AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

What’s new in Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM

As you all know Microsoft released Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. These new operating systems have provided lot of improvements over Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. Where we often talk about only Windows 7 when it  comes to public awareness. There is lot more to know about Windows Server 2008 R2. Generally end users prefer Windows Client and that is the only reason you will lot many activities related to Windows 7. So, what’s with Windows Server 2008 R2, well Windows Server 2008 R2 delivered new performance and management improvements to the core Windows Server over Windows Server 2008. The ability to manage the resources with increase control and high availability enhancements keeps Windows Server 2008 R2 helps administrators do much much more with less.

We will talk about the new Virtualization enhancements, Improved Web Tools, Scalability additions and management utilities will help saving time and reduce cost delivering solid foundation to your IT Infrastructure. Windows Server 2008 R2 has the five key pillars based upon which we have built Windows Server 2008 R2 over existing Windows Server 2008 environment.

Fig. Foundational Architecture that talks about Technology Investment Areas in Windows Server 2008 R2.

Virtualization

Virtualization plays major role in every IT organization. Today’s datacenters are running virtualized servers by consolidating multiple servers. With the Virtualization we are seeing the next generation dynamic data centers, which will operate efficiently by saving cost reducing power consumption. Windows Server 2008 R2 features new virtualization features including Native VHD Support, Hyper-V 2.0 with Live Migration. Also, introduced Virtual Desktop Infrastructure with RDP Protocol 7.0 that enhances the overall remote desktop experience.

Management

The new management features for Server R2 saves lot of time for IT Professionals with the easier tools available. You can manage your Physical and Virtual Infrastructure efficiently with the improved Server Manager and PowerShell 2.0 with PowerShell ISE (Integrated Scripting Environment). These new features reduces the overall administrative efforts by efficiently handling day-to-day operational tasks. Along with these new features we have introduced Active Directory Administrative Center for managing the Active Directory infrastructure. The built-in Power Management features help deploy your Power Management strategy with Group Policy. With the introduction of Best Practices Analyzer you can cross check the server roles for optical configuration for your IT Environment.

Web Application Platform

Windows Server 2008 R2 now features IIS 7.5 with additional management tools and features making it the best Windows Server Web Application Platform. The new Web Server roles on Server Core also features support for ASP.NET so that Web Admins can deploy APS.NET based websites on the Server Core based server. The management becomes very easy on Server Core with the help of PowerShell based scripting.

Scalability & Reliability

Windows Server 2008 R2 is capable of unprecedented workload size, dynamic scalability, and across-the-board availability and reliability. A host of new and updated features will be available, including leveraging sophisticated CPU architectures, increased operating system componentization, and improved performance and scalability for applications and services. Server Core is one of the examples of componentization.

Better Together with Windows 7

Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 are based upon same platform so there are many features designed specifically keeping Windows 7 in mind. Some of these features included DirectAccess and BranchCache. DirectAccess is designed to replace the VPN by providing the next generation Corp connectivity. BranchCache features the new way of managing WAN utilization by using Caching mechanism.

Apart from these key features there are lot more features available in Windows Server 2008 R2. Over the time we will try to cover more and more features. This is going to be one of the best Server Platform with lot of improvements over the existing award winning Windows Server platform. Expect more in the coming time.

With this I have finished 100th Blog Post. Thank you all for constantly following my blog and making me write such interesting articles. :)

Interoperability @ India : area91

In today’s heterogeneous computing environments and with the emergence of web services and service-oriented architecture, interoperability has become a critical business and IT need. Numerous individuals and organizations are working to solve the real-world interoperability challenges through innovative products, community engagements and support for technology standards.

area91 is an effort by some of the key proponents of interoperability in India and Microsoft’s Developer & Platform Evangelism team to share thoughts and news, and provide a platform of interaction among all interop focused technology professionals and students in the country.

We had successful Windows 7 Launch Party in Mumbai on Oct 24.

The most awaited public product launch of the year is happening. Be a part of the extravaganza happening across the world by being part of the Windows 7 launch party in Mumbai on Saturday, 24th of October at The Boat Club.

You must have read the reviews, heard the buzz, now try it out along with your friends and have a fun time because we're having a party to welcome the latest Windows from Microsoft! There is NO charge for attending the party! *Limited seats

The result….

