There are several posts out there talking about using Windows Server 2008 as a Super Workstation. At home, I dual-boot between Windows Server 2008 x64 and Vista Ultimate x64. Server is for video editing and development using Hyper-V using three monitors because I'm not in SLI. When I want to game, I dropdown to a lean instance of Vista with a minimum of services enabled with SLI enabled. I also use Vista for maintenance tasks like backing up and defragging, because software companies (including Microsoft) still don't get that some people may want to use server products at home. I'm using a Hyper-V more and more and dual-booting on my laptop is not really feasible because I need constant access to email, CorpNet, and Office. I don't watch movies on my laptop, so the lack of Media Center isn't an issue. The biggest concern for me was whether or not my aircard would work since I'm constantly on the road. I'm happy to report that I posted this from Windows Server 2008 x64 running on my laptop connected through my Sierra WirelessUSBConnect 881. I'll keep the dual-boot configuration for awhile, but I know I'll be spending more time in my Server image.
During TechReady7, Kirk Evans pulled William Oellermann aside to film an MSE video for Channel 9.
Kirk also has a nice post about it on his blog: http://blogs.msdn.com/kaevans/archive/2008/08/09/talking-with-william-oellermann-about-the-managed-services-engine.aspx
Our team is working hard, so it is always nice to see a little publicity. :)
-Chris
I'm getting a jumpstart and migrating my team's HOL/ILL content to Hyper-V. The process was surprisingly simple and very mechanical for Vista and Windows Server 2008 based images.
1) Using VMRCplus, uninstall the Virtual Machine Additions. If you aren't using VMRCplus to manage your Virtual Server instance, then you are missing out.
2) Copy the VHD to your Hyper-V drives location.
3) Create a new Virtual Machine, but specify that you want to use an existing drive. Select the drive you just copied.
4) In the settings for your Virtual Machine, change the number of Virtual Processors to something other than 1 just because you can. :)
5) Inside your Virtual Machine running under Hyper-V, go to System Configuration under Administrative Tools or type msconfig from the Command Prompt.
6) Under the Boot tab, select the installation. Probably just one entry since this is a VM.
7) Click Advanced Options.
8) Select Detect HAL. This is why it is simple for Vista and Windows Server 2008, because this isn't available in Windows XP or Windows Server 2003.
9) Reboot.
10) Install Hyper-V Integration Services that are analogous, but not equivalent, to the VM Additions. Verify that the Detect HAL checkbox is no longer selected.
11) Reboot.
12) Now, you are ready to enjoy your enlightened VM.
In case you missed it, SQL Sever 2008 RTM was made available from TechNet and MSDN subscriber downloads.
I spent the day Sunday in Atlanta watching 10 Years for the second time, and what amounts to seeing Soundgarden, Audioslave, and Linkin Park for the first time. This was the best show I've ever been to... period. As you can see from the pics, Lori and I were in the very front of the main stage pit. Cornell crowd surfing and fighting with security to stay in the pit was unexpected and completely awesome. Linkin Park just crushed it, and the crowd was the most electric I've ever seen.
I just back to the Southeast from Seattle, where I spent a week at Microsoft's internal technical conference speaking, delivering labs, and attending sessions. This continues to be a large investment Microsoft makes to maintain a high level of field readiness. It is a great benefit and a great opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the globe. It is now time to prep for the SOA Symposium (http://www.soasymposium.com), where I'll be delivering two sessions. That probably means I'll be skipping an exciting PDC 2008, but I'm pretty sure I'll be hitting the SOA & BP Conference or TechReady8.