Monday, February 13, 2006
TechNet Virtual Labs
Woo hoo! I love TechNet. So, I knew about TechNet virtual labs but didn't have an occasion to use them until my server crashed recently and I had to re-install and configure ISA (Internet Security & Acceleration) server 2004. Writing code all day I avoid configuring networks, servers, and related software unless I must. ISA can be particularly challenging.
This time around though I found a TechNet virtual lab and viola!
If you don't Microsoft provides free learning documentation that is very thorough and professionally written. To facilitate hands on experience they also provide virtual computers that you can remote into and actually try the exercises. For example, the ISA lab has four computers configured into a network, which permits you to view all sides of the network. Configure the ISA server and then switch focus to outside the network and immediately test your configuration.
These computers are probably virtual PC instances, but they are definitely an invaluable learning aid especially if you are trying to learn something new and challenging.
Needless to say I was able to do most of the ISA configuration myself and all of it relative to the new MS Exchange instance. (I should mention though that ISA 2004 is significantly more user friendly than ISA 2000.)
I encourage you to find a Microsoft TechNet virtual lab next time you need to try something new.
This time around though I found a TechNet virtual lab and viola!
If you don't Microsoft provides free learning documentation that is very thorough and professionally written. To facilitate hands on experience they also provide virtual computers that you can remote into and actually try the exercises. For example, the ISA lab has four computers configured into a network, which permits you to view all sides of the network. Configure the ISA server and then switch focus to outside the network and immediately test your configuration.
These computers are probably virtual PC instances, but they are definitely an invaluable learning aid especially if you are trying to learn something new and challenging.
Needless to say I was able to do most of the ISA configuration myself and all of it relative to the new MS Exchange instance. (I should mention though that ISA 2004 is significantly more user friendly than ISA 2000.)
I encourage you to find a Microsoft TechNet virtual lab next time you need to try something new.
# posted by PaulKi : 6:50 AM
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