- Show me the Money! Attend the Chicagoland Sharepoint Event on May 27th.
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If you're in the Chicagoland area and interested in Sharepoint, I want you to know about this upcoming event. There will be lots of great content delivered by experienced partners as well as customers. Sign up at:
Now, more than ever, companies are scrutinizing investments in technology. In order to gain project approval, a well defined business case needs to be established and understood. In this seminar, you will learn how to explain the financial considerations around SharePoint that will make sense to your CFO and gain acceptance of your SharePoint initiative in 2009. You will learn proven ROI strategies for SharePoint and see real word examples of organizations who have implemented SharePoint to cut costs and realize a positive ROI.
Learn how to answer the following questions:
1. Is there a return on investment (ROI) for SharePoint?
2. How long do I need to wait until I will see a payback?
3. Where can SharePoint save my organization money?
4. What is the "low hanging fruit"?
5. How do I control the total ownership cost of SharePoint?
Featured Products
Microsoft Office InfoPath, Microsoft Office SharePoint Server, Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services
Recommended Audiences
Technology Executives, IT Managers, Business Executives, Managers, Vice Presidents, CEO, CIO, COO, CTO, CFO, Operations Managers, IT Directors, Business Managers, Solution Architects, Practice Directors, Business Owner, Controller, Business Decision Maker, Technical Decision Makers
Seminar Content Preview
SharePoint ROI in Practice:
Cut costs with document imaging using KnowledgeLake for SharePoint.
Use proven, extensible server software to transform SharePoint into a production imaging system capable of meeting high-volume needs. KnowledgeLake Imaging Server eliminates the costs and challenges of using paper documents, as well as the limitations it puts on your business processes.
SharePoint ROI in Practice:
Simplify and automate your organization's business processes with SharePoint to “do more with less.”
Learn how a mid-market professional service firm simplified and automated their business processes to reduce costs and position themselves for growth. Stout Risius Ross (SRR) is a financial advisory firm specializing in investment banking, valuation & financial opinions, and dispute advisory & forensic services. SRR's business goals were to Increase the prospect-to-client conversion ratio by giving individuals the ability to easily search firm-wide relevant experience, help the firm achieve a 7:1 ratio of client service staff to operations staff and reduce the firm's exposure related to incomplete conflict checks and legal & regulatory compliance. SRR streamlined their core engagement lifecycle process and integrated their systems using Microsoft SharePoint Office SharePoint Server 2007 as the underlying foundation.
SharePoint Management Best Practices:
Strategies & tools to lower your SharePoint total cost of ownership.
Successful SharePoint deployments require effective management, vigorous protection, diligent compliance protocols, and continuous availability. As companies increasingly rely on SharePoint to store business-critical digital assets, these requirements become crucial catalysts for optimal production and minimized exposure to costly downtime and data loss. The fundamental question for every organization operating in today's 24/7 economy is: How much will it cost to support a mission-critical SharePoint environment? Success in today's demanding business environment requires organizations be properly equipped to maintain continuous, uninterrupted access to business-critical digital assets.
- Direct Access Step by Step Guide Just Released!
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For those of you who are attending my TechNet Unleashed events this quarter, you'll recall I've been doing a lot of talking around how to set up and configure DirectAccess. As part of this discussion, I mentioned I would post more information about DirectAccess via my blog. Well, we have a great new guide for Release Candidate that will help you get DirectAccess in a test environment. Check it out:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=8d47ed5f-d217-4d84-b698-f39360d82fac
- Windows 7 Release Candidate Available to the Public for Download
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In case you missed it, Windows 7 Release Candidate is now on the web! Go get it and play with it to your hearts content.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/download.aspx
Enjoy!
