[2008] VS Beta 2 Just Released/New Features

[RobDog888]

I wouldnt recommend installing on a system that you can not afford to have reformatted but this version is quite complete as it includes 99% of the final release's features.

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vstudio/aa700831.aspx

You can also download the Virtual PC images which saves you that headache of reformatting or using on a development only system.

Please feel free to post about any tips or new features. Also, note the version you are running. Ie: Standard, Pro, Team Suite etc.

Im downloading at 330 KB/Sec.

Enjoy.

[techgnome]

Interesting.... that's different from the link they posted on the MSND front page:
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7175408

-tg

[RobDog888]

Thats the 2008 Express Beta 2 site. I linked to the full version VS 2008 page.

[RhinoBull]

Got it, tried it - looks and feels the same as 2005. But there sure is a lot of MBs to download.

[RhinoBull]

I've downloaded and installed Visual Studio Team System 2008 - Team Suite Beta 2 VPC.
The total downloaded compressed files size was 5.64 GB.
When installed it took another 13.5 GB of my hard drive.

[RobDog888]

I just finished downloading the msdn library and vs pro. Working on vsts. Since the beta 2 is almost final I think I want to install it on a clean system so I can keep it for a decent amount of time. Probably put Vista on it too so I can check out the WPF etc.

Downloading at 340 KB/Sec but how did you download all of that so fast? FiOS?

I noticed that VSTS may have some conflict with ASP.NET sites that are running AJAX 1.0. Something to keep inmind as the 3.5 Beta Framework is the cause.

[michaelrawi]

Downloading at 340 KB/Sec

With 24KB/sec speed, it's no hope having test this beta .
It's even not close at 0.1 speed... *sigh*

[Ginolard]

I was playing with beta 1 last week. XAML is scary and overwhelming. But, very very cool.

[RobDog888]

With 24KB/sec speed, it's no hope having test this beta .
It's even not close at 0.1 speed... *sigh*

It could be because when me and RhinoBul were downloading it, it wasw just published within a few minutes. Now more people know about it and probably placing a straign on MS' bandwith. Or is that because you are on a real slow internet connection?

[RhinoBull]

Downloading at 340 KB/Sec but how did you download all of that so fast? FiOS?

I am on very fast fiber optic cable and I think the download speed was arround few MBs/sec.
Over all (download/install/launch) took me about 1 hour.
Considering that I had to get and install Virtual Pc too I thnk 1 hour was extremly fast.

Lucky me...

[RobDog888]

Darn you RB, its not luck its a benefit of working at a company with FiOS.
I dont get FiOS until some time next year as Verizon is still working on getting the service in my area next year.

Ok, now its time to getting back to installing and trying it out.

Any issues on it yet? Whats your favorite new feature?

[RhinoBull]

Darn you RB, its not luck its a benefit of working at a company with FiOS.
I dont get FiOS until some time next year as Verizon is still working on getting the service in my area next year.

Ok, now its time to getting back to installing and trying it out.

Any issues on it yet? Whats your favorite new feature?

Would it make you more jelous if I say I was doing that from home? Common, it was arround 9 PM when I start downloading.
At work we have T1 but sometimes I feel my home cable is faster.

Anyway, I haven't looked at that thing since yesterday - there are plenty of time yet.

[Maxim]

i am downloading it now, hope it is any good

2200KB/s

[Paul M]

Why are the Virtual PC images needed exactly? Sorry for the bump.

[RobDog888]

They arent. Only if you are running Virtual PC (also a free download) then you can use the images instead of the CDs. The virtual PC software lets you "install" images of software without actually touchjing your actual OS. So if its a beta and crashes you can stop that instance and be back to normal pre beta OS.

[Paul M]

Kk thanks i thought it would have had something to do with the one-time download aspect.

[RobDog888]

No, if you have a test system or its not mission critical then just download the CD image version and install like normal software.

If you want to use the Virtual PC images then you can download Virtual PC 2007 from here for free - http://www.microsoft.com/windows/pro...c/default.mspx and read up on it and its requirements.

Here is the direct link to MS downloads: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

[esposito]

Is the .NET Framework 3.5 an extension of FW 3.0 or does it need to be installed on Vista from scratch? In other words, can a VS 2008 application run on a machine equipped with FW 3.0 -- such as Vista -- without installing the 3.5 version of the FW?

[michaelrawi]

It could be because when me and RhinoBul were downloading it, it wasw just published within a few minutes. Now more people know about it and probably placing a straign on MS' bandwith. Or is that because you are on a real slow internet connection?

Yes, I only have a slow connection. In my country, a fast internet connection still expensive .

Is the .NET Framework 3.5 an extension of FW 3.0 or does it need to be installed on Vista from scratch? In other words, can a VS 2008 application run on a machine equipped with FW 3.0 -- such as Vista -- without installing the 3.5 version of the FW?

If you target on FW 3.5, then you must install the framework, because Vista only equiped with FW 3.0 (Unless they release service pack 1). But VS2008 has ability to select which framework you will target for develop an application. It'll make developing more easier.

[RobDog888]

Yes, on 08 you can now target any of the 5 framework versions in the IDE.

Vista comes with the first 4 versions of the Framework already installed but not 3.5 Once the 3.5 version becomes final it should also be available as a redistributable that you can either package on your programs setup CD or let your setup prompt them to download it and/other versions that may be needed.

[esposito]

Thanks for the info.

[RhinoBull]

For those who's interested here is an overview of the new beast:

An Overview of Microsoft Visual Studio Code Name "Orcas" White Paper

My first impression(s):

- looks and feels just like 2005
- 2008 is targeting Vista (obviously right?) so what about all of those who cannot afford it (personally) or aren't planning to migrate yet (corps mostly)?
- install it on a separate machine if you have one or on VPC !!!
- IDE performance is about the same as 2005
- I love the framework's new feature "time zone conversion" - I'm sure many would appreciate this
- MS claims performance improvement for collection: I haven't noticed it or you will need an extremly large collection
- apparently LINQ is a big deal but I don't see why (another great idea that may die in a year or so)
- apparently MS Office is fully integrated so no interop is needed (or is it still?) but how are they going to maintain version compatibility ???
- I've read about new IO types that includes pipes - that could be interesting to test

- there is a lot more to check and test but it'll take time...

Later...