Kevin Remde's IT Pro Weblog
Here are some resources relating to webcast I delivered on March 24, 2008, entitled "TechNet Webcast: Offline Files and Folder Redirection in Windows Vista".
I hope you find them useful.
Kevin
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What’s New In Offline Files for Windows Vista http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsVista/en/library/bb819260-0fdc-4003-bc23-04beac2108bd1033.mspx?mfr=true
Vista Folder Redirection (non-Microsoft Blog) http://www.realtime-vista.com/administration/2007/09/vista_folder_redirection.htm
Understanding Offline Files http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/93a550df-34cd-4497-85d0-8732602f59591033.mspx
Offline Files in Windows Vista from “The Filing Cabinet” – The Storage Team Blog about file services and storage features in Windows Server, Windows XP, and Windows Vista http://blogs.technet.com/filecab/archive/2006/07/11/441131.aspx
Clever Stuff with Offline Files in Windows Vista from “James.Random()” blog http://blogs.technet.com/james/archive/2006/10/05/Clever-stuff-with-Offline-Files-in-Windows-Vista.aspx
HEROS happen {here} http://www.heroshappenhere.com
Microsoft TechNet http://www.microsoft.com/technet
Live TechNet Events http://www.technetevents.com
Microsoft Events page: http://www.microsoft.com/events
Save $100 on a TechNet Plus Subscription (including non-timeout eval software, 2 support calls, and more!)IMPORTANT UPDATE: This promotion and promotion code have expired.Please CLICK HERE for the most current promotion.
"Fast blog? Why would you say that?"
I assumed it, because the people contributing to this brand new product team blog, the Windows Server Performance Team blog, are all about anything relating to performance. So they might also be quick, efficient, or otherwise performant in other areas of their lives. All they think about is computing performance in Microsoft products. Performance of the processor. Performance of networking. Performance in the form of reducing power consumption.
This week I've been attending an internal technical training conference called TechReady, and am just now about to get up from my seat after attending a talk by Microsoft Product Manager Bill Karagounis all about performance improvements in Windows Server 2008. I won't go into the details here, but the technology and the statistics around various ways Windows Server 2008 is head-and-shoulders above anything previously released is pretty impressive. So I wanted to make sure you all get this blog into your feed list, and watch for good information coming from this group.
I have to laugh sometimes at how un-informed some TV and other media pundits are when it comes to the world of technology.
"That's news to you?"
Well, I shouldn't be surprised, I suppose. More specifically, though, and technology-knowledge aside (and forgiven), I do think that the comments and blanket-statements on the competitive landscape should be more thoroughly thought-out.
"Anything in particular?"
I just had to comment on something I saw this morning on one of our national TV morning "news" shows. The "pundit" was shooting his/her mouth off about how "Microsoft is trying to get Yahoo so that it can now dominate yet another area in the computer industry."
"Is that a bad thing?"
Judging by the way this person said it; apparently, it is. But I agree to some extent. Of course, I honestly and selfishly want Microsoft to succeed; as a fan, an employee, and a shareholder. I'm certainly not shy or unashamed about that. But I also agree that Microsoft has been at its absolute best when faced with great competition. The creativity and innovation, and the motivation that comes from great competition has led to some of the best products. And the industry as a whole will benefit through more choice, better service, and faster innovation.
The big problem is, though, that comments like this in the media are made with the assumption that Microsoft will suddenly "own the Internet" if the Microsoft/Yahoo deal goes through. That we are, with a few big acquisitions, suddenly buying our way into Internet domination.
"Aren't you?"
Nope. It's flattering, to be sure; but wholly inaccurate. And honestly, I didn't really realize just how inaccurate until I read the first couple of paragraphs of Brad Smith's statement in a press release that came out yesterday.
"The combination of Microsoft and Yahoo! will create a more competitive marketplace by establishing a compelling number two competitor for Internet search and online advertising. The alternative scenarios only lead to less competition on the Internet. Today, Google is the dominant search engine and advertising company on the Web. Google has amassed about 75 percent of paid search revenues worldwide and its share continues to grow. According to published reports, Google currently has more than 65 percent search query share in the U.S. and more than 85 percent in Europe. Microsoft and Yahoo! on the other hand have roughly 30 percent combined in the U.S. and approximately 10 percent combined in Europe."
"The combination of Microsoft and Yahoo! will create a more competitive marketplace by establishing a compelling number two competitor for Internet search and online advertising. The alternative scenarios only lead to less competition on the Internet.
