HiED West ATU: ATS Newsletter - October 2006

Microsoft U.S. HIED West Account Technology Briefing Newsletter

 

Microsoft News and Product Information

 

Security

·         Microsoft Is Committed to Interoperability with its Network Access Protection Solution Microsoft and Cisco have been collaborating for two years to achieve interoperability between Microsoft NAP and Cisco NAC. Earlier this month, they delivered on their promise to interoperate. The companies unveiled a joint NAP-NAC interoperable architecture, which allows communication and policy enforcement across each company’s solution. With this architecture, a multi-vendor, end-to-end solution can be built around the Cisco-Microsoft interoperability.

·         Automatic Delivery of Internet Explorer 7 To help customers become more secure and up-to-date, Microsoft will distribute Internet Explorer 7 as a high-priority update via Automatic Updates and the Windows Update and Microsoft Update sites shortly after the final version of Internet Explorer 7 is released (planned for the 4th quarter of 2006).

·         Securing Critical and Service Accounts This paper will help midsized businesses understand the risks associated with administrative, service, application-related, and default accounts. This paper discusses the nature of these accounts, how to identify them, how to determine the appropriate permissions that they require to function, and how to mitigate the risks inherent in elevated service accounts and administrator level accounts.

 

How Microsoft Does IT

·         How Microsoft IT Secures Access to Corporate Resources Using Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2006 In this webcast, we explain how Microsoft IT adopted Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2006 for secure Web publishing as an alternative to remote access. Join this presentation to learn how Microsoft IT’s deployment of ISA Server 2006, with its many new features, saves the company millions in hardware and personnel resources.

·         How Microsoft IT Designs Its 64-bit Exchange Server 2007 Infrastructure In this webcast, find out how Microsoft IT was able to take advantage of 64-bit architecture to fully deploy Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 in its production environment.

·         Improving an IT Self-Help Portal User Experience Learn how Microsoft improved the user experience, reduced the help desk costs, and published more engaging and timelier information by migrating their IT support portal to SharePoint Server 2007.

·         Implementing Visual Studio Team System in the Microsoft OEM Division's IT Center of Excellence The Microsoft OEM Division's IT Center of Excellence (OEM IT), a global IT engineering organization within Microsoft, deployed Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Team System. OEM IT now enjoys a fully integrated software development platform, realizes substantial and measurable savings, and is able to focus more on development and delivery of high-quality software and less on project administrative tasks.

 

Windows Desktop and Server - Vista / 2003 / XP / 2000

·         Windows Vista Trusted Platform Module Services Step by Step Guide This Step-by-Step Guide provides the instructions necessary to use Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Services in a test lab environment.

·         BitLocker Drive Encryption: Executive Overview This paper provides an introduction to BitLocker Drive Encryption; an exciting new data protection feature available in Microsoft Windows Vista that addresses a growing concern: the theft or unwanted disclosure of data made available through physical loss of computer devices. See also the BitLocker FAQ.

·         Microsoft Windows Vista Security: Setting a New Standard for Security and Privacy Through Innovation and Collaboration With the forthcoming release of Windows Vista, Microsoft is empowering businesses and consumers to address mounting security threats. Through Microsoft’s “defense-in-depth” approach to technology innovation — involving fundamental protections in the platform, threat and vulnerability mitigation, and identity and access control — the operating system will enable end users to remain more secure and will protect the privacy of their information. Windows Vista will also provide IT administrators with effective ways to make networks resistant to attacks, while preserving data confidentiality, integrity and availability. Lastly, these changes will enable new solutions for both security and non-security ISVs to address the challenges currently facing the entire industry.

·         Windows Update, Microsoft Update, and Automatic Updates for IT Professionals The information on this page is intended primarily for IT professionals who may be using Windows Update or Microsoft Update and the Automatic Updates feature in their organizations. It provides an overview of these services and announcements of developments that may affect IT professionals.

·         Group Policy Settings Reference Windows Vista RC1 This spreadsheet lists the policy settings for computer and user configurations included in the administrative template files (admx/adml) delivered with Windows Vista RC1 (build 5600).

·         Microsoft Windows Security Center: The Voice of Security for Windows Vista A White Paper highlighting the enhancements to Windows Security Center for Windows Vista.

·         Network Location Types in Windows Vista Microsoft Windows Vista (now in beta testing) has the ability to automatically configure security and other settings based on the type of network to which the computer is connected. This new feature makes computing more secure and easier for users because they no longer have to be aware of the type of network that they are connected to and configure security settings to prevent unwanted access.

·         Windows Services for UNIX Version 3.5 Windows Services for UNIX 3.5 provides a full range of supported and fully integrated cross-platform network services for enterprise customers to use in integrating Windows into their existing UNIX-based environments. See also technical resources for Services for Unix.

