Windows Week in Review

Microsoft to release new Service Manager and issues fixes for Patch Tuesday

kcipolletti — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:52:53 +0000

This week Microsoft revealed more details about its upcoming System Center Service Manager, the company’s long-awaited service desk product. Hear when the newly designed beta is scheduled to be released and get info on October’s fixes and which applications were affected.

Highlights:

(0:26) Service Manager info

(1:57) Patch Tuesday details…

(4:04) Microsoft launches Windows Essential Business Server

(5:35) Info on upcoming WSUS 3.0 SP2

Other recent news and tips:

Citrix rolls out next NetScaler

Getting your Microsoft SharePoint deployment up and running

kcipolletti — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:20:04 +0000

So you have SharePoint deployed in your enterprise — now what? This tipcast offers some pointers on what the best deployment strategy for your SharePoint installation is, and reviews the biggest pitfalls to avoid when getting SharePoint up and running.

Other Microsoft SharePoint Resources:

Does your SQL Server database improve SharePoint performance?

Rookie mistakes to avoid during the SharePoint implementation process

Creating a SharePoint governance document

Microsoft hosts TechEd 2008 Europe, separately releases emergency bulletin fix

kcipolletti — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:29:49 +0000

TechEd 2008 Europe was held in Barcelona this week, at which Microsoft announced a Terminal Services tweak and offered more info on Windows 7 and its AD Services Connector tool. Hear what IT pros and experts are saying about these new releases and other products Microsoft has in the works. Plus find out why Microsoft issued an emergency fix for RPC.

Highlights:

(0:30) Microsoft retools Terminal Services

(2:26) and offers more info on Windows 7…

(4:06) Info on Services Connector tool

(5:47) Two revisions for ILM and IAG 2007 coming soon

(7:02) Microsoft releases new version of MAP

(7:59) Microsoft sees OS flaws drop, application breaches rise

(9:56) Microsoft issues emergency fix for RPC flaw

Other recent news and tips:

Microsoft to patch critical Windows flaw

Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 and Azure take center stage at PDC 2008

kcipolletti — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:23:09 +0000

Microsoft held its Professional Developers Conference in Los Angeles this week, and kept attendees at the edge of their seats with talk of Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 and its new Azure Services Platform. Hear what features will be included in the new OSes and what experts are saying about the company’s cloud computing platform. Also, learn when new the service pack betas for Vista and Windows 2008 are expected to arrive.

Highlights:

(0:50) Windows 7 has new tools for admins

(2:56) Microsoft talks Windows Server 2008 R2 features

(5:26) Windows Azure Services Platform details

(6:50) Vista and Windows Server 2008 SP betas on the way

Other recent news and tips:

Is your Windows shop prepared for a privacy breach?

Microsoft issues emergency patch, gears up for VMM 2008 and SQL Server 2005 SP3

kcipolletti — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:53:25 +0000

On Thursday, the company released an out-of-cycle patch to repair a critical vulnerability that leaves Windows systems open to attack. Learn which systems are affected and defensive measures to protect against it. Also hear what the company is saying about its upcoming releases of System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 and SQL Server 2005 SP3.

Highlights:

(0:36) Gearing up for VMM 2008

(2:00) Info on SQL Server 2005 SP3

(3:05) Virtual licensing increases

(4:30) Microsoft’s licensing practices affecting virtual apps?

(6:27) Emergency patch issued

Other recent news:

IT pros have their Windows 7 wish list

Microsoft releases 11 fixes for Patch Tuesday, demos OCS 2007 R2

kcipolletti — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:02:54 +0000

In this month’s Patch Tuesday cycle, Microsoft dished out 11 security patches to fix 20 flaws. Get info on these fixes and find out what applications were affected. Also, hear the details on Microsoft’s latest product, Office Communications Server 2007 R2.

Highlights:

(0:33) Patch Tuesday details

(2:51) Info on OCS 2007 R2

(4:49) Why Microsoft is stickin with Windows 7

(5:47) Gartner curbs IT spending forecast

Other recent news:

In an economic downturn, Windows shops spend to save

Top five free Windows server management tools

AppDeploy.com releases free repackaging tool for Windows Installer

kcipolletti — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:11:01 +0000

Community site AppDeploy.com has a free Windows Installer repackaging tool that helps streamline the application installation process. Also, hear about the critical patches Microsoft plans to deliver this month.

