• AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    Windows Server 2012: Install & Configure Windows Server 2012 using VHD Boot

    • 4 Comments

    Hi IT Professionals,

    Often I receive lot of queries on evaluating Windows Server on their test environment or on some spare machines. Most of the times users want to carry a laptop to try/test evaluate Windows Server on their laptop. Well during our recent IT Camps, we delivered the same experience using Boot from VHD using Windows Server 2012. Attendees installed Windows Server 2012 on their sample machine and subsequently configured the demo machine to evaluate the features.

    Note: I WOULD RECOMMEND EVERYONE TO TRY THIS ON NON-PRODUCTION TEST MACHINE. MAKE SURE YOU BACK UP ALL OF YOUR CRITICAL DATA BEFORE YOU BEGIN.

    Minimum System Requirements

    Windows Server 2012 Evaluation – http://aka.ms/ws2012rtm

    1 GHz CPU supporting Intel-VT or AMD-V

    DEP – NX/XD

    SLAT – Optional

    4 GB RAM

    50 GB HDD on C: or D:

    Windows Server 2012 RTM Evaluation DVD

     

    NOTE: IN THIS SETUP PROCESS YOUR COMPUTERS’S BOOT LOADER WILL BE UPDATED USING WINDOWS SERVER 2012 INSTALLATION MEDIA.

    For detailed System Required kindly visit http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj134246.aspx

     

    Insert Windows Server 2012 DVD & boot your computer from DVD. Press any key to boot from DVD.
    Please wait while Windows is loading the installation files…

     

    clip_image002[4]

     

     

    Once completed you will see the following Windows Setup dialog box. Click Next

    clip_image004[4]

    Click on Install Now button.

     

    clip_image006[4]

     

    Please wait while Setup is starting.

    clip_image008[4]

     

     

    Select Windows Server 2012 Datacenter Evaluation (Server with a GUI) x64 & Click Next

    clip_image010[4]


     

     

    Accept the Licensing terms & click Next

    clip_image012[4]


    Click on Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)

    clip_image014[4]

     


    On your keyboard press SHIFT+F10 key combination to invoke Command Prompt CMD.

     

    clip_image016[4]

     

     

     

    After pressing SHIFT+F10 you will a command prompt. CMD

    !!IMPORTANT!!DO THIS STEP IS CAREFULLY. Do not modify/delete System Reserved Partition.


    NOTE: At this step we will create a 50 GB Dynamically Expanding VHD on C: or D:. Also, make sure that the physical partition has actual free space available because Dynamically expanding VHD gets mounted & occupies full space during VHD Boot.

     

     

    clip_image018[4]

     

     

     

    Note:  In the next screen this D: is actually your original C: Windows Partition (Windows 8, Windows 7 or 2008 R2) When you are running Windows 8/7/2008 R2, you cannot view hidden System Reserved partition. But in this case the C: is assigned to that System Reserved partition & subsequent partitions will be allocated the drive letter in the same series.  

     

     

    Type the following command to create a new VHD on the D:

     

    clip_image021[4]

     

    Close the CMD & Click on Refresh to see a new 50 GB drive with unallocated space. Click on the Unallocated Space (Drive 1 in this e.g.) and click Next

     

    clip_image023[4]

     


    Please wait Windows Setup will installing the files on the disk. (It will take few minutes depending upon system performance) – You can grab a tea/coffee meanwhile

     

    clip_image025[4]

     

    After completion system will be restarted automatically.

    Please wait while Windows is getting devices ready…It will take few minutes…

    clip_image027[4]


    A system will be restarted…

     


    After a restart. You will see a DUAL Boot option. Choose Windows Server 2012& Press ENTER

    clip_image029[4]

     

     

     


    Please wait while Windows Server 2012 loads for the first time…

     

    clip_image031[4]

     

    On the Settings page, please enter an Administrator account password and click Finish


    clip_image033[4]

     

    Please while Windows is finalizing your settings… It will take few minutes…

    clip_image035[4]

    Congratulations. Your Windows Server 2012 Datacenter is now ready for Evaluation.

     

    clip_image037[4]

     


    Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to sign in. Enter your Administrator account password. E.g. Passw0rd!

     

    clip_image039[4]

     

    You are now logged on to Windows Server 2012 Datacenter with Full GUI. And it will launch Server Manager.

     

    clip_image042[4]

     

    This completes your Windows Server 2012 Datacenter installation using VHD Boot.

     

    THANK YOU.

  • AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    Microsoft IT Camps India–Windows Server 2012 Resources

    • 0 Comments

    Hello IT Professionals,

    First of all I would to say 2 words. THANK YOU. Thank you very much for your time & dedication making our IT Camps – Windows Server 2012 a great success.

    As promised I am sharing the Windows Server 2012 Resources that we used during our IT CAMP events. Starting with my presentation on Windows Server 2012. You can download it over here http://sdrv.ms/PQQ8mV I have taken used the same deck that was used in TechEd North America 2012.

    Here are additional resources to start with…

    Videos

    TechEd North America/Europe Content – Windows Server 2012 & System Center 2012

    TE NA 2012 - https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/TechEd/NorthAmerica/2012?sort=sequential&direction=desc&term=&t=windows%2Bserver

    TE EU 2012 - https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/TechEd/Europe/2012?sort=sequential&direction=desc&term=&t=windows%2Bserver

    TE NZ 2012 - https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/TechEd/NewZealand/TechEd-New-Zealand-2012?sort=sequential&direction=desc&term=&t=windows%2Bserver

    TE AU 2012 - https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/TechEd/Australia/2012?sort=sequential&direction=desc&term=&t=windows%2Bserver

     

    Note: By default filter is applied for Windows Server 2012. You can search for System Center& other datacenter related topics too.