- Sign up to Attend a Microsoft Technical Event Today
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Session 1: Windows Server 2008 R2 – Optimize your Time
Get a jump start on your peers with Windows Server 2008 R2 by joining us for this no nonsense technical session, where we will discuss the critical improvements in the next version of Windows Server. Some have argued that, given the impressive scope of new functionality in Windows Server 2008 R2, it should not be an “R2” release, but rather should be given a completely new name. They point to features such as Direct Access, Branch Caching, Live Migration, Powershell 2.0, and VDI that will help you cut down on the amount of time you spend doing mundane tasks, reduce end user frustration and support headaches, and give your mobile workforce a competitive edge through ubiquitous access to company data. There’s a good chance that by attending this session you’ll find a way to save time and money with Windows Server 2008 R2, and so you’ll get the time you spend with us back many times over.
Session 2: Windows 7 – Maximize Your Potential
In designing Windows 7, the engineering team had a clear focus on what we call ‘the fundamentals': performance, application compatibility, device compatibility, reliability, security and battery life. Early reviews of Windows 7 seem to indicate that the choice to focus on the fundamentals is resonating well with many users and professionals. And, IT professionals will further benefit from the enhancements to manageability and security. You’ll also learn how your investments in testing and evaluating Windows Vista will pay off in the transition to Windows 7. Come see firsthand what all the buzz is about in this demo-intensive session where we explore the UI improvements, performance gains, and manageability enhancements in the next client operating system from Microsoft.
Session 3: Internet Explorer 8 – Get Excited About the Browser Again
Internet Explorer is currently the most widely used browser in business, and while we’ve seen nice incremental improvements to IE in recent history, we haven’t seen as many truly earth shattering changes. Well, many agree that the next release of IE, Internet Explorer 8, provides the most compelling upgrade to IE in many years. In a typical day, users spend 2 hours or more per day in the browser, so significant improvements here can have tremendous impact on productivity and the way we work. The browser needs to be thought of in the same terms as an operating system—it has to be rich, robust, interoperable, easy to use and secure. Internet Explorer 8 is a browser that meets these needs and more for users, enterprises, IT professionals and developers alike. Come learn how the new improvements, too numerous to mention here, are driving many to get excited about the browser again.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
IT professionals interested in learning about the next generation of Microsoft platforms and tools.
WHERE ARE THE EVENTS?
Events are held in 16 cities across Central Region. To register for this event, please select a link below or head on over to http://www.technetevents.com/unleashed/.
|
Location/Registration |
Date |
Time |
|
Waukesha, WI |
4/28/2009 |
3:10pm – 5:00pm |
|
Austin, TX |
4/28/2009 |
3:10pm – 5:00pm |
|
Bloomington, MN |
4/30/2009 |
3:10pm – 5:00pm |
|
Cleveland, OH |
4/30/2009 |
3:10pm – 5:00pm |
|
Indianapolis, IN |
5/4/2009 |
3:10pm – 5:00pm |
|
Chicago, IL |
5/5/2009 |
3:10pm – 5:00pm |
|
Columbus, OH |
5/12/2009 |
3:10pm – 5:00pm |
|
Houston, TX |
5/12/2009 |
3:10pm – 5:00pm |
|
Mason, OH |
5/14/2009 |
3:10pm – 5:00pm |
|
Overland Park, KS |
5/14/2009 |
3:10pm – 5:00pm |
|
Dallas, TX |
5/19/2009 |
3:10pm – 5:00pm |
|
Southfield, MI |
5/20/2009 |
3:10pm – 5:00pm |
|
Downers Grove, IL |
5/20/2009 |
3:10pm – 5:00pm |
|
St. Louis, MO |
5/21/2009 |
3:10pm – 5:00pm |
|
Nashville, TN |
6/11/2009 |
3:10pm – 5:00pm |
|
Knoxville, TN |
6/12/2009 |
3:10pm – 5:00pm |
Session 1: Internet Explorer 8 for Developers
The Windows Internet Explorer 8 browser makes it easier to explore and interact with the web. Did you know that there will be a new standards mode by default? While it can easily be turned off, knowing the potential to impact this may have on many sites that have been crafted around various features in past versions is a good idea. Attend this session to learn which current practices you need to change and how the new standards mode affects your development techniques and your existing sites. We review tools that are built into Internet Explorer 8 to help developers debug and create Web pages. We also discuss Web Slices, Accelerators, and Search Suggestion – all of which are key new features in this latest release.
