John Weston Stories, Information, and random thoughts.

Chart Your Career

jweston — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:48:57 GMT

Today, more than ever, your career is the best investment you can make. Microsoft provides certifications, guidance, career paths, and special offers associated with some of the most commonly recognized IT job roles in the industry.
Microsoft Learning Plans and offers help you train on and become certified in the most notable and current Microsoft products, including Windows Server and Windows client technologies, Microsoft Exchange Server, and Microsoft SQL Server.
You have already taken the first step by turning to Microsoft with your questions; now take the next step and see what Microsoft can do for your career.

Go find out more at:

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/start/start-career.aspx

Windows 7 overview webcast

jweston — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:03:50 GMT

Here is a webcast I did this morning with AITP(Association of Information Technology Professionals) They have offered up the link so you can watch the recording.

https://www323.livemeeting.com/cc/usergroups/view?cn=&id=32HFWZ&pw

put your name in and you can watch or download.

More info about AITP at www.atip.org

enjoy!

Amazing story

jweston — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:46:58 GMT

I am a sailor, and have read some amazing stories about sailors, by sailors, about sailing. This weekend I was reading www.sailinganarchy.com and ran across this story about Ronnie Simpson. He is 25 years old. This story starts in 2004, just 5 years ago in Iraq.

Here is the story reprinted from sailing anarchy, go check out his website: http://openbluehorizon.com

Ronnie Simpson

Back in 2004, I was a .50 cal gunner on a Humvee, serving in the Marines. We got into a firefight just outside of Fallujah, Iraq, with RPGs, mortar fire and small arms fire started coming out of the tree line in the middle of the night. I literally thought I was going to die. With the butterfly trigger firmly down, I fired into the tree line at a cyclic rate to suppress the enemy. An RPG exploded just 1 meter away from me, and I was immediately med-evac'ed back to the states, in a medically induced coma. I ended up spending 18 days in the coma, losing half my left lung, sustaining a lot of permanent eye damage, shrapnel, burns, blown out eardrum, ruptured stomach, intestines, spleen, etc. etc. etc.
So I started recovering, and when home on convalescent leave to visit family only four months after my injury, my dad died of a heart attack in his sleep. It absolutely rocked my world; I was devastated. So I went back to Texas (where the military hospital is), and kept on living the life. Going to college and eventually getting medically retired from the Marines at the age of 20. (i was 19 when i got hit.) By the time I was 22, I was a senior in college, had a full time job selling motorcycles, had a house with equity in it, and a fiancee. I was very unhappy and had some personal issues that needed to be resolved. What really got to me was that I had a second shot at life, and I was blowing it. I had this breakdown and moment of realization that something had to give. So my brother calls me one night and says "wanna go sail around the world in like 5 years?" I said "sure."
Neither one of us had ever set foot on a sailboat in our lives. I spent the whole night looking at cruising stuff online, and decided I wanted to go for it. 5 days later, I had a for sale sign in the front yard, dropped out of school, told the fiance (I'm single now), and told my boss i'd be leaving when my house sold. 3 months later it sold, and I found myself in San Diego on a 41 foot 1961 Palmer Johnson Bounty II. Sick-ass boat. Had solar panels, wind generator, water maker, wind vane, SSB, all the toys. So I learned about sailing, fixed up the boat a lot, partied a lot and then left Dago six months later to head to Hawaii, where my brother lives. I was singlehanded (Ed McCoy from "Anarchy" was my mentor last year in SD. Don't know if that hurt me or helped me....Just kidding. Thanks dude.)
So I had some problems, but overcame them as you do when you're out there. On October 7, Tropical Depression 15-E started developing. The next morning it became Tropical Storm Norbert. Conditions quickly became 30 knots and really lumpy seas. No problem, just reef down, adjust vane, keep trucking. Things kept getting worse and worse. The storm intensified from a Tropical Storm to Category 4 hurricane in 16 hours. A fully crewed, fully functional Outbound 46 abandons boat and gets rescued less than 50 miles from me on October 8. I keep trucking. So i'm trying to cook some food down below when my boat rounds up. What the hell? Back into the cockpit and I sheet out and turn hard to port. Nothing happens. Keep turning and turning. Nothing happens. LED headlight over the side and BROKEN RUDDER. Wind vane broke in half too. The rudder eventually left the boat entirely. I personally think I hit a whale or something that had come to the top. Meanwhile, NOAA reports said 50-60 and 10-12 meter seas which seems about right, I've certainly never seen anything like that before or since.
So here I am, 800 miles from land with no rudder in a hurricane. I stay calm and try to fix the problem. Play with the sails, throw a bucket over, try steering with gale rider, try steering with a big ass knot of rope, etc. Try re-attaching my wind vane and using the small rudder on it, etc, for the next 13 hours. (That was a loooong 13 hours....) By this point it's the next afternoon and the storm is moving on, but it's still pretty rough. About the time I was trying to rig a bathroom door to the spin pole (it wasn't going that well but sounded cool at first), I was informed over SSB that a freight ship could pick me up in 5 hours time. I was asked if I wanted to get picked up. I thought about it, and really didn't think I had another feasible option, so I said yes. I had been knocked down twice, was running out of options and could not get the boat to steer. This meant that I had to leave my boat, and EVERYTHING I owned out in the middle of an ocean on my maiden voyage. It was extraordinarily difficult, but such is life.
5 hours later, the "M/V Vecchio Bridge" came to pick me up.