We had around 140+ users attended this launch party organized at The Boat Club, Pali Presidency, Bandra. Lot of users have seen the Windows 7 for the first time. We have amazing response and their excitement for the new features in Windows 7 such as Multi-Touch features and Windows Virtual PC/XP Mode for Application Compatibility.

In and all we had a successful event happened in Mumbai. We will have similar event happening across other cities in India where the local communities will launch Windows 7.

Windows 7 Product Guide now available

The Windows 7 Product Guide provides a detailed look at the many new and improved features in Windows 7. The guide is designed as an accurate source of information that can help you to understand how Windows 7 Simplifies Everyday Tasks, Works the Way You Want, and Makes New Things Possible.

The guide is also designed to provide IT Professionals with information about how to Make People Productive Anywhere, Manage Risk Through Enhanced Security and Control, and Reduce Costs by Streamlining PC Management.

This is not a help and how to guide. Rather, it provides an overview of the many exciting features in Windows 7 and pointers to more information. The Windows 7 Product Guide is available in both XPS and PDF formats.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Windows Virtual PC & Windows XP Mode Resources for IT Professionals

These are some of the resources for IT Professionals for deploying Windows Virtual PC and Windows XP Mode in the corporate environment. This new desktop virtualization platform enhances the overall business productivity for the corporations by leveraging the Application Compatibility with the help of XP MODE delivering easier migration to the newer version of Windows operating environment.

Installation instructions and Release Notes for Windows Virtual PC and Windows XP Mode

Windows Virtual PC is the latest Microsoft virtualization technology. You can use it to run more than one operating system at the same time on one computer, and to run many productivity applications on a virtual Windows environment, with a single click, directly from a computer running Windows 7.
For more information about Windows Virtual PC, please visit the Windows Virtual PC website.
The Setup and Install instructions document describes how to install and setup Windows Virtual PC and Windows XP Mode. You should familiarize yourself with all of the information especially if you are upgrading from the Windows Virtual PC and Windows XP Mode Beta or Release Candidate builds.
The Release notes provide important information you should know prior to installing and using Windows Virtual PC, including known issues. You should familiarize yourself with all of the information prior to installing the software.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Deploying Windows XP Mode

This document and files provides the guidance and scripts necessary to deploy Windows XP Mode in a corporate environment.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Windows XP Mode IT Pro Deployment Video

This video highlights the many features of Windows Virtual PC and Windows XP mode and provides guidance on deploying in a corporate environment.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Happy Virtualization

Microsoft releases Windows Virtual PC & Windows XP Mode

 Download Now & Get Virtualized

Microsoft releases Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 & Windows Virtual PC

REDMOND, Wash. — July 22, 2009 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the release to manufacturing (RTM) of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, the next versions of its flagship desktop and server operating systems. With the completion of this development phase, industry partners are readying products in time for the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 worldwide general launches. Windows 7 will be generally available to customers around the world on October 22, and Windows Server 2008 R2 will be generally available on or before that date. As always, current customers of the Windows Volume Licensing program, Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) subscribers and TechNet subscribers will be among the first to get customer access to Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 in the coming weeks.

Microsoft will make the announcement on its Windows Team and Windows Server Blogs later today. More information about today’s news is available via the following links:

•Windows Team Blog

•Windows Server Blog

•Partner Web sites, http://readyset7.com and http://talkingaboutwindows.com/Default.aspx

•Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 for businesses

More to read on http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2009/jul09/07-22Windows7RTMPR.mspx

Happy Diwali and Prosperous New Year !

Wish you all a very Happy Diwali and Prosperous New Year. May this diwali bring you loads of happiness in your life.

Avoid crackers and help environment.

Microsoft Application Virtualization for Terminal Services / Remote Desktop Services

App-V for TS / RDS help solve applications compatibility on Terminal Servers / Session Hosts.

Server growth is a costly issue for organizations that rely on session hosts / terminal servers. To avoid application conflicts, applications must undergo significant testing to determine which applications will collide and, therefore, must be separated and run on different session host / terminal server silos—a time-consuming and costly process. Running multiple separate terminal servers for each application routinely results in servers being underutilized because each one is locked into a specific configuration, capable of serving only a limited set of non-conflicting applications, typically using just 25 percent of capacity. Often, 20 servers are required to support 1,000 users. Microsoft App-V for Terminal Services completely changes this situation offering the following features and benefits: Consolidate servers and end server siloing, end application conflicts and regression testing, accelerate application deployment, reduce deployment risk, simplify profile management.

