TechNet Flash - Volume 10, Issue 5: March 5, 2008
Note from the Editor
Greetings New TechNet Flash Subscriber,
Last week, Microsoft kicked off the 2008 Launch Wave with more than 200 events worldwide celebrating the launch of Windows Server 2008, Microsoft Visual Studio 2008, and Microsoft SQL Server 2008. If you missed the Heroes Happen Here launch in Los Angeles on February 27, you can still experience the L.A. launch for yourself through the Microsoft Virtual Launch Experience. Watch Steve Ballmer’s keynote and more than 20 technical sessions or browse more than 45 sponsored Microsoft and community “booths” -- all on-demand. Created with Microsoft Expression and Visual Studio 2008, and running on Windows Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008, the VLE is an immersive Microsoft Silverlight application that allows you to experience the launch on your own time, at the speed and in the way that works best for you.
And with the simultaneous worldwide launch, Microsoft also launched the Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 and Visual Studio 2008 Web sites.
Try ‘Em Out for a Chance to Win
When you Evalu’08 the three 2008 Launch Wave products, you could win a Windows Home Server. Download a free trial of any of the launch products or take a virtual lab and be entered for a chance to win great prizes. To sign up and for the official rules, visit Evalu’08.
Are you interested in what reviewers are saying about Windows Server 2008? Visit the Windows Server 2008 News and Reviews.
Microsoft’s Expanded Interoperability Strategy
Microsoft has announced a set of broad-reaching changes to its technology and business practices to increase the openness of its products and drive greater interoperability, opportunity, and choice for developers, partners, customers, and competitors. Get full access to the Open Protocol Specifications in the MSDN Library.
New on TechNet: Virtualization TechCenter
Learn how to achieve flexibility and agility in your IT environment by visiting the new Virtualization TechCenter. This site features the latest content and resources for IT professionals to learn about Microsoft virtualization solutions and products, including Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V, Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager, Microsoft Application Virtualization (formerly SoftGrid), Virtual PC, and Virtualization Solution Accelerators.
Thanks for reading,
Mitch Irsfeld
Editor, TechNet Flash
Your Featured Content
Ensure that the content most relevant to you is presented in this section.
Test Drive Windows Server 2008
The Windows Server 2008 test drive allows you to try the latest release from Microsoft instantly. By simply logging onto our test-drive environment and using your Web browser, you will be able to experience Windows Server 2008 firsthand through a collection of short virtual labs and video walk-throughs.
Collaborate More Securely Using the External Collaboration Toolkit for SharePoint
This new solution accelerator provides software and guidance you need to collaborate more securely with team members from organizations outside your firewall. It's easy to customize, deploy, and use. Plus, it’s free.
Data Protection Manager 2007 Demo
Learn how Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager offers continuous data protection for Windows application and file servers, rapid and reliable data recovery, and advanced technology for enterprises of all sizes. We will also tell you about the new features in Data Protection Manager 2007.
Webcast: System Center Advanced Application Management (Level 300)
March 10, 9:30 AM Pacific Time
Microsoft System Center Wave 2 brings a collection of new and enhanced capabilities for application management. In this session, we highlight the new capabilities for application management from packaging and delivery to configuration and performance management.
Determine Your Virtualization Readiness for Windows Server 2008
To be successful, IT projects must take into account the specific IT environment. To help you determine your customers' readiness for Windows Server 2008, the Microsoft Assessment and Planning tool quickly assesses existing computers in just a few hours or less. Download the free Microsoft Assessment and Planning Tool.
New Virtualization Solution Accelerators
Are your customers ready to migrate to Windows Server 2008 and virtualize their IT infrastructure with Windows Server Hyper-V, Terminal Services, or Microsoft Application Virtualization? New tools and guidance include Microsoft Assessment and Planning, Infrastructure Planning and Design, Windows Server 2008 Security Guide, and Microsoft Deployment.
See the TechNet Edge Interview with Solution Accelerators PM Baldwin Ng
Solution Accelerators interview - Part 1
Solution Accelerators interview - Part 2
If you've used or are thinking about using the Windows Vista Hardware Assessment solution accelerator, upgrading to Windows Server 2008, or consolidating physical machines into virtual, then this video is definitely for you.
SQL Server 2008: Data Warehousing
Learn about the new features in SQL Server 2008 that provide a high-performance data warehouse and the new technologies that will allow you to manage large-scale data warehouses and integrate growing volumes of data. In addition to webcasts, virtual labs and podcasts are also available.
