AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

Microsoft India Webcast: Malware Removal Made Easy – Tools and Resources

Today, I presented this webcast for IT Professionals in India on “Malware Removal Made Easy – Tools and Resources.” I am planning to share some of the resources that I committed during my webcast. First of all thank you very much for those who joined me for this webcast.

First of all a question that I said I would confirm and answer. Though I had already answered that question during my session in last part, I will again share it here so that in case someone was missed to get the answer can get it here.

Question: Is it possible to download stand alone Security Essential Definitions updates so that those who do not have regular internet connectivity?

Ans: Yes. It is possible to download the stand alone updates for Security Essentials from Malware Protection Center.

To download the stand alone definitions visit this link http://www.microsoft.com/Security/portal/Definitions/HowToMSE.aspx

Download the Security Essentials definitions.

In case you want to download updated definitions then visit http://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/Definitions/ADL.aspx

Here you can download definitions for Forefront, Security Essentials and Windows Defender.

Following are the resources to the topics I covered in my session.

For additional information on the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool
http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.aspx

For more info about Security Essentials
http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/

For more info about Windows Defender
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx

Get more details about MS DaRT:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/enterprise/products/mdop/dart.aspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/enterprise/products/mdop.aspx

Want to configure your Server Core Environment using GUI Tools? Presenting Core Configurator 2.0

CoreConfigTeam is pleased to announce the latest version of Core Configurator built and designed for Windows Server 2008 R2 Core edition!
It is completely open source so it can be amended and change to fit your requirements, this version has been a year in the making and has been written in powershell with a reference to Winforms so that a GUI format is displayed.
The primary focus of this project is to try and get feedback and contributions back from the community to make this a tool the best/ free tool everyone will want in there toolkit, so if you have some code or features that you might want included then please leave a comment and we will get in touch.
Core Configuration tasks include:

• Product Licensing
• Networking Features
• DCPromo Tool
• ISCSI Settings
• Server Roles and Features
• User and Group Permissions
• Share Creation and Deletion
• Dynamic Firewall settings
• Display | Screensaver Settings
• Add & Remove Drivers
• Proxy settings
• Windows Updates (Including WSUS)
• Multipath I/O
• Hyper-V including virtual machine thumbnails
• JoinDomain and Computer rename
• Add/remove programs
• Services
• WinRM
• Complete logging of all commands executed

This is really useful tool for admins to manage their Server Core based environment. Often we are familiar with the server tools but in cases when everything is based upon commands such tool is really handy for configuring server core based environment.

I personally liked this tool very much for managing server core based environment. I believe you will also have similar experience. Try this tool and share the feedback with the CoreConfigTeam.

Please Download the latest release and run Start_CoreConfig.wsf

If you require the previous release for Windows Server 2008 R1 then please see the download section for Core Configurator 1.1 as Core Configurator 2.0 requires Powershell 2.0 and NetFx..

Get it from http://www.codeplex.com/CoreConfig

Introducing Bing Maps Beta powered by Silverlight

Start using http://www.bing.com/maps/explore

Microsoft Office 2010 Beta FAQ

About Microsoft Office 2010

What are some of the major updates to the Microsoft Office 2010 suites from previous versions?

What products are included in the Office 2010 suites?

What are the Office Web Apps?

Why should I use Office 2010?

What is the Microsoft Office Backstage™ view?

What is the Ribbon?

Can I customize Office 2010 based on how I use the product?

What does co-authoring mean in Office 2010?

Will Office 2010 products be available in 64-bit versions?

What other related products does Office 2010 work with?

Microsoft Office 2010 Beta

When will the Office 2010 Beta be available?

What languages are available for Office 2010 Beta?

What is the approximate download time?

Does the Beta version of Office 2010 expire after certain time?

What is a product key and how do I retrieve it if I lose it?

What happens to my Office Beta applications after the final release?

What happens to my current version of Microsoft Office when I download the Office 2010 Beta?

How do I Download?

What if the download stops or is interrupted before it is complete?

What is activation and how do I get started?

What is Click to Run?

My beta download file size is only 3MB? Is the Office 2010 Beta file size that small?

Does Click to Run install software on my machine?

Can previous versions of Microsoft Office co-exist with the Office 2010 Beta?

How do I uninstall Office 2010 Beta?

Why didn’t I have to enter my Product Key when I installed the Office 2010 Beta?

What should I do if I lose my internet connection while I am downloading the Microsoft Office 2010 Beta?

Why does Microsoft PowerPoint launch once I download the Office 14 Beta?

 

Microsoft Office 2010 System Requirements & Compatibility

Are there special system requirements for running Office 2010?

Which browsers are supported for the new Office Web Apps?

Can I open previous versions of Microsoft Office files in Office 2010?

