Higher Education ramblings

Home & Office Titles	Release Date

Advanced Microsoft® Office Documents 2007 Edition Inside Out	12/13/2006
The 2007 Microsoft® Office System Plain & Simple	11/15/2006
Microsoft® Office Excel® 2007 Plain & Simple	11/15/2006
Microsoft® Office Outlook® 2007 Plain & Simple	11/15/2006
Microsoft® Office Access 2007 Step by Step	11/15/2006
Microsoft® Office Project 2007 Step by Step	11/15/2006
Microsoft® Office Excel® 2007 Inside Out	11/15/2006
The 2007 Microsoft® Office System Inside Out	11/15/2006
The 2007 Microsoft® Office System Step by Step	10/11/2006
Microsoft® Office Word 2007 Step by Step	10/11/2006
Microsoft® Office PowerPoint® 2007 Step by Step	10/11/2006
Microsoft® Office Outlook® 2007 Step by Step	10/11/2006
Microsoft® Office Excel® 2007 Step by Step	10/11/2006
First Look 2007 Microsoft® Office System	06/21/2006

Windows Virtual Labs

josephcr — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 14:47:00 GMT

Ever wanted to test Microsoft software in a sandbox environment? What about being able to test new applications immediately, without having to set up a test environment of your own? Now you can, with MSDN and TechNet Virtual Labs.

Virtual Labs are guided, hands-on lab modules hosted by Microsoft that can be completed in 90 minutes. Try out Microsoft products and test your programming skills through our library of hands-on tools. There is no software to download to your local PC, and Virtual Labs are free!

MSDN Virtual Labs

TechNet Virtual Labs

Related Resources:

MSDN Webcast Calendar

TechNet Webcast Calendar

Windows XP Security Guide 2.2 Released!

josephcr — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 14:44:00 GMT

This guide provides detailed technical information for customers who are interested in hardening deployments of Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) on desktop and laptop client computers in different types of environments.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/prodtech/windowsxp/secwinxp/default.mspx and download: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=2D3E25BC-F434-4CC6-A5A7-09A8A229F118&displaylang=en

Microsoft IOI Website

josephcr — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 14:01:00 GMT

Where are you in the "Infrastructure Optimization Model". This is a version of the Gartner Model based on how your IT orginazation offers services to your endusers/customers. Please have a look at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/solutions/io/default.mspx to see how we can help....

April Tech Talks

josephcr — Tue, 28 Mar 2006 19:11:00 GMT

April 5^th: Virtualization with Virtual Server R2

Presenter: Gregory Katz, Senior Technology Specialist

Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Eastern Time)

Event Code: 1032285067

April 12^th: Using Digital Media to Improve Presentations

Presenter: Tony Franklin, Productivity Advisor

Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Eastern Time)

Event Code: 1032292928

April 19^th : Microsoft Office 12: Classroom Productivity for the Future

Presenter: Roxie Mitchell, Solution Sales Professional

Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Eastern Time)

Event Code: 1032288992

April 26^th: The Education Desktop: Office, OneNote, Encarta, Student and Windows

Presenter: John Broad, Productivity Advisor

Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Eastern Time)

Event Code: 1032292359

Vista News

josephcr — Tue, 28 Mar 2006 15:25:00 GMT

With all the recent announcements and information surrounding Windows Vista, I thought the below information would be valuable to you and your teams.

We believe that Windows Vista will deliver great value to schools and businesses by seamlessly connecting people to information, enabling increased mobile and remote productivity, significantly reducing deployment and support costs, and providing a more secure and compliant desktop platform.

General Information:

Windows Vista Versions: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/versions/default.mspx

There has been confusion around the Windows Vista Versions available and where each fit in the market space, and on you network. To that extent there are 5 versions of Windows Vista being released in the US, however some may not be applicable to your environment:

Business Versions:

Windows Vista Business – the operating system designed for organizations of all sizes. Windows Vista Business will help keep PCs running smoothly and more securely and will provide dramatic new infrastructure improvements that will enable IT staff to spend less time focused on day-to-day maintenance of PCs and more time on adding strategic value to the organization. These are some of the specific features of Windows Vista Business:

· A new user interface, named Windows Aero™, is designed to deliver the most productive, highest-performing desktop experience possible.

· Windows Vista Business makes it easier than ever to manage huge volumes of business documents by integrating search throughout the operating system and providing new ways to organize files.

