Installing a Beta 2 version (already soon to be superceded by a newer version) of Visual Studio 2005. It appears to be hung on the installation of SQL Server 2005 Express (big surprise for a beta MS product).

Got to play with 2005 at a class in Seattle a few weeks ago, given by a company called PluralSight. Taking a look at the latest MSDN magazine – 2 articles there from guys that I’m aware of from the company. September issue: another 2 articles. Very sharp guys, interesting training. Proximity to Microsoft’s campus let them both seed the class with guys from Microsoft who wanted to round out their knowledge, and let them bring in speakers to talk about the newest latest and greatest. Very cool.

Anyway, still waiting for the software to install. But looking forward to playing wtih 2005 features, maybe thinking about taking a 2005 Microsoft exam as my next cert effort. (I got my MCP renewed as of 8/10! The previous one had lapsed, due to a retiring exam. But I’m up and about again, and theoretically studying for another one.)