I typically require multiple SharePoint virtual machines for development purposes. I currently manually build these every time I need one, either starting from a fresh OS install or using sysprep when working with SharePoint 2010 and SQL Server 2008 R2. I currently use VMWare, but am open to VirtualBox or Hyper-V.

I'd like to be able to go from zero to a working VM with SharePoint, SQL and Visual Studio all through script. Is this a feasible task? Or are there more practical methods which would start from a VM with a fresh installation of an OS, and then use more standard unattended installs.

Although general, I'd like to know which direction to focus my efforts.

Thanks in advance,
vnat


Question: Is it possible to connect to already running session on Xubuntu 12.04 machine?
Answer: I install and use vino, and I believe it comes standard with regular Ubuntu (with a menu item called something like Remote Desktop). It puts a little icon in your system tray so you can easily access the program preferences. It works with any vnc client. You just have it start with your startup programs.
Run /usr/lib/vino/vino-server



After you login, it connects immediately to your running desktop.