I am installing SQL Server 2012 Evaluation Edition on a virtual machine as I type.
You can do this. Here’s one way:
- Grab some virtual machine software. I like Oracle VirtualBox. It’s cool. It’s free.
- Install VirtualBox.
- Download the 180-day free trial of Windows Server 2008 R2. Also cool. Also free.
- Once Windows Server 2008 R2 is downloaded, build a VirtualBox VM.
- Download and install SQL Server 2012 Evaluation Edition!
That’s all there is to it. You can get started today, no need to wait until 1 Apr 2012 for media to ship. And, you don’t have to worry about making changes to your laptop or workstation (other than installing VirtualBox).
You can explore the cool new features of SQL Server 2012 for the next six months… for free! What are you waiting for?
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I’m waiting for our IT guy to download the Developer edition from our MSDN/Technet subscription. I can wait a little bit to get an edition that won’t expire to play with. Besides, trying to get some other things done and don’t have the time to play with 2012 at the moment. 🙁
However, I may want to try the new SSIS bits to move some data around and see what’s different. I’m really looking forward to those changes.
I am waiting until most bugs are fixed, that is for another year or two.
Didn’t MS publish VMs with OS and SQL already installed once upon a time, or am I just making up memories?
Ok ok If you say that i’ll download it, right away!!!
There is only an evaluation version available?! Is het possible to turn it into a developer edition later on?!
Hi Hennie,
Yes, you can go from SQL 2012 Evaluation to Developer.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms143393(v=sql.110).aspx Please look at upgrade paths.
Downloading it now and sending a link to this post to my co-workers as most of us are still using Win XP.
Thanks Andy.
When SP1 comes around I’ll consider looking at it – provided there is time.
http://andyleonard.me/wp3/how-do-you-keep-up/