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Notes From the Editor
Mohamed Baher		If you’d like to Get a head start working with Windows Server 2008 and Microsoft Windows PowerShell: Microsoft Press has just made sample chapters of “Introducing Windows Server 2008” and “Microsoft Windows PowerShell” available online. You can download selected chapters after registration on the Microsoft Learning Portal. Since we’re on the topic of Windows Server 2008, I’d like to introduce you to a monthly column, penned by Microsoft Gulf’s infrastructure consultant Mohamed Baher Ibrahim. Mohamed focuses on the deployment and the support of complex infrastructure projects within large enterprises and is also a Microsoft Certified trainer “MCT”. Be sure to check out his column posted in this flash for further insights to Windows Server 2008.

Windows Server 2008 – Column by Mohamed Baher Ibrahim. Topic: Server Core

Beginning with Windows Server "Longhorn", administrators can choose to install Windows Server with only core server functionality and without any extra overhead. This new installation option will not install non-essential services and applications and will provide base server functionality without any extra overhead. While the Server Core installation option is a fully functioning mode of the operating system supporting one of the designate roles, it does not include the server graphic user interface (GUI). This limits the roles that can be performed by the server, but can improve security and reduce management. This type of installation is called a Server Core installation. Server Core provides an environment for running the following server roles:

1. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server


2. Domain Name System (DNS) server


3. File and print Servers


4. Domain controller

To accomplish this, the Server Core installation option installs only a subset of the executable files and supporting dynamic link libraries (DLLs). Specifically, only those features that are required by these four server roles are installed. For example, the Windows Explorer user interface (or "shell") is not installed as part of Server Core. Instead, when using a Server Core–based server, the default user interface is the command prompt, however system administrators can manage the Server Core from their administration workstation using the Windows Server 2008 administration tools. The server core installation of Windows Server "Longhorn" supports the following optional features:

1. Failover Clustering


2. Network Load Balancing


3. Subsystem for UNIX-based applications


4. Backup


5. Multipath IO


6. Removable Storage Management


7. Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)


8. BitLocker™ Drive Encryption


9. Telnet client


10. WINS

Because Server Core installations include only what is required for the designated roles, a Server Core installation will typically require less maintenance and fewer updates as there are fewer components to manage. In other words, since there are fewer programs and components installed and running on the server, there are fewer attack vectors exposed to the network, resulting in a reduced attack surface. If a security flaw or vulnerability is discovered in a component that is not installed, a patch is not required.
Click Here more information regarding Windows Server Core
Click Here an overview about Windows Server 2008
Download the Windows Server 2008 Beta 3

Top Stories and Featured Content

[Default] TechNet Magazine's Utility Spotlight: Script Elevation PowerToys for Windows Vista
In the spirit of the old Windows PowerToys, Senior Infrastructure Consultant for Microsoft Consulting Services Michael Murgolo has created a few Script Elevation PowerToys to elevate some types of tasks in Windows Vista.

[Default] Microsoft Unveils Next-Generation Forefront Business Security Product: Code Name "Stirling"
Announced this month, the new Microsoft Forefront solution, code name "Stirling," is a single product that will deliver unified security management and reporting with comprehensive, coordinated protection across client, server applications, and network edge. "Stirling" acts as a distributed system, sharing and correlating information to identify complex threats, and dynamically responding to protect the organization.

[Default] Understand the Server Core Option for Installing Windows Server 2008
The Server Core installation option of the Windows Server 2008 operating system is a new option for installing Windows Server 2008. A Server Core installation provides a minimal environment for running specific server roles that reduces the maintenance and management requirements and the attack surface for those server roles.

[Default] Microsoft Debuts Windows Vista Hardware Assessment 2.0
Windows Vista Hardware Assessment 2.0 is now available for download. This popular Windows Vista deployment tool offers IT professionals a quick way to assess their existing computers' readiness for Windows Vista in terms of hardware and device compatibility. The new version provides selective inventory, enhanced scalability for larger corporate networks and assessment for Office 2007.

[Security Systems] Forefront Server Security Management Console Beta 2 Now Available The new Forefront Server Security Management Console allows administrators to easily manage Forefront Security for Exchange Server, Forefront Security for SharePoint, and Microsoft Antigen. It provides a Web-based console to centralize configuration and operation, automate the download and distribution of signature and scan engine updates, and generate comprehensive reports.

