Revelations of a Confused Mind : Windows Server 2008

Sign up to Attend a Microsoft Technical Event Today

shawnt — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:59:00 GMT

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

Join me in Indianapolis on Thursday, 3/12/09

shawnt — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:32:00 GMT

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.

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

shawnt — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:13:00 GMT

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!

shawnt — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 23:07:56 GMT

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.

Get Help with Your Pilot from Microsoft - IT Pro Momentum!

shawnt — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 04:08:25 GMT

Need some help to test/pilot the latest Microsoft infrastructure technologies list here?

Windows Server 2008
SQL 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?

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:

In-Depth Technical Content
Managed Forums
TechNet+ Direct Subscription
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.

Does this sound interesting to you? Then click here to get in touch with me.

Now’s the time for you to get involved!

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit - Your First Stop for Deployment

shawnt — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 03:41:09 GMT

The Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2008 was released a couple of months ago with little fanfare. But, I believe this rather mundane sounding solution accelerator is actually a diamond that deserves being put on display, at least a little bit. Although being described on the Microsoft download page as simply "the fourth generation deployment accelerator," it is actually a pretty exciting tool that can give IT Pros of small and medium businesses everywhere a HUGE leg up on their deployment process. In fact, if you are stressed about an upcoming refresh cycle, downloading the MDT 2008 Update 1 may just make you want to stand up and cheer. Let me explain...

You see, what we've done with the MDT is to finally capture and combine all of our knowledge of deploying Windows clients AND servers into one, free, easy to use download. So, you can get pretty much everything you need to know on deployment in one place, rather than digging around for days or weeks trying to find it. And, if the MDT doesn't have it, you can be darn sure that the MDT links to it. Essentially, we've made it so that if you are an IT Pro tasked with deploying Windows, the MDT is the first thing you should grab. In it you'll find whitepapers, sample surveys, timelines, compatibility assistance, and a whole gob of additional documentation Microsoft has amassed over years of working with customers and OEMs. We know how to build Windows images and we know the process to deploy them, and now you will too.

And before you say it won't work for your deployments because you're still working on the previous OS, let me politely stop you, and say the MDT works for Windows XP SP2 or higher and Windows Server 2003 R2 and higher, as well as, of course, Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. Not only that, but it explains how to do Zero Touch Installs (aka ZTI - essentially, no administrator input required on the target machine), as well as the familiar Lite Touch Installs (LTI) from the old BDD 2.0.

Again, in short, what the MDT does is put everything regarding deployment in one place. It's that "in one place" thing that we don't see nearly often enough as IT Pros, and it makes me want to smile a quirky little comforting smile whenever it does. So, get it now and save yourself a whole lot of headaches later.

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2008 Update 1

New "Wormable" Exploit Discovered Affecting Windows OS's...

shawnt — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:51:50 GMT

There was a new critical vulnerability announced today that could lead to remote code execution against Windows Operating Systems. (Specifically, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2008.) And, unless you are running Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008*, this exploit even works for non-authenticated users - remotely!

In short, this means that this exploit could be turned into a new Internet Worm. In fact, consistent exploit code has already been discovered in limited, targeted attacks, which is precisely why this update is a "zero day" update. It needs to be patched now, folks. Don't delay. Again, the vulnerability can be exploited consistently, remotely, and without authentication. These three factors are not good in combination.

Needless to say, this kind of exploit is potentially very damaging, and the wise administrators among us will reduce their exposure immediately - either by applying the update, or, if updating is not an option due to a lengthy testing and deployment process, then by disabling the computer and server browser services temporarily. Check out this bulletin for more details on how to perform these actions.

For more information and to download the update (Select your OS version): http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/MS08-067.mspx

To get the Update directly from Microsoft Update (US Site): http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us

* If you are running Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008, the update severity is mitigated by the likelihood that the exploit will only work for authenticated users, even with UAC turned off. Plus, improvements like ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization) further reduce the ease of exploit. It's nice to see the security investment we made in Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 paying off in situations like this.

Issues Uninstalling VM Additions going from Virtual PC 2007 to Hyper-V

shawnt — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 02:04:34 GMT

A colleague of mine, Chris Avis, had a great post on his blog recently. It's exactly the kind of post I love, since it only takes a minute to read, but it has the potential to eliminate hours of excruciating troubleshooting. Here's the link.

