TechNet Flash - Volume 10, Issue 6: March 19, 2008
Note from the Editor
Greetings New TechNet Flash Subscriber,
This month’s edition of TechNet Magazine is chock-full of in-depth discussion about all the new things in Windows Server 2008 that make an IT professional’s life easier, from the kernel changes to what’s new in Active Directory Domain Services and auditing and compliance in Windows Server 2008.
Have you been wondering how Windows Server 2008 stacks up versus Linux? Read analysis and reports on how Windows Server 2008 provides outstanding value and reliability:
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Value Comparison
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Reliability Comparison
• Comparing Windows Server 2008 UAC to Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Sudo Command
• Windows UAC Compared to Linux Sudo
Interested in what’s coming up in the next release of the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser? The developer preview of Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) Beta 1 is now available to download. IE8 is designed to work in standard mode out of this box, but also provides a way for users to browse the Web in a way similar to their Internet Explorer 7 experience. Also check out the video of the features of Internet Explorer 8 in action.
Wait No Longer for Windows Vista SP1
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 addresses specific reliability and performance issues, supports new types of hardware, and adds support for several emerging standards. It also addresses some management, deployment, and support challenges. With yesterday’s public release of Windows Vista SP1, IT professionals now have a couple options for updating their Windows Vista machines. If you want to install the update immediately, it is available now in five languages via Window Update or by going directly to the Windows Download Center for standalone updates of both the X86 and X64 versions.
As before, TechNet subscribers can access the Windows Vista SP1 bits in Top Subscriber Downloads. There they will find both X86 and X64 standalone versions in the five released languages (English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish). Subscribers can also download the Windows Vista integrated with Service Pack 1 image.
For more on Windows Vista SP1, including the prerequisite packages you’ll need before you update and details about supported device drivers, visit the Windows Vista Blog.
Finally, here are some resources to assist your Windows Vista SP1 upgrade:
• Things to know about Windows Vista Service Pack 1
• Notable Changes in Windows Vista Service Pack 1
• Overview of Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (white paper)
• Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Deployment Guide
• Release Notes for Windows Vista Service Pack 1
• Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Support
• Hotfixes and security updates included in Windows Vista Service Pack 1
• Windows Service Pack blocker tool (for organizations that would like to temporarily prevent installation of Windows Service Pack updates through Windows Update)
Thanks for reading,
Mitch Irsfeld
Editor, TechNet Flash
Your Featured Content
Ensure that the content most relevant to you is presented in this section.
How to Test Out the Hyper-V Beta with Windows Server 2008
The beta release of Hyper-V is available with Windows Server 2008 x64 editions. Hyper-V does not run on x86 architecture.
Microsoft Application Virtualization 4.5 Is Open for Public Beta
Formerly known as SoftGrid Application Virtualization, Microsoft Application Virtualization 4.5 supports large-scale virtualization implementations across more sites, enables multiple delivery options, lets users work with localized applications, allows administrator-controlled virtual application interaction, and complies with the Microsoft Trustworthy Computing and Secure by Default initiatives.
Security Learning Path: Windows Server 2008 Network Access Protection
Windows Server 2008 Network Access Protection (NAP) is a policy enforcement platform built into Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 that you can use to better protect your private network by enforcing compliance with computer health requirements. Use the resources in this learning path to set up NAP so you can create customized policies and limit access for unhealthy devices.
Office Communications Server 2007 Software Update Service
Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 Software Update Service provides an automated way to update all unified communications devices deployed in an organization.
Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 Presence Controls
The Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 Presence Controls use the automation interfaces of Office Communicator 2007 to show presence information using Office Communications Server 2007.
Watch the video overview of Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager 2007, download the Data Protection Manager 120-day evaluation software, and enter a special sweepstakes drawing. Three winners will be chosen, and the grand prize is an Xbox 360 Elite System and the Heroes Season 1 DVD set.
The GPOAccelerator creates all the Group Policy objects needed to deploy recommended security settings for your environment.
Office Live Workspace Update for Windows Vista
Download Microsoft Office Live Workspace Update to ensure optimal performance on Windows Vista when you use Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with Office Live Workspace.
Resources for Upgrading Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008
Microsoft has revised the upgrade guidance that begins with the Windows Server 2008 SKUs. This guidance reflects the best practices that customers typically follow when they upgrade to a new server operating system.
Evaluate the Latest Windows HPC Server 2008
Try the new Windows HPC Server 2008 Beta, released on March 5. We want to hear your feedback.