Today, Google is the dominant search engine and advertising company on the Web. Google has amassed about 75 percent of paid search revenues worldwide and its share continues to grow. According to published reports, Google currently has more than 65 percent search query share in the U.S. and more than 85 percent in Europe. Microsoft and Yahoo! on the other hand have roughly 30 percent combined in the U.S. and approximately 10 percent combined in Europe."
So.. is this deal worse, or better for competition? Brad says it's better. I agree. And from the numbers it certainly looks like it is Google who monopolizes the search world currently. Even when combined, the new Microsoft/Yahoo team-up is a distant second.
I hope the pundit who made those statements this morning will see Brad's statement, and look more closely before jumping on the all-too-easy "Microsoft dominates yet-again" bandwagon. To me, this deal looks like it will result in more choice, better service, and faster innovation.
What do you think? Is the potential for Microsoft to own Yahoo a good thing or a bad thing?
Below are the best of the questions and answers that occurred during our TechNet Webcast entitled, "SharePoint Server 2007 (Part 5 of 6): SharePoint Server 2007 Security, from Service Accounts to Item-Level Access"
John Weston was kind enough to help out with the questions and answers during the webcast. Much of what you see below is either specifically his answer, or based on the answer he gave during the session. I've expanded upon them, and added answers to questions we didn't get to answer or were answered verbally on the webcast. But basically this was possible as a result of his effort, and I wanted to give him credit here. Thanks, John!
PS - here are the RESOURCES I pulled together for this webcast
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Questions and Answers
“A group can be created at the Context level and at the individual level?”
Yes
“How can you add users from outside of AD if you are using AD authentication?”
Check this whitepaper for a discussion on security methods http://office.microsoft.com/download/afile.aspx?AssetID=AM101638561033
“We are using windows authentication through AD for all users. What is the easiest/best/cleanest way to add test accounts?”
If you’re using AD for all users, then it's best to create and manage test AD users.
“Is there a way of assigning ‘none’ for a user's permissions? I want to explicitly revoke a user's access to a site, for instance.”
Check this link for permissions discussion http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepointtechnology/HA101001491033.aspx#2 If they’re getting permissions through a group membership, then the only way to revoke permissions is to remove them from the group.
“I can import user accounts from LDAP server but cannot use LDAP to authenticate the imported users. Any idea?”
Check this link http://technet2.microsoft.com/Office/en-us/library/a38bc5b6-9d65-4c20-811b-484b082d28dd1033.mspx?mfr=true I think it may have the answer youre looking for.
“Are you going to have more advance level wbcast. How to do this type of work through code?”
I won't - But I know that our Dev Evangelists (MSDN events) have done sessions on this kind of thing. You should be able to find them if you go to http://www.microsoft.com/events and search for them. In fact, I did find one available on-demand, delivered by a good friend of mine – Glen Gordon. It’s specifically on SharePoint Custom authentication providers. http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032346257&culture=en-US
“What is the individual level? Is that a particular document?”
Yes. You can apply permissions down to the individual item level - which could be a specific document.
See you on Wednesday for PART 6 - SharePoint Server 2007 (Part 6 of 6): Keeping Control of Your SharePoint Sites with IT Governance
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.
Here are some resources relating to part 4 of the SharePoint Server 2007 webcast series I'm presenting, entitled "SharePoint Server 2007 (Part 4 of 6): Compliance and Records Management".
SharePoint Series Landing Page http://www.microsoft.com/events/series/sharepointserver.aspx?tab=webcasts
Microsoft Enterprise Content Management http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepointserver/HA101747881033.aspx
Enterprise Content Management from Microsoft http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepointserver/HA102063591033.aspx?pid=CL100796281033
Enterprise Content Management Team Blog http://blogs.msdn.com/ecm/
Get SharePoint Training on your Desktop http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepointserver/HA102488011033.aspx?pid=CL100796281033
Download a Virtual Machine VHD already pre-installed for testing SharePoint Server 2007 http://blogs.msdn.com/sharepoint/archive/2007/06/22/microsoft-office-sharepoint-server-2007-vhd-i-e-virtual-machine-now-available-for-download.aspx
Microsoft Office 2007 Online - Home Page http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/products/default.aspx
Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 Home http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepointserver/FX100492001033.aspx
Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 Product Guide http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepointserver/HA101680161033.aspx
Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 Product Overview http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepointserver/HA101656531033.aspx
Download the Trial of Office SharePoint Server 2007 http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=2E6E5A9C-EBF6-4F7F-8467-F4DE6BD6B831&displaylang=en
Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepointtechnology/FX100503841033.aspx
Download Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/sharepoint/bb400747.aspx
Integration with Office SharePoint Server 2007 (great diagram of the components that make up the whole) http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms454209.aspx
Microsoft SharePoint Products and Technologies Team Blog http://blogs.msdn.com/sharepoint
Save $100 on a TechNet Plus Subscription (including non-timeout eval software, 2 support calls, and more!)
