So its actually been a productive week. Even though it did strictly take longer (by 1 day) than I was hoping in my previous post, I still managed to get my main goals accomplished.

I now have a shiny new VM with the following:

  • Windows Server 2012
  • SQL Server 2012
  • Visual Studio 2012
  • BizTalk 2010 R2.
    Oh whats that you say? "But Adam, you said BizTalk 2013 you sly devil!". Why yes... yes I did. Little did I realise by attempting to go as bleeding edge as I possibly could I would cut myself... In that BizTalk 2013 hasnt actually been released yet, on MSDN or retail. Silly me ;) I did have a rather amusing head-scratching moment at that point.

Last night I started my own personal development again, which felt absolutely awesome. I'm going to be creating some sort of Windows 8 Metro app, will all the trimmings; snap-bar functionality, charms and the whole shebang! I  began the Intro to Windows 8 App Development on the Pluralsight Website to wet my feet in the Windows 8 world, and I am actually kind of excited... Its been a while since Ive learnt an interesting new technology. On a side note, you are even remotely interested in software development, and you dont have a subscription to PluralSight, GO GET ONE RIGHT NOW. NOW, I SAY! Heck, I'll even wait for you.

...

Ok good, glad we got that sorted out. Trust me, you'll thank me later :D

So overall this week I think I've accomplished the minor goals I set out to do, plus even a bonus goal (that of starting my personal developement) on top! Its beginning to look alot like Christmas... (I even gave you the karaoke version of that song! Gosh I'm nice).

My goal for the following week will be to get through the PluralSight vid I'm currently watching, and write a really basic 'Hello World' style application.

Night all :)