by Go2Cloud Team | | blog
Microsoft’s much anticipated new operating system got one step closer to launch this past week with the release of Windows 8 Consumer Preview.
As with our previous post entitled “Set up Windows 8 Developer Preview in 8 Minutes“, you have the ability to set up Windows 8 Consumer preview on top of the Go2Cloud platform.
Please note that there is a slight variance in the process to set up the Consumer Preview. In order to set up this image, be sure to select the “Self Install” option when setting up your server as follows:
Once making this selection, the “CD” field will allow you to select the Windows 8 Consumer Preview option.
Accessing the newly created environment will follow the same steps detailed in the previous post, but if you feel like you need a refresher:
Use VNC to gain console level access to your machine. The password is available within the control panel and may be updated if you need to. Once the image is configured, RDP access may be used to access the image until the Consumer Preview or your Go2Cloud trial expire.
When completing your install, you will notice that Windows will require a product key. The FAQ site from Microsoft (which you can view here) provides the following information on this:
If you would like to copy and paste this key: NF32V-Q9P3W-7DR7Y-JGWRW-JFCK8
We hope that you enjoy Windows 8 Consumer Preview as much as we are!
by Go2Cloud Team | | blog
Thanks to the power of Virtualisation and Drive Imaging I was able to set-up and test Microsoft Windows 8 Developer Preview in less than 8 minutes. Even better was the fact that since it took 4 clicks, I had more than enough time to grab a fresh cup of coffee.
Here is how you can do the same:
Using the Go2Cloud platform, sign up for a 5 day free trial. The current resource promo allows sufficient capability within the trial to set-up Microsoft Windows 8 Developer Preview.
Once signed in the process is really simple:
The add new server functionality inside the Go2Cloud control panel
1) Type in a Server Name
2) Select the Windows 8 Developer Preview Pre-Install Option
3) Enter the size of the disk you required (20Gb is needed for the Windows 8 Pre-Install Image)
4) Click Add
Once you click Add, your server is automatically created and added to your control panel. Now all you do is wait for the Drive to image (which shouldn’t take more than 7 mins)
Configure your newly creates server and drive from inside the control panel
Suggestions: What to do while you wait for the drive to Image :
1) Make yourself a coffee
2) Adjust the resources for your Server by Clicking on the “Blue Gears” settings icon.
Adjusting the Virtual Server resources and access settings
Change the RAM allocation to 2048Mb and set your VNC password. VNC is needed for initial access to the virtual machine thereafter you can configure Remote Desktop (RDP)
Once your resources are adjusted, click Save.
As soon as the drive is finished imaging , power the machine up and access it via VNC. Use the IP Address visible in the control panel along with the VNC password you set.
Voila – a new Microsoft Windows 8 Developer Preview in the Cloud in under 8 minutes.
Now where is that coffee … mmm
PS: If you are looking for a VNC Client and your are running Windows, click here for options. If you are running a Mac, click here for options.