[Default] Take the Windows Home Server Code2Fame Challenge
Create software and/or hardware add-ins for Windows Home Server, to simplify digital lifestyles of families everywhere. We’re looking for creative use of a server as a platform, as well as useful, cool, easy-to-use, and solidly performing add-ins to Windows Home Server. This contest offers more than U.S.$50,000 in cash and prizes and is sponsored by Hewlett-Packard.

[Default] Meet IT Pro of the Month Jeff Nason See Jeff's winning entry for Windows IT Pro magazine IT Pro of the Month. He used the User State Migration Tool (USMT), integrated it with a Web interface and automated the process for replacing leased PCs and restoring all the data and settings to clients’ new PCs.

[Database Management Systems] Switch to Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Transition to SQL Server 2005 through June 30 and save between 25 and 50 percent* on licenses. You’ll get the business intelligence tools necessary for users to easily take advantage of the data you work so hard to maintain. Request your copy of the Microsoft Business Intelligence Resource Kit DVD that includes everything needed to get started. (*Restrictions apply. Click here for details.)

[Default] Deployment Planning at No Cost to You
Did you know that Microsoft Desktop Deployment Planning Services (DDPS) offers vouchers for up to 15 days of deployment planning at no cost to you? Microsoft certified consultants will actively work with you to help you achieve the most cost-effective desktop environment. To find out if your organization has DDPS available and how to capitalize on this benefit, contact your Software Assurance Benefits Administrator or Microsoft Account Executive today.

Evaluation Center Updates

[Default] Virtual Server R2 SP1 Is Now Available for Download
Virtual Server 2005 R2 is the server virtualization technology engineered for the Windows Server operating system to increase hardware utilization and enable IT staff to rapidly configure and deploy new servers. Register to download the free software and you will receive relevant resources that are strategically assembled to address the challenges you will face as you discover, assess, and deploy the software.

Support and Troubleshooting

How-to Articles

Hotfixes

Knowledge Base Articles

[Default] 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.

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Featured Downloads

[Default] Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager 2007 Beta 2
Try out the new standard for Windows backup and recovery. Data Protection Manager 2007 combines the best aspects of Continuous Data Protection and traditional tape backup with a seamlessly integrated disk and tape platform. Learn how you can use Data Protection Manager 2007 to perform better backups as well as rapid and reliable recoveries while significantly reducing the costs and complexities associated with data protection.

[Default] Now Available: Microsoft System Center Essentials 2007 Trial Version
Automate management tasks, manage multiple systems, diagnose and resolve IT problems. Proactively manage your IT environment with increased efficiency using Essentials 2007.

Top 10 Reasons to Purchase System Center Essentials 2007

[Default] Download the June CTP for SQL Server 2008
Read, watch, and download this Community Technology Preview (CTP) to learn more about the new capabilities in the upcoming release of SQL Server 2008.

Upcoming Webcasts

[Storage Systems] How Microsoft IT Manages a SAN-based Enterprise Visual Studio 2005 Team Foundation Server Infrastructure Tuesday, July 17, 9:30 AM Pacific Time Learn how Microsoft IT partnered with the Visual Studio Team Foundation (VSTF) development team and the Microsoft IT data center to provide a centrally managed VSTF environment that uses the Microsoft data center environment to provide SAN-based data storage capacity.

[Database Management Systems] How Microsoft IT Uses SQL Server 2005 to Power a Global Forensic Data Security Tool Tuesday, June 19, 9:30 AM Pacific Time This webcast will cover how SQL Server 2005 powers a 27 terabyte data management system called ICE 3.0, which gathers forensic data from more than 85 Microsoft corporate proxy servers into a single database. The ongoing work of forensics engineers, such as query activities and analysis, is not interrupted by event processing or database loading.

[Default] Windows PowerShell in Windows Server 2008 (Level 200)
Wednesday, June 20, 1:00 PM Pacific Time
In this webcast, we shed light on Windows PowerShell, the new interactive shell and scripting language built on the Microsoft .NET Framework. We provide many examples of how Windows PowerShell can empower the Windows Server 2008 administrator. Windows PowerShell provides object-based pipelining, rather than just plain text as in other shells.

