Keith Combs' Blahg

Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac Released !

Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac 2 features a redesigned user interface, improved customization options, and the ability to connect to multiple Windows-based computers at the same time. The following table lists the latest improvements to Remote Desktop Connection.

• Universal binary - Runs on both Intel-based and PowerPC-based Macs.
• User interface and menu bar - Simplifies the connection window and expands the menu bar to include menus for common tasks (File, Edit, View, and Help). Application preferences are now located on the RDC menu.
• Remote Desktop Protocol 6.0 - Improves performance and compatibility with Windows Vista.
• Multiple sessions - Connects to multiple computers when you save a connection file for each computer. Use the new File menu to open new, saved, and previously opened connections and to manage all changes to connection files.
• Better customization than Remote Desktop Connection 1.0 - Accepts changes to application preferences, such as keyboard shortcuts, during a Remote Desktop session. Changes take effect the next time that you connect.
• Automatic reconnection - Reestablishes a remote session when the network connection is lost.
• Screen sizing options - Runs the Remote Desktop session in a resizable window or in full-screen mode.
• Printing - Prints your Windows-based documents to any printer that is connected to the Macintosh computer.
• Network Level Authentication - Verifies the identity of the Windows-based computer before establishing a Remote Desktop connection. You can select this option when you connect to a computer that is running Windows Vista. Network Level Authentication is more secure than authentication options in earlier versions of Windows.
• Wide-screen resolution - Provides settings for improved resolution on wide-screen displays.
• Server console sessions - Speeds login when you specify "console" as part of the computer name.

Get it @ http://www.microsoft.com/mac/downloads.mspx?pid=Mactopia_RDC&fid=803F9438-8DF3-490F-92C6-0E0F92787DB8

User Privacy Issues Playing Out at YouTube

It appears a new battle is brewing on the internet.  Several salvos have been fired.  And there will be lots of collateral damage. 

I was just reading an article written by Michael Arrington at TechCrunch that discusses the implications of a recent court ruling.  See the article, “Judge Protects YouTube’s Source Code, Throws Users To The Wolves” for more information on what is happening.  I have no idea what the facts are in the case, but would you want a company to hand over your userid and other information to another company because of a court ruling? 

As with all things, it seems a few bad apples ruin things for the rest of us.  This is going to be interesting to watch.  Love the comments.

Did you survive BSOD Monday?

I saw a lot of reports of people having issues with Windows Vista SP1 that were still on the release candidate as it expired 6/30/2008.  Of course I was heads down doing yearend data entry so I didn't get a chance to see what was happening on the grid.  Everyone survive and get upgraded from the release candidate to the released bits?  I'm betting the TechNet Plus Direct subscription came in real handy yesterday.

The Security Show Episode 1 - Meet the Feds

Long time friend and confidant Kai Axford is taking his mad skillz online.  As some of you are aware, Kai is a former member of my team and is now a Security Strategist for Microsoft.  Like me, Kai doesn't hold anything back and always has an entertaining and educational outlook on whatever subject he talks about.

The "Security Show" is no exception.  The Security Show is Kai's innovation and was delivered and recorded at TechEd 2008 in Orlando, Florida.  I actually took my HD video camera with me to Florida just to record the show.  However, I show up and he has a full crew with four camera, multi source wireless audio, digital video feed switching, lighting and the whole darn enchilada.  Needless to say I got to watch the pros do the filming.

The film company has offloaded the raw footage to Kai and Mr. Axford is editing the goods with the tools and techniques we've been trying on my team.  Kai tells me he has close to 5 hours of footage but he's chopping it up into bite size segments.  Here's the first part.

Next week I'll be having lunch with Kai and we'll discuss some other methods of video distribution.  I'll see if I can't get Kai to offer the videos for offline viewing and use.  Enjoy this is the meantime.

Oh, and don't forget that some of the Silverlight video players like the one above don't have a full screen button, but you can double click the player to make it go full screen.  Esc to get back out of full screen.

Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V wrap up

Most likely by now you’ve been bombarded with the news.  We entered the virtualization market today with a new product called Hyper-V.  It’s a downloadable and installable Windows Server 2008 role.  It’s pretty simple to install and use and I would advise taking your time learning what is happening under the covers with all of the new features.

We shipped a ton of product and information today.  There are a few things you didn’t get that I know you’ll want.  For instance, the linux Integration Components for SUSE are not yet RTM so they’ll be just a little longer.  We don’t yet have the Hyper-V management pack for System Center Operations Manager complete.  We also still have a few goodies coming down the pipe that will solidify the management vision for the rest of the System Center family, like System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008.

But we shipped, we shipped early, and shipping is a feature.  Let’s have a nice virtual round of applause for the entire Virtual product group!!!