     

    Microsoft Virtual Academy – Structured self-paced courseware for Windows Server 2012 & System Center 2012

    www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com

     

    TechNet Library & Product Group Blog

    What’s new in Windows Server 2012

    http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831769.aspx

     

    If you visit this link it covers all the enhancements/new features introduced in Windows Server 2012 as well as those features changed/removed/improved compared to Windows Server 2008 R2.

     

    Virtualization Product Group Blog

    http://blogs.technet.com/b/virtualization/

     

    Windows Server Team Blog

    http://blogs.technet.com/b/windowsserver/

     

    Server & Management Blogs. – Many other product group blogs listed there J

    http://blogs.technet.com/b/server-management/

     

    Hands-on Labs

    Windows Server 2012 – 16 Labs focusing on Virtualization, Management, Networking, Storage, Web, Identity etc.

    http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/hh968267.aspx

    Download EVALUATIONS

    Windows Server 2012 – http://aka.ms/ws2012rtm

    System Center 2012 – http://aka.ms/sc2012rtm

    For any questions/queries or any feedback feel free to reach out to me on my email Aviraj@microsoft.com or on twitter @aviraj111

    THANK YOU.

     

  • AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    Thank You for joining us at Microsoft IT Camp: Pune

    • 5 Comments

    Thank you for joining us for the first ever Microsoft IT Camp Pune. I am sharing the group picture of all attendees who joined us for IT Camps in Pune.

    image

    As I discussed I will be sharing the IT Camp resources in the next post.

  • AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    Microsoft Download Center: System Center 2012 Service Pack 1 Beta

    • 0 Comments

    The Beta of System Center 2012 Service Pack 1 (“SP1”) enables System Center customers to jointly evaluate System Center 2012 with Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8. The Beta is for evaluation purposes only and not to be used in production as described in the EULAs associated with the product. No license keys are required to do this evaluation. The Beta includes updates and enhancements to the following System Center 2012 components: SystemCenter2012_rgb_225x40

    • Virtual Machine Manager
      • Improved Support for Network Virtualization
      • Extend the VMM console with Add-ins
      • Support for Windows Standards-Based Storage Management Service, thin provisioning of logical units and discovery of SAS storage
      • Ability to convert VHD to VHDX, use VHDX as base Operating System image
    • Configuration Manager
      • Deployment and management of Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012
      • Distribution point for Windows Azure to help reduce infrastructure costs
      • Automation of administrative tasks through PowerShell support
      • Management of Mac OS X clients and Linux and UNIX servers
      • Real-time administrative actions for Endpoint Protection related tasks
    • Data Protection Manager
      • Improved backup performance of Hyper-V over CSV 2.0
      • Protection for Hyper-V over remote SMB share
      • Protection for Windows Server 2012 de-duplicated volumes
      • Uninterrupted protection for VM live migration
    • App Controller
      • Service Provider Foundation API to create and operate Virtual Machines
      • Support for Azure VM; migrate VHDs from VMM to Windows Azure, manage from on-premise System Center
    • Operations Manager
      • Support for IIS 8
      • Monitoring of WCF, MVC and .NET NT services
      • Azure SDK support
    • Orchestrator
      • Support for Integration Packs, including 3rd party
      • Manage VMM self-service User Roles
      • Manage multiple VMM ‘stamps’ (scale units), aggregate results from multiple stamps
      • Integration with App Controller to consume Hosted clouds
    • Service Manager
      • Apply price sheets to VMM clouds
      • Create chargeback reports
      • Pivot by cost center, VMM clouds, Pricesheets
    • Server App-V
      • Support for applications that create scheduled tasks during packaging
      • Create virtual application packages from applications installed remotely on native server

    image


    Release History:
    3/9/2012 - Original release of CTP1, en-us version. No further localization planned
    6/15/2012 - CTP2, en-us version. No further localization planned
    9/5/2012 – Beta, en-us version. No further localization planned

    DOWNLOAD HERE

  • AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    Free ebook: Introducing Windows Server 2012 (RTM Edition)

    • 1 Comments

    Mitch Tulloch has updated his very popular free ebook on Windows Server 2012 based on the RTM version of the software.  675353.indd

    A key feature of this book is the inclusion of sidebars written by members of the Windows Server team, Microsoft Support engineers, Microsoft Consulting Services staff, and others who work at Microsoft. These sidebars provide an insider’s perspective that includes both “under-the-hood” information concerning how features work, and strategies, tips, and best practices from experts who have been working with the platform during product development.

    Please see the links below to download one or all of the available formats. 

    PDF - Introducing Windows Server 2012 RTM Edition - PDF ebook

    EPUB – Introducing Windows Server 2012 RTM Edition – ePub format

    MOBI – Introducing Windows Server 2012 RTM Edition – MOBI format (for Kindle)

    If you prefer a hard copy of the book, you can order it here for $14.99 from our official distributor, O’Reilly Media.

     

    http://blogs.msdn.com/b/microsoft_press/archive/2012/09/05/free-ebook-introducing-windows-server-2012-rtm-edition.aspx

  • AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    Windows Server 2012 Arrives September 4. Join us for our online launch event.

    • 0 Comments

    image

    www.windows-server-launch.com

  • AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    Block Your Calendar: Windows 8 AppFest, Bangalore, September 21-22, 2012

    • 0 Comments
             
      Create an app, change someone's world

    Whether it’s “the next big thing”, or a highly addictive game involving the tossing of angry little birds, all great apps start with an idea, a dream.

    Microsoft India proudly presents, Windows 8 AppFest, the world’s largest coding marathon for building great apps. Bring your idea, laptop, and your favourite coding pajamas to AppFest for a chance to transform your dream into a download. Starting on September 21st and continuing for 18 hours, thousands of talented programmers and designers will gather in Bengaluru to bring their dreams to life.