[Windows Server 2003] Processing Speed Produces a Competitive Advantage in Engineering Simulations Thursday, June 21, 11:00 AM Pacific Time Learn how Microsoft partner CD-Adapco’s computational fluid dynamics (CFD) product, STAR-CD, and Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 provide a powerful, business-effective, and easy-to-use platform for CFD simulations. Find out how Windows Compute Cluster Server enables earlier and more detailed insight into the functional behavior of their product designs from the performance and accuracy of larger and more realistic STAR-CD simulations running on clusters of industry standard 64-bit hardware.

[Default] Configure and Manage Windows Server 2008 Using Server Manager (Level 300)
Thursday, June 21, 11:30 AM Pacific Time
Discover the new features that Server Manager provides in Windows Server 2008. Learn how to install, configure, and manage Windows Server 2008 server roles and optional components, and how you can use the command-line interface in Server Manager to install these components. We also introduce Remote Server Administration tools.

[Default] Chat: Configure and Manage Windows Server 2008 Using Server Manager
Friday, June 22, 11:00 AM Pacific Time
Join our experts and ask questions about the new features of Server Manager that enable you to install, configure, and manage Windows Server 2008 server roles and features.

[Network Infrastructure Systems] How Microsoft IT Designed and Deployed Active Directory Federation Services Tuesday, June 26, 9:30 AM Pacific Time Hear the engineer who was responsible for the internal deployment of Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS) at Microsoft discuss ways to configure the ADFS components, including the federation server, federation server proxies, ADFS Web agents, and deployment challenges.

[Default] The New Server Core Installation Option in Windows Server 2008 (Level 300)
Thursday, June 28, 9:30 AM Pacific Time
In this session, we explore Server Core, a new minimal installation option included in Windows Server 2008. A Server Core installation provides a minimal environment for running a subset of the server roles, the Active Directory service, Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services, Domain Name System, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, and file, print, and media services.

Scripting for IT Pros

[other]

See previous comics in the TechNet Flash Web-based archive.

Hey, Scripting Guy!

Security

[Default] Microsoft Security Products Receive Virus Bulletin's 100% Award
Virus Bulletin, a magazine that conducts tests of detection rates of antivirus software products, announced that both Forefront Client Security and Windows Live OneCare achieved the Virus Bulletin 100% award. Products that manage to detect 100 percent of the viruses “in the wild” without false alarms are given this award.

[Default] Microsoft Forefront Client Security 120-Day Trial Is Available
Microsoft Forefront Client Security 120-day trial version is available for evaluation, a security solution that helps protect business desktops, laptops, and server operating systems from viruses, spyware, and other current and emerging threats.

On Demand

[Default] Microsoft Business Intelligence: Video Coverage
This presentation will provide an overview of all of the components of the Microsoft Business Intelligence offering, architectural overview, and a demonstration to provide context for the in-depth session that follows.

[Default] Determine Windows Vista Compatibility with Your Existing Computers
Learn how the Windows Vista Hardware Assessment tool can help you quickly assess the hardware and device capabilities of your computers for Windows Vista network-wide.

[Security Systems] How Microsoft IT Manages Security Knowledge for Better Application Risk Management Learn how security knowledge management and translation to enable application risk management through Threat Analysis & Modeling Enterprise at Microsoft.

[Security Systems] Microsoft Malware Protection Center Overview (Level 200) The Microsoft Malware Protection Center supplies the core malicious software (malware)-fighting technology, including the scanning engine and malware definition updates, for Microsoft Forefront Client Security, Forefront Server Security Management Console, Windows Live OneCare, Windows Defender, and other Microsoft security solutions and technologies.

[Security Systems] Technical Overview of Forefront Server Security Management Console (Level 200) Discover the new features and functions of the Microsoft Forefront Server Security Management Console and see how it integrates with standard management tools, such as Microsoft System Center Operations Manager (formerly Microsoft Operations Manager) and Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (formerly Microsoft Systems Management Server), to take advantage of preexisting solutions and processes while reducing deployment and training costs.

[Security Systems] Technical Overview of Forefront Security for SharePoint (Level 200) Learn how Microsoft Forefront Security for SharePoint can help secure Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 and Windows SharePoint Services environments. We show how Forefront Security for SharePoint also provides a content control solution that offers comprehensive collaboration security using layered defenses, corporate content policy enforcement, and optimization of SharePoint Products and Technologies to help keep document libraries secure and available.

