Blain Barton's Blog

TechNet Radio: IT Time - (Part 1) Upgrading from Windows Server 2008 to Windows Server 2012 – Overview

Blain Barton — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:40:42 GMT

Its IT Time and in today’s episode Blain Barton walks us through the necessary steps and considerations you should think about when upgrading from Windows Server 2008 to Windows Server 2012. Tune in as he lays out the necessary hardware and disk requirements, which Windows Clients and Servers are supported as well as what Functional Levels, Operations Master Roles and Active Directory changes you need to be made aware of.

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Experience Microsoft's latest products with these FREE downloads!
Build Your Lab! Download Windows Server 2012, System Center 2012 SP1 and Hyper-V Server 2012 and get the best virtualization platform and private cloud management solution on the market. Try it FREE now!

Don’t Have a Lab? Build Your Lab in the Cloud with Windows Azure Virtual Machines. Try Windows Azure for free with no cost or obligations, and use any OS, language, database or tool. FREE Download

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Become an "Early Expert" at IT Pros ROCK!

The Windows Server 2012 "Early Experts" Challenge provides a FREE online study group with certification exam preparation materials for quickly learning about the latest version of Windows Server! The Challenge involves a series of Knowledge Quests - starting with the Apprentice Quest below - and each Quest ends with a special completion certificate for you to promote your new knowledge! To make it easy to participate, each Quest is developed in a modular format that you can complete based on your own schedule and availability.

If you're interested in learning more about the products or solutions discussed in this episode, click on any of the below links for free, in-depth information:

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Blain Barton’s Blog

Videos:

Virtual Labs:

TechNet Virtual Labs: System Center 2012

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Windows Azure Infrastructure as a Service – Understanding the ROI Webcasts – May and June Calendar Posted

Blain Barton — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:43:00 GMT

Select a scenario below to register online or call 1-877-MSEVENT

SCENARIO 1:

June 18, 20, 28 - Register >>

SCENARIO 2:

May 20, 22, 29- Register >>

May 28, 30, June 6 - Register >>

SCENARIO 3:

June 5, 7, 21 - Register >>

June 11, 13, 28 - Register >>

Keep in mind, separate registration is required for each scenario.

Prerequisites: You must have a paid subscription to Windows Azure before attending these webcasts. Get one here.

Please NOTE: Windows Azure service fees will be charged to your account during your proof of concept experience. This gives you the advantage of quickly analyzing the real costs associated with the scenarios, and enables you take with you the live proof of concepts. We estimate the fees incurred to be within $50-$75 dollars.

Three scenarios to take you from deployment to cost analysis

Join us for this unique Webcast series delivered by Microsoft Technical Evangelists designed to help you understand the true ROI for 'on-demand' infrastructure scenarios.

You will walk away with a clear understanding on the costs and ROI of the various scenarios and live, 'production' proof of concepts that you can implement in your production environment.

Please Note: You must have a paid subscription to Windows Azure before attending these webcasts. Get one here.

SCENARIO 1: Building Virtual Machines in the New Microsoft Cloud: From Deployment to Cost Analysis
June 18 | June 20 | June 28 REGISTER >>

With this scenario we will create a "Pay-As-You-Go" account, three virtual machines, and the networking required to link the two machines together. We will network a web server with a file server, authenticate through an AD controller, and configure the three servers in a working scenario. We will discuss each area of the portal, clarify pricing, and learn many of the new ways that you can utilize Windows Azure to become more productive.

SCENARIO 2: Active Directory and PowerShell tools for Windows Azure: From Deployment to Cost Analysis
May 20 | May 22 | May 29 REGISTER >>
May 28 | May 30 | June 6 REGISTER >>

During this 3-part series, we will create a "Pay-As-You-Go" account, two new virtual machines in Azure, add the Active Directory feature set to one of them, and enable the PowerShell capabilities to allow remote administration of this newly created environment. We will also walk through the steps of uploading a virtual machine to Windows Azure via PowerShell and will discuss the features in detail.

SCENARIO 3: Network Connectivity, Provisioning Infrastructure, and Deploying Workload on Demand
June 5 | June 7 | June 21 REGISTER >>
June 11 | June 13 | June 28 REGISTER >>

Windows Azure IaaS is offering IT capabilities to businesses of all sizes with opportunities to provision infrastructure on demand in the cloud, roll out applications across a global network, scale up or down as needed, and pay only to what has been used. This three-part delivery will deepen your technical understanding of these capabilities at a task level with methodology, a hands-on experience, and practical routines that you can immediately apply to your daily IT work, improve your deliveries, and create more and new business opportunities.

If you prefer I not forward you these types of communications, just let me know. To learn how to manage your contact preferences for other parts of Microsoft, please read our Privacy Statement.

