Kevin Remde's IT Pro Weblog
Justin, in our Saint Louis TechNet Event asked us:
“How can we track dynamic memory over time? Application vendor's physical requirements are always too high. Resource usage over time can better right-size an app.”
As of SP1 for Windows Server 2008 R2, you have some new Hyper-V performance counters that you can monitor using Performance Monitor that will show you how memory is allocated in Dynamic Memory.
Here is the section from this document (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff817651(WS.10).aspx, Step 4b) in the Windows Server TechCenter on TechNet that explains how to do it:
The new performance counters are included in two new Hyper-V performance counter groups: Hyper-V Dynamic Memory Balancer and Hyper-V Dynamic Memory VM. You can use the performance counters in these groups to create Data Collector Sets, which you can use to capture and analyze data collected by the performance counters. For example, you can schedule repeated collection of a Data Collector Set to create logs, load it in Performance Monitor to see the data in real time, and save it as a template to use on other computers.
To create a Data Collector Set to monitor memory allocation Start Performance Monitor and add one or more of the new performance counters. Click Start, right-click Computer, and click Manage. In the Microsoft Management Console navigation tree, click Reliability and Performance. In the navigation tree, expand Reliability and Performance, expand Monitoring Tools, and click Performance Monitor. In the menu bar above the Performance Monitor graph display, either click the Add button (+) or right-click anywhere in the graph and click Add counters from the menu. The Add Counters dialog box opens. In the Available Counters section, scroll through the list to find Hyper-V Dynamic Memory VM and then click the plus (+) sign to expand the group. Select one or more counters from this group, such as Current Pressure and Guest Visible Physical Memory, and then click Add. Click OK to close the dialog box. Right-click anywhere in the Performance Monitor display pane, point to New, and click Data Collector Set. The Create New Data Collector Set Wizard starts. The Data Collector Set created will contain all of the data collectors selected in the current Performance Monitor view. Type a name for your Data Collector Set and click Next. The Root Directory will contain data collected by the Data Collector Set. Change this setting if you want to store your Data Collector Set data in a different location than the default. Browse to and select the directory, or type the directory name. Note: If you enter the directory name manually, you must not enter a back slash at the end of the directory name. Click Next to define a user for the Data Collector Set to run as, or click Finish to save the current settings and exit. For more information about using Data Collector Sets, see “Scenario 3: Create a Data Collector Set from Performance Monitor” in the Performance and Reliability Monitoring Step-by-Step Guide for Windows Server (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=196705 ).
To create a Data Collector Set to monitor memory allocation
For more information about using Data Collector Sets, see “Scenario 3: Create a Data Collector Set from Performance Monitor” in the Performance and Reliability Monitoring Step-by-Step Guide for Windows Server (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=196705 ).
“For ‘Windows’? Which versions?”
Pretty much every supported version of Windows is impacted**, so read on. This is important.
Yesterday Microsoft released an advisory, and today Microsoft released a security patch outside of its normal release cycle, or “out of band”; meaning: not on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. So you know that this is important. In fact, more than important, it’s listed as “critical”, which is defined as “A vulnerability whose exploitation could allow the propagation of an Internet worm without user action.” So yeah.. you need to do something with this ASAP. Today’s update involves and removes a couple of recently discovered vulnerabilities in ASP.NET. Among other things, this is related to the advisory that we released yesterday: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/advisory/2659883
The pre-release post can be found HERE. I’m writing this blog post before the official release time and scheduling the post to go live at the very same time as the release, so follow that link to updated information as it becomes available. And take advantage of the recommendations for deploying this update as soon as possible. I will update this post with the most current information when it is made available.
UPDATE: The pre-release link above is also the link to the current information. http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/bulletin/ms11-dec
If you’re interested in getting all the details LIVE, you can Register now for the December 29, 1-00 PM Security Bulletin Webcast. (PST)
For all the latest information, you can also follow the MSRC team on Twitter at @MSFTSecResponse.
---
**The only current Windows installation not impacted by this release is any Windows Server 2008 Core installation. However, Server 2008 R2 Core is impacted.
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UPDATE: This promotion ends on June 30, 2010 October 31, 2010.. and will still save you 25% on the newly named "TechNet Subscription Professional" (same price). Just substitute "TechNet Plus Direct" with "TechNet Subscription Professional" in all that you read below.
Whenever I present a live TechNet Event, I ask my audience to raise their hands if they are a TechNet subscriber. Usually about 1/2 to 2/3 of the audience raises their hand. Considering that this is typically a Microsoft-friendly audience, I'm a little shocked that there aren't more hands going up. The TechNet Subscription is such a great resource for IT Pros, for these reasons:
For all of those reasons (Heck, for any ONE of those reasons), a TechNet Plus subscription is worth the yearly investment.
"Cool, Kevin. But how do I save $$$s?"
For new subscriptions, from now until June 30, 2010, you can save 25% on the TechNet Plus Direct subscription. What would have cost you $349 will now only cost only $261.75.
"That's nearly $100!"
Bingo!
"Is this worldwide, or U.S. only, or what?"
This is for residents of the U.S. only.
“Why new subscriptions only? Why not a discount renewals?”
Renewals are already automatically discounted, even more than you get with this code. Besides.. we’re honestly trying to promote TechNet Subscriptions to those who haven’t yet benefited from it. We’re pretty confident that if you try it, you’ll see enough value in it to renew your subscription.
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“If you weren’t a Microsoft employee, Kevin, would you buy this for yourself?”
