Smart-X, the Israel-based company behind CoreConfigurator and former employer of Guy Teverovsky has released a new version of CoreConfigurator for Server Core installations of Windows Server 2008. And I must admit … I’m impressed!
CoreConfigurator 1.2.0.2
Last time I looked at Smart-X CoreConfigurator version 1.1.0.5. I saw Guy Teverovsky’s latest unofficial version of CoreConfigurator with a Windows Vista Configuration Panel screen to tie the tools together. Today I took a look at the freshly released version 1.2.0.2.
Current version | 1.2.0.2 |
Download size | 2.35 MB |
Supported Operating System | Windows Server 2008 Server Core |
Release date | January 26, 2009 |
Download link | Coreconfigurator.zip (MSI file) Coreconfigurator_V1202_ISO.zip (ISO file) |
I see a tool, backed up with a vision, dedication and a whole lot of improvement, as shown in the lists below, as seen on the Smart-X website:
New features
- Installation
- The executable file was shorten to CoreCFG
- The installation now adds the path of CoreConfigurator to the
%PATH% environment variable and to the App Path registry key.- The application is also added to the 'RUN' registry key so the program is launched at logon.
- Functionality
- Regional and Language options was added.
- Link to Registry editor
- Link to Task Manager
- Services panel
(looks just like services.msc)- Network Connections
- A view of network connections and their status
(Connected / Disconnected / Enabled /Disabled)- The ability to Enable / Disable NICs
- The ability to rename NICs
- Information regarding NICs
- MAC address
- Manufacturer
- Description
- Address Type
- Current IP settings (Important especially when configured for DHCP)
- A new feature to Automatic Updates
You can now see which updates are installed, which updates are pending and select the updates you want to download / install.Bugs fixed
- You can now add domain members to local groups
- The 'Users and groups' panel cannot be launched when the server is DC.
- When changing display settings, the panel prompts you to log off instead of reboot
But wait, there’s more!
That’s great progress and really a feat, but the best things in my opinion are not part of the list Smart-X has put up their website:
- Now also available in *.iso format for easy deployment in virtualized environments
- In-depth documentation in the accompanying PDF file with many links to more information on mastering managing Server Core installations.
- The new Networking applet shows the netsh interface show interface command at the top of the window, which shows the command line equivalent of the window. Teaching a man how to fish…
- Previous versions of CoreConfigurator are still available on the website.
(Official Smart-X versions only, of course)
Concluding
I’m really starting to look forward to changes coming in future versions of CoreConfigurator! (speaking of which … is a roadmap yet available [;)] )
Asaf, you have mail. 🙂
Further reading
HyperVoria – Core Configurator 1.2.0.2 released
CoreConfigurator, ehm Smart-X CoreConfigurator
CoreConfigurator, ehm Smart-X CoreConfigurator
Review: SmartX CoreConfigurator
Review of Windows Server 2008 Server Core GUI Utility: SmartX CoreConfigurator
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