[shreader]

Tonight I installed the Preview of Windows Small Business Server code name “Aurora” on VMware.
I used the instructions/tips from my VMware install of WHS Vail to setup the VMware app for this install too.

From hitting the install button to arriving at the desktop took 57 minutes.
On my first pass through Aurora appears to be very similar to WHS Vail, it also has considerably less system requirements than SBS 7 (also available for testing @ connect).


Here are some screenys from my testing.

Logo


My Setup


License Terms


First Desktop


Computer


About


Disk Management


Dashboard


MS Security Essentials installed fine (I used the same version that worked on WHS Vail)


Control Panel

[shreader]

Last night I setup the Remote Web Access using the website that MS provides free, it was quite easy.

Default Web page




With my background picture

[shreader]

Last night after trying the client backup feature & it FAILED & bugging the weak troubleshooter, I think I'm going to blow-off testing this anymore & just stick w/ WHS Vail, which seems more evolved.

[Grav!ty]

I never did like Small Business Server of any release. I think Server 2003 was the first server OS that I messed with and that was really excellent, as are the later releases like Server 2008 R2.

[shreader]

Yes they both are built off of Server 2008 R2.

WHS Vail is also built off R2.

IMHO MS needs to man-up the SBS & WHS teams & get these server OS's further along.
Hopefully they will be ready when they are released & not just half-baked like some are.