Without hesitation, YES. I use the software I download so much; for personal education as well as testing, $261.75 is a small price to pay for the value I receive. Absolutely.
“Hey Kevin, didn’t you have some other codes we were using before?”
Yes. The “TMSAM08” and “TNITE04” codes are no longer valid. You need to use this new TNITQ404 code now.
Today a security update is being released out-of-band to address a known and recently exploited vulnerability in Internet Explorer 6 and Internet Explorer 7. (See the MSRC Blog for more information about the advanced notification.)
“The vulnerability used in these attacks, along with workarounds, is described in Microsoft Security Advisory 981374. The out-of-band security bulletin is a cumulative security update for Internet Explorer and will also contain fixes for privately reported vulnerabilities rated Critical on all versions of Internet Explorer that are not related to this attack.”
The good news: The most current version of Internet Explorer, IE 8, and Windows 7, are not impacted or affected by the exploit we're addressing here. However, the cumulative update does include fixes for other less-critical issues, including some in IE 8. Apparently the IE team were able to sufficiently test fixes that would have waited for the April 13th "patch Tuesday" updates, so they were able to add them this time.
More good news: If you're running any of our antivirus products such as Microsoft Security Essentials or Microsoft Forefront Client Security, and have the most up-to-date definitions installed, you'll also be protected.
Microsoft is hosting a webcast today (March 30, 2010) at 1:00 PM Pacific Time (US & Canada) to address customer questions on the out-of-band security bulletin. Register now for the March 30, 1:00 PM webcast. After this date, this webcast will be available on-demand.
For more information, see Microsoft Security Bulletin Summaries and Webcasts.
“But how do I get these updates, Kevin? Just give me the link!”
At the time of this writing, the updates aren't available. They should be in about a half-hour from now. I'll update this post when I see it go live.
UPDATE: Here is the security bulletin page that just went live: MS10-018
Microsoft recommends you use Windows Update (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com), or WSUS, or allow your PCs to update automatically. Or use whatever other update distribution mechanism you currently use (such as SCCM).
If you simply want to download the update packages and install or deploy them manually, you can get them at the Microsoft Update Catalog: http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/Home.aspx
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms10-jan.mspx
This is an important one folks.
“Who or what software does this impact"?”
You can see the full list HERE under the “Affected Software” section. But in a nutshell it’s every OS from Windows 2000 and later on running Windows Internet Explorer 6 and later. Yes, it includes Internet Explorer 8.
“What’s the exploit?”
A maliciously crafted website could allow an attacker to gain access to a computer using the same security rights as the logged on user.
“Is there any good news in this?” I guess if there were any good news, it would be that there have not (as of this writing) been any exploits of IE 7 or IE 8, but the proof of concept is real and valid.
This also doesn’t impact “Core” installations of Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2.
“Where can I get the update?”
The update(which, by the way, is a “cumulative update”) will be available at or around 10:00AM Pacific time, and there will be a new Security Advisory published also. In the meantime, you can reference Security Advisory 979352. When the new advisory and the update are available, I will post links to them here.
UPDATE:
Here is the security bulletin - http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/MS10-002.mspx
And the updated security advisory is live here - http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/979352.mspx
Here's what the MSRC has to say about it.
And finally; if here is the "Regular IT Guy" perspective.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: This promotion and promotion code have expired.Please CLICK HERE for the most current promotion.
Whenever I present a live TechNet Event, I ask my audience to raise their hands if they are a TechNet subscriber. Usually about 1/2 of the audience raises their hand. Considering that this is typically a Microsoft-friendly audience, I'm a little shocked that there aren't more hands going up. The TechNet Subscription is such a great resource for IT Pros, for these reasons:
For new subscriptions, from now until March 31, 2010, you can save 28% on the TechNet Plus Direct subscription. What would have cost you $349 will now only cost $251.28.
Write down or copy this promotion code to your clipboard: TNITE04 (That's zero-four. Not the letter O.)
“Hey Kevin, didn’t you have some other code we were using before?”
Yes. The “TMSAM08” code is no longer valid. You need to use this new TNITE04 code now.
Whenever I present a live TechNet Event, I ask my audience to raise their hands if they are a TechNet subscriber. Usually about 1/3 of the audience raises their hand. Considering that this is typically a Microsoft-friendly audience, I'm a little shocked that there aren't more hands going up. The TechNet Subscription is such a great resource for IT Pros, for these reasons:
For new subscriptions, from now until December 30, 2009, you can save 25% 28% on any version of a TechNet Plus subscription.
This is for residents of North America. So, if you're in the U.S. or Canada, this is for you.
Write down or copy this promotion code to your clipboard: TMSAM08 (That's zero-eight. Not the letter O.)
RCs = Release Candidates
RTW = Released to Web
“for some” means “for TechNet and MSDN subscribers”
You remember several days ago we announced that the RC for Windows 7 would be available to TechNet and MSDN subscribers on April 30th.
“Hey, that’s today!”
Yep. And of course the first thing I did this morning was to connect up to TechNet and see if the software was there. It is!
Not only Windows 7, but we also have released Windows Server 2008 R2 Release Candidate today as well.
My download is progressing. It’s a great day to be a TechNet Subscriber.
"But the rest of the world gets it on May 5th, right?"
Yes. May 5, 2009.
Boy.. I feel like Steve Martin’s character Navin Johnson when the new phone books arrived...
But please.. wait ‘til my downloads are complete before starting yours.
“Huh?!”
Yep. Release Candidate 1 (and only, I’ve heard) will be available to TechNet and MSDN subscribers on April 30, 2009.