In this session we’ll show you:
· Developer Tools
· Selectors API
· Use and create accelerators
· Use and create web slices
· Use and create search suggestions
· AJAX Navigation enhancements with Virtual Earth demo on history, AJAX Cross Domain Calls
· CSS improvements (printing, counters, new pseudo classes)
Session 2: Developing on Microsoft Windows 7
Building applications that are easy to use, visually appealing, and offer high performance is a challenge that developers face every day. Innovative applications can greatly improve the user experience, empowering companies to differentiate their services and solutions. However, developers are increasingly asked to do more in less time, while also optimizing the power and performance requirements of their applications. The Windows 7 platform makes it easy for developers to create engaging, user-friendly applications by providing familiar tools and rich development features that allow them to take advantage of the latest PC capabilities. In this session we will explore the new Taskbar and Jump Lists, the Scenic Ribbon, file management with Libraries, and Windows Web Services among many other enhancements to the new operating system.
In this session we’ll show you:
· New Features in Windows 7
· Use and create jump lists
· Scenic Ribbon API
· Use and create Libraries
· Windows Web Services API
· Additional enhancements that support development
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Developers interested in learning about the next generation of Microsoft platforms and tools.
WHERE ARE THE EVENTS?
Events are held in 16 cities across Central Region. To register for this event, please visit http://www.msdnevents.com/unleashed.
|
Location/Registration |
Date |
Time |
|
Waukesha, WI |
4/28/2009 |
1:00pm – 2:50pm |
|
Austin, TX |
4/28/2009 |
1:00pm – 2:50pm |
|
Bloomington, MN |
4/30/2009 |
1:00pm – 2:50pm |
|
Cleveland, OH |
4/30/2009 |
1:00pm – 2:50pm |
|
Indianapolis, IN |
5/4/2009 |
1:00pm – 2:50pm |
|
Chicago, IL |
5/5/2009 |
1:00pm – 2:50pm |
|
Columbus, OH |
5/12/2009 |
1:00pm – 2:50pm |
|
Houston, TX |
5/12/2009 |
1:00pm – 2:50pm |
|
Mason, OH |
5/14/2009 |
1:00pm – 2:50pm |
|
Overland Park, KS |
5/14/2009 |
1:00pm – 2:50pm |
|
Dallas, TX |
5/19/2009 |
1:00pm – 2:50pm |
|
Southfield, MI |
5/20/2009 |
1:00pm – 2:50pm |
|
Downers Grove, IL |
5/20/2009 |
1:00pm – 2:50pm |
|
St. Louis, MO |
5/21/2009 |
1:00pm – 2:50pm |
|
Nashville, TN |
6/11/2009 |
1:00pm – 2:50pm |
|
Knoxville, TN |
6/12/2009 |
1:00pm – 2:50pm |
Architecting for the Client Tier
The client (or presentation) tier of our applications is taking on an increasingly important role. Users are expecting more compelling user interfaces, but they also want more functionality from their applications. In this ArcReady we examine how to design and deliver well architected client applications that will be easy to maintain and extend.
Session 1: Trends and Patterns on the Client Tier
In our first session we will take a vendor and platform neutral look at some of the trends and emerging technologies that can be used on the client tier. We will look at techniques like Mashups, technologies like Natural User Interfaces (NUI) and the increasing importance of the mobile platform. We will also look at some common patterns that can be used in the architecture of the client tier.
Session 2: Applying Microsoft Technology on the Client Tier
In our second session we will take some look at how we can use Microsoft technologies to create well architected and compelling client applications. We will look at technologies like Silverlight and WPF that can be used to create compelling clients. We will also look at technologies that can be used to make your applications more extensible for future development. We will also examine some architectural guidance developed by the Microsoft Patterns and Practices group.
WHAT IS ARCREADY?
· A forum for aspiring and practicing architects to discuss industry trends
· An overview of Microsoft’s roadmap as it relates to software architecture
· A mechanism to solicit your feedback
· An opportunity to showcase the work you do!
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Architects and Senior Developers who are interested in becoming an architect.
WHERE ARE THE EVENTS?