They hit my boat head on, ripping two shrouds out of the deck and breaking off a spreader. Bent the mast too. Then they almost missed me and had to use the thruster to move to starboard and bring my boat into their side. It was almost dark and my boat started drifting away again, so I just jumped in and swam to their little orange life ring. 3 heroic Phillippinos pulled me out of the drink, and to safety. On the way up, my boat rocked and I took an aft mounted solar panel to the thigh. Biiig bruise. So I spent 12 days on a freight ship with 17 Philippino's and 4 Koreans. Guys could not have been cooler if they tried. Very professional too. Much appreciation to Captain I/O Kyun and Fukujin Kisen shipping Co. On October 21, 2008, I arrived in Shanghai. (Yes, I literally got Shanghai'd). The US Consulate came and picked me up and dropped me off at an airline pilot's hotel who had ironically been talking to me over SSB when I was making my distress call. (He had been flying overhead from Shanghai to San Fran on Jet Airways at the time).
I had no visa and could only stay in China for 24 hours. So I flew to Hong Kong and looked for a boat. I only had like $3,000 left to my name, so I settled on a mountain bike instead of a boat. I spent 2 months in Hong Kong just racing sailboats, working a bit, traveling China a bit, mountain biking and preparing for my next trip.
So on January 1, I left Hong Kong and cycled through China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. 58 days and close to 3,000 miles. I couldn't get a visa for Burma, so I flew into Calcutta, India and cycled across India for a month. 1,200+ miles. Pakistan was spiraling into a civil war and wouldn't give me a visa, and Hitler, I mean, Ahmadinejad didn't want anyone in the country coming up to elections, so Iran denied me a visa as well. I had to fly to Turkey. I really wanted to go to Iran though, so I booked the only flight from India to Turkey that had a layover in Tehran. I couldn't leave the airport in Tehran though.
I spent 12 days in Istanbul, sightseeing and getting denied an Iranian visa again, so I started pedaling to England. I rode through Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Holland, (I sailed from Holland to Belgium on a Swan 43. Friend from Hong Kong.) Belgium, and France. I boarded a ferry to Dover, England from Calais, France. 1 more day to London from Dover. Second day in London and my bike gets stolen.

So I bought a crappy English bike for about 200 dollars and threw my gear on. What was left any ways. I rode up to Mildenhall, England and hopped on a US Air Force cargo plane headed to California. (cheapest way for retired military to fly) So I arrive near San Francisco and go into the city. I spent the first weekend back home racing sailboats with Caca Cabeza. 1 final week cycling down the coast from San Fran to Dago, and I'm officially done. July 28, 2009 I finally made it home. 8,700 miles pedaled,, 800+ miles sailed, 1 boat lost, 1 bike lost, and about 21 countries that I visited. Pretty good trip!
2 days after getting home, (I had literally $88 left to my name when I got home), I got a job working construction at my old marina on Harbor Island, building new docks. Job ends in December. I was going to try to build a boat and race next year's Singlehanded Transpac, but reality hit, and I just can't afford it without outside funding. (I reallllly want a Moore 24...) So I bought a Cal 25 off of Craigslist for $1,000 to live on and cruise Mexico with. I hope to cruise Mexico for 2 months, leaving in January, and be back by March.
While on my trip, I just had this insane desire to sail and ocean race. That's all I want to do, so that's what i'm going after. I have been racing every weekend since i've been home.
Scot heard my story from my friend Ed and came and talked to me at the ISAF regatta. I mentioned to him my desire to race the Pac Cup, amongst other races, and he said he would try to help me out by getting the word out, which I hope this story does.
I hope my future holds some major solo ocean racing in it, and in the meantime, I'm looking to do some major ocean races. I may not have decades of experience, but I do have plenty of references and work my ass off on every boat I crew on. So please check out my website and let me know if you're interested in adding this ex-marine to your crew.
-Ronnie Simpson