"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.
I'll never use one of those alcohol wipes again...
http://www.garyrip.com/screenclean.swf
Fun stuff: http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?vid=61e0d4b6-5d6e-47c5-9ad0-d48310db5e91
I know this isn't strictly IT Pro related, but I do know that many of you reading this are working in companies who may be considering rolling out or replacing your existing CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software, or may be just curious about what Microsoft Dynamics CRM is all about.
Well, there's a series of Launch Events going on soon here in the US that you just might want to attend.
Click HERE to check out the Launch Site.
If you've been keeping up with the goings-on around the looming launch of Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008, and Visual Studio 2008, you've more than likely heard the theme: Heros happen {here}. And naturally there has been a lot of creative effort around getting the word out.
Here is another such example: Heros Happen {here} - The Comic Series
In case you weren't aware, there are several certification exams that are going to expire.
"Oh shoot! I lose my certification?"
No.. you never lose that. But a MCSE on Server 2003 is more valuable today that your old MCSE on 2000 Server.
And if you were thinking of, say, upgrading your MCSE 2000 to 2003 level, you will want to take your exam pretty soon. Those two tests (70-292 and 70-296) are among those that are expiring March 31, 2008.
Click HERE for details.
And once you have your 2003 MCSE, you'll have fewer tests to take to make it up to the next level. So if you're on the fence, I highly recommend you get off the fence** and get on the phone to your local testing center.
** Where is this fence everybody is on? It must be crowded. Or extremely long.
Here are some resources relating to part 2 of the SharePoint Server 2007 webcast series I'm presenting, entitled "SharePoint Server 2007 (Part 2 of 6): Securing Data in SharePoint Server 2007".
SharePoint Security Highlights http://blogs.msdn.com/sharepoint/archive/2006/04/07/570939.aspx
Microsoft Business Intelligence Product Guide http://www.microsoft.com/office/preview/solutions/bi/guide.mspx
SharePoint Portal Server Architecture http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/sppt/reskit/c0561881x.mspx
Below are the best of the questions and answers that occurred during our TechNet Webcast entitled, "SharePoint Server 2007 (Part 1 of 6): Planning and Deploying SharePoint Server 2007"
John Weston was kind enough to help out with the questions and answers during the webcast. Much of what you see below is either specifically his answer, or based on the answer he gave during the session. I've expanded upon them some - but basically this was possible as a result of his effort, and I wanted to give him credit here. Thanks, John!
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“So how did you hide the product key in LiveMeeting? We (at <our company>) present to LOB people and would like to do that! (or is this a pre-recording?)”
There isn’t a way to do that magically. The webcast is live. But the demos for these sessions have been pre-recorded, and I talk through the steps. I suspect that they edited that part to show you X's instead of the key.
Many of the steps that we take to install and configure SharePoint take a lot of time, and we certainly don’t want to wait for these during a webcast so showing a recording of the process works a lot better. And it allows me to speak to many more important points relating to each demo, while the demo steps are being carried out. This is something that I wouldn’t be able to do if I were concentrating on “click here”, and “scroll there”.
“Why is the speaker still running/installing MOSS 2007 beta code?”
See the previous answer.. And now consider that there has been a great deal of time between when the recordings were made and the present day.
“How many users will a single server install support?”
There isn’t any specific max number of users listed in the evaluation or deployment guides, however there is a whitepaper available on the SharePoint Product and Technologies Team Blog that contains recommendations for optimizing your server farms. Get it HERE.
“What kind of installation was selected?”
We did an advanced install, complete – meaning we installed everything on the one server, with the assumption that we have A) an already-installed SQL server, and B) the desire to expand and add servers to the farm at some later time (as opposed to the "basic" install)
“ Which security config is the most secure NTLM or Keberos?”
NTLM is for backward compatibility with NT 4.0. Kerberos is the current one used with Windows 2003 AD. You can find a good description of the what-and-why of Kerberos HERE.
“Why wasn't this included in the scope of the presentation? Security is still important....”
There are many security-specific events and webcasts available. This webcast wasn’t just about security. The webcast I’m doing (part 5 of 6 in this series) on January 28th is more specifically about Security in SharePoint Server 2007.