“Says who? All I’ve heard is leaks and rumors of leaks.”
Says the Windows 7 team on the Windows 7 Team Blog.
“Can I get it now?”
Do you have a TechNet Plus or MSDN subscription?
“No”
Then you should get one. The Release Candidate is available only to TechNet Plus and MSDN subscribers.
“When will it be available to everyone else?”
It will be available May 5, 2009 for the rest of the world.
REMEMBER: If you are running the Windows 7 Beta, there are some important things you NEED TO KNOW about the options you have for upgrading to RC.
Now.. before you kill the messenger, you really need to read and understand this post from the “Engineering Windows 7” blog in its entirety:
Don’t want to read it all? Okay.. If you really want the summary instead, here are important bits:
“HUH?! I wanna take my beta and just upgrade! Are you saying I can’t?”
I want to do that, too. And no, I’m not saying you can’t. (Actually, you can’t, unless you do a tweak to an installation file – more about that below.) But it’s not a scenario that Microsoft is building Windows 7 to support. Think about it.. Do we really want to spend the extra effort (and days or weeks delay in releasing the product) to fully test a scenario, with all of the smallest details of every file and every setting and potential configuration, that once the product is released, nobody will need? The real world isn’t full of people upgrading from Beta to RC. The purpose of betas and RCs is to completely test the real-world kinds of upgrades and deployments. It doesn’t help anyone to have to report, track down, and fix a bug relating to the Beta-to-RC path.
“So… what is Microsoft recommending?”
As the post says, the recommend paths – the ones that will help all of us best to improve the product - is to either restore your previous XP, Vista or Vista SP1 installation and then upgrade to RC, or to do a fresh installation of the RC.
The good news is this: If you really really really need to keep your beta configuration and want to do an upgrade to RC, you’ll be able to do it with a documented tweak to the cversion.ini file on the source installation disk. (See the blog post for the full details on what needs to be done.)
Believe me. Many people at Microsoft have been debating this issue passionately. This is what we wanted to hear, and know that you’d prefer a supported upgrade path. We’re all in this together. I did an upgrade of not only my day-to-day production machine that I’m on now, but also my family’s laptop and my family Media Center. Am I happy about this? Absolutely not. But like I said.. if you think about it, it does make sense. (And anyway, a fresh install on my Media Center may get rid of one particularly annoying issue I’ve got with my Zune software not seeing the new TV files they way it should. I’ll just have to make sure DRM on my recorded TV files will not be lost. Got any hints on how I’ll do that?)
“So what are you going to do, Kevin?”
For the RC, I’m going to be relying on backups (Windows Easy Transfer) and doing re-configuration on top of a fresh install for my family laptop. And I’ll investigate the Media Center options I have and get back to you.
Okay.. let ‘er rip. Tell me what you think. Don’t hold back. If your complaints are well-thought-out and constructive, I’ll share them with the product team. But in any case, feel free to comment/rant/complain/yell/etc.
(RTW = Released to Web)
There’s a new version of the Application Compatibility Toolkit out. ACT 5.5.
Download here
For those of you not familiar with this toolset, check out the main TechNet Library pages about it.
Oddly, that page was updated two days from now.
“Huh? ‘Was updated.. Wednesday’ ? ”
This blog post is happening April 6, 2009. The page says it was “Updated: April 8, 2009”.
Anyway.. the “What’s New” page lists the following:
The updates include: Updated issue detection and supported operating systems Integration of data from the Windows Vista® Compatibility Center Ability to audit your application data and to selectively synchronize your applications with Microsoft. Updated documentation for the Windows compatibility fixes Ability to customize your Quick Reports view Ability to label your individual data-collection packages Removal of the Internet Explorer® Compatibility Evaluator (IECE) Ability to participate in the Customer Experience Program
The updates include:
That first one, “updated issue detection”, is particularly important. The details say that we’ve added several types of support for Windows 7 RC. (No.. don’t get excited. This is not a release announcement. RC is not available at the time of this writing. Watch this blog.)
Here are some resources relating to webcast I delivered on March 20, 2009, entitled "TechNet Webcast: Road Map for the Future of Virtualization (Level 300)”
This is part 19 of a 20 part series on the many aspects of virtualization. (Yung Chou blogged the entire schedule HERE).
I also included links to resources that will help answer some of the Q&A that I had at the end of the webcast, and added the Q&A at the end of this blog post.
One more note: Those of you who watched the webcast know that I had no problem configuring for Live Migration – but that for some reason my migration didn’t run as expected. I promised during the webcast that I would make a recording of that demo and make it available here. I still intend to do that. Stay tuned.
I hope you find this information useful. And also watch me as I delivered parts 1, 5, and 7. See you there!