Highlights:

(0:30) Free Windows Installer repackaging tool released

(1:37) Select Plus licensing program causing confusion

(3:32) What next version of SQL Server will feature

(5:15) Microsoft Patch Tuesday preview

Other recent news:

Top five overall free Windows downloads

Resolving common Windows service desk challenges

Process Monitor 2.0 now available for Windows admins

dnielson — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:30:54 +0000

Microsoft this week released Process Monitor 2.0, the newest version of the popular administration tool. Also, hear about Microsoft’s release of its free version of Hyper-V, the state of virtualization and cloud computing and the pros and cons of concurrent licensing.

Highlights:

(0:29) Process Monitor 2.0 released

(1:40) Free version of Microsoft’s Hyper-V released

(3:00) VMware cofounder discusses virtualization and cloud computing

(4:49) Virtualization vendors focusing on client hypervisors

(6:16) The good, the bad and the ugly of concurrent licensing

Other recent news:

Rookie mistakes to avoid during the SharePoint implementation process

Five tips to improve SharePoint doc management

Early look at Windows 7 coming at PDC

dnielson — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:41:50 +0000

Rumors about what Windows 7 is (and what it isn’t) have been circulating for months, but attendees at the Professional Developer’s Conference in October will get a sneak peek at Microsoft’s yet-to-be released operating system. Also, learn about the release of Windows HPC Server 2008 and the SDL Pro Network.

Highlights:

(0:31) Pre-beta Windows 7 to be showcased at PDC

(1:33) Microsoft releases Windows HPC Server 2008

(3:53) Secure Pro Network designed to share Microsoft’s security policies

Other recent news:

The 10 most common Windows security vulnerabilities

Can you shrink your SQL Server database to death?

VMworld 2008 puts focus on ‘cloud computing’

kcipolletti — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:17:11 +0000

VMworld 2008 was held in Las Vegas this week, and this year ‘cloud computing’ took center stage. Hear what attendees and presenters alike had to say about this new concept, plus info on Microsoft rival VMware’s new product line-up. Also, learn which Microsoft product was released to manufacturing this week.

Highlights:

(0:21) Cloud computing concept takes center stage at VMworld 2008

(2:12) VMware announces new product family

(3:36) Maritz acknowledges Microsoft

(4:40) Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack RTM

Other recent news:

SharePoint performance demands finely tuned SQL Server, storage

Microsoft SharePoint planning and deployment best practices

kcipolletti — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:46:23 +0000

As Microsoft SharePoint grows in popularity, Windows managers should have the right tools, technologies and knowledge in place to ensure a successful deployment. This Q&A with Mike Watson, technical architect for Microsoft SharePoint Server, offers some helpful tips for Windows managers who are ready to deploy this collaboration platform or add more sites.

Other Microsoft SharePoint Resources:

SharePoint performance demands finely tuned SQL Server, storage

Top tips for harnessing Microsoft SharePoint governance

Sharepoint E-zine Vol.1: Governance Implementation Management

Microsoft demos Live Migration, offers free hypervisor

kcipolletti — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:21:57 +0000

The company that once downplayed the need for live migration recently announced that the feature will be included in its next release of Windows Server 2008. Hear what Microsoft said about the feature and get info on the company’s latest move to offer up free hypervisor technology. Plus, Patch Tuesday came and went this week, learn about the updates Windows admins should look out for.

Highlights:

(0:32) Live migration technology to be integrated with next Windows Server release

(1:56) Hyper-V Server 2008 coming in one month…at no cost

(3:04) Active Directory management tool developed

(3:56) Microsoft patches eight critical vulnerabilities

Other recent news:

Microsoft positions virtualization in the private cloud

How to meet data retention compliance in a Windows environment

Windows expert sizes up Server 2008

Has Internet Explorer met its match?

kcipolletti — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:26:31 +0000

Microsoft’s Web browser has a new competitor, Google Inc.’s Chrome. Hear whether experts believe Chrome will affect the dynamic between Microsoft vs. Google, plus info on Microsoft’s latest products to hit the RTM milestone.