       
      With onsite access to Microsoft engineers, programming specialists, trainers, and industry-recognized app developers, AppFest offers a rare opportunity to realize your vision, discuss your designs, and gain valuable insights into the art and science of Windows 8 app creation. Participation is free and you can be assured of a comfortable environment to code.

    AppFest promises to be a unique and memorable experience. Join us on a captivating journey that only a selected few are part of...and...You could be one of them!
     
             
     
     
    Timetable
     
    Registration: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
     
    Opening Remarks: 01:15 PM
     
    Coding Begins: 02:00 PM on 21st September
     
    Coding Ends: 08:00 AM on 22nd September
     
     
     
     
     
    Get ready for the AppFest!
     
    Explore these resources to prepare
     
    1. Get a jumpstart by reviewing Windows 8 App development on the Windows Dev Center
     
    2. Bring a development laptop preconfigured with the Windows 8 RTM evaluation version and Microsoft Visual Studio Express 2012 for Windows 8
     
    3. Watch Jensen Harris' session on the 8 traits of great Windows 8 Apps
     
    4. Watch the session on the Platform for Windows 8 Apps by Ales Holecek and John Sheehan
     
    5. Watch the session on Tools for building Immersive Windows 8 App by Chris Sells and Keiran Mockford
     
    6. Brush up your JavaScript skills
     
     
     
    Microsoft respects your privacy. Please read our online Privacy Statement. If you would prefer not to receive future promotional emails from Microsoft Corporation please click here to unsubscribe. To set your contact preferences for Microsoft Communications, click on this link.
     
    Microsoft Corporation (India) Pvt. Ltd. 9th Floor, Tower A, DLF Cyber Greens, DLF Cyber City, Sector 25A Gurgaon, Haryana, 122 002, INDIA
  • AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    Microsoft Download Center: Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) for Windows® 8

    • 0 Comments

    The Windows® Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK) is a collection of tools that you can use to customize, assess, and deploy Windows operating systems to new computers.

    Windows Deployment is for OEMs and IT professionals who customize and automate the large-scale installation of Windows, such as on a factory floor or across an organization. The Windows ADK supports this work with the deployment tools that were previously released as part of the OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK) and the Windows Automated Installation Kit (AIK) and include Windows Preinstallation Environment, Deployment Imaging, Servicing and Management, and Windows System Image Manager.
    IT Professionals can use features in the Windows ADK to facilitate deployment of a new version of Windows. The Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) inventories applications used in your organization and identifies potential applications compatibility issues. With the User State Migration Tool (USMT), IT Professionals can migrate user data from existing Windows installations. Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT) enables IT professionals to Windows installations in their organization and manage the activation status of their PCs.
    Assessments are for OEMs, IHVs, and IT professionals who measure the operational characteristics of a computer, including its performance, reliability, and functionality. Windows assessments are tools that help you make these measurements, diagnose problems, and determine how to make improvements. Windows assessments can help reduce costs by identifying potential issues as you create your hardware and software experiences. By using these tools, you can help ensure that the hardware and software that you develop are responsive and high-quality.

    Features available in the Windows ADK include:
    • Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT)
    The Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) helps IT Professionals understand potential application compatibility issues by identifying which applications are or are not compatible with the new versions of the Windows operating system. ACT helps to lower costs for application compatibility evaluation by providing an accurate inventory of the applications in your organization. ACT helps you to deploy Windows more quickly by helping to prioritize, test, and detect compatibility issues with your apps. By using ACT, you can become involved in the ACT Community and share your risk assessment with other ACT users. You can also test your web applications and web sites for compatibility with new releases of Internet Explorer. For more information, see Application Compatibility Toolkit.
    • Deployment Tools
    Deployment tools enable you to customize, manage, and deploy Windows images. Deployment tools can be used to automate Windows deployments, removing the need for user interaction during Windows setup. Tools included with this feature are Deployment Imaging Servicing and Management (DISM) command line tool, DISM PowerShell cmdlets, DISM API, Windows System Image Manager (Windows SIM), and OSCDIMG. For more information, see Deployment Tools.
    • User State Migration Tool (USMT)
    USMT is a scriptable command line tool that IT Professionals can use to migrate user data from a previous Windows installation to a new Windows installation. By using USMT, you can create a customized migration framework that copies the user data you select and excludes any data that does not need to be migrated. Tools included with the feature are ScanState, Loadstate, and USMTUtils command line tools. For more information, see User State Migration Tool.
    • Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT)
    The Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT) enables IT professionals to automate and centrally manage the activation of Windows, Windows Server, Windows ThinPC, Windows POSReady 7, select add-on product keys, and Office for computers in their organization. VAMT can manage volume activation using retail keys (or single activation keys), multiple activation keys (MAKs), or Windows Key Management Service (KMS) keys. For more information, see Volume Activation Management Tool.
    • Windows Performance Toolkit (WPT)
    Windows Performance Toolkit includes tools to record system events and analyze performance data in a graphical user interface. Tools available in this toolkit include Windows Performance Recorder, Windows Performance Analyzer, and Xperf. For more information, see Windows Performance Toolkit.
    • Windows Assessment Toolkit
    Tools to discover and run assessments on a single computer. Assessments are tasks that simulate user activity and examine the state of the computer. Assessments produce metrics for various aspects of the system, and provide recommendations for making improvements. For more information, see Windows Assessment Toolkit.
    • Windows Assessment Services
    Tools to remotely manage settings, computers, images, and assessments in a lab environment where Windows Assessment Services is installed. This application can run on any computer with access to the server that is running Windows Assessment Services. For more information, see Windows Assessment Services.
    • Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE)
    Minimal operating system designed to prepare a computer for installation and servicing of Windows. For more information, see Windows PE Technical Reference.