-Kevin
—
FAQs: Virtual Hard Disks in Windows 7 http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd440865.aspx
What’s New In Virtual Hard Disks? http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd440864.aspx
Windows Automated Installation Kit for Windows 7 (beta) – Includes the documentation for creating VHD Boot http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd349343.aspx
WIM 2 VHD Converter http://code.msdn.microsoft.com/wim2vhd/Wiki/View.aspx?title=Home&version=13
What’s New In Windows 7 for IT Pros (Beta) http://download.microsoft.com/download/1/0/1/1017E8C2-3117-4C82-9E6D-3B7C8E3AE256/Windows7_WhatsNew.doc
Excellent Blog Post: Creating a Cluster in Windows Server 2008 http://blogs.msdn.com/clustering/archive/2008/01/18/7151154.aspx
Failover Cluster Step-by-Step Guide: Configuring a Two-Node File Server Failover Cluster http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc731844.aspx
Hyper-V: Step-by-Step Guide to Using Live Migration in Windows Server 2008 R2 http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd446679.aspx
Microsoft Virtualization Website http://www.microsoft.com/virtualization/default.mspx
Virtualization for Windows – A Technology Overview http://www.microsoft.com/virtualization/virtwindows.mspx
Hyper-V http://www.microsoft.com/hyperv
What’s New in Hyper-V R2 http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd446676.aspx
Hyper-V Overview Whitepaper http://www.microsoft.com/virtualization/HyperVOverviewWP.mspx?WT.srch=1&mode=1&CR_ID=-1&CR_TC=9OSUHTEXXE95SOC
Virtualization Management https://www.microsoft.com/virtualization/solution-tech-management.mspx
Microsoft System Center https://www.microsoft.com/virtualization/solution-product-sc.mspx
Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 http://www.microsoft.com/scvmm
System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 – Evaluation Download http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/cc793138.aspx
How Customers Are Cutting Costs and Building Value with Microsoft Virtualization http://www.microsoft.com/virtualization/wp-costsavings.mspx
White Paper: How Customers Are Cutting Costs and Building Value with Microsoft Virtualization http://www.microsoft.com/virtualization/wp-costsavings.mspx
White Paper: Flexible Desktop Computing http://www.microsoft.com/virtualization/fdcwhitepaper.mspx
Windows Server 2008 – web, virtualization, security, and a solid foundation for your business workloads (training resources) http://www.microsoft.com/events/series/windowsserver2008.aspx
Microsoft TechNet http://www.microsoft.com/technet
Live TechNet Events http://www.technetevents.com/
Microsoft Events page: http://www.microsoft.com/events
Save 15% on a TechNet Plus Subscription (including beta access like Windows 7, non-timeout evaluation software, 2 support calls, and more!)
Webcast Q&A
“Is there a document that outlines the proper steps to configure the environment to boot from the VHD?” Yes. Some of the Windows 7 resources above have the instructions on how to do this.
“When booting from a vhd file does this mean that none of that original server core OS is loaded, ie Do you have to have an OS of some kind (server 2008 r2, win 7, server core) on the physical machine for this to work?” No. As long as you can boot to the drive and have the bootloader re-configured to include the .vhd as one of the bootable drives, you’re good.
That said, one thing I should have made more clear in the webcast is that you are limited to what OS you can run from the .VHD. Currently it is Windows 7. That’s it.
Check out the FAQ link above on What’s new - Virtual Hard Disks in Windows 7. Here is the specific details on what’s new in “Native VHD Boot” http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd440865.aspx#QRT2
“If booting from a VHD, does the OS have any direct access to hardware devices such as USB drives, bluetooth etc?” Yes, it does. It’s not running “virtual” per se. So yes, you’ll have hardware access. From the FAQ:
Are there any firmware requirements for native VHD boot? The platform firmware enumerates physical hard disk devices that are available to the Windows Boot Manager during power up. The Windows Boot Manager initiates the native VHD boot process as well as a normal boot process. The VHD file configured for native VHD boot must reside on a physical device that is enumerated by the firmware. Native VHD boot is supported on platforms that have either BIOS or UEFI firmware.
“You mentioned twice about compatible hardware, what does it mean?” The CPU needs to match between the two cluster node servers. Otherwise it’s a good idea to use the hardware validation wizard as described here: Failover Cluster Step-by-Step Guide: Validating Hardware for a Failover Cluster http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc732035.aspx
And it’s a good idea to be familiar with this document, too: The Microsoft Support Policy for Windows Server 2008 Failover Clusters
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;943984
“I just want to clarify one thing, CSV is not required for Live Migration, Correct? CSV is just recommended but Live Migration can work with current Hyper-V storage setups.” CSV is required for Live Migration. The cluster nodes (both source and destination) have to share a volume in order to facilitate the live switch. Remember that it’s only the configuration and the “working set” of memory that is moved from one node to another. The .vhd and other files that make up the VM do not actually move.
“When is r2 due out and is it going to be a simple upgrade from r1 to r2?” No announcements have been made about the release date of Windows Server 2008 R2. And as for the support for an upgrade, that hasn’t been determined yet.
“What is the upgrade process for moving from 2008 clustered hyper-v to 2008 r2? inplace?” Yes, you’ll have the option to in-place upgrade a x64 Windows Server 2008 with the Hyper-V Role installed to Windows Server 2008 R2 x64. If you’re running Windows Server 2008 32-bit, you won’t be able to upgrade. Windows Server 2008 R2 is 64-bit only.
“Will users be able to use SAN based snapshots with CSVs?” Yes.
“So does this mean i could have servers which boot from a SAN which store these VHDs? if that is the case, do I need any storage at all in my physical servers, or do i need at least storage space for the boot files?” “Can I boot physical or VM off of a VHD file that is sitting on a SAN?” The .VHD has to be on a local hard disk. Actually, more correctly, the .VHD has to be on a locally accessible disk that the Windows Boot Manager has access to during power-up.
“During live migration, if you had a server which was using a lot of memory, constantly updating the memory pages (i cant think of an example where that happens, i dont know much about memory) im assuming the migration will take longer... is there a chance where the migration wouldnt succeed?” I suppose conceptually you could encounter a machine that was so over-worked that there was no chance the changes would be able to be duplicated.. but it is highly unlikely.