Highlights:

(0:35) IE meet Chrome

(2:17) Microsoft fine-tunes desktop virtualization plans

(4:26) How DAS helps cut Exchange Costs

(6:10) New privilege elevation attack is making the rounds

Other recent news:

Microsoft to patch critical flaws in Office, SQL Server

Microsoft says DAS helps cut Exchange Server costs

Microsoft fine-tunes desktop virtualization story

Microsoft drops restrictions to virtual licensing

kcipolletti — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:43:56 +0000

For many who want to experience the promise of a dynamic data center, there is one less roadblock — Microsoft plans to make changes to its virtual licensing structure on September 1. In this podcast, hear why the company decided to lift its current licensing restrictions, plus info on Windows 7 release schedule.

Highlights:

(0:32) Virtual licensing change

(2:22) Microsoft introduces new support program

(3:56) Windows 7 release schedule

(4:50) Meet the manpower behind Windows 7

Other recent news:

Top tips for harnessing SharePoint governance

Microsoft introduces elite custom support program

Microsoft unveils virtual licensing changes

Microsoft produces several critical updates for Patch Tuesday

kcipolletti — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:56:19 +0000

Patch Tuesday came and went this week leaving IT pros with a bevy of security updates to deal with. In this podcast, get the details on all of these fixes and find out what Microsoft applications were affected. Also, hear the latest on Microsoft’s rumored plan to reveal new licensing policies for virtual machines.

Highlights:

(0:33) Patch Tuesday delivers critical patches to IT pros

(1:36) Sysinternals tools updated

(2:29) New licensing plans for virtual plans?

(4:17) VMware ESX 3.5 Update 2 bug

Other recent news:

No Windows Server, Vista patches for August

How Microsoft Operations Framework 4.0 enhances IT service management

The Windows Manager’s Guide to IT Compliance

SQL Server 2008 makes its official debut

kcipolletti — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:53:43 +0000

Months after its “launch” at a February Microsoft marketing event, SQL Server 2008 was finally released to manufacturing this week. In this podcast learn about some of the database software’s new features, plus details on Microsoft’s plan to revamp its patching, exploitability index.

Highlights:

(0:33) SQL Server 2008 debuts

(3:10) Microsoft revamps patching, exploit index

(4:33) VMware offers virtual design certifications

(6:25)Micorosoft to offer tips on virtualizing Exchange, SQL Server

(6:40) Symantec shapes virtualization strategy

Other recent news:

Exchange, SQL Server virtualization tips on tap from Microsoft

IT shops beware — define SharePoint parameters before installing

New Windows Server 2008 backup tool improves disaster recovery

Microsoft setting stage to bid adieu to Windows?

kcipolletti — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:12:22 +0000

Could there be life after Windows for Microsoft? Seems like the company is preparing for this scenario, as this week rumors of a new OS design started to churn. In this podcast, learn more about Microsoft’s plans for their new operating system, plus info on IT services spending forecast.

Highlights:

(0:33) A closer look at Midori

(2:19) VMware offers hypervisor for free

(4:00) Thinking of skipping Vista: Think again

(6:55) IT services spending forecast

Other recent news:

Microsoft vs. VMware: What’s the next move?

How MOF 4.0 enhances IT service management

The Windows Manager’s Guide to IT Compliance

Dangerous DNS flaw surfaces, Microsoft exec parts ways with Redmond

kcipolletti — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:45:01 +0000

There’s no doubt that Microsoft is feeling the heat during these dog days of summer. This week, the software vendor found itself dealing with a dangerous DNS flaw and a shake-up at the executive level. In this podcast, learn why IT pros are calling this flaw a very serious situation, plus info on the future of WSUS.

Highlights:

(0:32) DNS flaw surfaces

(2:37) future of WSUS

(5:21) Virtualization initial costs make more expensive

(7:13) Two IT pros plans for virtualization technology

(9:27) Microsoft exec says goodbye

Other recent news:

For some, the time is nigh for virtualizing desktops

Take control of SharePoint security with authorization techniques

Updating your Windows configuration management process

Microsoft releases infrastructure updates for server products

kcipolletti — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:13:14 +0000

Thought you could rest easy this summer? Think again. This week, Microsoft released a series of updates and fixes that address its line of server products. So before you check out for vacation, check in with Windows in Week in Review. In this podcast, learn if these infrastructure updates apply for you, plus info on why many IT pros view unified communications as an avenue for data leaks.