Austin and Tulsa get “Best of Launch” events

jweston — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 21:28:52 GMT

TechNet & MSDN Events Present:

Highlights from “the New Efficiency” Launch

Join us as we explore how Windows® 7, Windows Server® 2008 R2 and Exchange Server® 2010 deliver on the new efficiency where cost savings, productivity and innovations come together. At this free event we’ll cover the “best of” content and deliver highlights from “the New Efficiency” Launch events taking place nationwide.

ATTEND this special event and learn about these exciting new products and discover how:

· Windows 7 simplifies everyday tasks, improves productivity and works the way you want.

· Windows Server 2008 R2 delivers new functionality and powerful improvements to the core Windows Server operating system to help organizations increase control, availability, and flexibility for their changing business needs.

· Exchange Server 2010 achieves new levels of reliability, reduces cost and drives productivity.

TechNet Events Presents >
8:30 am - 12:00 pm

SESSIONS INCLUDE

· Introducing Windows 7

· Introduction to Windows Server 2008 R2

· Introducing Exchange Server 2010

Date/Location/Registration
12/8/2009	Austin, TX
12/9/2009	Tulsa, OK

MSDN Events Presents >

1:00 pm - 4:30 pm

SESSIONS INCLUDE

· Taking Your Application to the Next Level with Windows 7

· Light up Your Application with Graphics, Multi-touch and Ribbon on Windows 7

· What’s new and changed in Windows Server 2008 R2

Date/Location/Registration
12/8/2009	Austin, TX
12/9/2009	Tulsa, OK

Register and attend for your chance to WIN!

Ø Netbook! Dell Mini 10 - US $329.00 (ARV) Approximate Retail Value

Ø Zune! – Zune HD - US $289.00 (ARV)

Ø Games! “Halo 3 ODST” for XBOX 360 US $59.99 (ARV)

Ø Books!

- Windows 7 Inside Out US $49.99 (ARV) - TechNet

- Introducing Windows 7 for Developers US $39.99 (ARV) – MSDN

*No Purchase Necessary. Open only to registered event attendees. Game ends day of event. Must be present to win. For full Official Rules, see event registration desk.

© 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows 7 and Windows Server are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Due to government gift and ethics laws and Microsoft policy, government employees (including military and employees of public education institutions) are not eligible to participate. Have a new e-mail address? Click here to update your personal preferences. Review our Privacy Statement. If you prefer not to receive future promotional e-mail messages of this type from Microsoft, please unsubscribe. We will promptly update your preferences; however, you may still receive previously initiated communications from Microsoft. This e-mail message is intended for distribution within the United States. Please contact your local Microsoft subsidiary for similar offerings outside the United States. Microsoft Corporation One Microsoft Way Redmond, WA 98052

Tulsa anyone?

jweston — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:17:25 GMT

I will be speaking at this event as part of the IT Pro track, come see Windows 7, Server 2008 R2, and Exchange 2010. See you there!

24 hours of PURE

jweston — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:55:20 GMT

24 hrs ago I purchased a new phone. Yep it’s been almost 2 year since I got a new Windows Mobile phone. I purchased the HTC ST6356 or “PURE” under the AT&T brand.

it was $149 after rebate, renewing my contract for 2 year.

No keyboard on this baby, that will take a little getting use to. So far I love the phone.

When I attached it to my laptop, it asked, do you want to sync, or use the phone as a modem for your laptop, very cool and easy tethering. i love the Tilt, it auto rotates into landscape when you hold it up.

new reading format for email is great one finger gestures role to the next email, setup to exchange took all of 2 minutes. i am pretty hard on phones, so we will see how this one holds up.

what new windows mobile 6.5 phone are you going to purchase?