The problem:

You boot a VHD in Hyper-V and install Integration Services.
You realize VM additions from Virtual PC 2007 are still installed on VHD.
You get lots of weird little "issues" in the virtual machine. For example...

The mouse jumps around the screen
Text in text boxes is not displaying properly
Key strokes are repeated of their own accord
Numerous other quirky problems

You uninstall the Virtual PC 2007 VM additions. You reboot.
You install Hyper-V IS Components again. You reboot.
YOU CONTINUE TO HAVE ISSUES. You reboot.
You drive your fist through the wall!!!
You realize you can't fix the issues by going back to Virtual PC 2007.
You give up.

The solution:

You read Chris Avis' blog post on the topic and breathe a sigh of relief. (The fix is about 3/4 of the way through the post where he says to "run MSCONFIG....").
You take your kids to a ball game with the 5 hours of your life Chris has just given back to you. Enjoy. :)

Sometimes Security through Simplicity Isn't So Simple

shawnt — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 11:14:00 GMT

Dr. Thomas Shinder makes some excellent points about how difficult it can be to enact good security. Even something as seemingly straightforward as installing Windows Server 2008 Core to reduce your attack surface can harbor hidden perils. What hidden perils? Well, misconfigurations are inherently more common when managing a server strictly though the command-line interface (CLI). But, the good doctor says it far more eloquently than me. Check out this post as well as several other high quality posts on Dr Shinder's Windows Security blog.

http://blogs.windowsecurity.com/shinder/2008/01/29/server-core-management-a-potential-security-issue/

How to Use the Powershell 1.0: A Beginner's Guide

shawnt — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 04:13:00 GMT

If you're already convinced that the Powershell is right for you, skip ahead to the section: "Getting Started with the Windows Powershell". However, if you still need some convincing, read on. So, in case you haven't had a chance to use the Windows Powershell yet, I'm here to tell you - It is a nice powerful tool for automating repetitive tasks in Windows. If you find yourself doing many of the same tasks day after day via the GUI and it's starting to wear you down, you will almost certainly benefit from spending a few minutes learning the Windows Powershell, or at least stealing the scripts from the repository (See Step 5 below)! You don't have to get deep to start saving yourself a lot of clicksteps - just spend a few minutes going through my walkthrough and download one of the sample scripts. I think you'll find you'll be able to give yourself back several hours a week. Check out steps below on how to get started with the Windows Powershell...

Did you know?

The Windows Powershell 1.0 can....

perform what-if analysis (to help you decide if you really do want to run a certain command or script)
perform "do while" and "do until" loops
accept runtime input via the command line. So, for example, you could create a tool to give you information about a specific Windows Service, and it would ask you which Windows Service you were interested in via the command line interface.
autoComplete using the Tab key (so you don't have to remember every noun-verb command - just tab 'til you find the right one.)

The Windows Powershell 1.0 uses...

It's own scripting language. That's right, it's not VB Script, C# or any of the others. It's new. If you want to know why, read the documentation linked to in step 3 below.
the .NET object model, so all output from the Powershell is treated as an object which can be manipulated and piped into other methods
or, actually, is used by the Exchange Management Console. The Exchange functionality in the EMC is just an add-in to the Windows Powershell. It adds Exchange related tasks, like move-mailbox, to the Powershell.

In addition, if you'd like to learn more, please check out the webcast I just delivered on the Windows Powershell 1.0. It should be available in streaming format here in the next few days. It's called "TechNet Webcast: Prepare Yourself for Windows Server 2008 (Part 7 of 8): Windows PowerShell and Manageability Improvements."