“Will this be available after this LiveMeeting is complete? Some others on my team would be interested in watching this”
Yes, you get an email follow-up after attending the live webcast. That will have information on how to view the recording. You can also follow the same link you did to sign up for this webcast originally. (CLICK HERE) It usually takes 24-48 hours to get the recording processed and available for download.
“Are there any guidelines about the number of users or amount of traffic that would be appropriate for each scenario?”
http://technet2.microsoft.com/Office/f/?en-us/library/9985f2fa-421d-4342-a17e-286055273c371033.mspx is a great guide to start from
“I haven't been able to find such a presentation or a training class in the Dallas or Houston area, it appears many people are taking the easy way out and not covering this, any suggestions?”
I come to Dallas and Houston for TechNet Events quite often. Watch the www.technetevents.com site for information on our schedule and topics.
“How do I get a copy of the slides?”
During the LiveMeeting, you can right-click on your screen and select Print To PDF. You can also use the "Printer" icon at the bottom right hand corner of the screen.
“Can you integrate moss's content management capabilities with SourceSafe?”
I don’t believe so; but that would be nice.
“Compatibility with Windows Server 2008?”
Windows Server 2008 is not shipping yet, so 'nothing' is officially supported on it yet until the product ships. However, it’s a safe assumption that it will be a fully supported platform for both WSS and MOSS.
“If we want to limit the scope of searches from pulling unathorized data, do we have to use seperate SSPs?”
Actually, no. That’s a huge improvement in MOSS 2007 over the old Portal Server search. All search results are “security trimmed”, so the user will only see results that they have access to. No longer will they have a page come up in the results that is then inaccessible to them after they click the link.
“Love this presentation! Recommend not scrolling because the refresh rate is too low. Jumping would be better...thanks!”
Thank you for letting us know. Good to know you are enjoying the presentation. The jumpiness you see is a bandwidth limitation on sharing the screen for the demos. Hopefully you were still able to get the majority of the good stuff.
“Is there someone I can contact that would know about Microsoft Visual SourceSafe and whether it can be integrated with SharePoint?”
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vstudio/aa718670.aspx or www.msdnevents.com to find your local MSDN contact in the US. They know about this product.
“Is there a VM with SharePoint 2007 already set up as a single server?”
I know we have made these available for other products, but I can’t find one that has SharePoint 2007. If you’d like to play with either SharePoint Services or Office SharePoint Server 2007 in a hosted virtual lab, you can find those HERE.
“If I do set an incremental crawl to run say every 2min, what impact would that have on the database?”
I’d say the impact on the database would be minimal.. but I’d be more concerned about the processing overhead on the server doing the crawl, and on the
“What of the concepts viewed here does not apply to WSS 3.0?”
Most everything related to basic document library management applies. Check here for a description/side-by-side comparison of WSS with MOSS.
“What are the MS course numbers which apply to setting up and administering a Sharepoint 2007 farm?”
There are many courses available. Check HERE for a list of the courses. And don’t forget to check out the other options as well.
“We are planning a farm that will replace a SPS2003. Is there anything that needs to be installed on the other servers that are part of the farm, ie. SQL?”
For information on the planning and steps required to move from SPS to MOSS, check HERE. This documents the entire process. There is a section specifically about database migration (HERE).
“Are the Accounts that are needed for Index and Searching need to be domain or local accounts?”
I would recommend they be domain accounts that you set up specifically for the task at hand. Give them rights to access any/all the content locations that you will want to crawl and then index. Lock it down with a very VERY long, ultra-secure password.
“My organization is evaluating SharePoint for Document Managment initially. As we move forward we anticipate expanding to provide business inteligence.”
Fantastic. Yeah.. a big benefit of this product is that you can roll out and expand it as you go and grow into the functionality available. And SharePoint Search will even help you with your speling. (Sorry.. I couldn’t resist.)
“When you choose "Windows Authentication" what account does it use across the farm, The machine account? the domain admin account? What SQL login account is used to access the DB? Can I send you a spreadsheet (I creted) to reveiw of the MS permissions recommended by using the ‘Least Security’ principle for a server farm? if so what email would you like me to send it to ?”
Let’s do it this way: Make sure you attend or view the recording for part 5 of this series, which is all about security in SharePoint Server 2007. Also, you should be able to find the answers to your security questions HERE at the TechNet TechCenter. (There’s even a downloadable book all about Office SharePoint Server Security)
“Upgrading from SPPS 2003 and migrating to new hardware-single server-what do you suggest?”
For information on the planning and steps required to move from SPS to MOSS, check HERE.
