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Volume 11, Issue 3: March 3, 2009
Note from the Editor
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Greetings, and Welcome to TechNet Flash.
Two things became obvious last week as I was putting together this newsletter: First,
the demand for local news and information is downright voracious, and second, I
needed a way to get important news out more frequently.
So, realizing how important this is, our team created 2 new websites dedicated exclusively
to the IT Pro community here, in the Gulf.
Gulf TechNet Flash website at
http://www.microsoft.com/gulf/technet
Gulf Security website at
http://www.microsoft.com/gulf/security
You have told us in a recent survey that you want more access, information, news,
interactivity and a better connection to all of us here at Microsoft. While the
feeds and most of the content comes from around Microsoft, we have customized the
links to accentuate how we can help you right here, in this region. The Security
site specifically provides links to technical bulletins, advisories, tools, guidance,
and community resources designed to help you keep servers, desktops, and applications
up to date and secure. So, do send me your feedback and enjoy!
At CES earlier this month, Microsoft announced the release of
Windows Server 2008 R2 Beta 1, providing enhancements in virtualization, Web platform, management, scalability,
and reliability. New features also ensure greater integration with Windows 7 for
scenarios such security, remote access, and branch office infrastructure. You can
learn more and download the beta today. And TechNet Plus subscribers can
download the Windows Sever 2008 R2 beta bits.
Also released was the beta of Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization V 1.0,
an enterprise virtualization solution that helps your users run legacy applications
on their Windows Vista desktops. The final version of MED-V 1.0 is slated for release
in the second quarter of this year as a part of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization
Pack. Download the beta.
IT Managers Get Hub on TechNet
The new Microsoft TechNet IT Management Community Hub is ready for you to participate.
Connect, find resources, and get the information you need. Check out webcasts and
podcasts from industry leaders, blogs by subject matter experts, community forums,
and more. That's just the beginning.
Don't you want to wait for the next newsletter?
TechNet Flash Feed blog is updated
as often as important news for IT pros happens. And, as it turns out, it happens
often. Give it a look, subscribe to the feed or bookmark the site and leave a comment.
You no longer have to wait to get the big headlines.
Driving a lot of that activity in the last few weeks were new announcements and
resources around Windows 7. Even before the announcement of the Windows 7 lineup,
I know that a lot of you were already testing the new OS. As you delve deeper into
this process, check out the Ten Things IT Professionals Should Know About Windows
7, a quick guide to what is in store if you're responsible for desktop administration.
If you haven't started the evaluation yet, or even if you have, the new Windows
7 Walkthroughs explore the new and updated features in Windows 7, from AppLocker
to the Problem Steps Recorder, with short video screencasts.
New Section See below New Videos for IT Pros, featuring short, easily digestible
videos on a range of topics.
Ahmer Hasan
Editor, TechNet Flash
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Your Featured Content
[Desktop Operating Systems] Windows Service Pack Blocker
Toolkit Set to Expire
If you previously installed the Service Pack Blocker Tool for Windows XP or Windows
Vista, the code that temporarily prevents the installation of a service pack through
Windows Update, the expiration date for the Service Pack Blocker Tool for Windows
Vista SP1 is April 28, 2009. For Windows XP SP3 the tool expires May 19, 2009.
For more information on the Service Pack Blocker Tool, please see the FAQ available through the Springboard Series on
TechNet.
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New Videos for IT Pros
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(11 Minutes 39 seconds)
Kyle Rosenthal takes you on a tour of the Application Compatibility Cookbook, which
provides an in-depth look at the common compatibility issues applications might
face when running on Windows Vista. He also discusses the 30-minute compatibility
test that helps identify which issues you can mitigate or fix.
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(13 minutes, 2 seconds)
In this video, Mark Wilson looks at installing the Hyper-V role, Microsoft's virtualization
platform, on Windows Server 2008, and takes viewers through the key points to get
virtual machines up and running.
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More "How Do I?" Videos
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IT Management
Are You Thriving During
these Tough Times?
How are you positioning yourself, your team, and your organization to succeed during
this economic downturn? Visit the Thrive site and learn how to enhance your skills,
advance your career and elevate IT as the business leader. Don't just survive, thrive.
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Scripting for IT Pros
Hey Scripting Guy...
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Support and Troubleshooting
How-to Articles
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.
 Also availabile via RSS |
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Featured Downloads
New
System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R2 Virtual Machine Eval Edition
This new virtual machine evaluation edition allows you to quickly try out the latest
version of System Center Configuration Manager on a pre-configured virtual hard
disk (VHD). You can download the VHD and evaluate for free in your own environment
without the need for dedicated servers or complex installations.