Getting started with the Windows Powershell:

DOWNLOAD: Download Powershell 1.0. (It's about a 5.0MB download)
INSTALL: Double-click the downloaded .msu to install the Powershell. There are different .msu's for Windows XP SP2, Windows Server 2003 SP1, and Windows Vista. Make sure you get the right one for your OS. (Windows Server 2008 has the Powershell built in.) The Powershell only runs on Windows, so if you need to run it on another OS, you'll need to build a Virtual Machine and install the Powershell into it.
READ: Read the Powershell 1.0 Documentation. The documentation is automatically installed along with Powershell and is very helpful, especially at first. If you've never worked with Powershell before, you'll want to read these. The first thing you should read is "GettingStarted.rtf", which is a nice, easy to follow, 32-page overview. Then, you can graduate to the 116-page "UserGuide.rtf". Finally, if you get past all of that, see the "Other helpful links" at the bottom of this post. If you want to read the documentation without downloading the Powershell, you can find it here: Download the Powershell 1.0 Documentation Pack.
PLAY!: Open a Powershell Command Window and try a few simple, interactive commands (e.g. "write-host This is a test." or "get-childitem <AnyFolderPath>"). It's really quite easy to get used to. I've typed a couple below that you might want to try.
HOW TO RUN SCRIPTS - THE EASY WAY: Now, take your Powershell experience to the next level by running scripts! And, if you ask me, the best way to run scripts is to start with someone else's scripts, and build from there. So, go get some sample scripts from the Microsoft Powershell sample script repository online. Of course, you can write your own scripts from scratch, but the sample scripts are so powerful and easy that I recommend you start there. Don't try to recreate the wheel when you don't have to.

------> Microsoft's Sample Powershell Scripts Repository <------

Alright, Shawn, but how do I run those blasted scripts? I keep getting error messages. Well, here's how...

First, change the executionpolicy setting. The default executionpolicy setting is restricted, and it will prevent all scripts from running, allowing you to run the Powershell only interactively. (If you want to know why we do this, check out the "go" link below just before step 2.) If you want to run scripts, even the ones you create, you'll need to change that setting. Here's how you do that:
- If security is NOT an issue and you want to run all scripts unsigned. (Not recommended):
- If security IS an issue and you want to run signed scripts (signed locally or remotely):
  - PS C:\Users\Administrator> set-executionpolicy remotesigned
  - Check out this TechNet article that talks all about how to properly sign your code and explains the executionpolicy settings in more detail - even gives you the commands you should use: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=106498&clcid=0x409
Then, just copy and paste the sample scripts directly from the Microsoft repository website into Notepad. Save the file with any name and a .ps1 extension (you'll need to get rid of the .txt extention as shown in the screenshot below.)
Run the script from the Powershell prompt. For example:

PS c:\Users\Administrator> c:\scripts\ListDesktopSettings.ps1 ****You must type the full path for the script to run****

Now that you've got one script under your belt, you can try some other examples of sample scripts from the website. Here is a list of the available sample scripts.

Active Directory - Sample scripts for managing Active Directory and Active Directory objects.
Applications - Sample scripts for managing software and applications on servers and client computers.
Desktop Management - Sample scripts for managing such things as desktop settings, computer startup and shutdown, and System Restore.
Hardware - Sample scripts for managing and monitoring computer hardware.
Logs - Sample scripts for managing event logs and plain-text log files.
Networking - Sample scripts for managing and monitoring network configurations and network applications.
Operating System - Sample scripts for managing and monitoring the Windows operating system.
Other Directory Services - Sample scripts for managing directory services other than Active Directory.
Printing - Sample scripts for managing printers, print jobs, print servers, and other parts of the Windows printing infrastructure.
Scripting Techniques - Sample scripts demonstrating a wide variety of scripting tips, tricks, and techniques useful to script writers.
Searching Active Directory - Sample scripts for searching Active Directory.
Service Packs and Hot Fixes - Sample scripts for retrieving information about service packs and hot fixes installed on a computer.
Storage - Sample scripts for managing files, folders, file systems, and storage devices.
Terminal Server - Sample scripts for managing Windows Terminal Server.

Well, that's it - by now you should be off and running with the Windows Powershell 1.0. I tried to go through all the basics here just to get everything working, as well as some of the gotchas you might run into. Still, it's a big world once you start to go deep into the Powershell, so here are some more helpful links that will get you to that next echelon. If you have any thoughts or questions, please feel free to post a comment.

Other helpful links:

The Windows Powershell Blog Team Site

The Windows Powershell Script Center

Windows Powershell Help on TechNet - Check it out!

Windows Powershell Owner's Manual - Highly recommend - there is a TON of information very easily accessible from here and it starts you off on the bunny slope.

Thanks!