Sincerely,
Blain Barton

Adnan Cartwright – Windows Server MVP produces video tutorial on how to configure Azure Backup on Windows Server 2012… check it out…

Blain Barton — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:17:48 GMT

Microsoft Windows Server MVP Adnan Cartwright puts together some demos around Windows Azure Recovery Services and the Backup Vault.

If you would like to try this out, get your Windows Azure subscription at http://aka.ms/try-azure and your Windows Server 2012 evaluation at http://aka.ms/msproducts You will need both the (Public Cloud – Windows Azure) and (Private Cloud – Windows Server 2012 with a Certificate Authority) to complete the exercise. http://youtu.be/c-6CxFDGvIk

Microsoft’s Private Cloud with System Center SP1 starts May 22nd in Fort Lauderdale – Register Now!

Blain Barton — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:32:00 GMT

You're invited.

Select a date below to register online or call 1-877-MSEVENT

Location

Series 2

Ft. Lauderdale

W. Palm Beach,

Gainesville

Jacksonville

Tampa

Miami

If you are unable to attend in person, you may be interested in a Hands-on Lab Online (HOLO) on Windows 8 or Windows Azure.

FREE Events
Seating is limited, so register today. Events run from 9:00am - 3:30pm.

For more information or to register, visit > www.technetevents.com OR CALL 1-877-MSEVENT

Please join us at a FREE Microsoft IT Camp for a deep dive into Microsoft’s Private Cloud Offerings.

SERIES 2 | Microsoft’s Private Cloud Series with System Center SP1 with Windows Server 2012, Windows Azure, Early Experts Workshop and Microsoft Virtual Academy.

Here’s your chance to learn about System Center SP1 with System Center Virtual Machine Manager and AppController demos, Windows Azure, Microsoft’s cloud-based computing services platform. Join us at a free Microsoft IT Camp that includes hands-on demos and interactive discussions with a Microsoft MVP technical expert. You’ll work with Windows Azure topics followed by a “Hands-On Lab” at the end of the day. Sessions include:

System Center SP1 - Lecture
Windows Server 2012 – Lecture
Windows Azure – Lecture
Windows Azure – Hands-On Lab (need subscription go to http://aka.ms/try-azure
Windows Server 2012 – Early Expert’s Overview (MVA and TechNet Virtual labs), please download Windows Server 2012 before attending and have this on your computer. Get the evaluation copy of Windows Server 2012Download Here

To participate in the afternoon hands-on lab sessions, you will need to bring your own computer (laptop preferred). For detailed system specs, click on the city nearest you.

NOTICE TO ALL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES – We trust you understand Microsoft's desire to ensure that we – and you – comply with applicable government gift and ethics rules set forth in Federal and State regulations, which restrict/prohibit public sector (government or education) employees from accepting gifts from entities doing or seeking official business with the public sector. A "gift" includes meals, giveaways, free software or other items of value given away at an event. If you wish to receive any of these items, you must pay market value for them or have written approval from your gifting/ethics officer or responsible attorney. Additional information and gift letter are available on registration site.

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To set your contact preferences for Microsoft communications, click here.

Microsoft Corporation
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Active Directory and PowerShell tools for Windows Azure: From Deployment to Cost Analysis: Scenario 2, week 1- Registration Open!

Blain Barton — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:14:01 GMT

Active Directory and PowerShell tools for Windows Azure: From Deployment to Cost Analysis: Scenario 2, week 1

Event ID: 1032554302

Monday, May 20, 2013

11:00 AM 1:00 PM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)	Scenario 2, Part 1: Create Virtual Machines and use PowerShell for remote administration Registration Status: Open	2 hour(s)
	Active Directory and PowerShell tools for Windows Azure: From Deployment to Cost Analysis Join us for this three-part Webcast series designed to help you understand the true ROI for ‘on-demand’ infrastructure scenarios and walk away with real-world ... More Active Directory and PowerShell tools for Windows Azure: From Deployment to Cost Analysis Join us for this three-part Webcast series designed to help you understand the true ROI for ‘on-demand’ infrastructure scenarios and walk away with real-world proof of concepts that you can implement in your production environment. This Scenario focuses on using PowerShell for remote Administration of your newly created environment. You must have a paid subscription to Windows Azure before attending these webcasts. Get one here: http://aka.ms/azurebootcamp. Part 1: Create Virtual Machines and use PowerShell for remote administration In Part 1, we will create two new virtual machines in Azure, add the Active Directory feature set to one of them, and enable the PowerShell capabilities to enable remote administration of this newly created environment.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