    You can get more details on the download link…

    DOWNLOAD HERE

  • AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    Register Now for PUG DevCon 2012

    • 0 Comments

    PUG DevCon 2012
    Devcon 2012 is an event where technology enthusiasts connect ,collaborate and share knowledge on latest Microsoft technologies. Along with interesting interactive sessions, DevCon proves to be a platform for learning and sharing new technology. You get to meet the industry experts, code gurus and see the demos of applications working on mobile devices, Windows application development, integrated Web solutions, Microsoft Office programming ,language enhancement and IDE productivity features.

    Key Highlights
    Windows 8 | Windows Azure | Visual Studio 2012 | Office 2013 | HTML 5

    So be there !!!! on 25th and 26th August at DevCon 2012
    To know more about the event log on to
    http://devcon.puneusergroup.org

    Entry free !!.

    Register for the event


    Sponsored By:
    Infragistics
     
    Copyright 2012. Pune User Group | All rights reserved. LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter Pune User Group
  • AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    Microsoft Download Center: Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2012 Update 1

    • 0 Comments

    The latest version of the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit—version 2012 Update 1— is now available for download.

    Download MDT 2012 Update 1 now!image

    This release expands your deployment capabilities with support for the latest software releases, including Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, and System Center 2012 Configuration Manager SP1 Community Technology Preview.  Other notable new features include:

    · Support for using the DaRT 8 Beta with the Windows 8 version of the Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK).

    · New “Build Your Own Pages” support for User-Driven Installation (UDI), enabling IT pros to create new wizard panes using simple drag-and-drop operations – no coding required.

    · Integration with System Center Orchestrator, enabling task sequences to invoke Orchestrator runbooks at any point in the deployment process.

    · Completely reworked “Roles and Features” logic, supporting both installation and removal, as well as providing a new Lite Touch wizard pane for selecting roles and features to install at deploy time.

    · Support for PowerShell 3.0 to make it easier to run PowerShell scripts inside task sequences on Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, and Windows PE 4.0.

    · Simple monitoring functionality for Configuration Manager task sequences, leveraging the monitoring capabilities provided initially in MDT 2012 for Lite Touch deployments.

    · Improved “boot from VHD” deployment capabilities, supporting both bare metal and refresh deployments.

    Next steps:

    · Download MDT 2012 Update 1 now!

    · Learn more about the MDT.

    Get the latest tips from Microsoft Solution Accelerators—in 140 characters or less! Follow us on Twitter: @MSSolutionAccel.

  • AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    Now Available: Windows 8 RTM for MSDN/TechNet Subscribers && Visual Studio 2012 RTM for MSDN Subscribers!!

    • 0 Comments

    It’s 15th August 2012 & as per the previous announcement Windows 8 is now available for MSDN & TechNet Subscribers.

     

    For Developers, if you have MSDN Subscription then you can download Windows 8 RTM & Visual Studio 2012 RTM.

    image

    For Developers here are some of the resources from Visual Studio & Windows Teams.

    http://blogs.msdn.com/b/windowsappdev/archive/2012/08/15/windows-8-rtm-is-available-for-developers.aspx
    http://blogs.msdn.com/b/webdev/archive/2012/08/15/visual-studio-2012-rtw.aspx
    http://blogs.msdn.com/b/jasonz/archive/2012/08/15/visual-studio-2012-and-net-framework-4-5-released-to-the-web.aspx

    For IT Professionals, if you have TechNet Subscription then you can download Windows 8 RTM.

    image

     

    Windows 8 Evaluation for Developers

    This is intended for developers building Windows 8 apps and IT professionals interested in trying Windows 8 Enterprise on behalf of their organization.

    The Windows 8 Enterprise 90-day evaluation is available to developers to build and test Windows 8 apps on the final version of Windows 8. After installing Windows 8, go to the Windows Dev Center developer downloads page to install Visual Studio 2012 and related tools to build Windows 8 apps.

    If you’re not an MSDN subscriber, you can download an evaluation version of Windows 8 RTM from TechNet. Note this version will expire and you cannot upgrade.

    For details visit http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/jj554510.aspx

    Enjoy

  • AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    Microsoft Windows Essentials 2012: Download Now

    • 1 Comments

    Microsoft Windows Essentials 2012 now available (previously known as Windows Live Essentials)

    image

     

    Download Windows Essentials 2012 (Web installer)
    Download Windows Essentials 2012 (Offline installer)

  • AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    Windows 8: Enable .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0) i.e. (NetFx3) feature in Online & Offline mode!

    • 105 Comments

    I have been using Windows 8 for last few months. When Windows 8 CP released I installed CP & subsequently RP too. When I wanted to install some 3rd party application in my Windows 8 VM, I realized that these applications require .NET Framework 2.0 or 3.0 in few cases. Apparently my virtual machine does not have internet connection. Obviously the first step for us is to check the Program and Features to enable any available additional features in an Operating System. This is what you see in your Control Panel –> Program and Features. Click on Turn Windows features on or off.

    Here you can see .NET Framework as a feature and by default the feature is disabled. You can enable this particular right away using this GUI Tool but in order to do that you need to be connected to internet i.e. Online Mode. Other way is using DISM Command and this can be done in an Offline Mode using Windows 8 installation media. Let’s see these 2 methods.

    Method 1: When you are Online, connected to Internet.

    In order to install the following window click on the .NET Framework 3.5 (included .NET 2.0 and 3.0) select it & click OK

    image

    Now, it will download the entire package from the internet & install the .NET Framework feature.