· Windows Tablet PC technology is built in to Windows Vista Business, along with improved deployment and management capabilities.

Windows Vista Enterprise – (Available only to customers who have PCs covered by Microsoft Software Assurance or a Campus or School Agreement) In addition to all the features available in Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Enterprise is designed to provide higher levels of data protection using hardware-based encryption technology, improve application compatibility and will enable organizations to standardize on a single deployment image with the inclusion of all Windows user-interface languages. The following features are exclusive to Windows Vista Enterprise.

· Windows BitLocker™ Drive Encryption helps prevent sensitive data and intellectual property from falling into the wrong hands if a computer is lost or stolen.

· Virtual PC Express is one of several built-in tools that improve application compatibility with previous versions of Microsoft operating systems. Virtual PC Express enables a legacy application to run unchanged on a legacy Windows operating system in a virtual environment on top of Windows Vista Enterprise.

· Subsystem for UNIX-based Applications enables users to run UNIX applications unchanged on a Windows Vista Enterprise-based PC.

Consumer Versions:

Windows Vista Home Basic – People with basic computing needs. For consumers who want to simply use the PC to browse the Internet, correspond with friends and family through e-mail or perform basic document creation and editing tasks, Windows Vista Home Basic will deliver a safer, more reliable and more productive computing environment.

Windows Vista Home Premium – Designed for consumers who use mobile or desktop PC functionality more effectively while enabling the enjoyment of new, exciting digital entertainment experiences. Windows Vista Home Premium improves every aspect of digital entertainment experiences, including photos, video, TV, movies, music and games. Windows Vista Home Premium includes everything in Windows Vista Home Basic, along with additional features and enhancements such as the following:

· The new user interface Windows Aero is in this edition of Windows Vista.

· Windows Media Center - turn the PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. Consumers can use Media Center to record and watch TV shows and access new kinds of online entertainment content. It also provides the ability to connect Windows Vista Home Premium to Xbox 360™, extending the Media Center experience to multiple rooms.

· Windows Tablet PC technology,

· Integrated DVD burning and authoring allows users to seamlessly burn personal videos photos and files to video or data DVDs, and easily create professional-looking DVDs from home movies that can be shared with family and friends.

Windows Vista Ultimate – The edition of Windows Vista that has it all. It brings together all the entertainment features, mobility features and business-oriented features available in Windows Vista. The consumer features are not manageable via GPO, and Windows Vista Ultimate will not be deployable via Volume Licensing Keys. However, this version can join a domain and use GPO to manage the business features.

Internet Explorer 7 Beta2 Preview: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie7/default.mspx

An Updated Internet Explorer 7 Beta 2 Preview was released on March 20^th 2006 which continues to include advancements in security and browsing experience for end users, functionality and compatibility for developers, and manageability for corporate network administrators. Beta 2 Preview is intended to enable developers, Web developers and IT pros to begin to test the new browser for compatibility with their applications and Web sites.

Windows Vista Release Roadmap Information - http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2006/mar06/03-21WindowsVistaDeliveryPR.mspx

Microsoft is on schedule to complete the Windows Vista product this year, with business availability in November 2006 via the Volume Licensing Channels. The broad consumer availability will be in January 2007. If you are looking to purchase new PCs between now and the end of the year, please work with your OEM on Windows Vista capable systems.

Upcoming Webcasts:

Windows Vista Webcasts and events: http://www.microsoft.com/events/series/technetvista.mspx

Get the tools and information you need to prepare for Windows Vista, Microsoft’s new desktop operating system. Tune in and see how Windows Vista advancements in security and reliability, along with its operational efficiencies, give you and your users confidence in your organization's PCs. During these free webcasts, we introduce you to key Windows Vista product features and explore deployment, security, management, and productivity. Live webcasts also include a question and answer session. View one webcast, view a few, or view them all – the information will help you prepare for Windows Vista.

