Microsoft Virtual Labs - August 2006:

Did you ever want to try Microsoft's newest software and applications in a sandbox environment? Wouldn't it be great to be able to test new software and applications immediately, without formatting hard drives or dedicating one or more computers to the project? Now you can, with the TechNet and MSDN Virtual Labs.

The Virtual Lab Program allow you to quickly evaluate or learn how to build great applications for Windows and the Web, through a series of guided, hands-on labs which can be completed in 90 minutes. The best part is, you can begin accessing them immediately—FREE -- with no installation required. Take a look at the great labs we’re offering below…

 

TechNet Virtual Labs

Antigen

With a layered, multiple scan engine approach, Antigen products help stop the latest threats before they impact business and users. Find out about this latest Microsoft technology by taking a Virtual Lab today.

NEW LABS: Exchange

Learn how to take advantage of key features of Exchange Server 2003. This lab provides exploration of the Microsoft Active Directory and Exchange management packs and walk-through server configurations. In addition, you'll explore anti-spam and SMTP security features, migration from Exchange Server 5.5, disaster recovery and more. The new Exchange Mobility Lab has arrived!

ISA Server

In these virtual labs, you'll experiment with ISA's advanced application-layer firewall, VPN, and Web cache solution. Gain exposure to new features in ISA 2004 and learn more about securing Exchange Server with ISA. The enhanced security of the virtual lab's sandbox environment provides the resources you need for testing ISA's newest features. Be sure to check out the 2 new ISA 2006 Labs that are now LIVE!

Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005

Familiarize yourself with deploying Live Communications Server in our set of virtual labs. Topics covered include: deploying in a single forest, single domain topology, enabling federation, enabling remote access, and deploying Live Communications Server archiving service.

Microsoft Office SharePoint Portal Server 2003

Get first-hand deployment experience through the Virtual Lab series. The Microsoft Office SharePoint Portal Server 2003 hands-on labs will teach you how to set up the portal, organize content on the portal, manage user permissions, create Web Parts for custom tasks, and much more.

Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM) 2005

Take advantage of key features of Microsoft Active Directory and SQL Server management packs as well as new features of MOM 2005. This virtual lab allows you to experiment with managing Exchange and Active Directory and Monitoring SQL Server with MOM 2005 in the enhanced security of a sandbox environment.

Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003

Test the capabilities of SMS 2003 in the sandbox environment of this virtual lab. Experiment with and learn more about SMS 2003 and Microsoft Active Directory integration, patch management, security updates, Office deployment and configuration of SMS for hardware and software asset inventory and usage.

NEW LABS: Office 2007
The Microsoft Office system has evolved from a suite of personal productivity products to a more comprehensive and integrated system. Building on the familiar tools that many people already know, the Microsoft Office system includes programs, servers, services, and solutions designed to work together to help address a broad array of business problems.

NEW LABS: Security

Improve the planning and management of your organization's security strategy with the help of this virtual lab. Familiarize yourself with and test security features of products such as Exchange Server 2003, Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server and Windows Server 2003, and tools including Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) and Software Update Services (SUS).

SQL Server 2005

SQL Server 2005 is Microsoft's next-generation data management and analysis software that will deliver increased scalability, availability, and security to enterprise data and analytical applications while making them easier to create, deploy, and manage. In these labs, you will get to experience many of the new features in SQL Server 2005 including XML support and deep business intelligence integration.

SQL Server Upgrade

In these new SQL Server Upgrade Virtual Labs, you will learn proven techniques and gain valuable experience in performing upgrades involving both the relational database engine and business intelligence components.

Windows Rights Management Services Lab

In this virtual lab, you'll have the opportunity to road-test new and improved features and functionality of Windows Server 2003, including performance, management, and usability enhancements to Microsoft Active Directory. In addition, hands-on labs provide guidance in scripting, Rights Management Services (RMS) and more.

Windows Server 2003

In this virtual lab, you'll have the opportunity to road-test new and improved features and functionality of Windows Server 2003, including performance, management, and usability enhancements to Microsoft Active Directory. In addition, hands-on labs provide guidance in scripting, Rights Management Services (RMS) and more.

Windows Vista

The soon-to-be-released desktop OS, Windows Vista, has been developed from the ground up and includes advancements in security and reliability, along with increased cost and operational efficiencies. For the IT professional, Windows Vista is easier to deploy, and less expensive to maintain, than any earlier version of Windows. And for your end users, Windows Vista's improved performance and reliability add value by allowing people to be more effective while performing their jobs. Get an early peek at improved security, management and productivity by experiencing Windows Vista Beta 2 virtual labs.