“I hear that you can’t use snapshots on virtual machines which are domain controllers because it can cause corruption in AD. Can you use live migration on domain controllers without any bad side affects?" Sure. The difference is that in the VM (or .VHD) file that you’ve snapshotted, the directory is going to have to come back online in an unknown state. The live migration of a running VM is actually just that – LIVE. It’s going to start running from the very point at which it stopped on the source machine… so there is no need to have anything on that machine in a back-up-able state or ready for snapshot, or anything.
“Will there eventually be support for different cpu architectures for live migration?” Extremely unlikely. As I said in the webcast, it’s as if we could take a running machine and suddenly tell the instructions currently happening, “*BOOM!* Now you’re running on a different processor with a different instruction set available.”
“Is there a minimum OS version required for the guest's for live migration to work, ie could those guests be win2k?”UPDATE: Got the answer. There is no OS minimum or anything special about the guest to support live migration. Any OS that is supported to run under Hyper-V is able to be migrated live. (Awesome!)
“Is the capability to boot from VHD only available on 64-bit computers or is the boot loader 32-bit compatible?” Either.
“Is there a plan to support multiple simultaneous live migrations from a single server?” Not that I’m aware of.
“Are there any risks associated with live migration? Is it transactional?”
Well, one of the good things about Live Migration is that you’re not actually moving files from or between disk systems – so the only corruption would potentially be in the memory – which is going to have to match exactly before the switch is thrown and the destination machine comes online in place of the source. So, while I’m not going to say “It’s 100% foolproof” (because NOTHING is), I’d say it’s pretty solid. And the worst that would happen would be having to restart the migrated machine.
“Do you know about Microsoft’s plans how the update from R2 Beta to R2 RTM will take place?” No, I don’t know of the plans.
“Can you tell multiple VMs to live migrate so they will automatically migrate one right after the other?” I don't know of a way to do it in the Cluster Manger, but in SCVMM 2008 you could use PowerShell, and make it a part of a script to do one after another. Actually, you can use PowerShell and WMI to do it without SCVMM 2008, but that is a little more tricky.
“Here is a really dumb question. what is a node and clustered node?” Not dumb.. I probably used the two interchangeably. That's my mistake. They both refer to a physical node (machine) in a Failover Cluster configuration.
“For CSV, are there specific storage hardware requirements, like specific FC controllers and/or switches? What about iSCSI or FCOIP?” I will find the req. documentation and link to it on my blog. Great question!
“Thank you for answering my question. Now, can you use 1 min to explain the inter relationship of VDI, TS, Hyper-V, App-V, remote desktop, etc.. quite confusing, but, you are the best, so :-)” LOL! I'm good.. but not that good. :) I'll see if I can expand upon it in my blog, however. And I recently participated in a "Thrive" webcast that included a "360 Virtualization Overview" section that outlined the different Virtualization types and products. Here it is: http://blogs.technet.com/kevinremde/archive/2009/03/11/are-you-just-surviving-or-are-you-thriving-webcast-questions-and-answers.aspx
It is listed as an introduction to the Thrive web resources, which is also worth watching. My part starts about 25 minutes into the webcast.
“I know that this is a webcast series of virtualization. Where can i download the previous webcast, am really interested in learning more” Check out the top of this post. Yung Chou put a blog post up with all of the webcast links.
“Thank you very much, and great job in this webcast!” Thanks! ..and you're welcome!
Breaking news: The browser that you are using right now is quite possibly out of date.
Today Microsoft released the new version of the Internet Explorer browser. Internet Explorer 8, or “IE8”.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/default.aspx
It’s fast. It’s cool. It’s easier to develop for (standards, baby!). And it’s available HERE.
For details from the team who brought it to you, check out their blog: http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2009/03/19/internet-explorer-8-final-available-now.aspx
Today Microsoft reached another milestone in the release cycle for the next version of Internet Explorer - “IE8”. I’ve been running Beta 2 very happily for quite awhile, and recently gained access to an internal release of Release Candidate 1. Today we’ve made that release available for anyone who wants to try it out.
“Where do I get it?”
Go to www.microsoft.com/downloads and search for IE8. Or.. just use these links:
Soon enough the www.microsoft.com/ie site will have a way to get to it also.
“Am I going to have to uninstall Beta 2 before I install the RC?”
That’s actually some very good news. Not only will you not have to uninstall previous versions.. but the upgrade to RC1 will actually come to those of you who have the beta installed using Windows Update. So if you want, you could just wait and install the update when it comes to you.
“Does this RC1 also upgrade the IE8 that came in the Windows 7 Beta?”
No, it doesn’t. Yes, the build is newer than the one that is in Windows 7, but you can’t upgrade the Windows 7 build with the RC. The RC is for Windows XP and Windows Vista clients, and Windows Server 2003 SP2 and Windows Server 2008 only. The plan is currently to have newer IE8 builds come with the next “release” of Windows 7 (next beta or RC, whichever they decide to do).
For some really good IT-related content around IE8, you should check out TechNet Edge and the screencasts that my teammate Matt “Mongo” Hester has put up there, plus many other good IE8 resources. And also today, David Tesar posted an interview with the Program Manager, Jane Maliouta. They discuss the RC, and get into some meaty detail about the deployment options you have.
If you’re already managing the protection of your data with System Center Data Protection Manager 2007, you’ll definitely want to know that SP1 for DPM 2007 is out and available for download TODAY. (see below if you just want the download links)
And you probably also want to know that if you’ve been looking at DPM, and would be able to use some of the new functionality to your advantage.
“So.. what’s new?”