New Dallas IT Pro User Group

jweston — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:38:41 GMT

DFW IT Professionals October 20^th User Group Meeting

Speech Title: Windows 7! Tip, Tricks, and everything else you wanted to know

Topic Description: Windows 7! Tip, Tricks, and everything else you wanted to know. Demos, Demos, Demos not slides and more slides. Come get your questions on Windows 7 answered! Do you know how to upgrade from XP to Windows 7? What are the new security features of Windows 7? Why upgrade now? What is the difference between the different versions, and do I need 64 or 32 bit versions? Do I need to buy a new PC for it, or will it run OK, or great on my X year old machine? What is this Direct Access and Branch Cache stuff all about, how do I configure it? What minimum memory configuration do you recommend with Windows 7? Can I run Windows 7 in a virtualize environment? Boot to VHD, huh?

Location
Microsoft's Las Colinas Office
LC1 Building (Right Tower)
7000 State Highway 161, Irving, TX

Speaker: John Weston
Some may call John a geek. He prefers the term “technologist.” Truth is, John began working with computer games before PCs even hit the scene – and he’s probably got a dusty prototype stashed somewhere to prove it. He’s a fourth generation educator who loves to help people learn new technologies and relishes that magic moment when the light comes on in their eyes. Before joining Microsoft full time, he spent six years as an MCT, training people at a local college and getting new Microsoft hires up to speed. John holds more certifications than he can remember, but the list definitely includes MCSE, MCDBA, MCT, and CCNA. His favorite technology is SQL and he gets a special thrill from solving customers’ problems. For John, there’s nothing like coaxing people from panic to joy when a server goes down and he can help get the business back up on line. When he’s not working, John can usually be found sailing around Texas with his kids

Cost: Free but please RSVP to help predict the amount of food needed.
RSVP: http://events.linkedin.com/DFW-Pro-User-Group-October-20th-Meeting/pub/133990
Agenda:
6-6:30: Dinner and Networking
6:30-7:00: Announcements, and Business meeting
7 to 8:30: Presentation and wrap up

Give a ways: Books, Software, Shirts and more

Website: www.dfwitprofessionals.com

TechNet Plus

jweston — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:44:00 GMT

Now that you watched the video, I can get you 25% off that price. use code TMSAM06

only good until December 2009 so hurry and only good in the US(sorry)

By the way this video is of Steve Rose, gotta love him!

Two great announcements today on Office Communications Server

jweston — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:22:46 GMT

REDMOND, Wash. — Oct. 1, 2009 — Microsoft today announced two new offerings for Microsoft Office Communications Server, which delivers streamlined communication for users to find and communicate with the right person, at the right time, from the applications they know and use most.

First, Microsoft is releasing the Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2 XMPP Gateway at no additional licensing cost; it allows basic presence sharing and instant messaging (IM) with Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol networks Cisco Jabber and Google Talk. For Office Communications Server customers, this means Cisco Jabber and Google Talk users can now be part of Office Communications Server IM contacts. Starting today, the Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2 XMPP Gateway can be downloaded here, while a video that explains how the Gateway works can be viewed here.

Second, Microsoft is changing its public instant messaging connectivity (PIC) license requirements for Office Communications Server connectivity to the Windows Live and AOL public IM networks. Now, customers with Office Communications Server 2007 R2 Standard CAL (or equivalent Software Assurance rights) will no longer require an additional license to connect with the millions of people who use Windows Live and AOL for instant messaging and presence. This change took place in July for Windows Live, and is scheduled for AOL in October 2009.

Did you miss the local Azure event…..

jweston — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:37:48 GMT

Well Next week we are having one broadcast on a webcast.

TechNet Events Present: Real World Azure

Come spend a morning with us on September 29th to explore Windows Azure™ – Microsoft’s platform for building and deploying cloud based applications – from a real world point of view! During this event, we’ll review critical lessons Microsoft IT has learned migrating internal line-of-business applications to Windows Azure™. What is Windows Azure™? When should I use it? How does it apply to my job? Whether you’re an IT Professional, Developer or Architect, we’ll address your top of mind questions about cloud computing.

