Using VPC images for Training

Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 software provides a neat way to build a re-usable training environment. (see below for the download link).

Notes on using VPC2007 for training rooms:
The basic PC build before installing Virtual PC can be very simple. I normally recommend Windows XP pro (or Vista). After installing VPC then the classroom image needs to be installed. eg. Copy the .vhd and .vmc files into C:\VPC folder on the host PC. Add the images to VPC.

• Install VPC 2007 software
• copy or extract the .vhd and .vmc files to the host PC eg. to C:\VPC
• Double click the .vmc file to add it to the VPC console

RAM / HD requirements:

• The Hard disk will need sufficient space to install the .vhd image files. These could be run from an external HD (usb2 or Firewire)
• VPC RAM requirements vary. For a Server image such as MOSS2007 or TFS 1.5Gb RAM should be allocated to the image using the setting in the VPC console.
• Therefore the host PC should have 2Gb RAM initially.

(Virtual Server software is also available and would be a better choice for a production environment where you are running server images. The additional complexity is not usually justified for training and demo purposes).

Download VPC2007 software for free from the Microsoft Download centre:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=04d26402-3199-48a3-afa2-2dc0b40a73b6&displaylang=en (30.4MB)