Here’s the text from an e-mail I received from Jason Buffington, the Senior Technical Program Manager for DPM:
Service Pack 1 for Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager (DPM) 2007 provides continuous data protection for Windows application and file servers using seamlessly integrated disk and tape media and includes the following expanded capabilities: Protection of Hyper-V™ virtualization platforms, including both Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V and the Microsoft Hyper-V Server, has been added to the existing set of protected workloads, building on the virtualization protection originally delivered for Virtual Server 2005. Enhanced SQL Server 2008 protection, including the addition of new protection capabilities for mirrored databases, support for parallel backups of databases within a single instance, and the ability to move data from SQL Server 2005 to SQL Server 2008 for migration scenarios. Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 and Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 receive index protection, significant catalog optimization, and support for mirrored content databases. Added protection for Exchange Server 2007 Standby Cluster Replication (SCR), enabling a complete disaster recovery solution that leverages SCR failover alongside DPM point-in-time restores. In addition to enhancing the protection of each of the core Microsoft application workloads, additional capabilities have also been introduced with the release of DPM 2007 SP1, such as: Local Data Source Protection enabling the DPM 2007 SP1 server to act as a branch office server offering self-protecting File Services and Virtualization hosting within one platform. Cross-Forest Protection allowing large enterprise customers with multiple Active Directory® forests to now have even more flexibility in their DPM deployments. Provision for a Client DPML answers customer demand for a more cost-effective way to protect Windows XP and Windows Vista clients using the same DPM 2007 infrastructure that protects their servers Disaster Recovery capabilities within DPM 2007 SP1 now include the ability to leverage a third-party vaulting partner via the cloud (SaaS) All of this new functionality builds on the features released in the DPM 2007 ‘Rollup Update’ in June 2008, which provided protection of Windows Server 2008, including Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 core, Windows Server 2008 System State and BitLocker™ support – as well as new tape media capabilities around tape sharing and media library sharing. Between ‘Rollup Update’ and Service Pack 1, most of the core features of DPM 2007 have seen incremental capabilities or workload advancements which promises to keep Data Protection Manager on a trajectory toward improving how Microsoft customers protect and recover their Windows application and file servers with the Microsoft backup and recovery solution.
Service Pack 1 for Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager (DPM) 2007 provides continuous data protection for Windows application and file servers using seamlessly integrated disk and tape media and includes the following expanded capabilities:
In addition to enhancing the protection of each of the core Microsoft application workloads, additional capabilities have also been introduced with the release of DPM 2007 SP1, such as:
All of this new functionality builds on the features released in the DPM 2007 ‘Rollup Update’ in June 2008, which provided protection of Windows Server 2008, including Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 core, Windows Server 2008 System State and BitLocker™ support – as well as new tape media capabilities around tape sharing and media library sharing.
Between ‘Rollup Update’ and Service Pack 1, most of the core features of DPM 2007 have seen incremental capabilities or workload advancements which promises to keep Data Protection Manager on a trajectory toward improving how Microsoft customers protect and recover their Windows application and file servers with the Microsoft backup and recovery solution.
“Where do I go for more information? Where’s the download?”
Here are the links for you:
“It is? It’s announced? What’s the name?”
“Windows 7”
“Yeah.. the product that was codename ‘Windows 7’. What’s the official name?”
“Um.. The official name of what was known as ‘Windows 7’ is..”
“Windows 7”! Yep.
“I’m confused.”
That’s the official name now. Windows 7 is now the official name of the product formerly codename “Windows 7”.
Check out the Windows Vista Team Blog for the official announcement.
“Wow.. Really. Hmm. Well.. that’s easy to remember.”
Yep. No worries about screwing up during some webcast/podcast/screencast and slipping up by saying the wrong thing. Now it’s “So you see here in Windows 7… er, I mean.. in Windows 7… “
Easy.
“So, do you like the name, Kevin?”
I love the name ‘Kevin’.
“I mean.. do you, Kevin, like ‘Windows 7’?”
Of course. I especially like anything that rhymes with ‘Kevin’. Seriously, though, I didn’t like the Windows Vista name originally, but it grew on me. But this one I actually like pretty well. I might like it better as “Windows VII”, but that’s just because I think roman numerals are cool.
--
What do you think?
Yessir! VIrtual PC 2007 has an upgrade available. Service Pack 1 (SP1) for that product was released and made available today.
For more information, see the Release Notes. And also the Virtual PC Web Site.
A couple of big switches were flipped at Microsoft today. And the status of two big updates changed as a result:
"Hey Kevin.. wasn't SP1 for Vista released awhile ago?"
Yes. But today is the day that it becomes available to anyone who has automatic updates enabled.
"Why did it take so long to get it up as an automatic update?"
Because it's a big update. It really requires that the IT folks supporting it understand the update and get ready for rolling it out - either through their own efforts, or at least to understand how it will affect the desktops they're responsible for when it is made available through automatic updates.
Unfortunately, no matter how much advanced notice and however many resources we make available, there will still be many who are not ready for the update. We try hard to ease that, but it's just a fact of life as a busy IT Pro... you don't always have time to get as ready for something like this as you'd like to.
"So.. is Windows XP SP3 available via automatic updates as well?"
No. Today it is RTM. The word is that you'll see it on Windows Update and the download center on April 29th, 2008.
Here's the announcement of the availability of SP3 for Windows XP.
"Hmm.. sounds like I should just install SP3 on my XP machines rather than looking at Vista, right?"