TechNet LIVE Webcast | REGISTER >>

MSDN Events Present: Real World Azure

Come spend an afternoon with us on September 29th to explore Windows Azure™ – Microsoft’s platform for building and deploying cloud based applications – from a real world point of view! During this event, we’ll review critical lessons Microsoft IT has learned migrating internal line-of-business applications to Windows Azure™. What is Windows Azure™? When should I use it? How does it apply to my job? Whether you’re an IT Professional, Developer or Architect, we’ll address your top of mind questions about cloud computing.

MSDN LIVE Webcast | REGISTER >>

Windows 7 for College Students for $29.99

jweston — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 22:46:18 GMT

This is from www.win741.com here are some of the details, go check it out.

Which edition of Windows 7 can I purchase?

This offer applies to the Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 Professional editions. You can compare these editions and learn more here.

How many copies of Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional can I order?

Eligible students are allowed to purchase one copy of either Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 7 Professional from the online store.

Which edition of Windows is right for me? Should I get Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional?

Windows 7 Home Premium is perfect for anyone looking for a great media experience and a PC that allows them to get their work done. Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to enjoy and share your favorite TV shows, photos, videos, and music. You can also quickly cut through the clutter on your desktop with new features like Shake and Peek. And you can easily make your PC your own by personalizing your themes, gadgets and desktop backgrounds.
If your school requires Domain Join, then you might want to consider Windows 7 Professional, which will let you connect to your school network so you can take advantage of features like HomeGroup and Remote Media Streaming. Through this offer, you can also get Windows 7 Professional for $29.99.
To upgrade easily from Windows Vista, you should upgrade to the same version you currently have in Windows 7. For example, if you’re moving from Windows Vista Home Premium with 32-bit software, it would be easiest to upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium with 32-bit software. Most of the other upgrades require a custom (clean) installation, which is a fairly complex installation process that needs several steps and can take quite a few hours. Not sure what you currently have? Click here to learn how to quickly check. If you’re interested in upgrading to a different version of Windows 7 or changing to a 32- or 64-bit system, click here to determine if you need to do an in-place upgrade or clean (custom install).

What is domain join and how do I check if my school has it?

Some universities might require you to join the University Domain in order to gain access to specific internal sites. Please check with the IT department and/or Network administrator for your school to verify if you need "Domain Join" before choosing your new Version of Windows 7.

What is the difference between what I can purchase from the online store versus in a retail store?

You can only take advantage of this special offer through the official promotion website. There is no difference between the Windows 7 software you will install from the online store versus in retail stores. However, if you need to perform a custom (clean) install on your PC, we recommend you purchase the back-up DVD.

What is the difference between an in-place upgrade and a custom (or clean) install, and which should I do?

PCs designed for Windows Vista should run Windows 7 very well. To double check your PC’s capabilities, you can download and run the free Windows Upgrade Advisor. How you upgrade will depend on the edition of Windows Vista on your PC, and the edition of Windows 7 you want to install. You’ll either do an “in place installation,” which keeps your programs, files, and settings in place, or you’ll do a custom installation, which will set up your PC from scratch.
If you’re thinking about upgrading a PC from Windows XP to Windows 7, please download and run the free Windows Upgrade Advisor (http://windows.microsoft.com/upgrade) to see if your PC can run Windows 7 acceptably.
If you decide to install Windows 7 on a PC running Windows XP you’ll need to do a custom installation. This is sometimes called a “clean install” because it will erase your hard drive and set up your PC from scratch. To avoid losing anything, you’ll need to make copies of all the files, photos, and other information you want to keep. You’ll also need to have installation disks for all the programs you want to use. If you have an external hard drive, you can use it with the free Windows Easy Transfer program to help back up your files and information, then transfer them back to your PC after Windows 7 is installed.
Upgrading a PC with Windows XP to Windows 7 is an involved process. If you’re at all uncomfortable with it, please consider having the upgrade done by a local PC or electronics retailer.

After I did a clean (or custom) installation, my copy of Microsoft Office disappeared, what can I do?

If you purchased Microsoft Office as a download (e.g. from Microsoft Store of Office Online), you should visit the online store where you made your purchase to re-download and install.
If you purchased a box product, please contact Microsoft Customer Service to get a replacement disk or product key.

Do I get 32- or 64-bit software?