Highlights:

(0:33) Microsoft releases infrastructure updates

(1:26) Outsourcing security services growing

(3:00) Unified Communications an avenue for data leaks?

Other recent news:

ABCs of enterprise search

With enterprise search the work is never done

Integrating existing applications with SharePoint Server 2007

Microsoft puts the heat on VMware

dnielson — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:12:46 +0000

Feeling the squeeze from Microsoft, virtualization rival VMware’s board of directors shook things up by replacing its president and CEO with a former Microsoft executive. In this week’s podcast, hear what experts are saying about this move, plus details on two new Microsoft software services offerings.

Other recent news:

Microsoft adds two security features to IE8

Microsoft seeks to simplify volume licensing yet again

Alliance aims for better Apple Macs and Windows integration

Communicate your value to enhance your Windows IT career development

At long last, Hyper-V hits the streets

dnielson — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:26:12 +0000

Microsoft made their presence felt in the virtualization game with the release of Hyper-V this week. In this podcast, get the latest on Hyper-V’s features, as well as what experts are saying about the virtualization technology. Also, hear what Microsoft has to say about future migrations from Windows Vista to Windows 7, plus what’s being done about the increasing frequency of SQL injection attacks.

Highlights:

(0:31) Microsoft releases Hyper-V

(2:31) Microsoft learning lessons from Vista

(3:36) SQL injection attacks on the rise

Other recent news:

IT pros dish on the future of desktops

Warning — your IT shop needs a makeover

News from BriForum 2008

kcipolletti — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:50:00 +0000

The sixth annual BriForum conference was held in Chicago this week. In this podcast, hear what IT pros are saying about virtual desktop infrastructure technology, and which vendors are leading the pack. Also, learn how IT managers feel about social networking and collaboration tools in the enterprise.

Highlights:

(0:33) Is VDI ready for primetime

(2:33) How desktop virtualization affects desktop protocols

(4:17) Social networking and collaboration tools creeping into the enterprise

(7:57) Microsoft fixes patch-blocking flaw
Other recent news:

Maintaining the balance in Windows capacity planning

Active Directory and Windows 2008: New features you may have missed

News from Microsoft TechEd 2008

kcipolletti — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:34:23 +0000

Microsoft held its annual TechEd conference for IT professionals in Orlando this week. Hear which topics were hot this year, as well as tips for planning a SharePoint deployment from Microsoft technical architect Mike Watson.

Highlights:

(0:45) Senior News Director Margie Semilof calls in to discuss TechEd keynote, new product announcements

(3:07) SharePoint deployment best practices

(5:32) Microsoft releases monthly patch bulletins

Other recent news:

Meeting compliance requirements in a SharePoint Server environment

Windows Server 2008 RemoteApps give Terminal Services a boost

Microsoft tests new Sysinternals Web-based file service

dnielson — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:26:00 +0000

This week, Microsoft revealed that it is testing a new service that allows admins to access its free Sysinternals diagnostic tools. Hear how IT pros are reacting to the news, as well as a preview of next week’s Patch Tuesday releases.

Highlights:

(0:29) Sysinternals Live details

(2:05) Hosted Exchange Server adoption infiltrates enterprise

(5:04) Consolidated Windows server offerings for SMBs

(7:32) Microsoft to release 3 critical patches in monthly patch bulletin

(8:51) Microsoft warns of Apple Safari vulnerability

(9:50) Bill Gates addresses Microsoft TechEd attendees for last time

Other recent news:

Time to investigate collaboration and document management tools

VMware education gaining momentum

Windows 7 rumors quelled, details revealed

dnielson — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:40:56 +0000

This week, Microsoft clarified some of what customers can expect from its next desktop OS, Windows 7. Hear about the new features and why the company is hesitant to provide too much detail. Also, learn what Microsoft executives said when asked about the Windows 7 shipping date.

Highlights:

(0:34) Microsoft clarifies Windows 7 info

(1:56) IT managers react to Windows 7 kernel

(3:01) Ballmer speaks about Windows 7 shipping date

(4:27) Symantec warns of Windows registry corruption

(5:47) IT managers taking a mix match approach to virtualization

Other recent news:

Help desk and asset management tools merge

Citrix, Microsoft execs discuss tight relationship