Some questions about Vista

I'm obtaining a beta release of Vista (5231, it's the latest x86 version I could find) and I need to know a few things about it. Firstly, how likely is it going to be that stuff like modems, printers etc will work on it without extra drivers? I can see this as being unlikely, but would like to find out anyway. Clearly Vista isn't of great use to me if I can't surf or print, although if i get my router replaced then the first of those problems is eliminated. Second, can you use an update feature on a beta? Or will it say you don't have the "genuine advantage" ?
Thirdly, can you install it to a RAID partition if the drivers are already installed?
I can think of numerous other questions but these will do for now
Cheers