Events are held in 16 cities across Central Region. To register for this event, please visit www.arcready.com.
|
Location/Registration |
Date |
Time |
|
Waukesha, WI |
4/28/2009 |
9:00am – 11:45am |
|
Austin, TX |
4/28/2009 |
9:00am – 11:45am |
|
Bloomington, MN |
4/30/2009 |
9:00am – 11:45am |
|
Cleveland, OH |
4/30/2009 |
9:00am – 11:45am |
|
Indianapolis, IN |
5/4/2009 |
9:00am – 11:45am |
|
Chicago, IL |
5/5/2009 |
9:00am – 11:45am |
|
Columbus, OH |
5/12/2009 |
9:00am – 11:45am |
|
Houston, TX |
5/12/2009 |
9:00am – 11:45am |
|
Mason, OH |
5/14/2009 |
9:00am – 11:45am |
|
Overland Park, KS |
5/14/2009 |
9:00am – 11:45am |
|
Dallas, TX |
5/19/2009 |
9:00am – 11:45am |
|
Southfield, MI |
5/20/2009 |
9:00am – 11:45am |
|
Downers Grove, IL |
5/20/2009 |
9:00am – 11:45am |
|
St. Louis, MO |
5/21/2009 |
9:00am – 11:45am |
|
Nashville, TN |
6/11/2009 |
9:00am – 11:45am |
|
Knoxville, TN |
6/12/2009 |
9:00am – 11:45am |
- TechNet Flash: How to Install and Configure MOSS video
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Just got my recent edition of TechNet Flash, and there was a nice little video in there walking through the installation requirements and step by step for setting up Microsoft Office Sharepoint Server. If you are planning to start evaluating and testing MOSS, I encourage you to take a look at it. You'll find a link to the video about halfway down the page, under the section, "New Videos for IT Pros".
15 Minutes 13 seconds
Join Hilton Giesenow as he covers installation of Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) onto a SQL Server environment using Active Directory for authentication. In this first part, we look at installing and configuring the MOSS instance, and in the second part we will look at finishing the installation and configuring the farm.
Just thought I'd share..
- Download Internet Explorer 8 RTM Today!
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It’s a great thing when I can truly throw my full support behind a Microsoft release. Well, I’ve been using IE8 for a number of months now, and I find the product to be solid, secure, and a worthwhile upgrade. One of my favorite changes is that each tab runs under its own process – This feature saved me several times on beta builds while adding MySpace friends to build my Mob Wars Family. :) Frequently, I’d get 20+ tabs open to different MySpace pages and some of these pages had, I’m not kidding, 20 or more Flash instances running at the same time. This overloaded the IE8 Beta (it seems the issue has since been addressed as I haven’t come across this problem in recent builds), and IE would stop unexpectedly, but I’d only lose that tab, and if I happened to lose more than just that one tab, IE8’s new autorecover feature would automatically ask me if I wanted to reopen the pages that had closed unexpectedly. No lost data, no lost pages, problem solved.
Other features I love are the XSS filter (I’ve haven’t seen it activate yet in real life, but it still makes me feel more secure knowing it’s there), faster phishing filter (yes, you can actually turn it on now), colored tabs, tab management, tab grouping, the ability to manage all my add-ons in one place (it makes it so much easier to find and turn off those nagging misbehaving add-ons), and of course in-private browsing (yeah, I’ve used it and it rocks the house when you’re trying to keep your wife from finding out about that anniversary gift you searched for from your shared PC).
Anyway, if you too want to find your favorite features in the new IE8, you can get it free from the official IE8 web site.
And, if it turns out you don’t like it as much as I think you will, there is one other handy new feature: Uninstall.
- Join me in Indianapolis on Thursday, 3/12/09
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We are delivering some great content tomorrow on Windows Server 2008 in the Indianapolis area. If you'd like to join us, there are still a few spots available.
