John Weston Stories, Information, and random thoughts. : Vista

Windows Server 2008 Launch Slides Module 3 Security

jweston — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 02:51:00 GMT

Hello! Thanks for checking out my blog. We just started doing Launch Events for Windows Server 2008. I got to do one of the first events Yesterday in San Antonio, Texas. Thanks home state crowd. It was a blast to present to you. As promised I have the slide decks I used available for you. I haven't had a chance to put them on my own site yet, or on a corporate site yet. But I wanted to get them to you ASAP. So my co worker Chris Avis (he did the other first day event Yesterday in NYC!)

has them up on his site. Don't worry about getting redirected to this thing called stewedprunes, it's just his server at home....

Don't worry, we are doing launches in 60 cities around the US. We will be coming to a city near you soon. My next one is March 20th, KEY CITY HOUSTON, TX. Go sign up now before it fills up at: www.microsoft.com/hhh

FOLLOW THIS LINK to slides from Launch

Windows Server 2008 Launch Slides Module 2 Virtualization

jweston — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 02:50:00 GMT

has them up on his site. Don't worry about getting redirected to this thing called stewedprunes, it's just his server at home....

FOLLOW THIS LINK to slides from Launch

Windows Server 2008 Launch Slide Module 1 What's New

jweston — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 02:48:00 GMT

has them up on his site. Don't worry about getting redirected to this thing called stewedprunes, it's just his server at home....

FOLLOW THIS LINK to slides from Launch

LAUNCH DAY. Windows Server 2008 VS 2008 SQL 2008 Q&A

jweston — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:36:00 GMT

Today is the start of Launch Day. BillG will do the start in LA. Then our team will carry that out to 62 other cities around the US. I thought about what to blog about today. If you want to watch it live go to www.heroeshappenhere.com There you can also register for your local event or try this new VLE(Virtual Launch Event) I will be helping with that tomorrow. VLE has a great Q&A info so I thought that would be good to post here. My first IN-PERSON event will be next Tuesday March 4th in San Antonio, TX. Go vote, and then come see me present on Windows Server 2008.

Heroes Happen Here Virtual Launch Experience (VLE)
Frequently Asked Questions

In this document:

GENERAL LAUNCH QUESTIONS

Q. Where can I get press information for the Heroes Happen Here launch?

A. Please see http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/events/HHHlaunch/default.mspx

Q. Tell me more about the Heroes Happen Here launch activities

A. Find out more about the Heroes Happen Here launch, the launch products, worldwide activities, training & how you can get involved at http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/default.mspx

Q. I attended the LA launch event and have questions about the Launch Events kit

Or – how do I redeem the vouchers I got at a launch event?

A. Please see http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/faq.mspx

Q. How can I get the software?

A. One way to get the software is to attend a participating launch event since all event attendees at participating locations are eligible to receive an event kit (subject to availability). See http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/register/default.mspx for a list of events near you.

Product specific: Windows Server 2008

I installed Windows Server 2008 RC1, how do I obtain the final release version?

Please see http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/trial-software.aspx

I installed Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V Beta, how do I obtain the final release version of Hyper-V?

Microsoft plans on making the final release version available through Windows Update www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com. Customers who have editions of Windows Server 2008 with Hyper-V Beta, will be able to download the final release version of Hyper-V to update their copy(ies) of Windows Server 2008 at no additional cost.

Product specific: Visual Studio 2008

How can I get Visual Studio 2008?

Try Visual Studio 2008 free for 90 days at http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vs2008/products/cc268305.aspx

Product specific: SQL Server 2008

I installed SQL Server 2008 CTP 5.0, how do I obtain the final release version?

Get the latest CTP of SQL Server 2008 CTP 6.0 at: http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/trial-software.aspx

The final release version will be available at www.microsoft.com/sql/2008/default.aspx once released.

Q. How can I get trained on these products?

A. For training and certification on the 2008 Launch Wave products, please see http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/learn-more/MSLearning/default.mspx.