You can choose to download either 32- OR 64-bit software. Not sure which one to get? Click here to learn how to check what your computer is currently running.
If you accidentally downloaded or activated the incorrect version, you will need to contact digitalriver.com.

Will Windows 7 work on my PC?

Before you take advantage of this offer, please check the PC you want to upgrade. The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor can help you determine which features and editions of Windows 7 will run on your computer.
For quick reference, here are the Windows 7 System Requirements:
- 1GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
- 1GB RAM (32-bit) / 2GB RAM (64-bit)
- 16GB available disk space (32-bit) / 20 GB (64-bit)
- DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
These additional requirements are needed to use certain features:
- Internet Access (fees may apply)
- Depending on resolution video playback may require additional memory and advanced graphics hardware
- For some Windows Media Center functionality a TV tuner and additional hardware may be required
- Windows Touch and Windows Tablet require specific hardware
- HomeGroup requires a network and PCs with Windows 7
- DVD/CD authoring requires a compatible optical drive
- BitLocker requires TPM1.2; BitLocker To Go requires a USB Flash Drive
- Music and sound require audio output
- Windows XP Mode requires:
- Additional 1GB of RAM
- Additional 15GB of available disk space
- Processor capable of hardware virtualization, with Intel-VT or AMD-V turned on
Product functionality and graphics may vary based on your system configuration.

My PC is running Windows XP. Can I upgrade it to Windows 7?

If you’re thinking about upgrading a PC from Windows XP to Windows 7, please download and run the free Windows Upgrade Advisor to see if your PC can run Windows 7 acceptably.
If you decide to install Windows 7 on a PC running Windows XP, you’ll need to do a custom installation. This is sometimes called a “clean install” because it erases the contents of your PC. To avoid losing anything, you’ll need to make copies of all the files, photos, and other information you want to keep. You’ll also need to have installation disks for all the programs you want to use.
If you have an external hard drive, you can use it with the free Windows Easy Transfer program to help back up your files and information.
After Windows 7 is installed, you’ll need to reinstall your programs and use Windows Easy Transfer to move your files and information back onto your PC.
Upgrading a PC with Windows XP to Windows 7 is an involved process. If you’re at all uncomfortable with it, please consider having the upgrade done by a local PC or electronics retailer.

How do I do a custom installation?

Important: In a custom installation, your files, settings, and programs will not be transferred to Windows 7. You should back up your data before installing Windows 7.

To install Windows 7:

Run Windows Upgrade Advisor to see if there are any known issues that might affect the installation and whether you should install the 32- or 64-bit version of Windows 7.
Back up your existing files and settings by saving them to an external hard drive, CD, DVD, USB flash drive or other media. Use Windows Easy Transfer and an external hard drive to make this process easier. Windows Easy Transfer is included in Windows Vista, here’s how to use it. If you’re running Windows XP, you can download Windows Easy Transfer for free at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=2b6f1631-973a-45c7-a4ec-4928fa173266
Locate the original installation disks for the programs currently on your computer.
Insert the Windows 7 DVD and follow the instructions for a custom installation by selecting the Custom (advanced) installation option.
Reinstall your programs and your backed up files and settings. If you used Windows Easy Transfer, launch Windows Easy Transfer in Windows 7 (in the Start menu, click All Programs>Accessories>System Tools) and follow the instructions.

What if I have a problem installing or activating my software?

If something goes wrong during activation or installation, you can reach tech support here.

I've heard about other Windows 7 student offers, where can I find more information?

You can go here to check out all the other Windows 7 offers designed especially with students in mind.

My school has a program called MSDNAA and I've heard I can get software there for no cost. Is that true?

Yes. MSDNAA is a global academic program designed specifically for academic labs, faculty, and students studying in areas of computer science, engineering, and information systems. If a department you are taking classes in is a part of this program, you could get Windows 7 at no cost. Go here to search for your school.

Are there any other deals for students that I should be aware of?

Microsoft offers special discounts for students through agreements with many colleges and universities. To be sure you are fully aware of what all is available to you, check with your technology administrator, campus book or computer store to learn about what might be available on your campus.
You can also go here to see all the student offers and discounts that are available – be sure to check back often as this site is continuously updated.

I love this new WINDOWS 7 commercial we launched last night.

jweston — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:04:06 GMT

Powershell and Windows Server 2008 R2

jweston — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:12:44 GMT

Showcasing Windows PowerShell

PowerShell Means “Powerful Automation”!
Announcing a new webcast series for both Developers and IT-Pro’s.

