So, when we set up our new Windows Server 2008 machine using a 64-bit edition, I hit a wall: there’s no MySQL support for ActivePerl x64. There isn’t any official support for x86 either; but there are workarounds for that (use external repositories). It also came at a time when I was deciding whether or not I wanted to switch, so it pretty much cinched it up; I decided to try out WordPress. It was a PHP/MySQL system, both of which I had already set up, so I expected (or at least hoped) that it’d be pretty simple to get running.

The first thing I had to do was back up my old MT database. I expected some long, tortourous sequence of MySQL edits or something, but all it came down to was logging in, clicking “Import/Export”, and then export. It spit out a text file, which I saved to my desktop. Next, I unzipped a WordPress download into my blog folder (and set up the requisite site in IIS). I set up a database and a user in MySQL for my blog. I then edited the wp-config-sample.php, filling in the requisite database information and renaming it to wp-config.php, visited the site in my browser, and hit ‘go’. Seconds later, I had a new, live WP blog.

From the admin panel of my blog, I went to tools, hit “import”, selected “Movable Type” from the list, browsed to my file, and uploaded. And that was it. I had totally converted to WordPress in minutes. I was absolutely astounded by the ease. It was already much faster (with the help of WP-Cache), and running well.

Next stop: new design. WP looks like it’ll be much easier to work with, so hopefully we’ll be up soon.

I don’t want to complain too much, though; the resort we stayed at was very nice, and Audrey’s aunt was kind enough to pay for everyone’s stay. And the Thanksgiving dinner was something I won’t forget (the link will explain all).

Anyway, first thing I did when I got back and settled (besides scavenging a cheap turkey from the grocery store… 12-pounder for $10) was delete 400ish spam messages. Sorry for the garbage; the new version of MovableType supposedly clears that issue. I also upgraded my theme; still not a custom one yet, but I’ll get there once I get the time.

I also installed Rainmeter, Samurize, and Rainlendar - they are absolutely fantastic desktop-managing applications. And, if that wasn’t enough: I installed a new hard drive and I’m in the process of installing 5 virtual drives; Windows Server 2k3 and 2k8, Windows XP, the latest version of Kubuntu, and Fedora 10. That is, if I can get the last two working with Windows Virtual PC 2k7.. I’ve seen it done, but I know it’s tricky. The goal is to have plenty of development platforms with which to do my work; I’ll be able to test web apps in the virtualized servers before I push to production on CD.

Speaking of CD, we’ve got our new website up; I was inspired by a Keane song, and somehow came up with this. My brain goes through somewhat strange processes sometimes, but I’m pretty happy with the result. JQueried it up, even, much to the chagrin of my budding Ajax framework project.