TechNet Flash - Volume 11, Issue 17: July 29, 2009
Note from the Editor
Greetings, and welcome to TechNet Flash.
Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 have reached the RTM milestone. If you’re still testing the RC build, you’ll be able to switch over to the RTM build during the second half of August, 2009. For Windows Server 2008 R2, you can get the low-down on system requirements and installation guidelines and IT pro testing guidelines; and for the updated reviewers guide and other technical content be sure to visit the Windows Server 2008 R2 Resources page.
For those evaluating Windows Server 2008 R2 for the first time, check out the Resources page for content on R2’s key new features, including Hyper-V with Live Migration, the new File Classification Infrastructure, the updates to IIS 7.5 and the new “better together” features you can access by combining Windows Server 2008 R2 with Windows 7. And for developers looking to see what R2 has to offer, make sure to visit MSDN’s Windows Server Resource page, sporting several new additions in time for RTM. Finally, starting October 1 you’ll be able to find even more readiness and technical content at an upcoming Windows Server 2008 R2 - Windows 7 - Exchange 2010 Virtual Launch Experience site.
When Will Windows 7 RTM Be Available?
According to this Windows Team Blog posting, Volume License (VL) customers with an existing Software Assurance (SA) license will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English starting August 7, 2009 via the Volume License Service Center (VLSC). The rest of the languages for Windows 7 RTM should be available within a couple of weeks following the English release. For IT professionals who are not part of the VL program, if you have a TechNet subscription, you will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English on August 6, 2009, and the remaining languages by October 1, 2009. Evaluation versions of Windows 7 Professional for IT professionals will be made available via the Springboard Seriesshortly after RTM.
Windows 7 Upgrade Paths
For a quick view of the supported and unsupported upgrade paths for Windows 7 SKUs, download the Windows 7 Upgrade Paths document that outlines possible upgrade scenarios from older versions of Windows. For a Web version of this document, see Windows 7 Upgrade Paths in the Windows Client TechCenter Library.
Microsoft Contributes Open Source Linux Drivers for Hyper-V
Microsoft has contributed 20,000 lines of code to the Linux kernel community. The code contribution, a Linux device driver, will be published on CodePlex, and will be immediately available to the Linux Community and customers, enabling any distribution of the Linux operating system to be virtualized on Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008. For more, check out the Channel 9 video.
Thanks for reading,
Mitch Irsfeld
Editor, *TechNet Flash
View the*TechNet Flash Mobile edition. Subscribe to theTechNet Flash Feed blogfor news updates as they happen, often several times a day.
Your Featured Content
Ensure that the content most relevant to you is presented in this section.
Webcast: Automating Windows 7 Deployments Using System Center Configuration Manager (Level 300)
August 5, 2009, 10:00 A.M. Pacific Time
We focus on automating Windows 7 operating system deployments using Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager.
Download the Windows Optimized Desktop Scenarios Solution Accelerator
Windows Optimized Desktop Scenarios, now updated to reflect functionalities available in Windows 7, help simplify desktop user requirements gathering and automate desktop technology selection, providing you with the IT manageability you require, while giving users the varying levels of power and flexibility they need.
Infrastructure Planning and Design Guides for Windows Server 2008 R2
Updated to address new features and capabilities available in Windows Server 2008 R2, these guides outline the critical design elements that are crucial to a successful implementation. Download the guides individually, or the entire IPD Guide series and streamline your design processes for Windows Server 2008 R2.
Webcast: Deploying, Administering, and Managing Office Communications Server 2007 R2 (Level 300)
August 6, 2009, 9:00 A.M. Pacific Time
Register for this webcast and learn about Office Communications Server 2007 (OCS) R2 architecture, supported deployment topologies and deployment best practices.
Enter the “Will Code for Green” Developer Contest
Bing and Gnomedex are sponsoring a “Will Code for Green” developer contest. Make the world a little better, win US$10,000 and be featured at Gnomedex. Create a green app using the Live Search API (search results, phonebook, video, images etc.) with any tech platform or language.
TechNet Edge Video: Forefront Security Customer Story Video at NuStar Energy
NuStar Energy tightens projection, saves time, resources and money, and simplifies IT work through the Forefront Security suite. Read the Nustar Energy case study.
New Videos for IT Pros
Microsoft Surface and Business Intelligence
3 minutes, 52 seconds
What happens when you combine business intelligence with Virtual Earth and the Surface? The BI team showcased an application known as Falcon Eye at Tech·Ed that integrates data with Virtual Earth so that you can investigate it hands-on through a Microsoft Surface device.
How Do I: Use the SPDiag Tool to Analyze my SharePoint Farm?
