As you may know, Server Core installations of Windows Server 2008 R2 now support the .NET framework.

But, some functions are not available on Server Core. As Server Core only has a command prompt and no GUI, mostly Graphical User Interface objects are not supported.

For a list of the .NET 2.0 features, excluded see here
Additionally for .NET 3.0/3.5 see here

Also remember that installing products like SQL Server 2005/2008/2008 R2, Exchange Server 2003/2007 , SharePoint Server 2003/2007 and others are not supported on Server Core. If a Server product supports Server Core installations, it will be clearly documented. If nothing is said, you need to assume it is not supported.

Windows Server Update Services 3.0 SP2 is now available for download.

WSUS 3.0 SP2 supports the latest operating systems including Windows Server® 2008 R2 and Windows 7 clients. WSUS 3.0 SP2 is more robust and features significant improvements in client performance, reliability, and increased server usability and reliability.

If your are still not using WSUS for your patch management, find out here how it can help you on “Patch Tuesdays”

For Switzerland, Office Genuine Advantage has arrived..

Office Genuine Advantage Notifier is a program that Microsoft uses to combat software piracy and help you check whether your Microsoft Office version is original software and properly licensed.

From 25. August 2009 can download OGA Notifier from Microsoft Update.

If you are not using original software the notification tool will periodically remind you, so that you can take appropriate action.

The OGA website helps you to activate your product and to take measures so that your software passes validation. If the Authenticity check fails, your can license the product easily using the OGA Legalization Kit. This consists of original disk and product key. If you need help, you will be redirected to your local retailer or Microsoft support services.

More more information about Microsoft Office Original Software.

Swiss SQL Server Saturday is an opportunity to connect with other Database and BI professionals to learn from Database, Application Development and BI experts about topics that you’ll immediately be able to put into use.

With 15 great sessions covering topics from Silverlight to Datamining, Clustering to Performance Tuning, SSIS to Gemini you’ll find that your Saturday is put to excellent use!

The event is FREE to attend, organised by the Swiss PASS Chapter and supported by Quest, Microsoft and Digicomp. To register go to http://www.sqlsaturday.ch

Key Management Service (KMS) 1.2 for Windows Server 2003 has been released. KMS 1.2 provides support for the following KMS client installations:

• Windows 7
• Windows Server 2008 R2
• Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 (SP2)
• Windows Vista and Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2)

For documentation and download: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/968915