Want to play around with SQL Server 2012 but don’t have an environment to play around in? Check out the following SQL Server 2012 Virtual Labs:

SQL Server 2012: AlwaysOn Availability Groups (SQL 142)

In this hands-on-lab you will learn take advantage of the new AlwaysOn features in SQL Server 2012. You will learn how to implement High-Availability and Data Recovery using SQL Server 2012 Availability Groups.

SQL Server 2012 - Working with Contained Databases (SQL 145)

In this lab, learn how to implement Contained Databases in SQL Server 2012.

SQL Server 2012 - What's new in Manageability (SQL 147)

In this hands-on-lab you will learn about new manageability features in SQL Server 2012. You will learn how to take advantage of new features in SQL Server Management Tools, PowerShell, and features that will increase your productivity.

SQL Server 2012 - Installation and Configuration (SQL 149)

In this hands-on-lab you will build out a network environment that includes a Domain Controller, an multiple instances of SQL Server 2012.

SQL Server 2012 - Security and Compliance (SQL 150)

In this in hands-on-lab you will learn how to implement security and compliance in SQL Server 2012.

SQL Server 2012 - Upgrading to SQL Server 2012 (SQL 151)

In this hands-on-lab you will learn on how to upgrade to SQL Server 2012.You will learn how to use SQL Server Upgrade Advisor and Distributed Replay to upgrade a SQL Server 2005/2008 database to SQL Server 2012

SQL Server 2012 - What's new in T-SQL (SQL 152)

In this hands-on-lab you will learn about the new T-SQL enhancements for SQL Server 2012.You will learn about new scalar functions, T-SQL constructs and how to take advantage of these new features.

SQL Server 2012 - Installing and managing SQL Server 2012 on Windows Server Core (SQL 153)

In this hands-on-lab you will learn how to deploy SQL Server on Windows Server core, and how configure connectivity and management of a Windows Server core based installation.

SQL Server 2012 - What's new in Data warehousing and EIM

In this hands-on-lab you will learn about the enhancements in SQL Server 2012 for Data warehousing.