Virtual Lab: Managing Windows Vista Using New Management Technologies
This lab is intended for IT professionals who are responsible for managing Windows Vista client computers in large enterprises. In this lab you will learn to use the new Event Viewer and Task Scheduler to perform preventative maintenance and react to system events. By the end of this lab you will be able to configure enterprise management of Windows Vista.
Labcast: Understanding the 2007 Microsoft Office System User Experience and Interface Design
The objective of this lab is to become familiar with the new 2007 Microsoft Office system user interface.
Virtual Lab: 2007 Microsoft Office System for Professional Services: Project Planning and Initiation
After completing this lab you will have a better understanding of how Microsoft Office 2007 client and server applications allow organizations to use forms-based business solutions to collect and share information securely.
Webcast: Microsoft Business Intelligence for SAP NetWeaver (Level 200)
March 13, 9:30 AM Pacific Time
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 includes an updated data provider and a new query designer that enable you to take advantage of the data in SAP BW (now called SAP NetWeaver Business Intelligence). Join this webcast to learn how to set up, configure, deploy, and use these new capabilities.
Learn about some of the new benefits and features in Internet Information Services 7.0 on Windows Server 2008 as experienced during the deployment of IIS 7.0 as the Web and application platform for Microsoft.com.
Learn how to help protect your organization's network from a variety of security threats. Watch webcasts and participate in virtual labs that can help you understand, prevent, detect, and respond to security threats. Webcasts and virtual labs are available for every level, from basic to expert.
Windows Mobile Webcast Series: Advanced Communications, Applications and Security
This webcast series will cover in-depth why Windows Mobile for business, how to deliver advanced messaging and collaboration and take business applications and processes mobile, and how to effectively and centrally secure and manage mobile devices.
TechNet Radio: Windows Mobile for Business, Three-Part Series
Join Windows Mobile experts to learn the top features of Windows Mobile for business and how Windows Mobile with System Center Mobile Device Manager can help IT professionals decrease support time, simplify and centralize management, provide more secure access to corporate data, and extend line-of-business applications to mobile workers.
So you want to learn how to script Windows? Or maybe you know how to script, but you’d like to improve your skills. The Script Center is the place to start.
Microsoft Canada Invites You to Join the Canadian TechNet Flash
The Canadian TechNet team invites you to subscribe to the Canadian edition of the TechNet Flash e-newsletter. Get IT local news, events, and updates by subscribing to the Canadian TechNet Flash edition. Stay up to date with the activity that is going on in the Canadian IT marketplace by subscribing to the complimentary Canadian TechNet Flash edition today.
HPC PAL Jumpstart Technical Training: Windows HPC Server 2008
March 27: Mountain View, CA
Microsoft invites you to participate in a one-day immersion-style event to help you get the technical information you require to start deploying and developing HPC solutions using Windows HPC Server 2008.
Microsoft Financial Services Developers Conference
March 12 - 13: New York, NY
Harness the Power of High-Performance Computing
March 13 - 14: Houston, TX
March 25: Houston, TX
High-Performance Computing and Communications Council
March 25 - 26: Newport, RI
Harness the Power of High-Performance Computing
April 7 - 8: New York, NY
April 14: New York, NY
FOSE 2008 - Technology Solutions for the Business of Government
April 14 - 16: Washington, DC
2008 Enterprise Risk Symposium
April 14 - 16: Chicago, IL
April 14 - 16: Norfolk, VA
April 14 - 17: Detroit, MI
Southern California IT Professional Association (SoCal IT Pro)
Join SoCal IT Pro on March 6 for its monthly meeting.
Join HTV on March 6 for its monthly meeting.
Central Texas Systems Management User Group (CTSMUG)
Join CTSMUG on March 6 for its monthly meeting.
Alamo PC Organization SBS SIG (APCO SBS)
Join APCO SBS on March 7 for its monthly meeting.
University of Washington Microsoft Student User Group (MSSUG)
Join MSSUG on March 7 for its monthly meeting.
North Texas PC Users Group, Inc. (NTPCUG)
Join NTPCUG on March 8 for its monthly meeting.
Arizona SMB User Group (AZSMBUG)
Join AZSMBUG on March 9 for its monthly meeting.
Palm Beach IT Association (PBIT)
Join PBIT on March 11 for its monthly meeting.
Join TW-SBS on March 12 for its monthly meeting.
Windows Small Business Server User Group (WinSBSUG)
Join WinSBSUG IT Pro on March 12 for its monthly meeting.
