Received the Visual Studio .NET 2005 Refresh 1 DVD on Monday and installed it on a computer which had an earlier version of Visual Studio .NET 2005 Beta 1 and it didnt complain and installed with out a hitch.
Started the interface and had a look at the Distributed System template found in the "Other Project Types | Visual Studio Solutions". This was formally called White Horse and it was an impressive feature to work on the application by getting a idea of the environment on which it will be hosted so that bugs and limitations can be detected during the project development rather than the deployment phase.
Going through the Quality Tools and the concept of unit testing is the most impressive one ever seen in the history of Microsoft tools.
Yesterday I received my Windows XP SP2 CD through MSDN and then proceeded to install it on my primary computer (mind the words primary).
Had to take precautions like cleaning out the system with spyware removal tools like Ad-aware and Spy-bot.
Finally after a long time of 2 hours, XP SP2 got installed and then proceeded with the customary steps to inform me how to protect my system. But the funny point is that even though my antivirus scanner was upto date, SP2 cautioned that the antivirus scanner was out of date. May be a future release will check if there are pending updates for antivirus scanners like how it does for windows updates.
Noticed a big deal in performance in the system after SP2. The major ones are:-
1. Outlook Express opening the home page very fast.
2. Browsing speed enhanced with broadband and also loading was instant.
3. Navigation in Windows was better and fast than before.
4. Rebooting is much faster even with the usual start up objects around 20.
Would love to hear from you about ur experiences with SP2.
Does any one have any idea when the CDs will be distributed for VSTS - CTP. I am waiting for it still and hope that it comes soon so that I can start experimenting with its new features for large team working.
Has anyone received them yet. Do let me know.
Those who are aware about the Tech Net Virtual Labs
Ever wanted to test Microsoft's newest software in a sandbox environment? Wouldn't it be great to be able to test new servers immediately, without formatting hard drives or dedicating one or more computers to the project? Now you can, with the TechNet Virtual Lab.
I worked on 2 sessions in Active Directory and it was great and worth experimenting with. But it still has that drawback where the firewalls in corporate organizations have to be configured to allow Port 3389 (Terminal Services Port). Too bad....
Now new labs have been added and they are:-
Exchange
Learn how to take advantage of key features of Exchange Server 2003. This lab provides exploration of the Microsoft Active Directory and Exchange management packs and walk-through server configurations. In addition, you'll explore antispam and SMTP security features, migration from Exchange Server 5.5, disaster recovery and more.
Updated August 11, 2004
ISA
In this virtual lab, you'll experiment with ISA's advanced application-layer firewall, VPN, and Web cache solution. Gain exposure to new features in ISA 2004 and learn more about securing Exchange Server with ISA. The enhanced security of the virtual lab's sandbox environment provides the resources you need for testing ISA's newest features.
Updated August 11, 2004
Microsoft Identity Integration Server (MIIS) 2003
If your organization is looking for an identity and access management solution, step into the MIIS 2003 virtual lab. In this hands-on experience of MIIS 2003, you'll walk-through potential usage scenarios, learn how to synchronize different directories and data sources, automate identity management tasks, and maintain a consistent state of directories over the lifetime of user accounts.
Updated August 11, 2004
Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM) 2005
Take advantage of key features of Microsoft Active Directory and SQL Server management packs as well as new features of MOM 2005. This virtual lab allows you to experiment with managing Exchange and Active Directory and Monitoring SQL Server with MOM 2005 in the enhanced security of a sandbox environment.
Updated August 11, 2004
Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003
Test the capabilities of SMS 2003 in the sandbox environment of this virtual lab. Experiment with and learn more about SMS 2003 and Microsoft Active Directory integration, patch management, security updates, Office deployment and configuration of SMS for hardware and software asset inventory and usage.
Updated August 11, 2004
Security
Improve the planning and management of your organization's security strategy with the help of this virtual lab. Familiarize yourself with and test security features of products such as Exchange Server 2003, Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server and Windows Server 2003, and tools including Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) and Software Update Services (SUS).
Updated August 11, 2004
Windows Server 2003
In this virtual lab, you'll have the opportunity to road-test new and improved features and functionality of Windows Server 2003, including performance, management, and usability enhancements to Microsoft Active Directory. In addition, hands-on labs provide guidance in scripting, Rights Management Services (RMS) and more.