infoTECH Feature

July 07, 2010

Learn Microsoft Software Through Virtual Labs

By Lance Whitney
Those of you who support Microsoft (News - Alert) software can face a laundry list of products that you need to learn, test, and deploy. From desktop applications like Windows 7 and Office to server programs like Windows Server and SQL Server, the company certainly can keep an IT pro busy.
 
How can you examine and learn the different Microsoft products that you need to work with? One handy option that I often use is the company's Virtual Labs service. Available through Microsoft TechNet, Virtual Labs are essentially online classrooms that let you quickly play with and learn different technologies through a series of step-by-step labs. These free labs can be of value whether you just want to familiarize yourself with a certain product or you need to actually deploy and support that product throughout your organization.
 
The Virtual Labs are especially handy since they save you the time and chore of having to install every desktop and server program that you want to check out. Instead, you get the opportunity to try out a product in a virtual environment complete with step-by-step instructions. Since it's all virtual, no download or installation is required. You just need Internet Explorer 5 or higher, a couple of plugins, and certain browser settings to enable the virtual sessions.
 
To get started, surf to the TechNet Virtual Labs Website. There you'll find the different Microsoft products and technologies available, including Windows (both client and server), SQL Server, Exchange, IIS, SharePoint, and Windows Mobile.
 
Select the product that interests you, such as Windows Server 2008. In return you'll see a list of specific labs available for you to run. Click on any lab, such as "Windows Server 2008: What's New in Active Directory." The site will check to make sure you have the necessary software and plugins to run the lab, and if not, download and install them for you. Wait a few minutes, and the site will build the lab environment for you.
 
You then start your lab, which opens up a virtual session displaying a Windows desktop or application. The steps you need to follow appear on the right side of the screen, though you can also download them in the form of an HTML or PDF file. The steps are clearly written with a minimal amount of jargon, so even those of you new to a particular application or technology will be able to follow along.
 
A virtual chat function lets you talk to other people taking the same lab. And beyond the TechNet labs, developers can attend their own virtual classrooms in the form of MSDN Virtual Labs.
 
I've tried several different virtual sessions on a range of products and found them quite helpful. Some of the labs are short and sweet, offering only a few quick steps; others are more detailed and involve a range of tasks to accomplish. If you need to learn or experiment with one of Microsoft's core technologies, the Virtual Labs can certainly provide a helping hand.
 
 

Lance Whitney is a journalist, IT consultant, and Web Developer with almost 20 years of experience in the IT world. To read more of Lance's articles, please visit his columnist page

Edited by Alice Straight
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