AZ SQL Server User Group (AZSSUG)
Join AZSSUG on March 12 for its monthly meeting.
Carolina IT Professionals Group (CITPG)
Join CITPG on March 12 for its monthly meeting.
South Florida SBS User's Group (SOFLSBS)
Join SOFLSBS on March 13 for its monthly meeting.
Lexington Microsoft User Group (LexMUG)
Join LexMUG on March 13 for its monthly meeting.
Central Florida Computer Society (CFCS)
Join CFCS on March 16 for its monthly meeting.
Join BUG IT Pro on March 18 for its monthly meeting.
Information Technology Professionals of South Carolina (ITPSC)
Join ITPSC on March 18 for its monthly meeting.
Evaluation Center Updates
Download Windows Server 2008 Trial
With built-in Web and virtualization technologies, Windows Server 2008 is one of the most robust and reliable foundations on which to develop, deliver, and manage rich user experiences and applications, provide a secure network infrastructure, and reduce costs while increasing technological flexibility and value within your organization.
How to Extend the Windows Server 2008 Evaluation Period
This article describes how to extend, or re-arm, the Windows Server 2008 evaluation period up to 240 days.
The SQL Server 2008 CTP 6 Is Now Available
Try out a SQL Server 2008 Community Technology Preview (CTP). This release offers many new product enhancements including Transparent Data Encryption, Plan Freezing, Backup Compression, Spatial Data Support, Install/Uninstall capabilities, and much more. For more information on SQL Server 2008 and for an opportunity to share your feedback with the product team, check out the SQL Server 2008 resources page.
Scripting for IT Pros
Hey Scripting Guy...
" How Can I Replace Incorrect Dates in My File Names?
" How Can I Convert Pacific Standard Time to My Local Time?
See previous comics in the TechNet Flash Web-based archive.
Support and Troubleshooting
How-to Articles
" How to use the throttling mechanism to control network performance in Windows Vista
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.
Featured Downloads
Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Solution Accelerator
MAP is the expanded version of the Windows Vista Hardware Assessment Solution Accelerator tool that was released in early 2007. New features include Windows Server 2008 hardware compatibility assessment, virtualization candidacy recommendation for Virtual Server 2005 R2 (this release) and Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V (future release), and infrastructure assessment for Microsoft Application Virtualization.
Download the Microsoft Forefront Client Security Enterprise Manager
Forefront Client Security Enterprise Manager is a new tool that extends a Forefront Client Security management console to enable centralized management and reporting across multiple Forefront Client Security deployments. Need Client Security? Download the free Forefront Client Security trial software and start your evaluation.
Upcoming Webcasts
Webcast Series: 24 Hours of Windows Server 2008
Watch these 90-minute Windows Server 2008 Webcasts and see subject matter experts break down what the enhancements mean for your environment and how to take advantage of them. Tune in for live Webcasts and stream or download Webcasts for on-demand viewing.
Security
Now Available: Windows Server 2008 Security Guide
Protect your organization from attacks with the Windows Server 2008 Security Guide. You'll get comprehensive security guidance, preconfigured security settings, and automated tools that reduce security policy deployment times by up to 80 percent.
Webcast: Information About Microsoft March Security Bulletins (Level 200)
March 12, 11:00 AM Pacific Time
On March 11, 2008, Microsoft releases the next monthly security bulletins. Join us for a brief overview of the technical details of the February security bulletins. The intent of this webcast is to address your concerns. Therefore, most of the webcast is devoted to attendees asking questions about the bulletins and getting answers from our security experts.
On Demand
Assess Your Server IT Infrastructure for Windows Server 2008 Migration and Virtualization
View this webcast to learn how you can use the new tool called Microsoft Assessment and Planning. It offers networkwide, agentless inventory and readiness assessment for Windows Server 2008 migration and Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V virtualization.
Managing a Virtualized Environment Today and in the Future
Hear this radio show to learn more about the features and benefits of using Windows Server Virtualization and System Center working together, and look at competitive differentiators for the current virtualization offerings.
Virtual Labs
Windows Server 2008 Virtual Labs
Try Windows Server 2008 and experience how it will affect your daily routine. These virtual labs give you a chance to test drive the new features of Windows Server 2008, which include improvements to management, network protection, and Terminal Services. Sign up for a free 90-minute block of time, download a manual, and step through a lab today.
Data Mining with SQL Server 2008
This lab walks you through some key data mining scenarios that will enable predictive analysis across the enterprise.
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