Server 2008 TechNet Virtual Labs

In a recent class I was teaching on Server 2008, one of my students kindly alerted me to a TechNet resource I hadn't yet experienced: the virtual labs. I decided to drop by and take a look (the URL is http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/bb512925.aspx for the Server 2008 virtual labs, and http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/bb467605.aspx for ALL virtual labs).

After logging in with my Microsoft ID and filling in the user profile information that I have now filled in approximately 2,350 times, I clicked the button to launch the virtual lab, and was immediately taken to - the user profile information form that I have now filled in approximately 2,351 times! Nothing if not persistent, I kept clicking Continue until the system actually let me continue. It needed me to download the Virtual Server VMRC ActiveX control, which I dutifully installed, then I had to OK a dialog box on NTLM Authentication. After a short delay, my VM got built and was ready for me.

The PowerShell virtual lab provided 90 minutes of playtime with some pre-built PowerShell scripts (tip: you don't really need to download the associated PDF file because there's a handy "manual" to the right of the Virtual Machine Remote Control area). This was fun and I enjoyed the fact that the lab was interactive. However I was frustrated that Microsoft didn't provide the actual scripts - they were not listed in the downloadable PDF lab manual. Also, watch out - after you register for certain of the TechNet Virtual Labs, a Microsoft representative might call you. So, a mixed blessing, but probably worth checking out. And you can't beat the price.

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