LAUNCH DAY. Windows Server 2008 VS 2008 SQL 2008 Q&A

Today is the start of Launch Day. BillG will do the start in LA.  Then our team will carry that out to 62 other cities around the US.  I thought about what to blog about today.  If you want to watch it live go to www.heroeshappenhere.com There you can also register for your local event or try this new VLE(Virtual Launch Event) I will be helping with that tomorrow.  VLE has a great Q&A info so I thought that would be good to post here.  My first IN-PERSON event will be next Tuesday March 4th in San Antonio, TX. Go vote, and then come see me present on Windows Server 2008.

Heroes Happen Here Virtual Launch Experience (VLE)
Frequently Asked Questions

In this document:

GENERAL LAUNCH QUESTIONS

Q. Where can I get press information for the Heroes Happen Here launch?

A. Please see https://www.microsoft.com/presspass/events/HHHlaunch/default.mspx

Q. Tell me more about the Heroes Happen Here launch activities

A. Find out more about the Heroes Happen Here launch, the launch products, worldwide activities, training & how you can get involved at https://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/default.mspx

Q. I attended the LA launch event and have questions about the Launch Events kit

Or – how do I redeem the vouchers I got at a launch event?

A. Please see https://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/faq.mspx

Q. How can I get the software?

A. One way to get the software is to attend a participating launch event since all event attendees at participating locations are eligible to receive an event kit (subject to availability). See https://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/register/default.mspx for a list of events near you.

Product specific: Windows Server 2008

I installed Windows Server 2008 RC1, how do I obtain the final release version?

Please see https://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/trial-software.aspx

I installed Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V Beta, how do I obtain the final release version of Hyper-V?

Microsoft plans on making the final release version available through Windows Update www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com. Customers who have editions of Windows Server 2008 with Hyper-V Beta, will be able to download the final release version of Hyper-V to update their copy(ies) of Windows Server 2008 at no additional cost.

Product specific: Visual Studio 2008

How can I get Visual Studio 2008?

Try Visual Studio 2008 free for 90 days at https://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vs2008/products/cc268305.aspx

Product specific: SQL Server 2008

I installed SQL Server 2008 CTP 5.0, how do I obtain the final release version?

Get the latest CTP of SQL Server 2008 CTP 6.0 at: https://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/trial-software.aspx

The final release version will be available at www.microsoft.com/sql/2008/default.aspx once released.

Q. How can I get trained on these products?

A. For training and certification on the 2008 Launch Wave products, please see https://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/learn-more/MSLearning/default.mspx.

Q. How can I find someone to help me with these products?

A. To find a partner who can help you build, develop or implement a solution using the 2008 Launch Wave products, please see https://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/find-a-partner.mspx

Q. Who’s using these products already?

A. To see real-world examples of customers who are using the 2008 Launch Wave products, please see https://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/learn-more/case-studies/default.mspx

Q. How else can I join in with launch?

OR – what is the HHH comic?

OR – what is the Heroes Portrait Gallery?

A. We’ve got a lot of new cool interactive ways to get involved with launch – go to https://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/default.mspx to see more.

To get the HeroesHappenHere comic (& RSS feed), go to https://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/cool-stuff/comic/default.mspx

Or add yourself to the Heroes Portait Gallery at https://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/portraitgallery/start.aspx (Silverlight required).

GENERAL MICROSOFT QUESTIONS

Q. I’m having a problem with xxx – where can I get help?

A. Please use the Microsoft support center at https://support.microsoft.com/ for non-launch related questions.

You may also want to try the TechNet technical forums for IT Professionals at https://forums.microsoft.com/technet/default.aspx?siteid=17

Or the MSDN technical forums for Developers at https://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/default.aspx?siteid=1

Q. Tell me more about Silverlight

A. Find out more about Microsoft Silverlight at https://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/

Q. I have questions about Silverlight, where can I go for more help?

A. Please see Silverlight FAQ at https://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/#4_4

Q. How can I find a Microsoft office near me?

A. Please look up your local website or Microsoft office at https://www.microsoft.com/worldwide/

Q. Who can help me...build, develop, implement...a business solution?

A. Please search the partner solutions database at https://wwwbeta.microsoft.com/solutionfinder/marketplace/home.aspx

WINDOWS SERVER 2008

Q. How can I get more information about Windows Server 2008?

A. For general product information, please see https://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/default.aspx