Changes in Functionality from Windows Server 2003 with SP1 to Windows Server 2008
This document describes new features and technologies – ones that were not available in Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1 -- that will help to increase the security of computers running Windows Server 2008, increase productivity, and reduce administrative overhead.
Automated Installation Kit (AIK) for Windows Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008
The Windows AIK is designed to help corporate IT professionals customize and deploy the Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 family of operating systems.
Webcast: Offline Files and Folder Redirection in Windows Vista (Level 300)
March 24, 1:00 PM Pacific Time
In this session, we start with a brief introduction to Folder Redirection and Offline Files, then take a closer look at some of the feature improvements Windows Vista has introduced to Offline Files, and discuss some of the Offline Files security and management features that have been added and improved in Windows Vista.
Download the Silverlight 2 Beta 1
Get a preview of the next major update of Microsoft Silverlight, which focuses on enabling rich Internet application development and includes a cross-platform, cross-browser version of the Microsoft .NET Framework.
Microsoft Is Funding Healthcare Application Development
The Be Well Fund is designed to assist academic and research health organizations in the creation of innovative online health applications for patients. These applications should make use of shared health data and connected home health devices to improve the potential for positive health outcomes for patients. Submissions are due by May 9, 2008.
Microsoft Web Deployment Tool: Tech Preview 1
x86
x64
This tool provides deployment and migration support for Internet Information Services versions 6.0 and 7.0, and incorporates features that Web server administrators can use to deploy, sync, and migrate sites, including configuration, content, SSL certificates, and other types of data associated with a Web server.
TechNet Radio: How Microsoft IT Secures Mobile Devices
Join this session and find out how Microsoft IT is empowering the mobile work force via the deployment of the Windows Mobile platform. Microsoft IT fully integrates Windows Mobile features and applications, with both established hardware and infrastructure, and future plans support master security policy migrations such as complete two-factor authentication operations.
Webcast: Advanced Dashboard Creation with Office PerformancePoint Server 2007 (Level 300)
March 28, 8:00 AM Pacific Time
Microsoft Office PerformancePoint Server 2007 can help organizations improve their business performance by integrating monitoring, analysis, and planning capabilities into one application. In this session, we explore advanced topics in dashboard creation such as integrating Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services, ProClarity, and Excel Services reports in dashboards, using advanced filtering capabilities, advanced scoring topics, and dashboard creation tips and tricks.
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 includes several important enhancements for data mining. In this webcast, you learn how to use these new techniques, not only through the user interface, but also programmatically from within your own applications.
West Michigan NT Users Group (WMNTUG)
Join WMNTUG on March 19 for its monthly meeting.
Microsoft Access Special Interest Group (Access SIG)
Join Access SIG on March 19 for its monthly meeting.
Join Agile-Carolinas on March 19 for its monthly meeting.
SMB Technology Network - Michigan (SMBTN-MI)
Join SMBTN-MI on March 19 for its monthly meeting.
BDPA - Philadelphia (BDPA-Philly)
Join BDPA-Philly on March 19 for its monthly meeting.
Join BDPA-NJ on March 19 for its monthly meeting.
Kentucky Small Business Server User Group (KYSBSUG)
Join KYSBSUG on March 19 for its monthly meeting.
Puget Sound Small Business Server User Group (PSSBS)
Join PSSBS on March 20 for its monthly meeting.
ISSA - Sacramento Valley Chapter (ISSA-SVC)
Join ISSA-SAC on March 20 for its monthly meeting.
San Luis Obispo Society for Technical Communication (SLO STC)
Join SLO STC on March 24 for its monthly meeting.
Enterprise Developers Guild (DevGuild)
Join DevGuild on March 25 for its monthly meeting.
Lower Alabama .Net User Group (LANUG)
Join LANUG on March 25 for its monthly meeting.
Join HTV on March 20 and 27 for its weekly meetings.
Join .NET Users Group on March 27 for its monthly meeting.
Kansas City Regional Systems Management Users Group (KCRSMUG)
Join KCRSMUG on March 28 for its monthly meeting.
Arizona Systems Management User Group (AZSMUG)
Join AZSMUG on March 31 for its monthly meeting.
Cincinnati Networking Professionals' Association (SBS SIG)
Join SBS SIG on April 2 for its monthly meeting.
West Michigan Small Business Technology User Group (wmsbtug)
Join wmsbtug on April 2 for its monthly meeting.
AZ SQL Server User Group (AZSSUG)
Join AZSSUG on April 2 for its monthly meeting.
Evaluation Center Updates
Evaluate Windows Server 2008 Trial Software
Windows Server 2008, with its service-oriented architecture, gives you the ability to deliver rich Web-based experiences efficiently, with improved administration and diagnostics, development and application tools, and lower infrastructure costs.