Can a Document library be migrated to a departmental site at a later time, if we deploy just the library in the beginning?”
Absolutely
“HOW CAN I SECURE PDF'S FILES ALLOCATED IN DOCUMENT LIBRARIES? TO PREVENT SAVE ITS TO USER LOCAL DISK”
I’m not entirely sure what you’re asking (or WHY YOU’RE SHOUTING), but I think you’re asking me about something that is provided by information rights management (IRM). Not only can you protect content with-in file shares and now document libraries, but you can also associate rights with the file itself – so that, as you ask in your example, some documents may be viewable but NOT allowed to be saved or forwarded in e-mail.
Read more about IRM in Office 2007 HERE
“What elements of different topologies can be virtualized?”
It all can be virtualized.. but as I said in the webcast; what you virtualize depend greatly on the performance requirements matched with the available performance of your virtualization host server(s). Some aspects are easier to virtualize. Web front end apps are good candidates. SQL Servers are less likely to run well virtualized due to the processing and the fast access you’ll want – but again, with a beefy virtualization host and not-so-heavy-use, you’ll be fine there as well. So… “it depends”.
Below are the best of the questions and answers that occurred during our TechNet Webcast entitled, "SharePoint Server 2007 (Part 3 of 6): Disaster Recovery"
PS - here's the RESOURCES I pulled together for this webcast
“I notice in the bottom right about Microsoft TechNet like a sponsor, My question is there a subscription to the Microsoft TechNet magazine ?”
TechNet is a Microsoft Brand, TechNet subscription is a software subscription. A separate company runs TechNet Magazine. http://www.microsoft.com/technet/technetmag for more info.
Note that one of the benefits (among many) of the TechNet Subscription is that you are automatically subscribed to TechNet Magazine. (And right now you can save $100 on it.)
“Any recommendations for third party DR tools?”
Again, as I said in the Q&A from part 2, why would you ever EVER consider something “third party”?! (and again - JUST KIDDING) I’m sure there are many; but I’m not allowed to recommend them here. And anyway, my own answer would be based on a Windows Live Search, which is something you could do as well.
“What is the benefit of an index backup, just the time it saves in rebuilding?”
Yes, that's about it. That could be significant; depending on the amount of information you’re crawling and indexing.
“Search Index is not backed by SQL Server? How do you back it if you can?”
As I said later in the presentation – yes, the indexes are not saved in or backed up by a SQL backup. You would backup the indexes through the SharePoint Backup and Restore (UI or Command-line “stsadm.exe”).
“Can you have the backup and restore just to that single application instead of the whole shared services?”
No. As you may have seen briefly in our demonstrations from Monday and Today, you can select certain items, and certain other items included in that selection are listed (and highlighted) to show you what’s being backed up if you select that level. For Shared Services, the applications are backed up as part of that, but not selectable for backup or restore separately.
“If you do only command line backup, how do you deal with transaction log of the DB?”
Command-line stsadm.exe backup (and SharePoint Backup and Restore in the UI) are a point-in-time backup (full or differential). They’re not concerned with the plumbing of SQL or the transaction logs. If you decide instead to use SQL backup (or us it in addition to your SharePoint backups), then yes, transaction log backups may be a part of your backup process. But the two (SharePoint vs. SQL backup choice) aren’t really related.
“Do you have a list of the front-end files that need to be backed up? How often do these files change? What is stored in them?”
I found a document online that describes this, but it isn’t live any longer (not sure why). So from the cached page (thanks again, Windows Live Search) I found this text:
“Web front end server data includes custom assemblies, configuration files, add-in software, custom templates, the IIS metabase, and the Inetpub directory. The size of a WFE server backup depends how much customization is done on the WFEs. An estimate based on a medium server farm consisting of two WFE servers is approximately 50 MB for each server. You can estimate the maximum amount of hard disk space required for front-end Web server backups by using the following formula: The number of WFE servers × 50 MB = estimated disk space required”
“Web front end server data includes custom assemblies, configuration files, add-in software, custom templates, the IIS metabase, and the Inetpub directory. The size of a WFE server backup depends how much customization is done on the WFEs. An estimate based on a medium server farm consisting of two WFE servers is approximately 50 MB for each server. You can estimate the maximum amount of hard disk space required for front-end Web server backups by using the following formula:
The number of WFE servers × 50 MB = estimated disk space required”
“I attended 1,2 and was wondering if an email is sent out to attendees once the webcast is posted with voice and ppt and pdf when it is ready?”