Wrong! If you really investigate it, you'll see that Vista is the RIGHT choice, RIGHT NOW. Here are some resources that will help you in that investigation:
Seriously.. in the areas of Security, Manageability, Performance (yes, I mean it), Deployment, User Productivity, Mobility, Stability... and those are just for starters off-the-top-of-my-head! You gotta go with Vista.
Many of us were baffled by what we saw when we first installed the "RTM" bits of Windows Server 2008 and looked at the winver results:
"Huh? Service Pack 1?"
Yeah. At first glance you may think it strange that a first version of a product would already be at SP1 level. So I thought I would throw out a couple of reasons why Windows Server 2008 is at SP1 already. NOTE: Only ONE of the following reasons is correct:
A. We call it Service Pack 1 because we want to have something to say to the customer who is always "waiting for SP1". "Here you go!" B. We call it Service Pack 1 because it sounds like it's of a higher quality. C. We call it Service Pack 1 because it IS of a higher quality.
A. We call it Service Pack 1 because we want to have something to say to the customer who is always "waiting for SP1". "Here you go!"
B. We call it Service Pack 1 because it sounds like it's of a higher quality.
C. We call it Service Pack 1 because it IS of a higher quality.
The correct answer is C. Windows Server 2008 is indeed of a higher quality, just like Windows Vista SP1 is of a higher quality than Windows Vista pre-SP1. It is no mistake that Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista SP1 were released to manufacturing on the very same day. They have much of the same code base. Most all of the security, performance and reliability benefits you get from the new OS are available in both the Desktop and Server, because they share a common base of code. We keep a common deployment model, update model, and servicing model. Keeping them in sync is a HUGE benefit - both selfishly as a software vendor, but more importantly as the end-user IT Pro managing the support and update process for your company.
"Aw c'mon.. Does Microsoft think that putting SP1 in the name is going to speed up sales of Windows Server 2008?"
No. I doubt that you'll see "SP1" on any sales material or other marketing. It's not a sales ploy. It's simply an indication that the code is at the same level. I know for a fact that the SP1 designation has nothing to do with sales. You're smarter than that.
"So does having a common code base mean that every time an update comes out for Vista, there will also be an update for Server 2008? I can't afford to patch my servers every month!"
Of course there may indeed be times when an update will apply to both, because of this same-code reality. But think back to the updates that have come out during the past year that involved Windows Vista. How many of them updated the OS Kernel? The things that typically get updated have to do with applications or features installed on top of the base operating system and subsystems. And even though you can install it if you want, you aren't typically going to have the full "desktop experience" installed on Windows Server 2008. Very little is installed on Windows Server 2008 by default. (Examples: You have to install and enable the capability to play sound, to play media files, or to even have wireless network device support.) So keeping your servers as lean as possible - the same things you're already doing for the sake of higher performance and for keeping any potential "attack surface area" at a minimum - will mean that your servers should rarely need updates applied to them.
What do you think? Any and all opinions, no matter how unflattering, are welcomed and encouraged.
Happy Valentine's Day!
The product team decided to give you TechNet and MSDN subscribers a little Valentine's Day gift by making SP1 available for download.
Go to the http://technet.microsoft.com/subscriptions/default.aspx page. Notice the "Top Subscriber Downloads" section.
You can also go here to get it -
And if you're a subscriber, it will require you to log-in with the Windows Live ID you associated your subscription with.
If you're NOT a TechNet Subscriber, I can save you $100 if you're interested. IMPORTANT UPDATE: This promotion and promotion code have expired.Please CLICK HERE for the most current promotion.
This just in...
Mike Nash just announced on the Windows Vista Team Blog some specific availability dates for Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1).
As you probably know, Windows Vista SP1 RTM'd the same day as Windows Server 2008 (Feb 4, 2008), but while Windows Server 2008 was made available to TechNet and MSDN subscribers, SP1 was not.
Reasons were many - basically boiling down to some drivers that weren't written to handle the update very well, so they need to be reinstalled after SP1 is applied. Not difficult for geeks like us; but to your Mother-in-Law, it's a problem. A big hairy frustrating problem (no reflection on your Mother-in-Law. Or mine, for that matter). So the delay in making it generally available is to give those driver manufacturers a chance to remedy the situation... make an update available via Microsoft Update or through their own update mechanisms.
Still, I understand the frustration. RTM. It's "shipped". It's ready. And if it's every bit as good as Microsoft says it's going to be.. you want it. Now.
And the outcry from the technical community-at-large was heard. The availability dates for the technical audiences were actually moved up from when they were originally scheduled for.
"Enough explaining! When can I get it?!"
If you were a Vista SP1 Beta tester for us, you can download it right now.
Volume Licensing customers will have the English version available on Friday of this week (February 15, 2008). Other languages will be available soon after.
And those of you with an MSDN or TechNet Subscription will be able to get it later this month. (Another really good reason why you should have a TechNet Subscription.)
"Can I slipstream Windows Vista SP1 into an existing install image?"
Nope. Well, not directly, anyway.
"Um.. but when I get SP1, I want to upgrade my deployable .WIM images with the new bits. I can't do that in an offline way like I can with other updates?"
Sorry. No.
"Are you going to tell me why?"
Absolutely! You don't think I would have opened up this nasty can of worms without giving you a good explanation, did you?
"Well..."
Okay. So here's the deal**. And those of you who have experienced the SP1 installation have experienced this as well. When you do the SP1 installation, even if it's from Windows Update (when available), you're going to see your machine shutdown and restart on it's own several times. That's to be expected.
