Internet Explorer Virtual PC images - hidden, but back

• September 4, 2008
• James Skemp
• software

When Microsoft released IE 7 they also offered an image / virtual hard drive that could be used to test Internet Explorer 7, without installing it on your machine.

Good idea.

While they're buried, Microsoft has released a number of other images, which expire in January '09.

Internet Explorer Application Compatibility VPC Image

Come on Microsoft, release some that don't expire, but that have some other limited functionality. For example, they can only be used for x hours before the machine must be rebooted.

Perhaps the hard drive could be restricted to some amount, so that only x MB/GB could be used.

Why not also allow this for other OS, including Server 2008/2003, Windows XP/Vista (multiple versions).

Allow developers more options for testing, and using, your technology, and it's more likely that we'll want to continue using the skills that we learn.

And, if we can test on more environments, then our products, whether they be Web-based or not, can be better tested and supported.

A win for everyone involved, I'd say.

(Besides, if people are going to pirate your apps, they're going to do it. Why not make an easy and legit way for your future customers to get started and stay involved?)

• microsoft
• internet explorer