The e-mail will contain a link to where you can go to for a link to the webcast recording, as well as a download of the PowerPoint.
Wow!
Seems like just the other day I was talking here about the release candidate for this, and now here it is, RELEASED!
Very cool.
Here is the Microsoft Deployment download. And you may want to check out the Microsoft Deployment Team Blog, too.
Interesting. If you go to http://www.microsoft.com/deployment, you go straight to the MD download page also.
First of all - This news is a week old. I apologize for not putting it here sooner. Too busy to blog lately (as usual). I still think this is too cool not to share, though.
"Windows Essentials Business Server? What is it?"
As a former IT Manager, and in talking to so many IT Pros and IT Managers in my current job, I have heard and experienced first-hand the frustration of the 1-3 person IT group. Your company is too big for Small Business Server, but the next choice is to buy multiple servers at higher costs, and having to basically become an MCSE overnight to create and support it. **
So... there has been a real need to have a lower-cost, easier to administer solution for companies that can't do it just on one server, but aren't quite to the point where they're ready to put in a raised floor and HVAC system. An offering something like Small Business Server, but with a couple of servers, more users supported, and easy-to-use management tools like the ones that have made SBS so popular.
Windows Essentials Business Server is the product (or are products) that address this directly.
Windows Essential Business Server Editions
Click for larger version.
This article in Microsoft PressPass describes the bundle, and includes screenshots of what some of the administrative functions look like.
"Kevin.. is this based on Windows Server 2003? Or is this going to be on Windows Server 2008 like 'Cougar'?"
It's based on Windows Server 2008. So this means, that - like "Cougar" (the yet-to-be-officially-named next version of Small Business Server), it will be arriving sometime after the release of Windows Server 2008.
Watch the Windows Server web site for more information. And Kevin Beares has a great blog all about the SBS, WEBS, and WHS, and the rapidly growing community of users. (Check it out - he's got an invite code there on his blog that will let you get in on the Beta at http://connect.microsoft.com
** Well, not really.. but I bet if you asked all the MCSEs out there what one of their main motivators was to get that certification, the majority will say that it was the real pressing on-the-job need to support a growing business IT infrastructure. Ah.. we love our jobs. <smile>
Got an e-mail today on my personal Windows Live Hotmail account. It was an invitation to the Windows Live Messenger Cafe.
Oddly (and sadly, or even amusingly.. take your pick) enough, it actually didn't arrive in my inbox. It was in junk e-mail. [ insert *Rim-Shot* sound effect here ]
It is a rather cute site, though.. promoting various social networking options you have under Windows Live. That's cool.
But.. when you mouse-over the face of the woman at the counter... I dunno. Her smile kinda creeps me out. And the fake neon light seems to have a short.. it's flickering.
"What's Microsoft BOB? Did I miss an e-mail?"
No... it's not a new product. And BOB is not an acronym for anything (at least not officially). Those of you who have been computing for awhile may remember back in '95 our product called "Microsoft BOB", which was an attempt to put a sort of friendly, easy navigation layer on top of Windows 95. It was supposed to make it easy for my mother-in-law to use the computer. But it was an idea WAY ahead of its time (my mother-in-law wouldn't have a computer for another 8 years), and it was a dismal failure. Even more dismal than Windows ME.
This Windows Live Messenger Cafe page, with all the little items you can click on, was reminiscent of that interface.
...and I'm still shaking.
Update:
Got an e-mail from another MS employee who informed me that BOB was originally written as a shell for Windows 3.1. I thought for sure it was 95.. but this guy would know.
A very cool offer came to my inbox from an internal source about an offer that Verio is promoting. I verified that it was indeed "bloggable" and open to the public.
Yes.. you get a free website. And you can use it until 2010.
"What's the catch?"
The catch is that you're using hosted Microsoft technologies. The offer is geared towards developers and designers, and is specifically in order to promote Microsoft-based hosting solutions including MS Expression, Visual Studio, and Silverlight.
"The Free hosting program – based on IIS 6 and Windows Server 2003 – will run through January 2010. No credit card is required."
"Wow! Where do I go to sign-up?"
This is not an online offer. In fact, except for this blog post, I don't know that you'll find news about this anywhere else on the web (until other people blog about it, that is.)
You need to call Verio for this. 1-800-932-7483.
And here is the "Contact Verio" page, in case you need another way to reach them.
The Date: February 27, 2008
The Place: Los Angeles
The Launch: Windows Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008, and SQL Server 2008
Announced at the WWPC yesterday, and released in this press release as well, the February 27 date is the official kick-off of hundreds of launch events that will go on around the world.