File Name: Microsoft_Application_Virtualization_For_Terminal_Services_Version_4.5.iso (Size: 128.5 MB)

System Requirements

• Supported Operating Systems: Windows Server 2008 (32-bit); Windows Server 2008; Windows Server 2008 R2

Additional Information

For information on availability of App-V for RDS support for Windows Server 2008 R2 / x64 a please see http://www.microsoft.com/systemcenter/appv/terminalsvcs.mspx

DOWNLOAD HERE (Registration Required)

Note:

To download Microsoft Application Virtualization for Terminal Services please enter the requested details below.

MICROSOFT SOFTWARE SUPPLEMENTAL LICENSE TERMS FOR MICROSOFT APPLICATION VIRTUALIZATION FOR TERMINAL SERVICES
PLEASE NOTE: Microsoft Corporation (or based on where you live, one of its affiliates), or the computer manufacturer (also known as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or system builder), licenses this supplement to you. You may use it with each validly licensed copy of Microsoft Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2 software (for which this supplement is applicable) (the “software”). The supplement requires that you have a Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services (TS) CAL or Windows Server 2008 Remote Desktops Services (RDS) CAL. You may not use the supplement if you do not have a license for the software and the required CALs. This supplemental notice supersedes any other license terms presented by the Microsoft Application Virtualization for Terminal Services software.

Application Compatibility Best Practices for Remote Desktop Services

This white paper highlights the following application compatibility issues with Remote Desktop Services in Windows Server 2008 R2 and offers mitigations and solutions for these issues: application installation, concurrent usage of applications, user data privacy in a multi-user environment, performance, and remote devices in a Remote Desktop Services environment.

This paper also introduces the Remote Desktop Services Application Analyzer, a runtime program analysis tool that enables administrators and users to determine the compatibility of an application with an RD Session Host server before deploying it.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Beta

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor scans your PC's system, programs and devices to check if it's able to run Windows 7. After a few minutes, the report will let you know if your PC meets the system requirements, if there are any known compatibility issues with your programs and devices, and will also provide guidance on your upgrade options to Windows 7.

Instructions

Download and install Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to your computer. Launch it, and follow the directions.
If you are running Windows XP and do not have .NET Framework 2.0 yet, you will be asked to download and install it. After .NET is installed, you can restart the Upgrade Advisor installation.

Additional Information

Beta Release Notes

• The upgrade paths are currently not given for N, K, and KN editions of Windows.
• Any language packs you have installed on your PC will have to be reinstalled after upgrading to Windows 7.
• If you're running Upgrade Advisor inside Virtual PC or Remote Desktop, Windows Aero capability may not be detected properly.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Windows Help program (WinHlp32.exe) for Windows Server 2008 R2 & Windows 7

Windows Help (WinHlp32.exe) is a Help program that has been included with Microsoft Windows versions starting with the Microsoft Windows 3.1 operating system. However, the Windows Help program has not had a major update for many releases and no longer meets Microsoft's standards. Therefore, starting with the release of Windows Server 2008 and now continuing in Windows Server 2008 R2, the Windows Help program will not ship as a feature of Windows. If you want to view 32-bit .hlp files, you must download and install the program (WinHlp32.exe) from the Microsoft Download Center.

Additional Information

For additional information about this download, including known issues and development recommendations, please refer to the Knowledge Base article, "Windows Help program (WinHlp32.exe) is no longer included with Windows".

For Windows Server 2008 R2: DOWNLOAD HERE

For Windows 7: DOWNLOAD HERE (WGA Validation Required)

Note for Windows 7 Users:

Instructions

This download is available to customers running genuine Microsoft Windows. Click the Continue button in the Validation Required section above to begin the short validation process. Once validated, you will be returned to this page with specific instructions for obtaining the download.

Happy Helping :)

Deploying Windows® 7 Essential Guidance from the Windows 7 Resource Kit and TechNet Magazine

Microsoft’s eBook Deploying Windows® 7 Essential Guidance from the Windows 7 Resource Kit and TechNet Magazine combine selected chapters written by industry experts Mitch Tulloch, Tony Northrup, Jerry Honeycutt, Ed Wilson, and the Windows 7 Team with select Windows 7 articles from TechNet Magazine. Sample topics include: Deployment Platform, Planning Deployment, Testing Application Compatibility, and 8 Common Issues in Windows 7 Migrations.