·         Windows Security and Directory Services for UNIX v1.0 The guidance covers evaluating, planning, building, deploying, and operating a security and directory infrastructure based on Windows Server 2003. It includes configuring both the Windows and UNIX/Linux settings and configuring the requisite Windows services. Technical guidance has been thoroughly lab tested with Windows Server 2003 SP1, Red Hat Linux 9, and Sun Microsystems Solaris 9.

 

Exchange Server

·         Step-by-Step Guide to Deploying Windows Mobile-based Devices with Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 SP2 This document is designed primarily for Information Technology (IT) professionals who are responsible for planning and deploying mobile messaging systems that use Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 with Service Pack 2 (SP2) and Microsoft Windows Mobile-based devices that have the Messaging and Security Feature Pack.

·         Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Technical Documentation See also: Additional resources for Exchange 2007

·         Choosing Exchange Server 2003 Hardware for Reuse with Exchange Server 2007 This article provides rough guidelines for processor and memory configurations that provide good performance for Exchange Server 2003 while also providing a strong platform for Exchange Server 2007. Recommendations will also be made on how server hardware deployed for Exchange 2003 roles can be reused for Exchange 2007 on a per-server role basis.

·         User Guide for Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server Forefront Security for Exchange protects organizations against the latest threats by managing multiple antivirus scan engines at multiple layers throughout the e-mail infrastructure. This approach allows Forefront for Exchange to minimize the average window of exposure for emerging e-mail threats by providing continual signature updates from multiple antivirus labs around the world.

 

Microsoft Management

·         Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003 Desired Configuration Monitoring 2.0 now supports configuration monitoring of desktops and servers. The accelerator allows the user to define desired hardware, operating system, and application configuration settings in multiple configuration data sources. Then, using the supplied auditing engine, DCM compares desired settings with actual settings and finally reports configuration compliance.

·         Microsoft Availability Reporting Management Pack for Microsoft Operations Manager 2005 collects and analyzes data from the event logs of your servers, and generates reports that you can study to improve server availability and reliability. You can identify the causes for planned and unplanned downtime and take preemptive actions to decrease downtime in the future.

 

Microsoft Office System

·         Get into the Groove: Solutions for Secure and Dynamic Collaboration Microsoft Office Groove 2007 is a new collaboration tool in the 2007 Microsoft Office system that enables teams to collaborate dynamically, effectively, and with advanced security, even when team members work for different organizations, work remotely, or need to work offline. The author will introduce you to Office Groove 2007 and explain the architectural underpinnings that make it an ideal tool for dynamic team collaboration.

·         Microsoft Office Migration Planning Manager (Preview) The Office Migration Planning Manager is a group of tools designed to help administrators during the planning and testing phases of a 2007 Microsoft Office system deployment.

·         Differences between the 2007 Office system and Office 2003 Many features have been changed, removed, or replaced in 2007 Microsoft Office system. Also: Collaborating with previous versions of Office and other programs

·         Live Communications Server 2005 Document: Supportability Guide An overview of the supported configurations for Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005, Live Communications Server 2005 with Service Pack 1 (SP1), and Microsoft Office Communicator Web Access.

·         Live Meeting 2005 Intranet Portal SP2 Administrator’s Guide provides information to help administrators to deploy and use the Live Meeting Intranet Portal.

 

Beta, Technology Assessment Program (TAP) and Rapid Deployment Program (RDP) Information

·         System Center Data Protection Manager Version 2 Beta 1 Data Protection Manager (DPM) is the new standard for Windows backup and recovery—delivering continuous data protection for Microsoft application and file servers using seamlessly integrated disk and tape media. DPM enables rapid and reliable recovery through advanced technology for enterprises of all sizes.

·         Microsoft Launches Forefront Security for SharePoint Beta
Microsoft Corp. launched the public beta of Forefront Security for SharePoint. This latest release of Microsoft Forefront security products for businesses is based on Antigen for SharePoint Server, the multi-engine security solution acquired by Microsoft as part of the acquisition of Sybari Software Inc. in 2005. Forefront Security for SharePoint is optimized to provide advanced protection for Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 and Windows SharePoint Services 3.0. The launch of Forefront Security for SharePoint will coincide with the general availability of Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 and Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, which are scheduled to be available to businesses by the end of 2006 and generally available in early 2007. It will be available through Microsoft’s global channel of Security Solutions Competency partners. Companies can download the beta release at http://www.microsoft.com/forefront.