Q. How can I find someone to help me with these products?

A. To find a partner who can help you build, develop or implement a solution using the 2008 Launch Wave products, please see http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/find-a-partner.mspx

Q. Who’s using these products already?

A. To see real-world examples of customers who are using the 2008 Launch Wave products, please see http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/learn-more/case-studies/default.mspx

Q. How else can I join in with launch?

OR – what is the HHH comic?

OR – what is the Heroes Portrait Gallery?

A. We’ve got a lot of new cool interactive ways to get involved with launch – go to http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/default.mspx to see more.

To get the HeroesHappenHere comic (& RSS feed), go to http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/cool-stuff/comic/default.mspx

Or add yourself to the Heroes Portait Gallery at http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/portraitgallery/start.aspx (Silverlight required).

GENERAL MICROSOFT QUESTIONS

Q. I’m having a problem with xxx – where can I get help?

A. Please use the Microsoft support center at http://support.microsoft.com/ for non-launch related questions.

You may also want to try the TechNet technical forums for IT Professionals at http://forums.microsoft.com/technet/default.aspx?siteid=17

Or the MSDN technical forums for Developers at http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/default.aspx?siteid=1

Q. Tell me more about Silverlight

A. Find out more about Microsoft Silverlight at http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/

Q. I have questions about Silverlight, where can I go for more help?

A. Please see Silverlight FAQ at http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/#4_4

Q. How can I find a Microsoft office near me?

A. Please look up your local website or Microsoft office at http://www.microsoft.com/worldwide/

Q. Who can help me...build, develop, implement...a business solution?

A. Please search the partner solutions database at http://wwwbeta.microsoft.com/solutionfinder/marketplace/home.aspx

WINDOWS SERVER 2008

Q. How can I get more information about Windows Server 2008?

A. For general product information, please see http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/default.aspx

For WS08 community events, please see www.heroescommunitylaunch.com

For more Windows Server 2008 resources, including blogs, newgroups, forums, chats, user groups and community websites, please search the database at http://www.microsoft.com/communities/default.mspx

For WS08 Learning events, please see http://www.microsoft.com/learning/windowsserver2008/default.mspx

Q. Is anyone using Windows Server 2008 yet?

A. To see real-world examples of customers who are using the 2008 Launch Wave products, please see http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/learn-more/case-studies/default.mspx

For Windows Server 2008 customer case studies, see

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/case-studies.aspx

Q. I want to try Windows Server 2008, how do I do that?

A. We’ve got a wide variety of ways to try WS08, including trial software, virtual labs, online test drives, videos & demos. Please see http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/try-it.aspx for more details.

Q. How much does Windows Server 2008 cost?

A. Please see http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/pricing.aspx for Windows Server 2008 pricing and licensing details.

Q. How can I get training for Windows Server 2008?

A. Please see http://www.microsoft.com/learning/windowsserver2008/default.mspx

Q. I need someone to help me implement Windows Server 2008, how do I find one?

A. Please see http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/find-partner.aspx for partners who can help you develop, build & implement WS08 solutions.

Q. How do I find a Windows Server Event near me?

A. To find a Heroes Happen Here launch event near you, please see http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/register/default.mspx

For WS08 community events, please see www.heroescommunitylaunch.com

For worldwide Windows Server 2008 events, including in-person, live & on-demand webcasts, podcasts and virtual labs, please search the database at http://www.microsoft.com/events/default.mspx

Q. I have a technical question about Windows Server 2008

A. For general WS08 technical support for ITPros and business users, please see the Windows Server 2008 TechCenter on TechNet at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/2008/default.aspx

For general WS08 technical support for Developers, please see the Windows Server 2008 DevCenter on MSDN at http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/default.aspx

For additional technical questions, please consult the TechNet or MSDN forums.