Register:
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?culture=en-US&EventID=103
Location:
Microsoft Corporation
500 E. 96th Street, Suite 460
Parkwood Business Park, Building Four
Indianapolis Indiana
Date & Time: 3/12/09, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Event Overview:
"In this session we will look at Windows Server 2008 and the improvements that have been made to Microsoft's premier server operating system. Microsoft Windows Server 2008 is the most advanced Windows Server operating system yet, designed to power the next generation of networks, applications, and Web services. With Windows Server 2008 you can develop, deliver, and manage rich user experiences and applications, provide a highly secure network infrastructure, and increase technological efficiency and value within your organization.
Windows Server 2008 introduces several new capabilities including 64bit virtualization, a robust web and development platform, improvements in networking, security, high availability and disaster recovery. In addition, there is a new "Core" installation option that reduces the operating system overhead by removing the graphical user interface thus freeing resources and lowering the potential security attack surface. Come see demonstrations on many of the features in a technical deep dive you won't want to miss!
After we discuss Windows Server 2008, we'll briefly discuss the improvements coming in Windows Server 2008 R2 which is in development and now available for beta testing."
Again, here is that link to register:
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?culture=en-US&EventID=103
We also have an MSDN Unleashed event the same day at the same location from 1:00pm - 2:45pm. For more information and to register: http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?culture=en-US&EventID=103
And, we are doing an ArcReady event from 9:00am - 12:00pm. For more information and to register: http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?culture=en-US&EventID=103
- IT Pro Momentum - Now Accepting Applications
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Okay, folks, I've posted on this before, but the IT Pro Momentum program is really catching fire, and I've decided to readvertise it since there seems to be so much interest. The program is exclusive to people who read Microsoft blogs or attend Microsoft events, and is designed to help anyone who is evaluating new Microsoft software. If you are testing or piloting or even in the very early stages of evaluating any of the folllowing products, shoot me an email with your full name and I'll send you an exclusive invitation.
- Windows 7 (Newly ADDED!)
- SQL Server 2008
- Windows Server 2008
- IIS7
- Forefront Edge (ISA)
- Forefront Client & Server
- Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 or Windows Server Virtualization
- Windows Vista
- MOSS 2007
- System Center
- Windows PowerShell
- Network Access Protection
What is the Momentum Program?
Momentum is a Microsoft program focused on supporting “early adopters” – IT professionals who bet on the newest technologies to drive business value for their companies and advance their career.
Is IT Pro Momentum right for you?
- Interested in learning more about the newest Microsoft technologies?
- Need help to evaluate different Microsoft products and features?
- Willing to test and pilot in production Microsoft beta products?
- Would like to have access to exclusive forums and Microsoft product support?
- Want to share your early adoption experience with the IT Pro community world-wide?
Through the Momentum Portal, participants will have access a number of benefits including:
- Free TechNet+ Direct Subscription
- In-Depth Technical Content
- Managed Forums (Questions answered directly by Microsoft experts)
- Help from me
- PSS Support Requests
What's in it for you?
- Exposure and Career Opportunities
- By sharing early adoption successes, IT Pro's receive community recognition and increase their opportunities for networking and career growth.
- Your Voice is Heard
- Through Momentum, IT Pros establish a direct, two-way communication channel with Microsoft which allows you to provide feedback and influence the future of our products and services.
- Reduce Risk of Failure
- Momentum benefits such as free TechNet subscription and PSS support requests reduce the risk and complexity of deploying new technologies.
- Competitive Advantage – Be the First to Use & Know
Program participants have access to the latest information and cutting-edge technologies developed by Microsoft. You are expected to help out with a short description of your project and the project's success and challenges at the completion of your project.
Does this sound interesting to you? Then click here to get in touch with me.
Now’s the time for you to get involved!
- Join Me for a Live TechNet Event!
-
Everywhere I go, people always ask when we are coming in town next. Well, here is the latest TechNet event list for the Central U.S. Join me or one of my colleagues for a FREE event simply by registering using the city links below.
Session Topic: Windows Server 2008
In this session we will look at Windows Server 2008 and the improvements that have been made to Microsoft’s premier server operating system. Microsoft Windows Server 2008 is the most advanced Windows Server operating system yet, designed to power the next generation of networks, applications, and Web services. With Windows Server 2008 you can develop, deliver, and manage rich user experiences and applications, provide a highly secure network infrastructure, and increase technological efficiency and value within your organization.