TechNet Webcast: Top 10 Things You Need to Know About Windows Vista for the Enterprise (Level 200)
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
9:30 A.M.–10:30 A.M. Pacific Time

TechNet Webcast: Top 10 Things You Need to Know About Windows Vista for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (Level 200)
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
11:30 A.M.–12:30 P.M. Pacific Time

TechNet Webcast: Security in Windows Vista (Level 300)
Monday, April 17, 2006
11:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. Pacific Time

TechNet Webcast: Windows Vista Deployment Overview (Level 200)
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
11:30 A.M.–12:30 P.M. Pacific Time

TechNet Webcast: Windows Vista Management (Level 200)
Monday, April 24, 2006
9:30 A.M.–11:00 A.M. Pacific Time

TechNet Webcast: Windows Vista Productivity (Level 300)
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
11:30 A.M.–12:30 P.M. Pacific Time

For Developers:

Windows Workflow Foundation - http://msdn.microsoft.com/winfx/reference/workflow/default.aspx

Windows Workflow Foundation is the programming model, engine and tools for quickly building workflow enabled applications on Windows. It consists of a WinFX namespace, an in-process workflow engine, and designers for Visual Studio 2005. Windows Workflow Foundation is available (currently in beta) for both client and server versions of Windows. Windows Workflow Foundation includes support for both system workflow and human workflow across a wide range of scenarios.

Windows Vista Developer Forums - http://forums.microsoft.com/msdn/default.aspx?forumgroupid=24&siteid=1

Windows Vista Developer Story - http://msdn.microsoft.com/windowsvista/downloads/developerstory/default.aspx

The Microsoft Windows Vista Developer Story includes content for developers, and other technology experts and managers, interested in an in-depth exploration of some of the new and extended features in Windows Vista.

For IT Pros:

Pre-Registration for Windows Vista, Office 2007 and Exchange 12 Public Beta - http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/beta/preregister.mspx

Lead evaluations for new technologies and understand their impact on your IT environment and their potential for your company by pre-registering here. You will be the first to be notified when the Windows Vista, Office "12," and Exchange "12" public beta releases become available. Additionally, you will receive updates and information regularly through the Microsoft TechNet Flash newsletter, from the time you pre-register until the launch of the product.

Windows PE 2.0 for Windows Vista Overview - http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/deploy/winpe.mspx

Windows PE 2.0 is the core deployment foundation for Windows Vista. It is designed to make large-scale, customized deployments of the new Windows Vista operating system notably easier. When Windows Vista launches, Windows PE 2.0 will be available to all Windows Vista corporate customers. [Windows PE for Windows XP will remain exclusive to customers who have a Microsoft Software Assurance (SA) agreement.] Windows PE enables users to inject drivers, configure Windows Vista offline, provide recovery solutions as well as diagnose and troubleshoot system problems.

User Account Control - http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/security/uacppr.mspx

The main goal of User Account Control is to reduce the exposure and attack surface of the operating system by requiring that all users run in standard user mode and by limiting administrator-level access to authorized processes. This limitation minimizes the ability for users to make changes that could destabilize their computers or inadvertently expose the network to viruses through undetected malware that has infected their computer.

Application Compatibility - http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/appcompat/default.mspx

Application compatibility is one the most important challenges faced by organizations when deploying new operating systems. At Microsoft, it's very important we provide the information and resources you need to identify and resolve application compatibility challenges. With the release of Windows Vista, Microsoft has the tools and resources to reduce the time, cost, and complexity of addressing application compatibility

And So it Begins...

josephcr — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 16:40:00 GMT

Why you should attend TechEd in Boston this June 11-16

http://www.microsoft.com/events/teched2006/attendingwhy.mspx

Windows Vista for Developers

Windows Vista Development Center: http://msdn.microsoft.com/windowsvista/
This is the starting point for information on Windows Vista development.

Understanding Windows Vista Development: http://msdn.microsoft.com/windowsvista/understanding/default.aspx

Links to guides outlining the various key features/pillars around Windows Vista development: Security, Reliability, Integration, Discover info/data, etc.

WinFX Developer Center: http://msdn.microsoft.com/winfx/

WinFX, the set of next-generation managed APIs provided by Microsoft, information and development tools are going to be positioned here. There is currently info on developing applications with WinFX, links to documentation, code samples and the SDK are all available from this site.

Windows Presentation Foundation: http://msdn.microsoft.com/windowsvista/building/presentation/

WPF provides the foundation for building applications and high fidelity experiences in Longhorn, blending together application UI, documents, and media content. The functionality extends to the support for Tablet and other forms of input, a more modern imaging and printing pipeline, accessibility and UI automation infrastructure, data driven UI and visualization, as well as the integration points for weaving the application experience into the Windows shell.