Forums are available to the general public as a means for posting questions, comments and responses around a particular product or subject matter. The Windows Server Group has a Windows Server code name “Longhorn” forum available where people interested in this product can post questions on the following scenarios:

§ Directory Services

§ Failover Clustering

§ File Services and Storage

§ General

§ Management

§ Migration

§ Network Access Protection

§ Platform Networking

§ Print/Fax

§ Security

§ Server Core

§ Server Virtualization

§ Setup and Deployment

§ Terminal Services

Access the Windows Server “Longhorn” Forum

§ Directly, through this link: http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/default.aspx?ForumGroupID=161&SiteID=17

§ Via TechNet’s General List of Forums, through this link: http://forums.microsoft.com/technet/default.aspx?siteid=17

VISUAL STUDIO 2008

Q. How can I get more information about Visual Studio 2008?

A. For general product information, please see http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vstudio/products/default.aspx

For VS08 community events, please see www.heroescommunitylaunch.com

For more Visual Studio 2008 resources, including blogs, newgroups, forums, chats, user groups and community websites, please search the database at http://www.microsoft.com/communities/default.mspx

For VS08 Learning events, please see

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/vstudio/2008/default.mspx

Q. I want to learn more about other Visual Studio products

A. For more information, or to try Visual Studio Team System, please see http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vsts2008/products/default.aspx

For more information, or to get a free copy of Visual Studio Express, please see http://www.microsoft.com/express/

Q. Is anyone using Visual studio 2008 yet?

A. To see real-world examples of customers who are using the 2008 Launch Wave products, please see http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/learn-more/case-studies/default.mspx

For Visual Studio 2008 customer case studies, see

http://www.microsoft.com/casestudies/search.aspx?ProTaxID=3197

Q. I want to try Visual Studio 2008, how do I do that?

A. We’ve got a wide variety of ways to try VS08.

For trial software, demos & virtual labs, please see http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vs2008/products/cc263902.aspx.

For the Visual Studio 2008 online test drive, see http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/testdrive/visual-studio-2008/default.mspx

Q. How much does Visual Studio 2008 cost?

A. Please see http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vs2008/products/cc263904.aspx for Windows Server 2008 pricing and licensing details.

Q. How can I get training for Visual Studio 2008?

A. Please see http://www.microsoft.com/learning/vstudio/2008/default.mspx

Q. I need someone to help me implement Visual Studio 2008, how do I find one?

A. Please see http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vs2008/products/bb964534.aspx for partners who can help you develop, build & implement VS08 solutions.

Q. How do I find a Visual Studio Event near me?

A. To find a Heroes Happen Here launch event near you, please see http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/register/default.mspx

For VS08 community events, please see www.heroescommunitylaunch.com

For worldwide Visual Studio 2008 events, including in-person, live & on-demand webcasts, podcasts and virtual labs, please search the database at http://www.microsoft.com/events/default.mspx

Q. I have a technical question about Visual Studio 2008

A. For general VS08 technical support for Developers, please see the Visual Studio 2008 DevCenter on MSDN at http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vs2008/default.aspx

For additional technical questions, please consult the MSDN forums.

Forums are available to the general public as a means for posting questions, comments and responses around a particular product or subject matter.

All MSDN forums: http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/default.aspx?SiteID=1

Visual Studio has the following forums for specific topics:

Visual Studio Setup and Installation

http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=26&SiteID=1

Windows Presentation Foundation

http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=119&SiteID=1

Visual Studio Extensibility

http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=57&SiteID=1

Visual Studio Tools for Office

http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=16&SiteID=1

SQL SERVER 2008

Q. How can I get more information about Windows Server 2008?

A. For general product information, please see

http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/default.aspx

For SQL08 community events, please see www.heroescommunitylaunch.com

For more SQL Server 2008 resources, including blogs, newgroups, forums, chats, user groups and community websites, please search the database at http://www.microsoft.com/communities/default.mspx

