Windows 2008 RC1 Enterprise w Hyper-V

Windows 2008 RC1 Enterprise w Hyper-V
Originally uploaded by hellpop555

Talking to my bro, he convinced me to give Windows Server 2008 RC1 Enterprise with Hyper-V beta a try. I was originally going to use Linux and VMware Server, but decided for what I was going to do, why not give Microsoft a chance.

I have used Virtual Server and the predecessors back to the Connectix days. So I am pretty familiar with the Microsoft virtualization solutions. Although, I haven't been too impressed lately with Vista, Server 2008 seems to rock!

From what I have seen, performance and usability of 2008 seem very good. I'm really going to be looking at this more closely.

My host server is a C2D 1.83ghz, 8GB RAM and 2x500GB SATA drives. I've been really happy with performance. Here is a screenshot if me doing two installs at the same time. I'm installing RC1 Core Services and a Win2003 SBS install at the same time from two different DVD drives on my host. Host seemed very quick at the time of the installation.

Anyhow, I'll have more later as I'll be wrestling with clustering next.

What Software Did You Purchase This Year? (2007)

This was an interesting question posed on Lifehacker.

Here is my answer as I remember it. I will try to update it if I remember any other software.

Purchased in 2007:

Non-Games:

• Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate - I got this earlier in the year shortly after it came out. I had hoped to be bleeding edge running this. I surely bled. I tried 64 bit, 32 bit, 64bit and then back to 32 bit. Long story short I'm going to bag Vista again this time for XP.
  
• Microsoft Windows XP Home - I got this to run on Thao's laptop.
  
• Microsoft Windows XP Pro - I got this to run on my Mac Book Pro under VMware Fusion
  
• Microsoft Office Ultimate 2007 - I was trying to hold out and wait for Office 2008 for the Mac to be released. I couldn't wait. I figured I would need Windows based Office to help me in my consulting endeavors.
  
• Microsoft Visio Professional 2007 -Again I decided to get this program to help me in my consulting endeavors. I needed to view and create Visio diagrams.
• Slingmedia Smartphone Slingplayer - I got a Slingbox AV this fall and wanted to be able to use it from my Smartphone. It works great!
  
• Adobe Premiere PRO CS3 - I got this for editing family videos. I recently got it but haven't installed it yet because I wanted to install it on XP when i rebuild my computer.
  
• Apple Mac OS X Leopard - I bought my MacBook Pro in mid September. Which disqualified me for the free update. Bummer. I knew it was a possibility when I bought the MBP, so I accepted it. I like Leopard a lot. I have to say it is really my favorite OS.
  
• VMware Fusion - I got this to run on my Mac. It is really a great program for an IT guy or anyone who wants to run other operating systems and software on your Mac. That's me.
  

Games:

• Bioshock - I bought this game because I had lots of free time due to my unemployment and because I wanted a modern 3D game that could showcase my ATI X1950XTX. Great game but it kind of creeps me out.
  
• Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer - I loved NWN2 and wanted this expansion pack as soon as it came out. Unfortunately I got it around the same time I got Bioshock. I haven't really played it yet. Once I rebuild my machine to XP I'll play it thru.
  
• Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - As an RPG fan, I had to get this. This was billed as one of the greatest RPG of all time. I tried it but couldn't get into the gameplay. Plus at the time my computer didn't run it too well. I only had an ATI Radeon X850XT which would chunk every time it had to load in new textures. Will probably give it another go as well.