    Method 2: When you are Offline and not connected to Internet

    If you open CMD.EXE with Administrative Privileges i.e. at elevated level & run the this DISM command dism /online /get-features you will see that from the State that .NET Framework is not part of the Operating System.

    image

    image

    So the first thing you need to do is to copy the required package to local machine before you run the command to install .NET Framework. To do that use Windows 8 ISO/DVD/USB Media. You need to copy SXS folder to local machine located at D:\sources\sxs (In this case D: your drive letter on which you have loaded Windows 8 Media)

    image

    You can also use the following command to copy this folder locally. xcopy d:\sxs\*.* c:\sxs /s

    Once completed, in order to install this feature you can run the following command dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFx3 /All /SourceC:\sxs /LimitAccess  and hit Enter

    image

    After completing the installation of .NET Framework 3.5 you can see that the feature is enabled in the Control Panel –> Program and Features

    image

    Bingo. Now you can enable .NET Framework feature on Windows 8 without needing of an internet connection.

    Enjoy

  • AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    Microsoft India Webcast Series: Starting August 22 to September 13, 2012.

    • 1 Comments
    Dive deep into the Microsoft Private Cloud. The new IT PRO Webcast series would give you an insight into Windows Server, Hyper-V and System Center Technologies. The series also focuses on the reason, why it's the best time to move to Windows 7.
    Stay tuned between 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm from August 22, 2012 to September 13, 2012 to enhance your IT skills and take the big leap to surge ahead of your colleagues.
    Session

    Date & Time

    Block your Calendar  
    Modernize Datacenter with Microsoft Private Cloud Solution
    By: Aviraj Ajgekar
    August 22, 2012
    2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Register Now
    Building Private Cloud in 60 Minutes
    By: Pracheta Budhwar
    August 23, 2012
    2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Why must Enterprises migrate from Windows XP to Windows 7 NOW
    By: Daanish Antulay
    August 29, 2012
    2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Register Now
    What's new in Windows Azure IaaS "Infrastructure as a Service"
    By: Aviraj Ajgekar
    August 30, 2012
    2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Cloud Ready OS: Windows Server 2012 Technical Overview
    By: Aviraj Ajgekar
    September 12, 2012
    2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Register Now
    Windows Server 2012: Virtualization Enhancement in Hyper-V 3.0
    By: Pracheta Budhwar
    September 13, 2012
    2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Evaluate latest products from Microsoft
    Download
    Microsoft System Center 2012
    RTM Products
    Download
    Windows Server 2012
    mva
    Microsoft Virtual Academy
    Microsoft®
    System Center 2012
    Configuration
    Manager RC is here.
    Visit MVA to take
    the new course.
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    © 2012 Microsoft. All rights reserved.
  • AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    Windows 8 & Windows Server 2012 Released to Manufacturing (RTM)

    • 0 Comments

    Today marks an important milestone in the Windows 8 project. The Windows 8 team is proud to share with you that a short while ago we started releasing Windows 8 to PC OEM and manufacturing partners. This means our next milestone will be the availability of exciting new models of PCs loaded with Windows 8 and online availability of Windows 8 on October 26, 2012.

    More details http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/08/01/releasing-windows-8-august-1-2012.aspx

    • August 15th: Developers will be able to download the final version of Windows 8 via your MSDN subscriptions.
    • August 15th: IT professionals testing Windows 8 in organizations will be able to access the final version of Windows 8 through your TechNet subscriptions.
    • August 16th: Customers with existing Microsoft Software Assurance for Windows will be able to download Windows 8 Enterprise edition through the Volume License Service Center (VLSC), allowing you to test, pilot and begin adopting Windows 8 Enterprise within your organization.
    • August 16th: Microsoft Partner Network members will have access to Windows 8.
    • August 20th: Microsoft Action Pack Providers (MAPS) receive access to Windows 8.
    • September 1st: Volume License customers without Software Assurance will be able to purchase Windows 8 through Microsoft Volume License Resellers.

    More details http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2012/08/01/windows-8-has-reached-the-rtm-milestone.aspx

    Also, Windows Server 2012 has been released to manufacturing. Get out your calendars and free up some time on September 4.  That’s when Windows Server 2012 will be generally available for evaluation and purchase by all customers around the world.  On that day we will also host an online launch event where our executives, engineers, customers and partners will share more about how Windows Server 2012 can help organizations of all sizes realize the benefits of what we call the Cloud OS.  You will be able to learn more about the features and capabilities and connect with experts and peers.  You’ll also be able to collect points along the way for the chance to win some amazing prizes. You don’t want to miss it.  Visit this site to save the date for the launch event.

    More details http://blogs.technet.com/b/windowsserver/archive/2012/08/01/windows-server-2012-released-to-manufacturing.aspx

    Enjoy

  • AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    What is a Microsoft account?

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    "Microsoft account" is the new name for what used to be called a "Windows Live ID." Your Microsoft account is the combination of an email address and a password that you use to sign in to services like Hotmail, SkyDrive, Windows Phone, or Xbox LIVE. If you use an email address and password to sign in to these or other services, you already have a Microsoft account—but you can also sign up for a new one at any time.

    Over time, all Microsoft services will be switching from the old name to the new one. You might continue to see mentions of "Windows Live ID" instead of "Microsoft account" for a while—for example, on xbox.com or windowsphone.com—but the names mean the same thing, and the services will be updated soon.

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-live/sign-in-what-is-microsoft-account

  • AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    Welcome to Outlook.com

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    Introducing Outlook.com - Modern Email for the Next Billion Mailboxes

    Recently, we talked about how we've reimagined cloud services for Windows 8 and Windows Phone. And we described new apps for Windows 8, updates to SkyDrive, and how cloud services power the new Office Preview, We've also been hard at work on a mission to reimagine personal email - from the datacenter all the way to the user experience. Today, we're starting to deliver on that goal with a preview of the new Outlook.com - modern email designed for the next billion mailboxes.