For SQL08 Learning events, please see http://www.microsoft.com/learning/sql/2008/default.mspx

Q. Is anyone using SQL Server 2008 yet?

A. To see real-world examples of customers who are using the 2008 Launch Wave products, please see http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/learn-more/case-studies/default.mspx

For SQL Server 2008 customer case studies, see http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/case-studies.aspx

Q. I want to try SQL Server 2008, how do I do that?

A. We’ve got a wide variety of ways to try SQL08, including trial software, virtual labs, online test drives, videos & demos. Please see http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/try-it.aspx

Q. How much does SQL Server 2008 cost?

A. SQL Server pricing has not been announced yet. For more information, please see

http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/default.aspx

Q. How can I get training for SQL Server 2008?

A. Please see http://www.microsoft.com/learning/sql/2008/default.mspx

Q. I need someone to help me implement SQL Server 2008, how do I find one?

A. Please see http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/find-partner.aspx for partners who can help you develop, build & implement SQL08 solutions.

Q. How do I find a SQL Server Event near me?

A. To find a Heroes Happen Here launch event near you, please see http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/register/default.mspx

For SQL08 community events, please see www.heroescommunitylaunch.com

For worldwide SQL Server 2008 events, including in-person, live & on-demand webcasts, podcasts and virtual labs, please search the database at http://www.microsoft.com/events/default.mspx

Q. I have a technical question about SQL Server 2008

A. For general SQL08 technical support for ITPros and business users, please see the SQL Server 2008 TechCenter on Technet at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sqlserver/default.aspx

For general SQL08 technical support for Developers, please see the SQL Server 2008 DevCenter on MSDN at http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/sqlserver/default.aspx

For additional technical questions, please consult the Technet or MSDN forums.

Forums are available to the general public as a means for posting questions, comments and responses around a particular product or subject matter.

SQL Server Forums on TechNet (for IT Pros): http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/default.aspx?ForumGroupID=440&SiteID=17

SQL Server Forums on MSDN (for Developers):

http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/default.aspx?ForumGroupID=428&SiteID=1

SQL Server has the following forums for specific topics:

SQL Server 2008 Spatial Support

http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=2622600&SiteID=1

SQL Server 2008 (Katmai) Manageability & Tools

http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=1630&SiteID=17

SQL Server 2008 (Katmai) Integration Services

http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=1622&SiteID=17

SQL Server 2008 (Katmai) Setup and Upgrade

http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=1627&SiteID=17

SQL Server 2008 (Katmai) Reporting Services

http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=1624&SiteID=17

SQL Server 2008 (Katmai) Database Engine

http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=1618&SiteID=17

Windows Vista ReadyBoost Specs.

jweston — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 06:21:00 GMT

Thanks to Mr. John Baker for the following information on Readyboost.

You can see his blog at http://blogs.technet.com/johnbaker

Windows Vista ReadyBoost Requirements

Supported Form Factors and Busses

ReadyBoost supports USB flash drives, Secure Digital cards, CompactFlash cards, Memory Stick over PCI, and PCIe and SSA busses, which effectively includes most internal card readers in mobile PCs. ReadyBoost does not support cards attached to external USB readers or devices attached to a USB 1.0 and USB 1.1 bus.

In general, any flash storage device that exposes a volume to Windows and meets minimum performance limits will be supported by ReadyBoost.

The following are requirements for USB flash devices enhanced for ReadyBoost:·

USB flash drives themselves and the host controllers they are inserted into must both use the USB 2.0 standard.
USB flash drives must have at least 230 MB of free space

Flash Performance

Flash storage devices must meet minimum performance requirements to support ReadyBoost, including 2.5 MB/s throughput for random 4K reads and 1.75 MB/s for random 512‑K writes.

Higher performance requirements must be met for the device to be designated as “enhanced for ReadyBoost”: 5 MB/s for random 4K reads and 3 MB/s for randmon 512‑K writes. Microsoft recommends that users use devices enhanced for ReadyBoost to take full advantage of the benefits provided by ReadyBoost.