For WS08 community events, please see www.heroescommunitylaunch.com

For more Windows Server 2008 resources, including blogs, newgroups, forums, chats, user groups and community websites, please search the database at https://www.microsoft.com/communities/default.mspx

For WS08 Learning events, please see https://www.microsoft.com/learning/windowsserver2008/default.mspx

Q. Is anyone using Windows Server 2008 yet?

A. To see real-world examples of customers who are using the 2008 Launch Wave products, please see https://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/learn-more/case-studies/default.mspx

For Windows Server 2008 customer case studies, see

https://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/case-studies.aspx

Q. I want to try Windows Server 2008, how do I do that?

A. We’ve got a wide variety of ways to try WS08, including trial software, virtual labs, online test drives, videos & demos. Please see https://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/try-it.aspx for more details.

Q. How much does Windows Server 2008 cost?

A. Please see https://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/pricing.aspx for Windows Server 2008 pricing and licensing details.

Q. How can I get training for Windows Server 2008?

A. Please see https://www.microsoft.com/learning/windowsserver2008/default.mspx

Q. I need someone to help me implement Windows Server 2008, how do I find one?

A. Please see https://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/find-partner.aspx for partners who can help you develop, build & implement WS08 solutions.

Q. How do I find a Windows Server Event near me?

A. To find a Heroes Happen Here launch event near you, please see https://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/register/default.mspx

For WS08 community events, please see www.heroescommunitylaunch.com

For worldwide Windows Server 2008 events, including in-person, live & on-demand webcasts, podcasts and virtual labs, please search the database at https://www.microsoft.com/events/default.mspx

Q. I have a technical question about Windows Server 2008

A. For general WS08 technical support for ITPros and business users, please see the Windows Server 2008 TechCenter on TechNet at https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/2008/default.aspx

For general WS08 technical support for Developers, please see the Windows Server 2008 DevCenter on MSDN at https://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/default.aspx

For additional technical questions, please consult the TechNet or MSDN forums.

Forums are available to the general public as a means for posting questions, comments and responses around a particular product or subject matter.  The Windows Server Group has a Windows Server code name “Longhorn” forum available where people interested in this product can post questions on the following scenarios:

§ Directory Services

§ Failover Clustering

§ File Services and Storage

§ General

§ Management

§ Migration

§ Network Access Protection

§ Platform Networking

§ Print/Fax

§ Security

§ Server Core

§ Server Virtualization

§ Setup and Deployment

§ Terminal Services

Access the Windows Server “Longhorn” Forum

§ Directly, through this link: https://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/default.aspx?ForumGroupID=161&SiteID=17

§ Via TechNet’s General List of Forums, through this link: https://forums.microsoft.com/technet/default.aspx?siteid=17

VISUAL STUDIO 2008

Q. How can I get more information about Visual Studio 2008?

A. For general product information, please see https://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vstudio/products/default.aspx

For VS08 community events, please see www.heroescommunitylaunch.com

For more Visual Studio 2008 resources, including blogs, newgroups, forums, chats, user groups and community websites, please search the database at https://www.microsoft.com/communities/default.mspx

For VS08 Learning events, please see

https://www.microsoft.com/learning/vstudio/2008/default.mspx

Q. I want to learn more about other Visual Studio products

A. For more information, or to try Visual Studio Team System, please see https://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vsts2008/products/default.aspx

For more information, or to get a free copy of Visual Studio Express, please see https://www.microsoft.com/express/

Q. Is anyone using Visual studio 2008 yet?

A. To see real-world examples of customers who are using the 2008 Launch Wave products, please see https://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/learn-more/case-studies/default.mspx

For Visual Studio 2008 customer case studies, see

https://www.microsoft.com/casestudies/search.aspx?ProTaxID=3197

Q. I want to try Visual Studio 2008, how do I do that?

A. We’ve got a wide variety of ways to try VS08.

For trial software, demos & virtual labs, please see https://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vs2008/products/cc263902.aspx.

For the Visual Studio 2008 online test drive, see https://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/testdrive/visual-studio-2008/default.mspx

Q. How much does Visual Studio 2008 cost?

A. Please see https://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vs2008/products/cc263904.aspx for Windows Server 2008 pricing and licensing details.