    Webmail was first introduced with HoTMaiL in 1996. Back then, it was novel to have a personal email address you could keep for life - one that was totally independent from your business or internet service provider. Eight years later, Google introduced Gmail, which included 1 GB of storage and inbox search. And while Gmail and other webmail services like Hotmail have added some features since then, not much has fundamentally changed in webmail over the last 8 years - though yesterday's frustrations about the small size of inboxes are now things of the past. At the same time, email is becoming less and less useful as inboxes become cluttered with newsletters and social updates, and people increasingly keep up their personal connections in social networks instead of their email address books. All of this has led many to hope for a better solution so you don't have to settle for today's webmail.

    It's Time for a Change

    For details visit http://blogs.office.com/b/microsoft-outlook/archive/2012/07/31/introducing-outlook-com-modern-email-for-the-next-billion-mailboxes.aspx

    Start here Outlook.com

  • AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    Announcing BUILD 2012

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    In January we shared some thoughts on our approach to developer events, including a commitment to come back with more on our plans for an event this coming fall. Well, here it is: our next developer conference will be this fall, and it's (again) called BUILD. It will be held on Microsoft's campus in Redmond, Washington, from October 30th until November 2nd. Yes, that's right ... it's the week after Windows 8 becomes generally available worldwide. And in addition to Windows 8, we will have lots of other stuff to talk about, too: Windows Azure, Windows Phone 8, Windows Server 2012, Visual Studio 2012, and much more.

    Complete announcement at http://channel9.msdn.com/Blogs/Vector/Announcing-BUILD-2012

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    http://www.buildwindows.com/

  • AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    Windows Server 2012: Getting started with PowerShell Web Access

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    I have been using Windows Server 2012 for quite some time & 1 of the best features in Management & Automation using PowerShell Web Access.

    So What is PowerShell Web Access??

    Windows PowerShell® Web Access is a new feature in Windows Server® 2012 that acts as a Windows PowerShell gateway, providing a web-based Windows PowerShell console that is targeted at a remote computer. It enables IT Pros to run Windows PowerShell commands and scripts from a Windows PowerShell console in a web browser, with no Windows PowerShell, remote management software, or browser plug-in installation necessary on the client device. All that is required to run the web-based Windows PowerShell console is a properly-configured Windows PowerShell Web Access gateway, and a client device browser that supports JavaScript® and accepts cookies.

    Examples of client devices include laptops, non-work personal computers, borrowed computers, tablet computers, web kiosks, computers that are not running a Windows-based operating system, and cell phone browsers. IT Pros can perform critical management tasks on remote Windows-based servers from devices that have access to an Internet connection and a web browser.

    After successful gateway setup and configuration, users can access a Windows PowerShell console by using a web browser. When users open the secured Windows PowerShell Web Access website, they can run a web-based Windows PowerShell console after successful authentication.

    Windows PowerShell Web Access setup and configuration is a three-step process:

    1. Step 1: Installing Windows PowerShell Web Access
    2. Step 2: Configuring the gateway
    3. Step 3: Configuring authorization rules and site security

    You can refer Microsoft TechNet Library to get detailed step by step article http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831611.aspx

    In today’s blog post I will show you how can you deploy PowerShell Web Access in test environment. I will be using both GUI method i.e. Server Manager & PowerShell based scripts. So let’s get started.

    My Test Environment.

    I am using 2 virtual machines. Windows Server 2012 Domain Controller & Windows 8 Client machine.

    DPE-WS12-VM01 - Windows Server 2012 Datacenter – Domain Controller, PowerShell Web Access Gateway & Destination.
    DPE-WIN8-CLI01 - Windows 8 Enterprise – Domain joined client/workstation

    Note: This is a test environment using Virtual Machines & leveraging sample self-signed test certificate.

    Ideally, this is how the overall architecture would look like in production environment.

    PSWA

    Step 1: Login to the Domain Controller machine DPE-WS12-VM01 to install PowerShell Web Access using Server Manager. WE WILL PERFORM THE STEPS USING SERVER MANAGER. Note: You can perform this Step 1 using PowerShell as well. Refer http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831611.aspx

    • Open Server Manager & click on Add roles & features

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    • Click Next on wizard. On the next screen select Role-based or feature-based installation & click Next.

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    • Select the server in the list & click Next.

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    • Click Next on the Server Roles page. On the Features page scroll down, expand Windows PowerShell & select Windows PowerShell Web Access. Upon clicking a new pop-up will appear; click on Add Features. Lastly click Next.

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    • Click Next on Web Server Role (IIS) screen & also click Next on Role Services screen.

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    • Lastly click on Install.

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    • Once completed you will see the following screen. Click on Close to complete.

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    In Step 1, we have installed the features Windows PowerShell Web Access & server role Web Server Role (IIS).

    Step 2: Now that we have installed the feature Windows PowerShell Web Access, we will now need to configure PowerShell Web Access Gateway so that my Application Pool should be available in my IIS Manager under Default Website. WE WILL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING USING POWERSHELL.

    When you install the feature Windows PowerShell Web Access, the Application Folder is located in C:\Windows\Web\PowerShellWebAccess\wwwroot

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    Configure PowerShell Web Access Gateway using the following PowerShell Cmdlet.

    • Do one of the following to open a Windows PowerShell session.

      • On the Windows desktop, right-click Windows PowerShell on the taskbar.
      • On the Windows Start screen, click Windows PowerShell.
    • Type the following, and then press Enter.

      Install-PswaWebApplication –UseTestCertificate

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    The following settings are configured by running the cmdlet. You can change these manually in the IIS Manager console, if desired.