Flash Capacity

ReadyBoost can support devices with cache sizes ranging from 230 MB to 4 GB. Microsoft recommends at least a 1:1 ratio of ReadyBoost cache size to main memory (RAM) capacity. Higher ratios up to 3:1 will realize the optimal performance benefits.

Flash Wear

Some types of NVRAM (such as NAND) are rated for a limited number of write-erase cycles before individual cell failure occur. To limit the possibility of cell failure, ReadyBoost has been designed to carefully manage when it writes to the cache. Initial testing of devices enhanced for ReadyBoost indicates that users can expect many years of use under typical workloads. The absolute lifetime of each device will vary depending on device capacity and manufacturer.

Time Square goes "VISTA"

jweston — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 05:50:00 GMT

I am in NYC tonight for an Exchange partner event tomorrow. I had a little time tonight to walk around Time Square. I love the lights and all of the signs. As I thought, Vista is everywhere. Right about the ESPN Zone is there show us your "WOW" Vista billboard that is HUGE!! I then went west on 42nd street The entire north side of the street is VISTA ads. 8 or 9 of them, I lost count. It's so fun to be in this town just after such a huge launch. Full page articles in USATODAY. I thought positive for them. What do you think of all of this marketing? Sorry no pics, I forgot the camera on this trip, just an over nighter.

Free T-mobile Hot spots (until April 30 using Vista)

jweston — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 07:37:00 GMT

www.skysurprise.com If you are running Vista, go to this site, you can get free access to T-Mobile hotspots until April 30th. We were passing out sickers with this on it today, now it's on my blog for anyone to find out about. Go enjoy!!

VISTA FOR $49.99!!! (ok, only two copies after you buy one retail Ultimate)

jweston — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 07:29:00 GMT

I blogged about this a couple of weeks ago. MSNBC and news.com had articles back on 1/18 about it.

Here is the deal. Buy Vista Ultimate. Then get up to two copies of Home Premium for $49.99 each.

here is where you get exact information on how to get this program. www.windowsvista.com/familyoffer

I couldn't find this anywhere, people were coming into Best buy asking about it. It was very hard to find it anywhere on Microsoft Websites.

So go to the site, it explains exactly how to get it. If you really think about it less that $500 for Vista on three PC's. They can all run Media center.

here is a blog entry about it.

http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/windowsvista/archive/2007/01/17/multiple-announcments-today.aspx

Launch day at Best Buy What fun!

jweston — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 06:54:00 GMT

I spend 5 hours last night and 12 hours today at the Best Buy by my house. It was lots of fun. I got to train the floor staff on how to demo Vista/Office and all the upgrade options, pricing and the features of it.

This morning we handed out t-shirts, pens, wrist bands, buttons, stickers to everyone. Then at 10AM the doors opened. We didn't have a huge crush or line waiting, but the guys in the PC department didn't get to have lunch today and spend all day helping people get PC's to their cars as fast as they could get them out of inventory. People absolutely loved Vista and Office. I got the WOW count meter out and usually could get 4-5 out of the 10 minute demo before handing them off to a sales rep.

My favorite customer today was the guy in his 20's. Techy looking you know the guy. Very reserved about it. He watched my demo then bought one copy of Vista Home Premium. He said he wanted to try it out before upgrading others. About 2 hours later he came back. He came up to me and said that was the easiest OS upgrade he had ever done. He was blow away by Vista and was back for more. He bought two more copies of Premium and was singing as he went out the door. People were happy, excited everywhere.

I only had one un happy customer all day. He called Best Buy and they wanted me to talk to him. He had upgraded WITHOUT BACKING UP FIRST. And now his Cingular wireless card wasn't working. He called Cingular and they said it would be MONTHS before they had it working on Vista. He was dead in the water. He didn't have his Windows XP disk to reinstall XP so he could get Cingular to work again. I asked if he had run the upgrade advisor. He had and it had found "possible wireless problems".

