Visual Studio 2012 and Team Foundation Server 2012 FAQ and Links

It is an exciting time to be doing development using Microsoft Tools. Visual Studio 2012 has just been released to the web. I have compiled a list of the most common questions I have received. Keep the questions coming. I plan on doing additional posts as I receive more questions.

Where and when can I download Visual Studio 2012 and Team Foundation Server 2012?

If you are a MSDN subscriber, you can download it right now. Both of these have been available since 8/15. If you are not a subscriber, you can download the Visual Studio Express or trial editions of the MSDN editions.
‍MSDN Subscribers
‍Express Editions, Stand-Alone installers, and Trial Downloads

‍Can I connect Visual Studio 2012 to TFS 2010?

Yes, you can use Visual Studio 2012 to connect to TFS 2010 and you can use Visual Studio 2010 to connect to TFS 2012. Connecting previous versions of Visual Studio to TFS 2012 require a GDR Update. The update and full compatibility matrix can be found here.
Compatibility between Team Foundation Clients and Team Foundation Server

‍Where is the Alerts Explorer in Visual Studio 2012?

Alerts in TFS 2012 are managed through Team Web Access. Also, TFS 2012 now includes creating and managing Team Alerts. See the link below how to create Personal and Team Alerts. If you are using TFS 2010, the Alerts Explorer has been a part of the TFS Power Tools through Visual Studio. The TFS 2012 Power Tools have not been released yet but the beta tools did not include the Alerts Explorer. If you need to manage alerts in TFS 2010, I would recommend still using VS 2010 with the TFS Power Tools. Set Personal or Team Alerts in TFS 2012

‍Can I upgrade my TFS 2010 Team Projects to include the TFS 2012 Features such as Review, Feedback, and Planning tools?

Yes. If you haven’t made any customizations or limited customizations to your TFS 2010 Team Projects, there is a built in tool for upgrading your team project. Even if you have made some customizations, there are some more involved options for upgrading. Here is a good post describing the options. Use the wizard to upgrade team projects in TFS 2012

‍Why are not all of the new features in my TFS 2012 Team Project available?

Some of the new features in TFS 2012 require some additional configuration. You won’t see the Request Feedback link until you configure email and not all of the features on Team Web Access are available until set the appropriate permissions. The following link explains how to enable these features. Enabling Feedback Requests, the Backlog and Sprint Planning Features in Team Foundation Server 2012

‍What licenses do my users need for PowerPoint Storyboards and the Feedback Client Tool?

For Storyboards, users with VS Ultimate, VS Premium, and VS Test Professional can use the PowerPoint add-in to create the storyboards. Others with PowerPoint, can view and edit the Storyboards. The Feedback Client Tool can be downloaded and used by any user. This does not require a TFS CAL or MSDN Subscription. All of the licensing details can be found in the Visual Studio 2012 and MSDN Licensing White Paper. If you have questions, I recommend contacting your Microsoft representative for the most accurate answer. Download Feedback Client for Microsoft Visual Studio Team Foundation Server 2012

‍What if I have more questions?

These are just a few questions. If you have other questions post them on the MSDN Forums. There are of community experts that monitor these forums and provide answers. Also you can email us at tfs@deliveron.com if you also have questions.