Using Windows 2008 as your development environment – Tips and Hints

I, like other ASP.NET developers, have always used a server OS as a development environment – typically due to a objection to having to hack XP in order to get multiple virtual IIS hosts.

So Windows 2003 was good to me, thank you Windows 2003 Server. I ran it on all my environments. Very few complaints about it as a whole

I appear to be one of the few who love Windows Vista as a ‘home platform’ – but also loved IIS7 from first glance. As a result I was instantly interested in Windows Longhorn so when it was possible for me to get my grubby little hands on a RTM release, that ISO was installed on my Sony Vaio.

Here are a few things I learnt along the way.

In general, Windows 2008 is WAY quicker and more responsive than Vista – but has all the flair – win win situation as far as I am concerned.

Only a few glitches along the way but nothing major

Logitech Webcam (Sphere / Orb) do not appear to be recognised – using the same drivers as Vista.

Skype

The latest version of Skype (at time of writing) did not install on 2008. In order to get skype installed I had to resort to a previous version – I recommend v2.5.0.154 (@ http://www.oldapps.com/download.php?oldappsid=SkypeSetup%202.5.0.154.exe)

I am going to try to upgrade to the latest version from 2.5.0.154 – will let you know!

Live Messenger and Writer

These apps need to be installed from stand-alone installers (http://www.live-writer.de/windows-live-writer-download/ & http://www.techspot.com/blog/129/how-to-run-windows-live-messenger-on-windows-xp-x64/)

I will update this posting with anything else I find different from my vista or 2003 dev experience.