See, there's this important part of the OS known as the "servicing layer" in Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. This is the part of the OS that allows for easy update installation with minimal disruptions, allows for an update to be applied to an offline captured image that's within a .wim file, among other things.
Well.. let's say that that servicing layer ALSO needed to be updated? What then?
"Oh.. I get it. You can't update the thing that makes the updates happen smoothly, because the thing that makes updates go smoothly is itself being updated!"
Bingo. You got it. So hopefully the news that you can't just do an offline upgrade to an image .WIM file won't be too tragic.
"So.. what do I do instead?"
You are going to have to install your image to a machine. Install the Service Pack. Then re-capture the image.
"Simple!"
Not so simple. There are additional steps that involve some cleanup once you've sysprepped your newly updated SP1 machine. Detailed steps are available in the new WAIK documentation.
"Won't I lose a valuable re-arm to my image when I apply the service pack this way?"
No. SP1 grants you an additional re-arm. We don't want you to be penalized for having to generalize a system that additional time.
"Wait.. there's a new WAIK?"
If you're using the WAIK (Windows Automated Installation Kit), you will definitely want to get the new version that has support for both the original Vista as well as the new servicing layer that's in both Windows Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008.
Of course, the easiest way to do this all would be to get a copy pre-slipstreamed SP1 version of Windows Vista from Microsoft when it becomes available, and start with that as your new installation base. If you're not doing any other custom image management, that's definitely the easiest solution. Just add it to your own Microsoft Deployment workbench or use it to build your new images from there.
** I can never say "here's the deal" without thinking of former teammate-turned-security-guru, Kai "the Security Guy" Axford.
Then get a TechNet Subscription!
I just got word from the Sr. Product Manager herself. The bits for Windows Server 2008 are now available to be downloaded by TechNet subscribers.
Here's what I see on my personal list of new product available to download and evaluate today:
If you're not familiar with what a TechNet Subscription is, check out my recent blog post about them. And take advantage of the $100 savings I mention there, too.
"Is Vista SP1 available there now, too?"
Not yet. But I suspect it will be soon. I'll check with the product manager and get back to you.
UPDATE: I was wrong to suspect. Because SP1 is not an update rather than a product, it's not going to be available for download from TechNet Subscriptions any sooner than when our Volume License customers will have it available. There is a date coming when VL versions of Windows Server 2008 as well as SP1will bel available, so watch this blog for news about that when it happens.
In the meantime, and along with watching MY blog, you should also watch the TechNet Plus Subscriptions Blog for news and information.
Wow.. it's shaping up to be quite a day! I just got word that SP1 for Windows Vista is also ready to be made available to the entire world. Soon...
Right on the heals of the announcement (though not related) that Windows Server 2008 is RTM, now SP1 for Windows Vista quietly went RTM (well, not so quietly.. there will be a lot of blogging) as well today.
Check out the Windows Vista Team Blog, and in particular, this post by Mike Nash.
"So.. can I download SP1 today?"
Not in its released form yet; no. You'll definitely want to read the blog post about the timing, and the REASONS for the timing of the availability.
"I don't want to read the post, Kevin. I want YOU to tell me when I'll be able to get it."
Okay. It will be downloadable in mid-March. And it will be rolled out via Windows Update sometime in mid-April.
(2/11/2008 UPDATE: Check this post. They moved up the dates for Technology folks to get 'hold of the SP.)
"Have you installed it?"
I actually just finished installing it on several of my home machines. My initial experience is that it does indeed seem like things are performing faster.. but I'm not ready to say yet that, yes, absolutely it's made things faster or more reliable. I have been plenty happy with Vista already. My hope is that some of the big file transfers I've been doing over my gigabit Ethernet connection between my laptops and my media center for the sake of synchronizing recorded TV shows to my Zune will be a lot faster. (Apparently it could be as much as 50% faster. Sweet!)
"How big is the SP1 download?"
Well.. I don't know how big the full install (with all updates included) will be. I did my downloads as a test using Windows Update. My machines were already up-to-date with all earlier patches and security updates. On my 64-bit Vista Ultimate machines it was roughly 125MB. On 32-bit Vista Ultimate, it was around 65MB. Naturally, the full download will be much larger; which is why I recommend that if you're using Windows Update, or Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), you should get your computers as up-to-date as possible before doing the Update installation. The only reason to have the full-installation on hand would be to build slipstreamed Vista installations, or to apply SP1 to a new installation using the original Vista non-SP'd media.
"Will SP1 be included in PCs purchased? Will SP1 be also included in the packaged product I buy from the store?"
Yes, eventually both of these things will happen. In fact, that's what RTM is all about. We have released it to the world to be able to now create the new product DVDs and to sell new PCs with the Service Pack already installed. Those products will be on store shelves in mid-March to mid-April; which, as you recall, is also when you'll be able to download it. That's NOT a coincidence.
"Here you go again, Kevin... talking about stuff for Developers and not just for IT Pros."
Yep. And I do so unashamed. I will never forget, and look back fondly at my own Software Engineering days. So once in awhile I'm going to put things here for all of my developer / software engineering brethren.
And today is a BIG day! Visual Studio 2008, and the .NET Framework version 3.5, have released to manufacturing.
Here is the Microsoft PressPass news article all about it. And of course, you'll want to check out the main page to find out how you can get a copy, or an evaluation.
"So.. what's new in this version of Visual Studio?"
Um... don't ask me. Ask a guy like Michael Benkovich, Bill Steele, Glen Gordon, Russ Fustino, or any of the other great Microsoft Developer Evangelists out there.