We’ll continue to provide a lot of air cover on our strategy and vision.  We are just getting started.  Over 90% of the worlds servers aren’t virtualized so to say that any one vendor is the dominant player right now is ridiculous.  Now obviously VMWare is the team to beat, but there’s a new player in town and I think you are going to like what you see in Hyper-V.  It’s fast.  It’s easy to setup.  And it’s reliable.  It’s designed to run huge workloads and we are already proving that.

So here’s an array of reference links to get you started.  Enjoy!

Key Microsoft Virtual Webs

• http://www.microsoft.com/Hyper-V
• http://www.microsoft.com/virtualization/default.mspx
• http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/solutionaccelerators/cc197910.aspx
• http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/virtualization/default.aspx
• Press release @ http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2008/jun08/06-26hyperv.mspx.

Some Interesting Articles

• How to Install Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/hyperv-install.aspx
• Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V Performance Tuning Guide - http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/system/sysperf/Perf_tun_srv.mspx
• MSDN & TechNet Powered by Hyper-V - http://blogs.technet.com/virtualization/archive/2008/05/20/msdn-and-technet-powered-by-hyper-v.aspx

Support Stuff

• Guest OS Support - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/954958/en-us
• Virtualization Support Policy - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/897615/

Windows Server 2008 x64 Hyper-V

This is the complete Hyper-V RTM package for Windows Server 2008 x64. This package must be installed on the Hyper-V Parent Partition. It includes the Hyper-V Server components for Full and Core installations. In addition, is contains the Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V Management components for Full installations.

Get it @ http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=F3AB3D4B-63C8-4424-A738-BADED34D24ED

Hyper-V Management Consoles

• Windows Vista SP1 x64 – http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=88208468-0AD6-47DE-8580-085CBA42C0C2
• Windows Vista SP1 x86 - http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=BF909242-2125-4D06-A968-C8A3D75FF2AA
• Windows Server 2008 x86 - http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=6F69D661-5B91-4E5E-A6C0-210E629E1C42

Should I Be Evil?

There's been a considerable amount of discussion lately about Apple, our image, and if Microsoft employees should buy Apple products.  There is no official policy that says I can't buy an iPod, iPhone or a Mac.

But how does this look to you?

Do you think more or less of me if I do?  Do you care what kind of phone I use?  What kind of message am I sending to you if I purchase the 3G iPhone 2?  I mean after all, I'm a paid Microsoft Evangelist not an Apple Evangelist.

What does evangelist mean exactly?  I always think it means I get to preach the Microsoft gospel.  Praise the Lord!!!  I like doing that.  I have high confidence in our products. But I grew up being a Consultant with one of the "Big Six" integrators where I was a trusted advisor and always recommended the best product or solution for the customer. 

I already have a Mac.  My MacBook Pro is a Microsoft asset and I use it to understand where we are strong and weak relative to the competition.  When I do reporting on that type of analysis, I really try to be fair in my judgements and trust me, the Windows group hasn't been pleased with everything I've said.  Neither have the Apple enthusiasts.

So, should I be evil and buy yet another Apple product or drive a stake in the ground and never buy again?

Since I'm an Evangelist, I should be running this...

Story @ http://www.istartedsomething.com/20080625/the-holy-sku-microsoft-church-package/.

Bill Gates – Looking Back, Moving Ahead

Bill is obviously a special guy.  I met him many years ago right after I joined Microsoft in 1996.  He seemed very normal to me then but the encounters I had were pretty brief.  I have of course seen him many times in person at our company meetings, on town halls, etc.  Bill is one of the reasons I came to Microsoft.  Not so much because of him personally, but because of the values I saw in the company he built that I liked.  To be more precise, I was working with the Exchange team in Seattle and just became captivated with the energy and diversity of the company.  I had to work here.

There have been many changes in Microsoft over the years.  Just in my short 12 years I’ve seen the company morph in many ways.  It’s been a great ride so far and I am looking forward to another 12 years.  With that said, here’s a nice video looking back on some of the history Bill has etched in the silicon of the world.  I’m sure there is a lot more history to come.  Check it out.

mms://msstudios.wmod.llnwd.net/a2294/o21/presspass/06-27-08Transition_Anthem_MBR.wmv

TIRED = Hemi, WIRED = Hydrogen

This thing sounds like a rolling H-bomb to me, but what do I know.  Here’s an excerpt from Ronn Motor Company:

Hydrogen Fuel Injection (HFI):

Produces hydrogen during vehicle operation through electrolysis of water using the power generated from the vehicles electrical system. A small amount of hydrogen added to the vehicles intake air/fuel mixture allows the engine to operate with less fossil fuel.  Ronn Motor Company will use this technology in its revolutionary Scorpion to achieve lower emissions and vastly improved fuel economy.

For information @ http://www.ronnmotors.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4&Itemid=1.  You can have one for a mere $150,000.  See http://www.ronnmotors.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1&Itemid=3 for more information on plunking down your deposit.  See the Engineering section at http://www.ronnmotors.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7&Itemid=12.

