Simulating network “issues”

This post originally appeared on https://dynamicsnotes.com/simulating-network-issues/.

In some cases it is very useful to see how a web site would perform under certain network conditions that are worse than what you have currently. You can use this tool to simulate it: https://jagt.github.io/clumsy/. As an example, if you want to simulate what a network latency of 200ms looks like while using POS, run it on the same computer as POS and configure it with 200ms outbound.

Even if you are on a good network, with this tool you can evaluate what it would look like for someone with higher latency (or other network conditions).

Inquiring version information of a Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations deployment

There are two ways to find out the version information. Either use LCS or look at individual files on the box (in case the VM is not hosted on LCS).

In the LCS case, browse to the environment in question and follow the “View detailed version information” link. The following information will be available:

    • Platform update version (blue)
    • Binary hotfixes (red)
    • Application/X++ hotfixes (black)

    • Microsoft modules versions (incl. Retail)

    • custom modules versions

Auto-Installing most needed dev tools with Chocolatey

I deploy new development boxes on a fairly regular basis. And every time I do this, the same procedure follows. I install the same software so I can be more productive.

I guess this can be automated, and below is a Chocolatey script (package manager for Windows) that can be used to install most tools I need. Adjust it for your needs.  Currently, it installs these (that I need for AX7, Retail dev and troubleshooting work):

  • Notepad++
  • Adobe Reader
  • WindirStat
  • ProcessExplorer
  • ProcessMonitor
  • Putty
  • WinMerge
  • Google Chrome
  • Visual Studio Code
  • Node.JS
  • Yarn
  • Git
  • Agent Ransack
  • change windows prompt to include date and time

Download, rename to *.cmd, open a console as administrator and run it. That’s it!
WindowsChocoInstaller.cmd