 

·         Microsoft Releases First Broad Beta Developer Kit for .NET Micro Framework

Microsoft Corp. released a beta developer kit for the Microsoft .NET Micro Framework, a new development platform for use with devices that are typically constrained by cost, memory, processor and/or power consumption. Announced at the Embedded Systems Conference in Boston, the .NET Micro Framework broad beta extends the advantages of .NET and the Visual Studio toolset into a class of the smallest of devices. The .NET Micro Framework grew out of the Smart Personal Objects Technology (SPOT) initiative at Microsoft. Though it is used on very small devices, the Microsoft .NET Micro Framework provides a managed code environment that brings a strong degree of efficiency and reliability to the realm of embedded software development. More information can be found at http://www.aboutnetmf.com.

 

Other Information

·         Check out the TechNet Virtual Labs Quickly evaluate and test Microsoft's newest server products through a series of guided, hands-on labs which can be completed in 90 minutes or less. The best part is, TechNet Virtual Labs can be accessed online immediately.

·         Microsoft Operations Framework Self-Assessment Tool 2.0 Now Available

The Microsoft Operations Framework Self-Assessment Tool recently updated to version 2.0 is based on the Microsoft Operations Framework (MOF) and IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) best practices. It guides you through the development of a detailed problem-and-impact analysis of a targeted IT service or operational process. This tool is designed to enable you to:

·         Better understand the effectiveness of the IT services and processes in your organization.

·         Define a specific problem or opportunity regarding your IT services and/or processes

·         Identify a variety of follow-up actions based on information you provide.

 

Once you complete a 15- to 20-minute assessment, you receive a detailed report including the assessment data, a problem statement, a summary of impacts on the organization, and a customized next-step list of recommendations.

 

Latest/Greatest Tools  from Microsoft

·         XML Notepad 2006 XML Notepad 2006 provides a simple intuitive user interface for browsing and editing XML documents.

 

·         Word 2007 Redaction Add-in Use Microsoft Office Word 2007 Redaction Add-in to hide text within Microsoft Office Word 2007 documents. You can mark text to redact and then create a new, redacted version of the document in which the marked text is replaced with a black bar that cannot be converted back to text.

 

·         Outlook 2007 Calendar Views Add-in With the Outlook Calendar Views Add-in, you can easily create and manage filters to display subsets of appointments in Outlook Calendar. Filtered views are based on categories that you apply to appointments.

 

·         2007 Microsoft Office Add-in: Microsoft Save as PDF This download allows you to export and save to the PDF format in eight 2007 Microsoft Office programs. It also allows you to send files as e-mail attachments in the PDF format in a subset of these programs.

 

·         2007 Microsoft Office Add-in: Microsoft Save as XPS This download allows you to export and save to the XPS format in eight 2007 Microsoft Office programs. It also allows you to send files as e-mail attachments in the XPS format in a subset of these programs.

 

·         Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server Help protect your Exchange server from viruses and other malware.

 

·         Microsoft Operations Manager 2005 SP1 Agent Prerequisite Component for Windows XP Embedded The MOM 2005 SP1 Agent Prerequisite Component for Windows XP Embedded extracts the components required for the MOM 2005 SP1 Agent to work on Windows XP Embedded.

 

·         MapPoint Streets and Trips 2006 Construction Update

·         MapPoint 2006 Construction Update

·         MapPoint 2004 and Streets and Trips 2004 Construction Update

·         MapPoint Streets and Trips 2005 Construction Update

 

·         Windows Mobile Network Analyzer PowerToy Network Analyzer for Windows Mobile runs network utilities (e.g., ping and ipconfig) on a Windows Mobile powered device. Network Analyzer for Windows Mobile facilitates the troubleshooting of network connectivity issues.

 

·         Max Microsoft Codename Max is your opportunity to try a new, exciting and constantly evolving experience from Microsoft. Max lets you make beautiful photo slideshows to share with your family and friends.

 

·         Update for Windows 2000 (KB922582)

·         Update for Windows Server 2003 (KB922582)

·         Update for Windows XP (KB922582) 

·         Update for Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition (KB922582)

·         Update for Windows XP x64 Edition (KB922582)

·         Update for Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-based Systems (KB922582)

·         A problem has been identified in Filter Manager that can prevent you from installing updates from Windows update.

 

·         Live Meeting 2005 Add-in Pack With the Live Meeting Add-in Pack, you can perform conferencing tasks directly from Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Visio, as well as from Windows Messenger, MSN Messenger, and Office Communicator 2005.

 

·         Security Update for Publisher 2000 (KB894540), Security Update for Publisher 2002 (KB894541) and Security Update for Publisher 2003 (KB894542)

·         A security vulnerability exists in Microsoft Publisher that could allow arbitrary code to run when you open a maliciously modified document.