Can I open Office 2010 files using previous versions of Microsoft Office?

 

Using Microsoft Office 2010 Beta

Are there Office 2010 resources and trainings available from Microsoft?

Can I access my files when I am away from my primary computer?

How do I access Office 2010 files from the browser?

How do I access Office 2010 from my phone?

Does Office 2010 have add-ins?

 

Buying Microsoft Office 2010

When will Office 2010 be available for purchase?

How much will Office 2010 cost?

Is there a Macintosh version of Office 2010?

Are Office Web Apps free? What are the different ways people can get them?

 

For answers visit http://www.microsoft.com/office/2010/en/faqs/default.aspx

Yahoo! and Microsoft Finalize Search Agreement

 

Visit here for complete article http://yhoo.client.shareholder.com/press/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=428399

Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 DirectAccess IT Infrastructure Compatibility

This documents explains how Windows 7 DirectAccess Integrates with Existing IT Environments.

DirectAccess is an integrated part of the Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 7 Ultimate, and Windows Server 2008 R2 operating systems. A DirectAccess solution provides a secure, flexible architecture for enhanced remote access and transition to IPv6. It is designed to be compatible with most existing Internet, perimeter, and intranet environments by using IPv6-inside-IPv4 tunneling and IPv6-to-IPv4 translation where necessary.

A DirectAccess solution may require IPv6/IPv4DNS and IPv6/IPv4NAT at the network perimeter to provide access to existing IPv4-only internal hosts. New IETF specifications for DNS64 and NAT64 should provide IPv6/IPv4DNS and IPv6/IPv4NAT products that are compatible with DirectAccess. The Forefront Unified Access Gateway DirectAccess server provides a comprehensive DirectAccess solution, with a compatible IPv6/IPv4DNS and IPv6/IPv4NAT, network load balancing, and high availability.

Windows® 7 DirectAccess is a solution for secure, seamless remote client connectivity. Unlike traditional remote access virtual private networks (VPNs), DirectAccess enables remote clients to have connectivity that is comparable to internal clients. IT Professionals can also use the DirectAccess solution to manage remote clients by using their existing internal management services. Finally, DirectAccess enables secure communication between remote clients.

This paper is written for IT architects, Systems Engineers, and other IT experts to:

· Describe the compatibility of DirectAccess with existing IT infrastructure, authentication systems, and applications.

· Provide an overview of the changes that are required to integrate DirectAccess into existing IT environments.

· Provide a succinct, but technical, explanation of the networking concepts that are used in DirectAccess to illustrate compatibility and integration issues.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Offline Virtual Machine Servicing Tool 2.1

This Solution Accelerator provides automated tools and guidance that IT professionals can use to update offline virtual machines efficiently and without exposing them to security risks.

The Offline Virtual Machine Servicing Tool 2.1 helps organizations maintain virtual machines that are stored offline in a Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager library. While stored, virtual machines do not receive operating system updates. The tool provides a way to keep offline virtual machines up-to-date so that bringing a virtual machine online does not introduce vulnerabilities into the organization’s IT infrastructure.
The Offline Virtual Machine Servicing Tool combines the Windows Workflow programming model with the Windows PowerShell™ interface to bring groups of virtual machines online just long enough for them to receive updates from either System Center Configuration Manager 2007 or Windows Server Update Services. As soon as the virtual machines are up-to-date, the tool returns them to the offline state in the Virtual Machine Manager library.
This Solution Accelerator includes the following components:

• Brief Overview. Available online only on Microsoft TechNet. Summary for business and technical managers that briefly explains how this Solution Accelerator can fit into an organization’s IT infrastructure management strategy.
• OfflineVMServicing_x64 and OfflineVMServicing_x86. Setup files for the tool, for 64 bit and 32 bit versions of Windows with Microsoft® System Center Virtual Machine Manager (VMM) 2008 or 2008 R2.
• Offline Virtual Machine Servicing Tool Getting Started Guide. Provides information about how the tool works, explains prerequisites for the tool, and describes how to install and configure the tool.
• Offline_VM_Servicing_Tool_2.1_Release_Notes.rtf. Notes provide information about this release, describe known issues in the tool, and include feedback instructions.
• Offline_Virtual_Machine_Servicing_Tool_Help. Help file for the tool. Provides instructions for using the tool.

Instructions

1. Click the Download button at the top of the page to start the download.
2. Uninstall any previous installation of the Office Virtual Machine Servicing Tool before proceeding with the installation instructions below.
3. Do one of the following:
   • To start the .zip file extraction immediately, click Open or Run this program from its current location. Then extract the files to your preferred location on your computer. Note Release Notes and Getting Started Guide are available in the .zip package outside the .msi files for optional viewing before tool installation.
   • To save the download to your preferred location on your computer for .zip file extraction at a later time, click Save or Save this program to disk.
4. To install the .msi package (OfflineVMServicing_X86.msi or OfflineVMServicing_X64.msi)
   1. Navigate to where you extracted the .zip file content on your hard drive.
   2. Double-click the .msi file you want to install.
   3. Accept the Microsoft Software License Terms.
   4. Follow the steps in the installation process to complete the installation.
   5. Find the installed files in C:\Program Files on your computer in the folder Microsoft Offline Virtual Machine Servicing Tool.