Q. How can I get training for Visual Studio 2008?

A. Please see https://www.microsoft.com/learning/vstudio/2008/default.mspx

Q. I need someone to help me implement Visual Studio 2008, how do I find one?

A. Please see https://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vs2008/products/bb964534.aspx for partners who can help you develop, build & implement VS08 solutions.

Q. How do I find a Visual Studio Event near me?

A. To find a Heroes Happen Here launch event near you, please see https://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/register/default.mspx

For VS08 community events, please see www.heroescommunitylaunch.com

For worldwide Visual Studio 2008 events, including in-person, live & on-demand webcasts, podcasts and virtual labs, please search the database at https://www.microsoft.com/events/default.mspx

Q. I have a technical question about Visual Studio 2008

A. For general VS08 technical support for Developers, please see the Visual Studio 2008 DevCenter on MSDN at https://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vs2008/default.aspx

For additional technical questions, please consult the MSDN forums.

Forums are available to the general public as a means for posting questions, comments and responses around a particular product or subject matter. 

All MSDN forums: https://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/default.aspx?SiteID=1

Visual Studio has the following forums for specific topics:

Visual Studio Setup and Installation

https://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=26&SiteID=1

Windows Presentation Foundation

https://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=119&SiteID=1

Visual Studio Extensibility

https://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=57&SiteID=1

Visual Studio Tools for Office

https://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=16&SiteID=1

SQL SERVER 2008

Q. How can I get more information about Windows Server 2008?

A. For general product information, please see

https://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/default.aspx

For SQL08 community events, please see www.heroescommunitylaunch.com

For more SQL Server 2008 resources, including blogs, newgroups, forums, chats, user groups and community websites, please search the database at https://www.microsoft.com/communities/default.mspx

For SQL08 Learning events, please see https://www.microsoft.com/learning/sql/2008/default.mspx

Q. Is anyone using SQL Server 2008 yet?

A. To see real-world examples of customers who are using the 2008 Launch Wave products, please see https://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/learn-more/case-studies/default.mspx

For SQL Server 2008 customer case studies, see https://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/case-studies.aspx

Q. I want to try SQL Server 2008, how do I do that?

A. We’ve got a wide variety of ways to try SQL08, including trial software, virtual labs, online test drives, videos & demos. Please see https://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/try-it.aspx

Q. How much does SQL Server 2008 cost?

A. SQL Server pricing has not been announced yet. For more information, please see

https://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/default.aspx

Q. How can I get training for SQL Server 2008?

A. Please see https://www.microsoft.com/learning/sql/2008/default.mspx

Q. I need someone to help me implement SQL Server 2008, how do I find one?

A. Please see https://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/find-partner.aspx for partners who can help you develop, build & implement SQL08 solutions.

Q. How do I find a SQL Server Event near me?

A. To find a Heroes Happen Here launch event near you, please see https://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/register/default.mspx

For SQL08 community events, please see www.heroescommunitylaunch.com

For worldwide SQL Server 2008 events, including in-person, live & on-demand webcasts, podcasts and virtual labs, please search the database at https://www.microsoft.com/events/default.mspx

Q. I have a technical question about SQL Server 2008

A. For general SQL08 technical support for ITPros and business users, please see the SQL Server 2008 TechCenter on Technet at https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sqlserver/default.aspx

For general SQL08 technical support for Developers, please see the SQL Server 2008 DevCenter on MSDN at https://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/sqlserver/default.aspx

For additional technical questions, please consult the Technet or MSDN forums.

Forums are available to the general public as a means for posting questions, comments and responses around a particular product or subject matter. 

SQL Server Forums on TechNet (for IT Pros): https://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/default.aspx?ForumGroupID=440&SiteID=17

SQL Server Forums on MSDN (for Developers):

https://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/default.aspx?ForumGroupID=428&SiteID=1

SQL Server has the following forums for specific topics:

SQL Server 2008 Spatial Support

https://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=2622600&SiteID=1

SQL Server 2008 (Katmai) Manageability & Tools

https://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=1630&SiteID=17

SQL Server 2008 (Katmai) Integration Services

https://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=1622&SiteID=17

SQL Server 2008 (Katmai) Setup and Upgrade

https://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=1627&SiteID=17

SQL Server 2008 (Katmai) Reporting Services

https://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=1624&SiteID=17

SQL Server 2008 (Katmai) Database Engine

https://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=1618&SiteID=17