PowerShell is a Windows management technology designed for ease-of-use by both system administrators and application developers. PowerShell Version 2 (V2) is available with both Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 as well as previous Windows releases via an optional update.

For Developers specifically, Windows PowerShell in combination with the Windows Management Infrastructure (WinRM, WS-Management, WMI) provides a great way to automate server hosted solutions. For example, if you implement all your administration logic via PowerShell, then layer the MMC GUI over the top (i.e. MMC calls PowerShell to get the work done) - you will have given your Enterprise customers the absolute best of all worlds; GUIs, scripting, and delegated, remote automation.

PowerShell V2 introduces many new features including remote sessions, an integrated script environment, debugging tools, and much more.

Start your video tour of PowerShell V2 via MSDN Channel9 and TechNet Edge. Find reusable scripts and techniques at the PowerShell Script-Center. Subscribe to the RSS feeds at both the PowerShell and the Windows Management team blogs. Get demo scripts from MSDN Code Gallery.

Download and share the new Windows Server 2008 R2 Developer Training Kit with PowerShell HOLs!

PDC09

jweston — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:04:07 GMT

This is the final week to get the $500 early discount on PDC registration. Go sign up now!

ABOUT THE PDC

The Professional Developers Conference (PDC) is the definitive developer event focused on the technical strategy of the Microsoft developer platform. Attendees come from around the world to learn about the future of Microsoft developer technology directly from the people who make it happen. If you’re a developer, architect or technology leader involved in making strategic technology decisions for your company or organization, the PDC is for you.

Since 1991, the PDC has been the epicenter of Microsoft’s biggest platform announcements, including Microsoft .NET, Windows® XP, Windows Vista® and Windows 7®. This year, you’ll hear more details about our services platform, Windows®, the Web, devices, and our next generation of developer tools.

WHAT YOU’LL GET AT THE PDC

Microsoft’s vision and roadmap for the future of developer technology. PDC is where our biggest names make the biggest announcements. Keynoters Ray Ozzie and Bob Muglia will share their vision for developer technology at PDC09. More keynoters still to be announced!
Deep, technical content delivered by Microsoft’s technology leaders. At the PDC, you’ll have the unique opportunity to learn directly from the people who conceived and built the latest Microsoft developer platform technologies and tools. Much of what’s featured at the PDC has yet to be released, and as a result, session content comes in ‘hot’ and is published all the way up to the event date. Subscribe to the New Sessions RSS to stay on top of published sessions.

Hands-on access to the latest developer technologies and over 1,000 Microsoft product and technology experts available to answer your questions. The PDC isn’t just about keynotes and sessions – it’s an opportunity for you to get hands-on access to the latest technologies, have your questions answered by Microsoft program managers and developers and plan the features and architecture to support your product and business goals.

Unique networking opportunities with leading-edge developers and technology leaders just like you. You’ll be among your tribe at PDC09, and we’ve planned a number of special events and places for you to take advantage of the opportunity to connect with and learn from attendees that share your technology interests and business challenges.

Windows 7 Application Compatibility

jweston — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:57:00 GMT

Springboard Series Virtual Roundtable

Windows 7 Application Compatibility Part 2: Virtualization

Date: Thursday, September 24

Time: 9:00am Pacific Time

https://ms.istreamplanet.com/springboard

Hear from a panel of experts how virtualization tools can help you with application compatibility concerns whether you’re migrating from Windows Vista or Windows XP. Join us to discuss how presentation virtualization, desktop virtualization and application virtualization can reduce testing times, expedite deployment and ultimately help you streamline PC management. We’ll cover the latest desktop virtualization technologies from Microsoft, including App-V, MED-V and XP Mode for Windows 7. Plus we share tips and tricks and demonstrate free tools to analyze and fix applications while answering your questions live during the event. Join live on Thursday, September 24^th, 2009, 9:00am Pacific Time. Missed Part 1? Watch the replay.

For IT Pro tips, tricks and resources for Windows 7, visit the Springboard Series.

As part of the “virtual” experience, you may submit your questions about Windows 7 Application Compatibility to the panel live during the event—or submit questions in advance to vrtable@microsoft.com.

Springboard Series: The resource for Windows desktop IT professionals