Windows Presentation Foundation Hands-On-Labs: http://msdn.microsoft.com/windowsvista/building/presentation/hands_on_lab/default.aspx

The Hands-On-Labs are a set of tutorials that introduce key features of Windows Presentation Foundation. Each lab guides you step-by-step through the process of developing a complete Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) application using Visual Studio 2005, the WinFX SDK and the Visual Studio 2005 Extensions for WinFX.

Windows Communication Foundation (formerly code-named "Indigo"): http://msdn.microsoft.com/webservices/indigo/default.aspx

A set of .NET technologies for building and running connected systems. It is a new breed of communications infrastructure built around the Web services architecture. Advanced Web services support in Windows Communication Foundation provides secure, reliable, and transacted messaging along with interoperability.

Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac 11.2.3 Update released

After you install this update, you can use Mac OS X Sync Services and Spotlight searches to sync and find Entourage items, use smart cards with Entourage 2004, and enjoy improved overall security and stability when using Microsoft Word 2004, Excel 2004, PowerPoint 2004, and Entourage 2004. This update also includes all of the improvements released in all previous Office 2004 updates.

Make sure to read the Exchange Users section - data loss is possbile if you move MBs.

http://www.microsoft.com/mac/downloads.aspx?pid=download&location=/mac/download/office2004/Office2004_11.2.3.xml&secid=4&ssid=29&flgnosysreq=True

Microsoft TechTalks for Education in April

April 5th: Virtualization with Virtual Server R2:
We will discuss how Virtual Server with Virtual Server R2 improves hardware utilization and assists software deployments by consolidating your server networks.
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032285067&Culture=en-US

April 12th: Using Digital Media to Improve Presentations:
Making an impact with presentations will be easier with the appropriate digital media add-ons. Microsoft will demonstrate how to utilize the many capabilities of digital media to make any presentation you deliver memorable.
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032292928&Culture=en-US

April 19th : Microsoft Office 12: Classroom Productivity for the Future:
Come learn about the exciting new capabilities that will be part of the next release for Microsoft Office products, currently code-named Microsoft Office “12”. You will be among the first to get an actual glimpse of the next desktop productivity suite. Roxie Mitchell will be focusing on how Office 12 will help you increase your productivity and efficiency inside and outside of the classroom.
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032288992&Culture=en-US

April 26th: The Education Desktop: Office, OneNote, Encarta, Student and Windows:
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032292359&Culture=en-US
Microsoft makes an effort to engage every student in the best, most effective technological learning environment available. Learn more about our solutions for today’s student and how to utilize these in your school setting.

Free Microsoft E-Learning Courses SQL Server 2005

https://www.microsoftelearning.com/sqlserver2005/

Extreme Tech - Why Windows Vista won't suck

Good Vista technical details: http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1931914,00.asp

Watch this for something cool for Higher Education

http://www.origamiproject.com/1/
http://www.origamiproject.com/RSS/rss.xml

Windows Mobile Feature Pack LiveMeetings

Occurs every Tuesday and Thursday effective 2/23/2006 until 4/19/2006 from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM Eastern Time (US & Canada).

Level 200 slides on current and future options for mobile messaging with Exchange Server 2003 and the Windows Mobile platform, including device photos and availability.

https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/microsoft/join?id=PUSH&role=attend

Meeting URL: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/microsoft/join
Meeting ID: PUSH
Audio Conferencing (Toll-free): +1 (866) 500-6738 Participant Code: 530493

Education March TechTalks 2006

Live Meeting details will be sent with registration confirmation. See below for details and registration links.

March 1st: Introducing System Center Data Protection Manager
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Eastern Time)
Register: http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032284997&Culture=en-US
Event Code: 1032284997

March 8th: Streamline the Collection and Processing of Academic Data with Microsoft InfoPath 2003
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Eastern Time)
Register: http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032287976&Culture=en-US
Event Code: 1032287976

March 15th: Business Intelligence Solutions in Education
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Eastern Time)
Register: http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032285065&Culture=en-US
Event Code: 1032285065

March 22nd: Classroom Learning Tools: Microsoft Student and Learning Essentials for Office
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Eastern Time)
Register: http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032291302&Culture=en-US
Event Code: 1032291302

March 29h: Effective Computer Lab Management with the Shared Computer Toolkit
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Eastern Time)
Register: http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032291305&Culture=en-US
Event Code: 1032291305

Windows Vista Step by Step Guides

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=11&SrcDisplayLang=en&SrcCategoryId=&SrcFamilyId=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3fFamilyID%3d311f4be8-9983-4ab0-9685-f1bfec1e7d62%26DisplayLang%3den

Windows Defender Beta 2 is goes public

Windows Defender (Beta 2) helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software. It features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it's detected, and a new streamlined interface that minimizes interruptions and helps you stay productive.

