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TechNet Exchange Virtual Labs

Work with the TechNet Exchange Virtual Labs

Great new resource from Microsoft: The TechNet Virtual Labs!
Ever wanted to test Microsoft’s newest software in a sandbox environment? Wouldn’t it be great to be able to test new servers immediately, without formatting hard drives or dedicating one or more computers to the project? Now you can, with the TechNet Virtual Lab.
Step into the Exchange Server 2003 Virtual Lab
The Virtual Labs have been upgraded to include 7 labs and more than 28 modules.
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 AntiSpam and SMTP security features, migration from Exchange Server 5.5, disaster recovery and more.
As part of the TechNet Virtual Lab you will have access full access to Exchange Server 2003 through seven modules:

Configuring Microsoft Windows Server 2003 RPC Proxy
Controlling Junk e-mail with Exchange 2003 and the Intelligent Message Filter
Disaster Recovery with Exchange Server 2003
Managing Exchange and Active Directory with MOM 2005
Migrating from Exchange Server 5.5 Windows NT 4 Server to Exchange Server 2003 Windows Server 2003 Part 1
Migrating from Exchange Server 5.5 Windows NT 4 Server to Exchange Server 2003 Windows Server 2003 Part 2
Patching Exchange with SMS 2003

You get a downloadable manual and a 60-minute block of time for each module and you can sign up for additional 60-minute blocks anytime.
Step-by-Step Sign up Instructions
Note: Connecting to the labs require that you have port 3389 open on your Firewall, and that you download and install a Terminal Server ActiveX Control applet on your computer.
Each lab has an associated PDF lab manual which you’re supposed to read and follow. The manuals are offered as downloadable files so you’ll be able to re-read them when you like.

Running the labs opens a virtual server environment:

Although the virtual environment is not that fast, you’ll still be able to run the labs with little or no discomfort, and the cool thing about them is the fact that you can’t mess up things…
The TechNet Virtual Labs also offer labs in the following topics:
Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration Server
Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM) 2005
Security
Microsoft Systems Management Server Manager (SMS) 2003
Windows Server 2003
Microsoft Identity Integration Server (MIIS) 2003
This is a resource worth trying!