And if you're really keen on counting the days - here's a gadget for your Windows Vista sidebar:
Add this Gadget to your Vista desktop
Here are the "Best Of" the questions and answers from today's TechNet Webcast: Next-Generation Networking with Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.
Big thanks to Chris Avis for assisting on the webcast by answering questions. It's his efforts that this represents.
And especially - thank you to all who attended!
-Kevin
Questions and Answers:
“Can you explain the Connection Security Rules?”
A connection security rule determines the type of authentication that is required between machines. Client to Client, Client to Server, Server to Server. It can be used to request or require a specific type and level of authentication before any further communications takes places. This provides protection against man-in-the-middle attacks, and secures communications end to end to prevent modification of the payload (data integrity).
“What is the hot fix that has been referenced in a number of blogs that is needed to address problems transfering large files in VISTA where the transfer slows or even stops?”
Yes, there have been reports that there is a bug in how Windows Vista Auto Tuning works… and the temporary solution is that you could turn off that functionality using netsh at a command prompt:
netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=disabled
And when the fix has been made available in the windows update sources, and you’re ready to turn it back on again:
netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=normal
Both of these will require the machine to be restarted.
You could also call Microsoft support and get the hotfix. Here’s the KB (931770) about the bug, and how to contact support.
(Props to Alpesh for this answer.)
“The features of NAP look great, however is it still possible for an employee to come in the office with their own laptop (running vista or xp home) and access files and emails (same with VPN connection) - you dont HAVE to be a member of the domain do you???”
Check out the Introduction section of this document -- http://www.microsoft.com/technet/network/nap/napoverview.mspx -- NAP can work again managed and unmanaged client machines. This makes NAP very flexible.
“If I do a network bridge between two network cards on the same server, then am I bypassing any security?”
Not if you are configuring IPSec Policies correctly. You can also use Group or Local Polices to deny the creation of bridges, and of course, remove network adapters from machines that might open up security issues.
“What was the name of that TCP fairness algorithm?”
“Fair Queue Model” technology.
“Does Longhorn beta3 fully support IPV6 (DHCP,DNS)?”
“Where can we find more information about DNS6 implementation in Longhorn server?”
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/default.mspx
“Is anyone really deploying IPV6 ???”
“How do you determine routers on the WAN use (ECN?).”
Check with your vendor. They should be able to tell you if it supported, and if you need to upgrade or update the firmware or software to support it.
“If deploying only Windows 2008 Server OR Vista for workstations, which would you suggest be done first?”
I don’t know of any reason to install one or the other first. Windows Vista can be first – not only because it’s already available, but because you can take full advantage of the new native functionality, and even use Group Policy to manage it (yes, even on older Domain environments). So.. I would do Vista now, and Windows Server 2008 when it’s available early next year.
Most importantly, though… start evaluating NOW. Download the trials / betas / release candidates when they’re available, and try out scenarios that match what you’re doing in your business. Use virtualization (Virtual PC 2007 or Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1) to build virtual machine environments rather than dedicating physical machines to this process.
“Could you supply me a link for that download for vista please? Thanks”
I have to apologize. I was wrong about the availability of just anybody to download Windows Vista. It is available for evaluation download for TechNet Plus subscribers, but you have to buy it to download it otherwise.
The good news is (and thanks for this link, Chris) that you can download a virtual machine .VHD file that is an installation of Windows Vista that you can use. It’s a 30-day evaluation.
You’ll find that virtual machine here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=c2c27337-d4d1-4b9b-926d-86493c7da1aa&displaylang=en&tm
If you simply want information on evaluating Windows Vista (great links on “things to try”, etc), check it out here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsvista/aa905059.aspx
And if you’re ready to buy it, I would recommend you start here and navigate into the "Ready to buy?" Windows Marketplace Links. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/default.mspx?wt_svl=20211a&mg_id=20211b
“What was that link that Kevin added to the summary slide?”http://www.microsoft.com/technet/itsolutions/network/tcpip/default.mspx
“Thanks for the info, very useful :)”You're quite welcome. Use it well!
I'm trying something new here during my TechNet Event in Des Moines. Rather than writing down the questions, I'm going to type them (which for me is faster) right into this new blog entry. I'm connected to the Internet, so I'll post this right after the session this morning.. and then I'll have no excuse for not answering these in this post as an update later today or sometime tomorrow.
If the answers aren't here when you see this - check back later.
And - THANK YOU, DES MOINES! You guys were a lot of fun, and asked very good questions!