My dog Elvis starts his Seal Team training

Looks like my Verizon FIOS data plan changes to 20/20 next week

The heat is on and the ISP connection speeds here in the US are getting ready to get crazy.  With DOCSIS 3.0 rollouts happening in the cable company turf, Verizon announced today they are increasing the speeds of their fibre optic plans.

Verizon had already offered the 50/20 Mbps and 20/20 Mbps services in its FiOS markets in Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.  The company is now expanding those offerings to new Verizon FiOS customers in parts of California, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Washington, replacing existing offerings of 30/15 Mbps and 15/15 Mbps services, respectively. 

The mid-tier connection speed in those markets for new customers is being increased from 15/2 Mbps to 20/5 Mbps, and the basic service tier is being increased from 5/2 Mbps to 10/2 Mbps.  Existing FiOS Internet customers who are interested in the new speed options can call Verizon for information about the new plans.

Chief Operating Officer DennyStrigl said in his remarks, "The appetite for bandwidth shows no signs of slowing down. Neither will we. We've already had successful trials of the 100-megabit home, which will be a reality faster than anybody thinks."

See the complete announcement @ http://newscenter.verizon.com/press-releases/verizon/2008/verizon-extends.html

[UPDATE]  Provisioning complete.  Upload still needs a little work, but getting there.

Time is running out – Register your US launch kit SQL Server 2008 today !!!

 

You have about one week left to find your launch kit and the voucher in it, to register for your copy of SQL Server 2008.  The card says the deadline was 6/2/2008 but it’s was extended because we had a few events later than that in June.  I believe the new date is June 26, 2008 so don’t procrastinate any longer and forget.  Go to http://www.SQLServerHeroes.com and register.

Springboard Series – Security Virtual Roundtable Today at 9am PST

With all of the activity last week at TechEd, I totally forgot about the next roundtable happening today.  Join Microsoft Technical Fellow Mark Russinovich and a panel of IT professionals and security MVPs as they discuss Windows Vista deployment, security configurations, challenges and real-world solutions. Ask your questions live during the event or email them in advance to vrtable@microsoft.com.

Event Details:
Springboard Live! Virtual Roundtable: Let’s Talk Windows Vista Security
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
9:00am Pacific Standard Time

Register @ https://ms.istreamplanet.com/springboard/.

Silverlight Streaming Publishing Plug-in preview now available for EE 2

For those of you using Silverlight Streaming at silverlight.live.com, I’m sure you’ll be happy to know we just made available a preview of the publishing plug-in for Expression Encoder 2.  I’ve been using this version for a few weeks and like the way it works.  I certainly like how it handles minor updates now.  Much better file management and republishing support.

See the details at Jim Clark’s blog post at http://blogs.msdn.com/expressionencoder/archive/2008/06/14/8597856.aspx or skip right to the download @ SLSPlugin for Expression Encoder 2.msi.

Operation “No Snoring” – Phase I Complete

For years (decades) I have struggled with sinus problems.  I always thought it was just the “Combs Nose” because my father had sinus issues for years and I figured it was hereditary.  It was easy to think that.  I am allergic to the dust that gets kicked up when I mow the yard.  I am very allergic to Mountain Cedar pollen.  I’m sure there are lots of other things that wreak havoc with my sinuses.  Supposedly Dallas/Ft. Worth is a terrible place to live for allergy sufferers.

Over the past 10 years, things have gotten progressively worse.  Ask my wife.  Heck, ask Kai Axford who was my roommate at the last TechReady (internal training) we attended.  Kai also snores so we had a symphony.

Age doesn’t help matters, nor does the progression around the waist line.  I vowed to arrest the progression at the waist line a couple of months ago but haven’t really made an impact there just yet.  But I’m going to.

I did however make a big change this morning.  I had surgery on my nose to straighten and correct the deviated septum I had.  I don’t think this alone will fix the issues I have, but it should open the airways again and allow me to breath much more naturally.  Septoplasty is the procedure I had and it is a relatively quick out patient procedure. 

I have no idea how my nose got so messed up.  It could have been football, boxing, high speed water skiing crashes, or the many motorcycle wrecks I’ve survived on the street, trail, and during my competitive motocross years.  One particularly hairy hit is still perma etched in my brain, and practically on my face.  Let’s just say I can count the knobbies on the 21” wheel of my racing buddies bike to this day, as it got up close and very personal with my full coverage Bell helmet.

I’ve been a little groggy all day as the anesthesia has progressively worn off but I have a pretty high pain tolerance so I am not taking any pain medicine, yet.   In a week they’ll take the splints out of my nose.  At that point there should be a dramatic change in breathing.  I can’t wait.  That will be Phase II.

After that, I’m going to hit the gym, HARD.  Put up or shut up time.  Time to drop at least 20 pounds.  That will be Phase III.  Phase III really also includes a visit to my MD.  Time for a full checkup.

So with any luck and some hard work over the next few months, I’ll kick snoring out of my life.  Let’s hope so.