Improvements in Windows Defender (Beta 2)
• Enhanced performance through a new scanning engine.
• Streamlined, simplified user interface and alerts.
• Improved control over programs on your computer (using enhanced Software Explorer).
• Multiple language support with globalization and localization features.
• Protection technologies for all users, even those who do not have administrator rights on the computer.
• Support for assistive technology for individuals who have physical or cognitive difficulties, impairments, and disabilities.
• Support for Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition.
• Information about the most recent spyware threats that Microsoft has identified.

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Microsoft Exchange Server User Monitor (ExMon)

ExMon is free tool that allows an Exchange administrator the ability to see in detailed performance of an Exchange server. Shown on a user by user basis, ExMon allows you to see how much CPU, latency, network traffic, and disk each user on an Exchange server consumes. It captures data sent back to the Exchange server from Outlook 2003 and higher about the user's actual experience, showing the actual RPC (network+server) latency and even the name of the process talking to the Exchange server (so you can see ActiveSync usage and other 3rd party MAPI applications). http://download.microsoft.com/download/3/5/b/35b64e21-44b6-4d30-b4d2-3a41f3635e7e/Exmon.msi

Using an external display with Vista 5270

Connect the projector with the computer off, then boot the system. After you log on, change the display properties to Extend your desktop to monitor #2 and make it the primary display. Turn off the display for Monitor #1. Unfortunately, this means no dual display.

Windows Server 2003 R2 availability

The Windows Server R2 media is available Feb 1^st, 2006 on the MVLS website for download. The media will be in the February Media Fulfillment kits and update kits.

IE 7 Beta 2 Preview now public

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie7/default.mspx

Running WSS and SQL RS on the same box

Bad things can happen when you install WSS on a MOM box or any server running SQL Reporting Services. 404 Page not found badness. Here is a nice find to get things working again:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/RSinstall/htm/gs_installingrs_v1_9fdy.asp

Cool MOM utilities

The SharePoint Web part for MOM is pretty cool. The WP renders a customized, filterable view of the MOM alerts inside a WSS site. Attached is the updated code that works with MOM 2005 SP1. Thanks to Mike Reilly at the Waltham MTC for the help.

I also love the Op Console notifier. It's a systray utility that pops toast when configurable MOM alert levels change.

http://www.microsoft.com/mom/downloads/2005/reskit/default.mspx

Threats and Countermeasures: Security Settings in Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP

The Threats and Countermeasures guide provides you with a reference to all security settings that provide countermeasures for specific threats against current versions of the Microsoft® Windows® operating systems. This guide is a companion to two other Microsoft publications: The Windows Server 2003 Security Guide, which is available at

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=14845, and the Windows XP Security Guide, which is available at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=14839.

Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit for Windows XP

Ideal for shared computers http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sharedaccess/default.mspx

RSS Feeds Available from Microsoft.com

Did you know that Microsoft offers a series of Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds that you can access and leverage for your organization?

Here is a quick list:
Security Bulletins

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/secrssinfo.mspx
Updated KB Articles
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/rsshelp
MSDN
http://msdn.microsoft.com/aboutmsdn/rss/
Microsoft Communities
http://www.microsoft.com/communities/blogs/PortalHome.mspx
Windows
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/rss/default.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/community/default.mspx
Exchange
http://www.microsoft.com/exchange/community/default.mspx
SQL Server
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/newsgroups/server/sql.mspx

And many, many more. If you would like to learn more about RSS, please visit

http://www.microsoft.com/communities/guide/RSS.mspx

If you are using Microsoft SharePoint Products and Technologies, you can get RSS feeds delivered to your SharePoint site by using add-ins like Tim Heuer's RSS FeedReader Web part <

http://www.smilinggoat.net/stuff.aspx>. The RSS FeedReader can be placed on a Web Part Page in a Microsoft Office SharePoint Portal Server 2003 portal site or a Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services site.