Additional Information

Solution Accelerators are free, scenario-based guides and automations designed to help IT Professionals who are proactively planning, deploying, and operating IT systems using Microsoft products and technologies. Solution Accelerator scenarios focus on security and compliance, management and infrastructure, and communication and collaboration.
Get the Solution Accelerator Notifications Newsletter
Subscribe to the Solution Accelerator Notifications newsletter so that you can stay informed about new Solution Accelerator releases and updates. The newsletter covers such areas of interest as

• Communication & Collaboration
• Security, Data Protection, & Recovery
• Deployment
• Operations & Management

You may also receive invitations to participate in accelerator development via beta programs and customer surveys. Solution Accelerator Notifications is currently available in English only.
DOWNLOAD HERE

Windows Server 2008: Planning for Active Directory Forest Recovery

Customizing a plan for disaster recovery of Active Directory Domain Services
This guide contains best-practice recommendations for recovering an Active Directory forest, if forest-wide failure has rendered all domain controllers in the forest incapable of functioning normally.

This guide contains best-practice recommendations for recovering an Active Directory® forest if forest-wide failure renders all domain controllers in the forest incapable of functioning normally. The steps it contains serve as a template for your forest recovery plan, which you can customize for your particular environment. These steps apply to domain controllers that run Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Server, Windows Server® 2003, or Windows Server 2008 operating systems.

DOWNLOAD HERE

How to do Bare Metal Recovery of Windows Server 2008 with System Center Data Protection Manager 2007 SP1

This technical article outlines the steps of using DPM 2007 SP1 alongside the Windows Server Backup (WSB) utility to provide a supported bare metal recovery of Windows Server 2008.

System Center Data Protection Manager (DPM) 2007 is a key member of the Microsoft System Center family of management products designed to help IT professionals manage their Windows Server environments. DPM is the new standard for Windows Server backup and recovery—delivering continuous data protection for Microsoft applications, virtualization, file servers, and desktops using seamlessly integrated disk and tape media, as well as cloud repositories. DPM enables better backups with rapid and reliable recoveries for both the IT professional and the end-user. DPM helps significantly reduce the costs and complexities associated with data protection through advanced technology for enterprises of all sizes.

Using complimentary technologies in addition to DPM’s actual software, DPM 2007 SP1 can perform a bare metal recovery (BMR) to restore an entire server without an operating system.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Introduction to Windows Firewall with Advanced Security

Windows® Firewall with Advanced Security is a stateful, host-based firewall that blocks incoming and outgoing connections based on its configuration. While typical end-user configuration of Windows Firewall still takes place through the Windows Firewall Control Panel tool, advanced configuration now takes place in a Microsoft® Management Control (MMC) snap-in named Windows Firewall with Advanced Security. The inclusion of this snap-in not only provides an interface for configuring Windows Firewall locally but also for configuring Windows Firewall on remote computers and via Group Policy.

Firewall functions are now integrated with IPsec (Internet Protocol security) protection settings, reducing the possibility of conflict between the two protection mechanisms. Windows Firewall with Advanced Security supports separate profiles for when computers are domain-joined or connected to a private or public network. It also supports the creation of rules for enforcing server and domain isolation policies. Windows Firewall with Advanced Security supports more granular rules, including Microsoft Active Directory® users and groups, source and destination Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, IP port number, ICMP settings, IPsec settings, specific types of interfaces, services, and more.

This document covers Windows Firewall with Advanced Security in Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2008.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Windows Server 2008 R2 Feature Components Poster

This poster provides a visual reference for understanding key technologies in Windows Server 2008 R2. It focuses on Active Directory Domain Services, Hyper-V, Internet Information Services, Remote Desktop Services (including Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)), BranchCache, and DirectAccess technologies. In addition, updates to core file services and server management are illustrated. You can use this poster in conjunction with the previously published Windows Server 2008 Component Posters.

DOWNLOAD HERE actual PDF file.