Visit the Updated SQL Server 2008 Resources Page
The SQL Server 2008 February Community Technology Preview (CTP) resources page has been updated with new webcasts, a completely new section about Feature Pack, and much more. Still haven’t downloaded the software? Here is your opportunity to evaluate the latest CTP of SQL Server 2008.
Forefront Client Security Is Now Available for Download
Microsoft Forefront Client Security provides unified malware protection for business desktops, laptops, and server operating systems that is easier to manage and control. Register to download the free 120-day trial software and you will receive relevant resources that are strategically assembled to address the challenges specific to each stage of evaluation as you discover, assess, and deploy the software.
Scripting for IT Pros
Hey Scripting Guy...
• How Can I Return a List of All the Folders Whose Name Starts With a Specified String Value?
• How Can I Get an HTA to Remember Its Previous Position Onscreen?
• How Can I Change a File That’s Found in a Folder and in All Its Top-Level Subfolders?
See previous comics in the TechNet Flash Web-based archive.
Support and Troubleshooting
How-to Articles
• How does Network Load Balancing algorithm work internally
Hotfixes
Knowledge Base Articles
• Information about new Group Policy preferences in Windows Server 2008
• Stop error message when you start a Windows Vista-based computer: "0xC1F5"
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.
Featured Downloads
Operations Manager 2007 Service Pack 1 Is Now Available
Service Pack 1 (SP1) is an update to Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007 that addresses feedback from our customers on making the product easier to deploy, easier to use, and easier to support.
Essentials 2007 Service Pack 1 Now Available
Service Pack 1 is an update to Microsoft System Center Essentials that provides enhancements based on customer and partner feedback. Improvements include: Up to 70 percent less memory consumption, faster UI, support for workgroup joined computers, SNMP v1 devices, improved setup, new update approvals rules, enhanced third-party update experience, and support for Windows Server 2008.
Microsoft Assessment and Planning Solution Accelerator is the expanded version of the Windows Vista Hardware Assessment Solution Accelerator tool that was released in early 2007. New features include Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 hardware assessment, virtualization candidacy recommendation for Virtual Server 2005 R2 (this release) and Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V (future release), and more.
Upcoming Webcasts
Windows Server 2008 Editions and Licensing (Level 100)
March 26, 11:00 AM Pacific Time
Tune in for an overview of Windows Server 2008 editions and to learn how the editions compare in terms of server roles, high-level features, and pricing. We also provide an overview of Windows Server 2008 licensing, including a discussion of licensing in a virtualized environment.
During the webcasts for IT professionals, learn how SQL Server creates a more secure, reliable, and scalable platform and helps ensure that data is available and secured in SQL Server and the Windows operating environment. Also, learn how SQL Server 2008 helps deliver a superior business intelligence platform for the expanding business intelligence market.
Security
How Microsoft Deployed and Manages Microsoft Forefront Client Security
Microsoft IT details the planning, deployment, and ongoing management of the largest current deployment of Forefront Client Security with a supported node population of 40,000.
For a limited time, get up to 35% off the estimated retail price of Microsoft Forefront Client Security. Find out more and download the trial software on the Web site.
Download the March Security Updates
See the March 2008 Security Bulletin Webcast
On Demand
IT Manager Podcasts: A Monthly Analysis of Current Business Technology Issues
Tune in to this in-depth look at topics examined in detail by business and technology specialists from Microsoft Canada, leading research firms, and IT executives and managers. Share your opinions in the podcast discussion forums. Podcasts available today include discussions on Windows Vista, Security, and HPC, to name just a few.
View this webcast to learn how you can use the new tool called Microsoft Assessment and Planning. It offers network-wide, agent-less inventory and readiness assessment for Windows Server 2008 or Windows Vista SP1 operating system migration.
Virtual Labs
Application Compatibility Toolkit 5.0
Learn to configure the ACT 5.0 settings, including the database server, a log file share, and the ACT Log Processing Service Account. Also see how to configure the ACT inventory agent to scan the client machine for hardware and software inventory.
Mitigating Application Issues Using Shims
After completing this lab, you will be able to analyze earlier applications to identify compatibility issues, apply custom shim databases with application fixes using the compatibility administrator, and deploy custom shim databases across an organization.
Evaluate Microsoft Server Products and You Can Win a Server for Your Home
Try Microsoft server products and a Windows Home Server could be yours. Take part in a virtual lab or download a free trial and you could win big prizes.
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