Microsoft Virtual Labs

As many of you might be aware, Microsoft has a whole set of "Virtual Labs" available online. This gives anyone a chance to test drive some of Microsofts offerings, without having to download a 120-day trial version of the software. What you get is a downloadable manual and a 90-minute block of time for each module. They've also recently started offering something called "Virtual Lab Express", which are quick 30-minute hands-on overviews. Virtual Labs work in a way that enables just about everyone to test and play around with some of Microsoft's software. You do need Internet Explorer 6 and the ability to install an ActiveX control and you will need to sign up for the service. The Virtual Labs work in the same way as the current simulations on any of the Microsoft Certification Exams. The Virtual Lab Manual gives you step by step instructions on how to complete the lab. Give it a try, it's a very good way to get to know Microsoft best practices and get your hands "dirty" without having to install the whole base OS, set up a domain and Active Directory to be able to try out something. It's still virtualization, but in a slightly different manner than VMWare and Virtual PC.

Posted by Christian Mohn aka h0bbel