Windows Server 2008 introduces several new capabilities including 64bit virtualization, a robust web and development platform, improvements in networking, security, high availability and disaster recovery. In addition, there is a new “Core” installation option that reduces the operating system overhead by removing the graphical user interface thus freeing resources and lowering the potential security attack surface. Come see demonstrations on many of the features in a technical deep dive you won’t want to miss!
After we discuss Windows Server 2008, we’ll briefly discuss the improvements coming in Windows Server 2008 R2 which is in development and now available for beta testing.
Prizes: Attendees are eligible to win a book or a copy of Windows Vista.
Event Schedule: TechNet Events Unleashed starts at 3:00 PM and end by 5:00 PM
| St. Louis, MO – March 5, 2009 3:00 PM <------ I am presenting! |
| Downers Grove, IL – March 9, 2009 3:00 PM |
| Austin, TX – March 10, 2009 3:00 PM |
| Indianapolis, IN – March 12, 2009 3:00 PM <--- I am presenting! |
| Irving, TX – March 19, 2009 3:00 PM |
| Chicago, IL – March 23, 2009 3:00 PM |
| Houston, TX – March 24, 2009 3:00 PM |
| Detroit, MI – March 31, 2009 3:00 PM |
IMPORTANT: ***We are also hosting several ArcReady sessions for software and infrastructure architects, as well as MSDN Events Unleashed sessions for developers. These events will frequently be held on the same day and in the same venue as the TechNet Unleashed events listed above. Register for all events to get the most out of your day. ArcReady features Architecting Solutions for Cloud Computing and MSDN Events Unleashed features Debugging Tips and Tricks plus Windows Mobile Development. Please let your colleagues know.
© 2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
- Microsoft LOVES User Groups! Want proof? Okay, we’ll give you Cash, Advertising, and Freebies for your next event.
-
Microsoft today announces the launch of User Group Support Services (UGSS), a website specifically built to give busy community and user group leaders what they need to help their User Groups grow and prosper.
-
Get Extra $ for Your Events!
- Microsoft, in partnership with Culminis, INETA and PASS now offers funding for your next community-led event! Whether it’s a monthly user group meeting, a product launch event, or a code camp – whatever the format invite UGSS! You can receive up to $500 per event, once per quarter, max 2x per fiscal year.
-
Get People at Your Events!
- We know that in order for an event to be successful, you’ve got to have people there! Add your events to our Global Events Calendar and gain publicity for your events worldwide. This calendar is synced with other community calendars such as the Community Megaphone, and calendars on INETA and Culminis organizational websites.
-
Get Great Stuff to Show!
- We know that you are busy. You work hard, you are a dedicated community leader. Who has time to create content for each event? Take advantage of our services for your next meeting and we can provide the content! Our content library is growing… check in monthly to see what’s new!
BTW, I am now tasked with building community in a specific geography which includes all of Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. So, if you are in one of those states, please email me as well and I’ll be happy to help in any way that I can: Email
So, check it out today at http://www.ugss.codezone.com
- Expired PINs in Vista SP1 Giveaways at TechNet Events [UPDATE]
-
Well, we have received a LOT of feedback about the Windows Vista Ultimate with SP1 giveaways that we handed out at TechNet events during the second half of 2008. It seems we did not do a great job of informing attendees that the PINs would expire on December 31, 2008. So, today, I have some good news to pass on!
We are currently in the process of extending the expiration date, probably to the end of this month or the end of February. Please check back at http://www.registerwindowsvistasp1.com/ in the next week or so and the site should be live again for registrations.
Thanks for your patience in this matter, once the site is live again please register ASAP.
- Want to Download the Windows 7 Beta? Start Here...
-
If you want to download the just-released Windows 7 Beta, you'll need a TechNet Plus subscription. And, if you are not a TechNet Plus subscriber, you can get one for 15% off using the discount code: TMSAM12.
To order a TechNet subscription, go here:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/bb892754.aspx
I recommend the TechNet Plus DIRECT subscription - that way you can download it today, rather than wait for the DVD's to arrive in the mail in a few weeks. The product keys you'll need to activate you Beta software are available through the web site as well.
