Hi everyone,

In case you missed it at the end of last year, there is a new free ebook out from Microsoft Press for IT Pros!

Written by Mitch Tulloch with Symon Perriman and the System Center Team, the Introducing Microsoft System Center 2012 R2 Technical Overview can be downloaded here. Depending on how you prefer to read, you can download it as a PDF, Mobi file or ePub file. And there’s no sign in or account set up required.

As Kim Spilker explains,

“Whether you are new to System Center or are already using it in your business, this book has something that should interest you. The capabilities of each component of System Center 2012 R2 are first described and then demonstrated chapter by chapter. Real-world and under-the-hood insights are also provided by insiders at Microsoft who live and breathe System Center, and those of you who are experienced with the platform will benefit from the wisdom and experience of these experts. We also included a list of additional resources at the end of each chapter where you can learn more about each System Center component.”

Pssst, if you haven’t actually got the System Center 2012 R2 release yet, it is available through the TechNet Evaluation Center for a 180-day trial. Get to it!

Bye for now,

Katherine.  

Calling all user group leaders and speakers!

Have you registered on the new Microsoft Technical Communities site yet?

If you are a User Group Leader looking for resources, this is the place to go. Register your group and get a range of benefits including skills-based training, special discounts, free advertising for your event and more.

If you are a subject matter expert looking to find places where you can get speaking opportunities, list yourself as a speaker and other leaders can contact you for possible engagements.  This is a one stop shop for connecting people who are interested in technology and getting rewarded for it!

The current Australian Technical Community directory is listed on the site here, but we would love to see even more groups and individuals join up. If you’ve got questions about the program, check out the FAQ or send us an email!

Cheers,                                  

Katherine.

Morning everyone,

Welcome back to 2014! We hope you had a wonderful, refreshing break.

As you settle back into the office, I thought I'd let you know about some new and recommended resources for Windows desktop IT professionals that are available on TechNet:

• Customise Windows 8.1 Start Screens by Using Group Policy

• Windows 8.1: Mission Possible with Windows PowerShell

• Windows RT 8.1 in the Enterprise

• Projecting to Wireless Displays with Miracast in Windows 8.1

If you're interested in this kind of content, be sure to check out the Springboard Series blog, which offers structured guidance and resources to help you deploy the latest desktop operating system and ease your implementation experience.

You can get a monthly email update by signing up to the Springboard Series Insider or even following our official Springboard Series Twitter feed for Windows Desktop IT Pros.  

Cheers,

Katherine.