They do have however, a Terms of Conditions which actually comes with Microsoft Connect and not the beta program itself.
5) We *are* allowed to blog about Vista, as well as post screenshots, and articles and tweaks and anything funnily enough, with Vista. The things we are *not* allowed to do, are redistribute downloads that we have access to. So, Connect folks can't dish out Connect downloads to other people - MSDN people can't dish out downloads from their sites... otherwise you can expect to get your subscription cancelled with no refund, or get kicked out the beta program
I hope this sorts things out - and hopefully gets some things cleared up :o)
-- Zack Whittaker » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: www.msblog.org » Vista Knowledge Base: www.vistabase.co.uk » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, Ghandi, my mother or my cat. Glad we cleared that up!

Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor) wrote:

5) We *are* allowed to blog about Vista, as well as post screenshots, and articles and tweaks and anything funnily enough, with Vista.

I think the only limitation here is that if you do post screenshots, or write about it, make sure you properly attribute it as Microsoft Windows Vista. -- Tom Porterfield

But of course yeh :o)
-- Zack Whittaker » ZackNET Enterprises: www.zacknet.co.uk » MSBlog on ResDev: www.msblog.org » Vista Knowledge Base: www.vistabase.co.uk » This mailing is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. All opinions expressed are those of myself unless stated so, and not of my employer, best friend, Ghandi, my mother or my cat. Glad we cleared that up!
--- Original message follows --- "Tom Porterfield" wrote in message

Zack Whittaker (R2 Mentor) wrote: 5) We *are* allowed to blog about Vista, as well as post screenshots, and articles and tweaks and anything funnily enough, with Vista.
I think the only limitation here is that if you do post screenshots, or write about it, make sure you properly attribute it as Microsoft Windows Vista. -- Tom Porterfield