 

·         Windows Live Local for Outlook Windows Live Local for Outlook adds maps, routes, traffic updates, driving directions, and travel time to your Microsoft Office Outlook meeting requests.

 

·         Microsoft ISA Server 2000, 2004, and 2006 Management Pack for MOM 2005

·         The ISA Server Management Pack for MOM enables you to effectively monitor and maintain your ISA Server infrastructure.

 

·         Project Server 2007 Beta 2 Technical Refresh Pack for Microsoft Operations Manager 2005

·         This download contains a Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM) management pack and associated documentation for Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 Beta 2 Technical Refresh.

 

·         Outlook 2007 with Business Contact Manager (Beta) Update: Software and Instructions for Updating to Outlook 2007 with BCM Beta 2 Technical Refresh

·         This is the Beta 2 Technical Refresh of Office Outlook 2007 with Business Contact Manager.

 

·         Firewall Client Installs ISA Server Firewall Client software on 32-bit and 64-bit computers.

 

·         Visio 2007: Software Development Kit (Beta 2 Technical Refresh update) This Beta 2 Technical Refresh update to the Microsoft Office Visio 2007 Software Development Kit (Beta 2) provides various improvements and enhancements to the Beta 2 SDK.

 

·         Media Transfer Protocol Porting Kit The new Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) enables you to manage content on any portable device with storage.

 

·         Update for Internet Explorer for Windows XP Service Pack 2 (KB923996)

·         Update for Internet Explorer for Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 x64 Edition (KB923996)

·         Update for Internet Explorer for Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 64-bit Itanium Edition (KB923996)

·         Update for Internet Explorer for Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (KB923996)

·         When visiting a Web page that uses a custom pop-up object, Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 can close unexpectedly and generate an error in the Mshtml.dll file.

 

·         ActiveSync 4.5 Beta 2 Microsoft ActiveSync 4.5 is the latest sync software release for Windows Mobile-powered devices. ActiveSync provides a great synchronization experience with Windows-powered PCs and Microsoft Outlook right out of the box.

 

·         User Agent String Utility 2 A utility that opens an Internet Explorer 7.0 window that is configured to report its identity to websites as being Internet Explorer 6.0.

 

·         Windows Base Operating System Management Pack for MOM 2005 Monitors for conditions that adversely affect the availability, reliability, performance, configuration, and security of Windows Server 4.0, 2000, 2003, and 2003 R2 operating systems. The events detected indicate exceptional conditions associated with various components of Windows operations. Assists with proactive management of Windows Server 2000, 2003, and 2003 R2 systems.

 

·         Update for Windows Server 2003 (KB922772)

·         Update for Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-based Systems (KB922772)

·         Update for Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition (KB922772) Install this update to resolve a situation where inconsistent data is returned when you use the TargetMapping function together with the HBA API for an MPIO-compatible storage device in Windows Server 2003.

 

·         Update for Windows Vista RC1 (x64 Editions) (KB925028)

·         Update for Windows Vista RC1 (KB925028) Install this update to prevent an issue where selecting text in Microsoft Word 2003 on a Tablet PC may cause the application to become unresponsive when you are using Vista RC1.

 

·         Update for Windows 2000 (KB925308) Install this update to prevent an issue in which, after you install security update 920958 (MS06-049) on a computer that is using NTFS file system compression, compressed files that are larger than 4 kilobytes may be corrupted when you create or update the files.

 

·         Microsoft IPTV WES Adapter 3.0 Management Pack for MOM 2005

·         Microsoft OLM WES Adapter 3.0 Management Pack for MOM 2005

·         Microsoft BTS WSE Adapter 3.0 Management Pack for MOM 2005

·         Microsoft Connected Services Framework 3.0 Management Pack for MOM 2005

·         Microsoft OH-SBE 3.0 Management Pack for MOM 2005

 

·         Windows Services for UNIX Version 3.5

 

·         Microsoft Availability Reporting Management Pack for Microsoft Operations Manager 2005

·         This management pack monitors availability and reliability for SQL, Exchange, IIS, AD and Windows and allows you to determine whether the availability and reliability objectives are met.

 

·         MIIS Host Access MA Feature Pack 2

·         Microsoft Identity Integration Server 2003 Host Access Management Agent Feature Pack 2 enables Microsoft Identity Integration Server (MIIS) identity management integration with IBM and eTrust Computer Associates host security systems.

 

·         Security Update for Windows 2000 (KB920958) A security issue has been identified in the Windows Kernel that could allow an attacker to compromise your Windows-based system and gain control over it.

 

·         2007 Office System Document: Lists of Control IDs This download contains files that list the control IDs for built-in controls in all applications that use the Ribbon.

 

·         Update for Windows XP (KB924941) Install this update to resolve timing issues resulting in race conditions when usin