Additional Information

IT Management HUB is Live 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. And that’s just the beginning.
Tune in to the IT Manager Solution Blueprints and Webcasts
Tune in to the Platform Solution Blueprints webcast and podcast series each month to learn how these blueprints fit into the Microsoft platform and how a platform approach turns tactical decisions into long-term, strategic plans.
TechNet Flash Newsletter: Spotlight on IT Management
Register for the bi-monthly TechNet Flash newsletter to keep an eye on updates to the IT Management section for relevant activities, announcements, downloads, webcasts, podcasts, and events.

DOWNLOAD HERE

October 2009 Security Release ISO Image

This DVD5 ISO image file contains the security updates for Windows released on Windows Update on October 13th, 2009. The image does not contain security updates for other Microsoft products. This DVD5 ISO image is intended for administrators that need to download multiple individual language versions of each security update and that do not use an automated solution such as Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). You can use this ISO image to download multiple updates in all languages at the same time.
Important:   Be sure to check the individual security bulletins at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security prior to deployment of these updates to ensure that the files have not been updated at a later date.

Quick Details.

File Name:
Windows-KB913086-200910.iso

Version:
KB913086

Security Bulletins:
MS09-050 MS09-051 MS09-052 MS09-053 MS09-054 MS09-055 MS09-056 MS09-057 MS09-058 MS09-059 MS09-061 MS09-062

Knowledge Base (KB) Articles:
KB975517 KB954155 KB969878 KB975025 KB974112 KB975254 KB974455 KB973525 KB974571 KB969059 KB971486 KB975467 KB953295 KB953297 KB953298 KB953300 KB974291 KB974292 KB974417 KB974467 KB974468 KB974469 KB974470 KB958869 KB971108 KB971110

DOWNLOAD HERE

Sysinternals released Disk2vhd v1.0

By Mark Russinovich and Bryce Cogswell

Published: October 7, 2009

Download Disk2vhd (704 KB)

Introduction

Disk2vhd is a utility that creates VHD (Virtual Hard Disk - Microsoft’s Virtual Machine disk format) versions of physical disks for use in Microsoft Virtual PC or Microsoft Hyper-V virtual machines (VMs). The difference between Disk2vhd and other physical-to-virtual tools is that you can run Disk2vhd on a system that’s online. Disk2vhd uses Windows’ Volume Snapshot capability, introduced in Windows XP, to create consistent point-in-time snapshots of the volumes you want to include in a conversion. You can even have Disk2vhd create the VHDs on local volumes, even ones being converted (though performance is better when the VHD is on a disk different than ones being converted).

The Disk2vhd user interface lists the volumes present on the system:

It will create one VHD for each disk on which selected volumes reside. It preserves the partitioning information of the disk, but only copies the data contents for volumes on the disk that are selected. This enables you to capture just system volumes and exclude data volumes, for example.

Note: Virtual PC supports a maximum virtual disk size of 127GB. If you create a VHD from a larger disk it will not be accessible from a Virtual PC VM.

To use VHDs produced by Disk2vhd, create a VM with the desired characteristics and add the VHDs to the VM’s configuration as IDE disks. On first boot, a VM booting a captured copy of Windows will detect the VM’s hardware and automatically install drivers, if present in the image. If the required drivers are not present, install them via the Virtual PC or Hyper-V integration components. You can also attach to VHDs using the Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 Disk Management or Diskpart utilities.

Note: do not attach to VHDs on the same system on which you created them if you plan on booting from them. If you do so, Windows will assign the VHD a new disk signature to avoid a collision with the signature of the VHD’s source disk. Windows references disks in the boot configuration database (BCD) by disk signature, so when that happens Windows booted in a VM will fail to locate the boot disk.

Disk2vhd runs Windows XP SP2, Windows Server 2003 SP1, and higher, including x64 systems.

Here’s a screenshot of a copy of a Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V system running in a virtual machine on top of the system it was made from:

(click image to zoom)

Download Disk2vhd
(704 KB)

Run Disk2vhd now from Live.Sysinternals.com

Visit this link to know more about Disk2VHD: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/ee656415.aspx