[Security Systems] Maximizing the Multiple Scan Engine Advantage in Forefront Server Security Solutions (Level 300) Attend this session to learn about the advantages of the multiple scan engines in the Microsoft Forefront server security solutions. We also provide best practices for deploying and configuring Forefront server security products to achieve the best balance between performance and security.

[Telecom Systems] Unified Communications: Control Your Infrastructure In these webcasts, virtual labs, and podcasts, we show you how users can experience enhanced Voice over IP (VoIP) communications, Web conferencing, and enterprise instant messaging from their PCs, regardless of their location. In June, we focus on Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 and Microsoft Office Communicator 2007.

[Default] Managing a Microsoft Infrastructure: Improve Reliability and Performance
Join this series to learn about the key Microsoft infrastructure management offerings. This month's webcasts will cover an overview of the recently shipped Microsoft Systems Center Operations Manager, including its client monitoring feature. Enjoy a sneak preview of some new and upcoming products on the Microsoft manageability road map, including Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007.

[Default] TechNet Radio: Direct from Day One of Tech-Ed 2007
This week on Tech Net Radio, we listen to interviews from the first day of Tech-Ed 2007. Kevin Remde talks with Dustin Jones about monitoring using System Center Essentials. He also talks with Jane Lewis about Women in Tech. Kevin and Bryan von Axelson discuss the Microsoft MVP Program with Connie Rennie. Plus, we talk with Steve Riley about Wireless Security improvements in Windows Vista.

[Default] On-Demand Microsoft IT Webcasts for IT Pros

[Default] On-Demand Microsoft IT Webcasts for IT Managers

Virtual Labs

[Default] Try out a Microsoft Virtual Lab Express
Virtual Lab Express is the fastest and easiest way to test drive Microsoft products and the Virtual Lab environment. These are 30-minute hands-on overviews of some of your favorite Microsoft products and server tools. Try them out online now - no need to download full trial versions or dedicate test machines.

[TechNet Subscribers] What's New Online in TechNet Plus

Free E-Learning Courses Available to Subscribers

TechNet Plus subscribers receive access to selected Microsoft E-Learning courses for free. Microsoft E-Learning offers a variety of courses providing hands-on learning to help you build the skills you need. Sign in and take these e-learning courses today! And to stay up to date on TechNet Plus news sign up for the TechNet Plus Blog RSS feed

Solution Accelerators

[Default] Determine Hardware and Device Compatibilities for Your Windows Vista Migration Project
Wondering if your computers are ready to migrate to Windows Vista? The Windows Vista Hardware Assessment Solution Accelerator is a network-wide assessment tool that quickly assesses hardware and device driver compatibility for Windows Vista upgrades. Download and start your migration planning today.

[Default] Check out all the Solution Accelerators

Case Studies and White Papers

[Network Infrastructure Systems] Driving Network Efficiency Through Server Stack Coordination: Learning from Midmarket Company Experiences This white paper from IDC examines the implementation of advanced network solutions by medium-sized firms. IDC has found that these firms are especially interested in taking advantage of past technology investments, even while capitalizing on the latest advances.

[Security Systems] Microsoft Forefront Client Security Case Studies Find out how businesses, of all sizes and in all industries, are using Forefront Client Security to protect their desktops, laptops, and servers against malware.

[Security Systems] Microsoft Forefront Server Security Case Studies Find out how other companies are using Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server and Microsoft Forefront Security for SharePoint to meet their e-mail and collaboration security needs.

[Security Systems] Microsoft Forefront Edge Security and Access Case Studies See how other companies are using Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2006 and Microsoft Intelligent Application Gateway (IAG) 2007 to provide secure remote access, branch office security, and Internet access protection.

[Security Systems] Microsoft Forefront and System Center Case Studies Learn how the companies have realized the benefits of a more secure and well managed infrastructure.

[Windows Server 2003] Finite Elements -- Infinite Possibilities: Virtual Simulation and High-Performance Computing Engineers worldwide rely on Altair’s RADIOSS finite-element solver technology to efficiently simulate and predict complex phenomena. To exploit the full potential of virtual simulation and HPC, RADIOSS is optimized to run on Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003.

[Default] Technical Computing Tools Combined with Cluster Computing Deliver High-Performance Solutions
Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 combined with the MathWorks’ MATLAB Distributed Computing Engine and Distributed Computing Toolbox allows users to access distributed computing resources from their desktops to solve complex technical computing problems and achieve higher-speed computing at a lower cost than before.

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