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/office/sharepointserver/ee221106.aspx
22 minutes, 38 seconds
The SharePoint Diagnostic (SPDiag) tool offers both static and trend analysis and reporting as well as real-time details to assist in analysis, planning, and problem avoidance and resolution. In this video Hilton Giesenow takes us through downloading, installing and configuring the tool, and shows how to use some of its features.
Featured Downloads
Volume Activation Deployment Guide for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2
This document is for information technology (IT) implementers who have planned a Volume Activation deployment and are now ready to review and perform the procedures needed for that deployment.
New Windows 7 and Internet Explorer 8 Security Baselines Beta
Join the Security Baselines Beta, and download the baselines to ensure you get the first look at this new release. The beta review program closes August 17, 2009. Already a member of the beta program? Bookmark this link.
Scripting for IT Pros
Hey Scripting Guy...
" How Can I Verify Input Received from the Command Line?
" How Can I Use Error Handling When a Script Requests User Input?
" How Can I Ensure That Users Submit Only Allowed Values for Script Parameters?
See previous comics in the TechNet Flash Web-based archive.
Support and Troubleshooting
How-tos
" How to: Handling CMFCOutlookBar Tab Change Notifications
" How to generate a kernel dump file or a complete memory dump file in Windows Server 2003
Hotfixes
Knowledge Base Articles
See a selection of new Knowledge Base articles on the TechNet Web site. KB articles feature an Article Translations box in the right column. You can select a language from the drop-down list and read the article in the selected language.
IT Management
New: Licensing Presentations for Virtualization Technologies
Considering IT virtualization? You like the benefits, but will your CEO? Watch, listen, or read the licensing details fast at learnlicensing.com – for the latest presentations on application virtualization, server virtualization, presentation virtualization, desktop virtualization, and virtualization management.
Download the Newest Platform Solution Blueprint on Application Lifecycle Management (ALM)
A full-sized color application lifecycle management (ALM) poster gives IT managers a comprehensive view of how ALM technologies work within their IT environment. Check out the Platform Solution Blueprint posters provided by Advaiya Inc. to help you visualize your platform design and strategy.
To stay updated on the next installment for IT Managers, visit the IT Management Hub.
Upcoming Webcasts
Webcast: Optimize Windows 7 with the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (Level 300)
August 12, 2009, 10:00 A.M. Pacific Time
Attend this webcast to lean how using the Microsoft Desktop Optimization pack with the Windows 7 operating system can simplify application deployment and desktop management while reducing IT costs.
August 5, 2009, 9:00 A.M. Pacific Time
If you’re generating lots of job leads, but can’t clinch the offer, the problem may be with your interview demeanor and skills. We’ll discuss ways to increase your likeability in interviews and the hidden agenda behind many interview questions.
Identity and Security
Forefront Threat Management Gateway Beta 3
Forefront Threat Management Gateway (TMG) is a comprehensive secure Web gateway solution that helps protect employees from Web-based threats. It also delivers simple, unified perimeter security with integrated firewall, VPN, intrusion prevention, malware inspection, and URL filtering. Forefront TMG Beta 3 is available for download in both Standard and Enterprise editions.
Evaluate Microsoft Forefront Unified Access Gateway Beta 2 Today
Forefront Unified Access Gateway Beta 2 provides an easy and secure remote access solution with a focus on application intelligence and granular access control. Forefront UAG is the one solution to fit all of your remote access needs, as it provides centralized management and policy control across all users, devices, and network resources. When you download the latest beta software, you're automatically registered to access valuable beta resources assembled in one convenient location.
Windows Essential Business Server 2008 (Windows EBS 2008) includes Forefront Security for Exchange Server that helps businesses protect their Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 messaging environment from viruses, worms, spam, and inappropriate content. Read how to modify the malware-scanning engines used by Forefront Security for Exchange Server in Windows EBS 2008. Learn more about Windows EBS 2008.
On Demand
Windows 7 Enhanced Security and Control (Level 300)
In this webcast, we explain how Windows 7 security features provide the foundation for a secure and reliable desktop platform.
Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 Group Policy Changes (Level 300)
This session will explore group policy enhancements in Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7.
Virtual Labs
Configuring Exchange Server 2010 Unified Messaging and OCS 2007 R2 Integration
After completing the exercises you will be able to configure interoperability between Office Communications Server 2007 R2 and Unified Messaging, and also experience the features of Microsoft Unified Communications.
The Microsoft Capital Planning and Investment Control Solution
After completing this lab, you will be better able to build a balanced and optimized portfolio, focus resources on projects that further the most important organizational goals, and more.
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