Questions -
"If I have an application error - I want it reported to some other party (the company who wrote the application) or in-house team. Can it be done? (Is this a part of the Windows Installer, perhaps?)"
While I haven't seen any way to redirect this, I did find the MSDN page all about taking advantage of Windows Error Reporting for your own applications; so that your developers can pull reports on your applications directly from Microsoft. "Using the WER service is like having thousands of testers reporting bugs on your company's applications."
You, as the user of an application, should hope (or request) that the developer of your application has already plugged in to using the WER engine at Microsoft.
CLICK HERE for the details.
NOTE also that, while Microsoft doesn't charge developers for this service; we do require that the development organization have a digital certificate that we can use to verify authenticity. There will be some cost associated with buying that certificate from VeriSign or some other reputable certification authority.
"How does your PC determine it's on a new (or same) network as one you've been on before? IP addressing may be the same - so will it think you're on the same network?"
Well, I found a lot of great articles online about what Network Awareness is, the benefits of Network Awareness, and even how to take advantage of the Network Awareness APIs if you want your own applications to be network aware and change their behaviors accordingly. But nowhere did it say specifically how Vista is able to detect and recognize a network from a previous connection in order to allow services such as the Windows Firewall Service to apply the appropriate network profile (Public, Private, Domain).
A coworker of mine, Dan Woodman, did a little searching in the registry and found where Windows records the different networking profiles.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkList contains "Signatures" and "Profiles" keys that appear to have the definitions of all of the networks you've connected to.
In the Signatures information, you see the SSID for wireless networks (or some other more generically assigned name like "Network 6", the MAC address of default gateway, and a DNS Suffix (when applicable). So.. it would appear that based on those items, the network is able to be uniquely identified and recorded for future. There is also then a Profile GUID which then uniquely points to a key under the Profiles entry - where the network Category is defined (0 = Public, 1 = Private, and 2 = Domain).
Dan also found this article with even more detail about now Network Location Awareness works.
"I have programs that come up 'unclassified' and blocked at startup. How do I fix that?"
The problem you are experiencing is a safety feature. UAC (User Account Control) will not let programs run at startup if they require elevation.
I've been told that the workaround for this is to either take them out of startup and launch them via the task scheduler, or to convert those applications to a service.
I'll post links to specific KB or other info as I get it.
"What are the licensing options and subscription fees or rules for Microsoft Forefront Client Security?"
Forefront Client Security is bought as a subscription. You buy the software on a month-by-month basis; and that's both the client security software as well as the server management software.
The Microsoft Forefront Client Security: How To Buy site has the details, as well as an estimate on what the retail costs will be. (The software will be available for purchase after July 1st.)
Also note - in addition to buying the standalone software, you can also get the Forefront Client Security Agent as a member of a product suite: either the full Forefront Security Suite, or the Enterprise CAL (Client Access License).
"When is the RTM on the SCCM?"
Currently we're looking at "Late Summer 2007" for the RTM (Release to Manufacturing) of System Center Configuration Manager 2007 - the next version of what is currently known as SMS.
Just got linked to by Vlad. So I'm happy to return the favor!
He's got videos on his blog, too. Check out his Preday Video.
Hey Vlad! Where're you at?
My first podcasts were part of the set that were published to TechNet Radio this week.
Check 'em out here.
Also, watch http://www.virtualteched.com for podcasts and maybe some video interviews I and some of my team mates are doing this week.
..and thanks MUCH to the folks who gave up some valuable time to speak to us this week!
Greetings all!
First off - if you're wondering why the sudden silence after only two video diaries from TechEd, be assured that the rest are coming. I got really busy at TechEd (go figure) recording Podcasts and having fun. And then I had events plus a few days off the following week. So, I fully intend to give you a few more belated video diary entries soon. In the meantime, please check out the Podcasts I recorded for Virtual TechEd and TechNet Radio while I was there.
But now... I just had to post this because I really really want one of these. Father's Day has passed (and I had a very nice day), but my birthday is coming up really soon; so, start a collection now to help me to get my very own Robot B9 from the old TV Series "Lost In Space".
I learned about their availability from this blog entry in On 10.
Sweet! Only $24,500! Okay.. yeah, I won't be getting one any time soon. But how cool would that be?! I'm really geeking out over this today. I have many fond memories as a 3-6 year old watching that show. I didn't want to be a policeman or fireman. What I really wanted was to be Will Robinson.
UPDATE: Here's photo evidence: My brother Paul is holding the toy B9 we got for Christmas in 1968.
Click to see the full photo. Thanks, Dad, for digitally scanning all those old family slides!