    • Path: /pswa
    • ApplicationPool: pswa_pool
    • EnabledProtocols: http
    • PhysicalPath: %windir%/Web/PowerShellWebAccess/wwwroot

    At this stage you can see the PowerShell Web Access Application Pool configured in IIS Manager & also verify the same using the Web Browser. IMP Note: You cannot sign in until users have been granted access to the website by adding authorization rules.

    Step 2A: To verify the same in IIS Manager, open Server Manager –> IIS –> Right click on DPE-WS12-VM01 & click on Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager

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    Step 2B: You can also verify the same from Web Browser. Go to CLIENT machine i.e. DPE-WIN8-CLI01. Open Internet Explorer & open https://DPE-WS12-VM01/pswa As we are using Test Certificate you will see the warning. Click on Continue.

    Note: In production environment you must configure security using valid SSL certificate signed from the certificate provider.

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    Step 2C: Once you click on Continue you will the following Windows PowerShell Web Access login page.

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    Note: For more information about supported browsers and devices, see Browser and client device support in this document.

    Step 3: Configure Authorization Rule & Site Security. WE WILL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING USING POWERSHELL

    Now, we need to allow certain users access to the Windows PowerShell Web Access.

    Every Windows PowerShell session uses a session configuration; if one is not specified for a session, Windows PowerShell uses the default, built-in Windows PowerShell session configuration, called Microsoft.PowerShell. The default session configuration includes all cmdlets that are available on a computer. Administrators can restrict access to all computers by defining a session configuration with a restricted runspace (a limited range of cmdlets and tasks that their end users could perform). A user who is granted access to one computer with either full language access or only the Windows PowerShell remote management cmdlets can connect to other computers that are connected to the first computer. Defining a restricted runspace can prevent users from accessing other computers from their allowed Windows PowerShell runspace, and improves the security of your Windows PowerShell Web Access environment. The session configuration can be distributed (by using Group Policy) to all computers that administrators want to make accessible through Windows PowerShell Web Access. For more information about session configurations, see about_Session_Configurations. The following are some examples of this scenario.

    In this example, An administrator has set up a private test environment, and wants to allow all authorized network users access to all computers on the network to which they typically have access, with access to all session configurations to which they typically have access. Because this is a private test environment, the administrator creates an authorization rule that is not secure. The administrator runs the cmdlet Add-PswaAuthorizationRule * * *, which uses the wildcard character * to represent all users, all computers, and all configurations.

    This rule is the equivalent of the following: Add-PswaAuthorizationRule –UserName * -ComputerName * -ConfigurationName *

    We will perform the above step in PowerShell on Domain Controller DPE-WS12-VM01

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    With the above PowerShell we have allowed all authorized network users access to all computers on the network with access to all session configuration to which they typically have access.

    Let’s Try Now…

    Step 3A: Go to CLIENT MACHINE DPE-WIN8-CLI01. Open Internet Explorer & open https://DPE-WS12-VM01/pswa & click on Continue (as specified we are using Test Certificate)

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    You can also check optional connection settings…

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    Step 3B: On the login screen enter your administrator credentials & specify destination computer. Click on Sign In.

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    Step 3C: You will see the following status Signing In…

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    Upon successful login you will PowerShell Window in the Web Browser.

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    You can start running cmdlets in the above box.

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    I hope you enjoyed this post. I am looking forward to hear from you. Enjoy.

  • AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    Upcoming Windows 8 RTM & General Availability Milestones Announced at WPC

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    Today in Toronto, Canada, at Microsoft’s annual Worldwide Partner Conference, Windows Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Financial Officer Tami Reller spoke to thousands of partners from around the world. She shared some exciting new details regarding Windows that I wanted to pass along.

    For the first time, we provided details on Windows 8 availability. Tami confirmed that Windows 8 is on track to Release to Manufacturing (RTM) the first week of August. For enterprise customers with Software Assurance benefits, they will have full access to Windows 8 bits as early as August. Additionally, she noted that RTM is when we’ll be turning on the commerce platform so that developers can start earning money for their apps – we'll have more to share on the Windows Store for developers blog soon. Of course, right now with the Windows 8 Release Preview, all apps are still free for people to try.

    Read here full post http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2012/07/09/upcoming-windows-milestones-shared-with-partners-at-wpc.aspx

  • AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    Session Recordings & Resources: TechEd North America 2012 & TechEd Europe 2012

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    If you are looking forward for the latest & the greatest content on Microsoft technologies like Windows Server 2012, Windows 8, Windows Phone, Windows Azure then you should start visit Channel 9 site for TechEd 2012 content like session recordings & slides.

    You will lot of fresh content on Virtualization, Management, Private Cloud, Deployment and more if you are an IT Professionals. If you are a Developer then enjoy the great content on Windows 8 Development, Azure & Windows Phone development.

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    For details visit http://channel9.msdn.com/Events/TechEd

  • AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    Microsoft Download Center: Technical Documentation Download for the CTP2 release of System Center 2012 Service Pack 1

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    Yesterday I blogged about the availability of System Center 2012 Service Pack 1 CTP2. http://blogs.technet.com/b/aviraj/archive/2012/07/06/microsoft-download-center-system-center-2012-service-pack-1-ctp2.aspx

    Today, I am sharing the technical documentation around the same. SystemCenter2012_rgb_225x40

    Overview

    The downloadable files listed on this page contain the product documentation for the CTP2 release of System Center 2012 Service Pack 1. The available downloads include:

    • App Controller in System Center 2012 Service Pack 1 - last updated June, 2012
    • Data Protection Manager in System Center 2012 Service Pack 1 - last updated June, 2012
    • Operations Manager in System Center 2012 Service Pack 1 - last updated June, 2012
    • Orchestrator in System Center 2012 Service Pack 1 - last updated June, 2012
    • Server Application Virtualization in System Center 2012 Service Pack 1 – last updated June, 2012
    • Service Manager in System Center 2012 Service Pack 1 - last updated June, 2012
    • Service Provider Foundation in System Center 2012 Service Pack 1 - last updated June, 2012
    • Virtual Machine Manager in System Center 2012 Service Pack 1 - last updated June, 2012
    • Virtual Machine Manager Cmdlet Reference for System Center 2012 Service Pack 1 - last updated June, 2012