Don't forget to use code: TMSAM12
- Connecting Your PC to the Internet Using Your Windows Mobile Phone is Easier Than You Think!
-
I spent a couple of weeks a while back trying to figure out how to tether my AT&T Tilt to my Windows Vista PC. I wanted to use the relatively fast unlimited data plan on my 
Windows Mobile Phone to access the internet from my PC. Well, being an IT Pro, I assumed I would need to use ActiveSync, install new drivers, update software and use Internet Connection Sharing. Alas, that was not the case. In the end, it turned out to be surprisingly, almost unbelievably easy. All I had to do was find the right application in my Windows directory on my phone, click connect, and plug it into my PC. That's it.
So, here are the four simple steps I took to tether my Windows Mobile 6 AT&T Tilt (it might work for other versions of Windows Mobile or other devices in nearly the same way, but I can only speak to my experience):
- Open File Explorer (on your phone), browse to ‘My Device\Windows’
- Look for an application called ‘Internet Sharing’ (If the application is not there, you might need to contact your service provider for help.)
- Open the application and click Connect.
- Connect your phone to your PC with a standard USB cable. The necessary drivers will be automatically detected and installed by Windows Vista/XP/2008 and you should be online at this point. Simply open your browser to check connectivity.
Note: You must perform these steps in the order listed above. If you connect your Mobile Device to your PC prior to clicking "Connect" in the 'Internet Sharing' App, Windows Vista will attempt to sync, rather than connect to the internet. If this happens, just disconnect your device, and start over at step 1 above.
Note: You may need to tell your phone company that you are tethering and pay any necessary charges (usually $5 or so per month). Also, I recommend an unlimited data plan, otherwise costs could skyrocket.
Any questions, comments, or personal experiences with your device? Feel free to post them below...
- How to Map a Printer with Powershell 1.0
-
Well, I just finished presenting three shows in three cities in just two days in the great state of Ohio. The people here are amazingly smart and friendly, and they had many, great questions and comments. One of the questions came from the DANPA "loadfest" event in Dayton last night: "How do you map printers using Powershell 1.0?"
Well, I promised a post, and here it is - I did a bit of research and finally dug this helpful post from Guy Thomas on the computerperformance website. Please do not use the script below without first testing thoroughly in a non-production environment, and neither I nor Microsoft assumes any responsibility for any problems resulting from its use.
# PowerShell for Mapping a Printer
# Author: Guy Thomas
# Version 1.2 June 2008 tested on PowerShell v 1.0
$PrinterPath = "\\Server\PrintShare"
$net = new-Object -com WScript.Network
$net.AddWindowsPrinterConnection($PrinterPath)
For more information as well as common troubleshooting issues, please consult the original post. (See Example 4)
- New Microsoft Security Intelligence Report (SIR) Released!
-
The latest version of the Microsoft Security Intelligence Report is now publicly available:
www.microsoft.com/sir
The SIR is a helpful document designed to assist you in determining the current technology threat landscape, especially with regard to Microsoft software. In it you will find assessments of the current security threats, the trends on a per-threat basis, and data to help you identify where your security dollars might best be spent.
In SIR's approx. 145 pages, you will also find:
- NEW - The threat ecosystem, narrative section
- Security vulnerability disclosures, industry-wide and Microsoft specific
- Vulnerability exploits, Microsoft specific
- NEW - Browser-based exploits, Microsoft and third-party
- Security and privacy breach reports
- Malicious and potentially unwanted software trends
- Focus on malware and signed code
- NEW – specific malware and potentially unwanted software data for 15 locations worldwide (United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, China, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Africa, and the Gulf Cooperation Council)
This document is invaluable for CSO's, Directors, and security auditors looking to assess the current security topology for the purposes of allocating budget spend over the coming year. And, actually, the short 15 pg. summary document, which is a truncated version of the larger document and can be found at the same site, is not a bad read for anyone in technology who is interested in understanding today's risks.
www.microsoft.com/sir