Hyper-V Security Guide Beta Release Now Available
This security guide provides guidance, instructions, and recommendations to address
your key security concerns around server virtualization. The beta release is available
through March 4, 2009. After joining the beta review program,
bookmark this link to the program site to get the latest information about
upcoming events.
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Upcoming Webcasts
Using Presentation Virtualization (Level 300)
February 13, 2009, 8:00 A.M. Pacific Time
We explore presentation virtualization solutions for running applications centrally.
We look at how Fabrikam implemented a Terminal Services solution to reduce the number
of desktops it purchases as it aims to reduce hardware costs, energy consumption,
and administration costs.
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Identity and Security
Try Intelligent
Application Gateway (IAG) SP2
IAG SP2 improves overall IAG scalability, interoperability, and functionality. It
also has the ability to run as a virtual machine on Hyper-V for lower TCO, deployment
flexibility, and simplified disaster recovery. Download the fully functional trial
version which can be used in the production environment without an evaluation appliance.
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On Demand
Windows Server 2008 File and Storage Solutions (Level 300)
In this webcast, we cover some of the main file and storage features in Windows
Server 2008, including Server Message Block 2 (SMB2), Distributed File System (DFS),
Network File System (NFS), Offline Files, Storage Explorer, Volume Shadow Copy Service
(VSS), Virtual Disk Service (VDS), Share and Storage Management, and File Server
Resource Manager (FSRM).
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Virtual Labs
Using System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 Features
After completing this lab you will understand how to deploy policies and software
using System Center Mobile Device Manager, use multiple methods of creating device
enrollment using either self-service or pre-enrollment, and understand how mobile
devices can be managed in a secure manner.
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Received TechNet Flash from a Friend?
The TechNet Flash is full of pointers to in-depth technical information that
we encourage subscribers to forward to friends and co-workers. If you've received
this issue from someone via e-mail and would like to receive the free TechNet
Flash newsletter biweekly, all you have to do is
register. |
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© 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Microsoft Dynamics,
Expression, Forefront, Hyper-V, Internet Explorer, Outlook, Silverlight, SoftGrid,
SQL Server, Visual Studio, Windows, Windows Mobile, Windows Server, and Windows
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To cancel your subscription to this newsletter, reply to this message with the word
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Legal Information.
This newsletter was sent by the Microsoft Corporation
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Training & Books
Career Assist Package, Save Up to 90%
Second Shot provides a free retake if you fail your certification exam. And from
now until June 30, 2009, if you register for Second Shot, you get the E-Learning
Collection for just US$35 (usually priced up to US$349). That's up to 90% off. But
hurry; once you have activated a discounted e-learning collection it will only be
available for 90 days.
Free
Copy of SQL Server 2008 With Select Training Courses
Receive a free copy of SQL Server 2008 when you attend select SQL Server 2008 courses
with Microsoft Certified Partners for Learning Solutions. Limited-time offer.
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National and Global Events
Tech·Ed
North America 2009
May 11 - 15, 2009
Los Angeles, CA
Immerse yourself in more than 750 learning opportunities. Explore current and soon-to-be-released
Microsoft technologies, including the Microsoft System Center product suite, Microsoft
Forefront, and Windows Server 2008 R2. Register by February 27 and save US$200 on
the full conference price.
Register for Microsoft Management
Summit
April 27 - May 1, 2009
Las Vegas, NV
In this 10th-anniversary year, Microsoft Management Summit 2009 will present more
than 120 demo-packed technical sessions. The theme of this year's Microsoft Management
Summit is “Physical – Virtual – Powerful,” reflecting how integrated management
of both physical and virtual environments, across the datacenter and on the desktop,
can lead to powerful yet cost-effective solutions.
Tech Days 2009
Open Call for Speakers and Content
For the first time ever, on April 1, 2009 we are joining the entire worldwide developer
community online for one continuous 24-hour period of learning and connecting at
Tech Days 2009 Defy All Challenges. This free virtual event will begin at
8:00 A.M. in Asia-Pacific and conclude 24 hours later in the Americas. We are looking
for passionate speakers to submit topics (in any language) in the areas of developer
tools, mobility, Windows, Office, SharePoint, or Web development.
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Resources
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TechNet Plus Direct
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Full library of Microsoft software for evaluation without limits
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Immediate access through subscriber downloads
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Two Professional Support incidents
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Access to beta software before public beta releases
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Exclusive tools and utilities |
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Personalize Your Flash
Let us know your technology interests. When you personalize your Flash experience, additional content
for your selected topics can be found in every edition in Your Featured Content.
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