 

Fig. Windows Server 2008 R2 Feature Components Poster using SeaDragon Experience powered by Silverlight

Also, the similar is available using Microsoft SeaDragon based experience.

http://seadragon.com/view/hid

Job Aids for Server Core Installations of Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2

Handy summaries of the most common procedures and commands used to administer Server Core installations

Server Core installations of Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 do not provide a graphical user interface. Instead, all configuration and management operations take place in the command prompt. The numerous and varied commands and procedures for common activites such as installing server roles, configuring the firewall, and assorted Active Directory domain actions can be difficult to remember. Although all of this and more is documented extensively in the Server Core Installation Option Getting Started Guide (available both at this Download Center and at the Windows Server Technical Library), administrators may not have Internet access to look up the commands. The full Getting Started Guide is quite large, and could be inconvenient to reference in printed form for just a few key commands. These Job Aids present the most common procedures and commands necessary to configure and manage Server Core installations in a one-page format that you can download, print, and fold to pocket size.

For example the following gives quick reference to server core installations R2 edition.

 

The back has been left blank so you can add your own notes, procedures, or commands specific to your own deployments or operations. Currently there are two Job Aids, one for Windows Server 2008 and one for Windows Server 2008 R2. Both are continuously updated based on feedback from users.

 DOWNLOAD HERE

Windows Azure workshop in Pune

For more information visit http://www.puneusergroup.org/windows-azure-workshop.aspx

Update: Infrastructure Planning and Design

Here is the updated release of IPD. Some of the updated changes includes guides for DirectAccess and Remote Desktop Services.

Infrastructure Planning and Design guides share a common structure, including:

• Definition of the technical decision flow through the planning process.
• Listing of decisions to be made and the commonly available options and considerations.
• Relating the decisions and options to the business in terms of cost, complexity, and other characteristics.
• Framing decisions in terms of additional questions to the business to ensure a comprehensive alignment with the appropriate business landscape.

These guides complement product documentation by focusing on infrastructure design options.
Each guide leads the reader through critical infrastructure design decisions, in the appropriate order, evaluating the available options for each decision against its impact on critical characteristics of the infrastructure. The IPD Series highlights when service and infrastructure goals should be validated with the organization and provides additional questions that should be asked of service stakeholders and decision makers.
IPD consists of the following downloadable packages:

• Updated! Selecting the Right Virtualization Technology– guide version 2.0
• New!Windows Server 2008 R2 Remote Desktop Services – in Windows Server 2008 R2 Terminal Services becomes Remote Desktop Services
• Updated!DirectAccess– guide version 1.1
• IPD Series Introduction – guide version 2.0
• System Center Operations Manager 2007 – guide version 2.0 updated for System Center Operations Manager 2007 R2
• Windows Deployment Services – guide version 2.0 updated for Windows Server 2008 R2
• System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 – guide version 2.0 updated for SCVMM 2008 R2
• Windows Server Virtualization (for Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V and Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1) – guide version 2.0 updated for Windows Server 2008 R2
• Active Directory Domain Services – guide version 2.0 updated for Windows Server 2008 R2
• File Services – guide version 2.0 includes Windows Server 2008 R2
• Internet Information Services – guide version 2.0 includes IIS 7.5
• Print Services – guide version 2.0 includes Windows Server 2008 R2
• Exchange Online—Evaluating Software-plus-Services – guide version 1.3
• Microsoft Application Virtualization 4.5
• Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V)
• Selecting the Right NAP Architecture
• SharePoint Online—Evaluating Software-plus-Services
• SQL Server 2008
• System Center Configuration Manager 2007 SP1 with R2
• System Center Data Protection Manager 2007 with SP1
• Terminal Services
• Windows Optimized Desktop Scenarios – guide version 1.1

The guides are available as individual downloads or as a single all-in-one package.
For more information about Infrastructure Planning and Design, read the Frequently Asked Questions.
Send questions or feedback to us directly at satfdbk@microsoft.com 

Solution Accelerators are free, scenario-based guides and automations designed to help IT Professionals who are proactively planning, deploying, and operating IT systems using Microsoft products and technologies. Solution Accelerator scenarios focus on security and compliance, management and infrastructure, and communication and collaboration.
Get the Solution Accelerator Notifications Newsletter
Subscribe to the Solution Accelerator Notifications newsletter so that you can stay informed about new Solution Accelerator releases and updates. The newsletter covers such areas of interest as

• Communication & Collaboration
• Security, Data Protection, & Recovery
• Deployment
• Operations & Management

You may also receive invitations to participate in accelerator development via beta programs and customer surveys. Solution Accelerator Notifications is currently available in English only.
If you’ve used a Solution Accelerator within your organization, please share your experience with us by completing this short survey (less than ten minutes long).

GET IT HERE

System Center Virtual Machine Manager (VMM) 2008 R2 Documentation

This download provides technical documentation for VMM 2008 R2. For information about specific guides, see http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=162764.

You will be able to select any of the required files.

VMM08R2_Deployment.docx
VMM08R2_OMIntegration.docx
VMM08R2_Operations.docx
VMM08R2_Scripting.docx
VMM08R2_Security.docx

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