Editor's Note - September 1999

We're Listening

A few months back, we asked for suggestions on how we could improve the TechNet site. Some of you took us up on our invitation, sending very persuasive input. We've paid close attention to your feedback and have acted on much of it.

For example, have you noticed that you no longer have to register to access the CD Online area of our site? Or the Technical Support resources? Or Downloads? Or Chats? You can thank the folks who wrote in for giving us the impetus to change this.

Here's another example: The right navigation bar on our home page provides links to all of Microsoft's support options for IT Pros ("I Want To Deploy / Maintain / Support"). Soon the left navigation bar that appears on every page of the site will include a direct link to the Support Knowledge Base (KB).

You get the idea. If you think something about our site is unclear, difficult to navigate, or otherwise lacking, tell us so we know what to fix. By the same token, if you really like something we've done, such as a particular kind of article or other content, let us know so that we can make those things happen more often. Even if you just have a random (or not-so-random) idea that you'd like to run past us, please do.

Subscribers, we're listening to what you have to say as well. Tell us what we can do with the site to make your lives and jobs easier. Whether it's content you'd like to see included in the TechNet CDs, at a live local TechNet event, or on the Web site, do speak up.

Now here's what's new this month:

Security Section

We've heard from you that Security matters. TechNet's newest section is a practical guide to assessing your security needs and implementing effective solutions. Whether you need to secure a network, Web site, or e-mail system, ensure the integrity of your data or use Windows for security at the user-level, this should be your first stop.

TechNet Talks: Mark Minasi Unplugged

September 13th brings the next installment of TechNet's interviews with technology's power players. We feature a talk with noted author, lecturer and geek pundit Mark Minasi, who recently took a break from writing his 16th technical book and his half dozen monthly magazine columns to sit down with TechNet columnist Joyce Thompson. He talks about Windows 2000, bug tolerance, the state of the software industry, how fear keeps him prolific, and other topics sure to keep you glued to your screen. If you like his Windows NT Magazine pieces or use his manuals, you'll love this conversation.

T-shirts for Tipsters

Got a great tip on troubleshooting, optimizing, saving time, or similar topics? Here's your chance to share them with your fellow IT pros. If your tip is selected, we'll publish it with your byline and send you a free TechNet T-shirt.

The Puzzler

The ever-popular Puzzler Game begins its fourth round on September 20th. Demonstrate your technical savoir faire and you may find yourself on an exciting Hawaiian vacation. We've also streamlined our registration process, so tell a friend to sign up.

Until next month, keep those "cards and letters" coming!

Tim McBride
Group Manager
Microsoft TechNet

Illustrated portrait by Elizabeth Anderson, MSN Staff