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    DOWNLOAD HERE TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION for CTP2 OF SYSTEM CENTER 2012 SP1

  • AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    Microsoft Download Center: System Center 2012 Service Pack 1 CTP2

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    Updates to System Center 2012 for compatibility with Windows Server 2012 Release Candidate including support for Azure VM and capabilities for Hosted Service ProvidersSystemCenter2012_rgb_225x40

    This Community Technology Preview (“CTP2”) enables System Center customers to jointly evaluate System Center 2012 and Windows Server 2012 Release Candidate. CTP2 includes updates and enhancements to the following System Center 2012 components:

    • Virtual Machine Manager
      • Improved Support for Network Virtualization
      • Extend the VMM console with Add-ins
      • Support for Windows Standards-Based Storage Management Service, thin provisioning of logical units and discovery of SAS storage
      • Ability to convert VHD to VHDX, use VHDX as base Operating System image
    • Configuration Manager
      • Support for Windows 8
      • Ability to deploy Windows 8 Apps
      • Real-time administrative actions for Endpoint Protection related tasks
    • Data Protection Manager
      • Improved backup performance of Hyper-V over CSV 2.0
      • Protection for Hyper-V over remote SMB share
      • Protection for Windows Server 2012 de-duplicated volumes
      • Uninterrupted protection for VM live migration
    • App Controller
      • Service Provider Foundation API to create and operate Virtual Machines
      • Support for Azure VM; migrate VHDs from VMM to Windows Azure, manage from on-premise System Center
    • Operations Manager
      • Support for IIS 8
      • Monitoring of WCF, MVC and .NET NT services
      • Azure SDK support
    • Orchestrator
      • Support for Integration Packs, including 3rd party
      • Manage VMM self-service User Roles
      • Manage multiple VMM ‘stamps’ (scale units), aggregate results from multiple stamps
      • Integration with App Controller to consume Hosted clouds
    • Service Manager
      • Apply price sheets to VMM clouds
      • Create chargeback reports
      • Pivot by cost center, VMM clouds, Pricesheets
    • Server App-V
      • Support for applications that create scheduled tasks during packaging
      • Create virtual application packages from applications installed remotely on native server
    Release History:
    3/9/2012 - Original release of CTP1, en-us version. No further localization planned
    6/15/2012 - CTP2, en-us version. No further localization planned

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    DOWNLOAD HERE CTP2 of System Center 2012, SP1

  • AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Editions Announced…

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    Windows Server 2012 delivers a dramatically simplified licensing experience. Shaped by feedback from customers and partners, the new Windows Server licensing approach will help make choosing the right Windows Server easier while delivering the following benefits.

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    Next Steps

    For more details visit http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/windows-server/2012-editions.aspx

  • AVIRAJ AJGEKAR'S BLOG...

    Microsoft Download Center: Microsoft DirectAccess Connectivity Assistant 2.0 RC

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    Microsoft DirectAccess Connectivity Assistant (DCA) 2.0 RC can be used by computers running Windows 7 when connecting to internal corporate networks with DirectAccess in Windows Server 2012 RC. It improves the DirectAccess connection experience, supports one-time password (OTP) authentication for DirectAccess users and helps organizations reduce the cost of supporting DirectAccess users.

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    Overview

    DCA 2.0 RC provides the following functionality:
    • Provides DirectAccess users with connectivity information. Users can view their DirectAccess connectivity status at all times.
    • Provides diagnostics and troubleshooting features. DCA 2.0 RC provides tools to help users reconnect if problems arise, and create diagnostics to provide IT administrators with troubleshooting information.
    • Supports one-time password (OTP) authentication for DirectAccess users required to authenticate using OTP.
    Note: DCA 2.0 RC can be installed on Windows 7 computers that connect to the corporate network using DirectAccess running on a Windows Server 2012 RC computer. It can be installed on Windows 7 computers that do not have DCA installed, or on computers running DCA 1.0 or DCA 1.5. DCA 2.0 RC should not be installed on computers running Windows 8 Consumer Preview. It should also not be installed on Windows 7 computers that connect to the corporate network using DirectAccess running on a Windows Server 2008 R2 computer or on a Forefront UAG server.
    The download includes the following components:
    • A zip file (DirectAccess_Connectivity_Assistant_2_0_RC.zip) containing a collection of all the files in this download.
    • GPO templates (DirectAccess_Connectivity_Assistant_2_0_RC_GP.adml; DirectAccess_Connectivity_Assistant_2_0_RC_GP.admx) for configuring DCA settings on client computers.
    • Installation files (DirectAccess_Connectivity_Assistant_2_0_RC_x64.msi; DirectAccess_Connectivity_Assistant_2_0_RC_x86.msi) required to install the application on 64-bit or 32-bit client computers.
    • An administrators guide (DirectAccess_Connectivity_Assistant_2_0_RC_AdminGuide.docx) that describes how to configure the GPO templates, and install the application.
    • A zip file (DirectAccess_Connectivity_Assistant_2_0_RC_UserGuide.zip) containing an end-user help file that can be distributed to client computers running DirectAccess Connectivity Assistant (DCA) 2.0. The zip file contains the document in all languages supported by DCA 2.0 RC.
    Note that when you install DCA 2.0, the .msi file runs in English. After Setup, the DCA user interface appears on the end-user computer in the language specified by the operating system.

    DOWNLOAD HERE

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