Ernst Wolthaus

Just one of those great tools every develop should know about...

Last week I had to release a new version of an application. The database had changed quite a bit, so I looked around for a tool to script the changes.

In the old days (at LogicaCMG) we used SQL Compare by Redgate. But I took a look at Quest and found that their Comparison Suite is ideal for this kind of task. It can even compare the data in the database or the settings of the database itself...!

I've tried it and it works very well. Good and intuitive UI and nicely generated scripts you can use for your releases. And best of all: free. Have a look at it, you'll like it.

I've got a new machine: a Dell Inspiron 9400 Dual Core.. Woohoo!
I couldn't wait to start my VPC images on this beauty and see how its performance would increase my working 'pleasure'.

What the ***... !?
Performance was dramatic and erratic. Working fine for a couple of seconds or even minutes, then freezing up for up to 30 seconds at a time.
I want my old machine back :(

After googling I came up with this thread. Seems VPC SP1 might have a problem with dual core machines. So I uninstalled VPC SP1 and installed VPC. Works great!

But how is it possible in this day and age, with dual core machines, that Microsoft hasn't updated VPC to deal with this problem? Sure there's a hotfix, but who needs the hassle to get it. Just release SP2 with proper dual core support!

By the way, Microsoft; what about increasing resolution on the VPC?
My laptop is running 1920 by 1200 pixels (widescreen), yet in VPC I can't go higher than 1600 by 1200.

And I haven't even mentioned poor Vista support...

Come on, Microsoft, step up to the plate!