The moral of the story, backup FIRST. Listen to the upgrade advisor, and contact your software partners for devices like wireless cards and make SURE they support Vista before you take the plunge.

What a fun day!

microsoftwowlaunch!!!

jweston — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 06:42:00 GMT

go check out the videos on http://www.microsoftwowlaunch.com We had an great launch today.

More Vista websites!

jweston — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 23:30:00 GMT

I am just amazed at all of this viral marketing. Here are some more.

http://vistatestdrive.com allows you to test drive vista in a virtual machine.

www.vistaparty.net if you are in the San Fransisco area, a user group is giving a party in honor of Vista!

www.windowsultimate.com great information on Ultimate Extras that are coming soon!!

ENJOY!! Can't wait until launch on Tuesday January 30th!

Go search yourself

jweston — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 15:35:00 GMT

About once every 6 months or so I go MSN search or Google my name. Everyone does it right?

Well I put in "John Weston Microsoft" it was amazing how many hits came back. My two blogs, events I have done, webcasts, Radio shows, user groups all kinds of things. I even found many sites that refer to my online stuff.

Here is one for example:

http://www.techtalknetwork.com/modules.php?name=News&new_topic=18

I had never even heard of them. They had all my TN Radio entries. They were re-linking to them. What fun.

Have you MSN Searched or Googled your name in a while? Did you find something interesting?

Windows Vista Innovation Cafe'

jweston — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 06:41:00 GMT

I keep finding these sites. Here is another one. yes cool, our as my teenagers would say "Tight"

it is a way for companies to showcase software they have built around Vista, not too much up there yet, but I love the community nature of it. Make sure you have high bandwidth to watch everything.

Check it out here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/innovation/default.mspx

Anyone figure out the game yet? http://vanishingpointgame.com

show us your wow!

jweston — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 06:11:00 GMT

www.showusyourwow.com is a new site we just put up. Watch the opening video from Billg.

Cool stuff. I just uploaded a picture of kids sailing. 19,000 other people have already uploaded a video or picture, go look around, oops, you will be lost for a while, fun! What's your wow? All of this Vista marketing is so fun, launches, games, and now WOW!!!

Office 2007 that you get at Launch events

jweston — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 02:55:00 GMT

Apparently the directions to Download/install the Office 2007 that we are giving away at our events isn't very clear. When you download it, you are prompted for a trial key, don't use that one use the key give out in your kit from the event. Also be careful of the printing on the keys. The Ink will smear.

Below are specific instructions from my teammate Mr. Keith Combs. you can check out his blog here:

http://blogs.technet.com/keithcombs

From Keith's blahg:

As many of you are aware, I actually test our stuff to make sure it's working. I signup for my webcasts and test that process. I signup for our live events and test that. I have a TechNet subscription. I do this so I can see what you see and hopefully head off any issues.

So I grabbed one of the Launch 2007 Resource Kits at my show on Thursday and just got around to testing the Office 2007 download. I encountered the following instructions:

Office 2007 Product Download Procedure

To install your copy of Office Professional 2007 and Office Groove 2007, please follow these steps:

Click on the link below for the product you'd like to download and install - a new window will open.
On the product page, click "Try now for FREE!".
Log-in to Passport (Windows Live ID).
Please provide Registration information and click "Continue".
On the download page, click "Download Now". Please use the Product Key provided in the kit you received at the launch event to unlock your product. Disregard the trial Product Key presented on this page*.
Product download times will vary.
Once the download completes, click "Continue".
You will receive an email during the download process – please DISREGARD the Product Key in that email and ONLY use the Product Key provided in the kit you received at launch.

The net net is that the key you received with your kit, is the non time bombed key to use. Sorry for any confusion on this. I guess we decided to leverage the download area which is very very fast. I received the download at 1.8meg per second. Smokin.