10:00 AM 11:30 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)	Scenario 2, Part 2: Configuration and Troubleshooting Support with Q&A Registration Status: Open	1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
	Active Directory and PowerShell tools for Windows Azure: From Deployment to Cost Analysis Join us for this three-part Webcast series designed to help you understand the true ROI for ‘on-demand’ infrastructure scenarios and walk away with real-wor ... More Active Directory and PowerShell tools for Windows Azure: From Deployment to Cost Analysis Join us for this three-part Webcast series designed to help you understand the true ROI for ‘on-demand’ infrastructure scenarios and walk away with real-world proof of concepts that you can implement in your production environment. This Scenario focuses on using PowerShell for remote Administration of your newly created environment. You must have a paid subscription to Windows Azure before attending these webcasts. Get one here: http://aka.ms/azurebootcamp. Part 2: Configuration and Troubleshooting Support with Q&A In Part 2, we will also walk through the steps of uploading a virtual machine to Windows Azure via PowerShell to give attendees an overview of what will take place. We will discuss these features in detail, clarify pricing, and learn many of the new ways that you can utilize Windows Azure to become more productive.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

12:00 PM 1:00 PM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)	Scenario 2, Part 3: De-provisioning the Virtual Machines and Reviewing Cost Analysis Registration Status: Open	1 hour(s)
	Active Directory and PowerShell tools for Windows Azure: From Deployment to Cost Analysis Join us for this three-part Webcast series designed to help you understand the true ROI for ‘on-demand’ infrastructure scenarios and walk away with real-wor ... More

“Live” Questions and Answers on System Center 2012 and Microsoft Private Cloud – Register Now!

Blain Barton — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Join this “live” online event designed for IT professionals to ask our team of experts their questions about System Center 2012 and the Microsoft private cloud with the most common questions being answered live. Register here: aka.ms/MVA-SysCtr. If you cannot make the live online event, sign up anyway so you can receive a notification when the recording is published on the Microsoft Virtual Academy.

US Imagine Cup 2013 Finals are today from Silicon Valley! Check it out now LIVE!

Blain Barton — Mon, 13 May 2013 16:01:44 GMT

Don’t miss the U.S. Imagine Cup 2013 Finals starting today at 8:45 am PST! We’ll be streaming live from Silicon Valley to watch the top 10 teams present their game-changing apps and compete for a chance to win up to $10,000! http://po.st/xsVir5

Microsoft’s Private Cloud with System Center SP1 - Series 2 Opens – Register Now!

Blain Barton — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:29:00 GMT

You're invited.

Select a date below to register online or call 1-877-MSEVENT

	Location			Series 2
	Ft. Lauderdale			5/22
	W. Palm Beach,			6/5
	Gainesville			6/12
	Miami			6/20
	Jacksonville			6/17
	Tampa			6/18

If you are unable to attend in person, you may be interested in a Hands-on Lab Online (HOLO) on Windows 8 or Windows Azure.

FREE Events
Seating is limited, so register today. Events run from 9:00am - 3:30pm.

For more information or to register, visit > www.technetevents.com OR CALL 1-877-MSEVENT

Please join us at a FREE Microsoft IT Camp for a deep dive into Microsoft’s Private Cloud Offerings.

System Center SP1 - Lecture
Windows Server 2012 – Lecture
Windows Azure – Lecture
Windows Azure – Hands-On Lab (need subscription go to http://aka.ms/try-azure
Windows Server 2012 – Early Expert’s Overview (MVA and TechNet Virtual labs), please download Windows Server 2012 before attending and have this on your computer. Please download your the evaluation copy of Windows Server 2012Download Here

To participate in the afternoon hands-on lab sessions, you will need to bring your own computer (laptop preferred). For detailed system specs, click on the city nearest you.

Microsoft respects your privacy. Please read our online Privacy Statement.

To set your contact preferences for Microsoft communications, click here.

Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052

Blain’s Palm Tree Farm – Project 2 – Post 1 of 5 – Gopher Tortoise Relocation

Blain Barton — Fri, 10 May 2013 22:00:00 GMT

I thought I would share some of my experiences during the build out my new Palm Tree Farm in Homosassa Florida over the last several weeks.

While I spend my time in the IT trenches I still allocated time to enjoy my work/life balance which is being on my farm. It puts me in touch with nature and drives me to enjoy the great outdoors.

After working with the local county and neighbors around the 5-acre extension of my silviculture operation we continue on the project plans set forth. First I want to say thank you to all local neighbors for their understanding around the clearing, burning and dust funnels that have been created during the big clearing project. Just so you know, it has not all been about clearing trees and moving dirt.

One thing that is important to me is to respect the current residences that are existing currently on my property. I’m not talking about people, I’m talking about turtles. As the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) updates their guidelines and rules around Florida Gopher Tortoises and they are on the states threatened species list and it is against the law to harm gopher tortoises, their burrows or eggs.

I have several turtles on my property and protecting them is top of mind. Gopher Tortoises live in all of Florida’s 67 counties, preferring high, dry, sandy places such as pine forests, oak, pine flathills, oak sandhills, flatlands and dunes.

I hired a company that specializes in Gopher Tortoise Relocation. We used a careful procedure with a backhoe to gently dig up the turtles. They used a blue line to send down the burrow to see its’ depth.

These 2 turtles we captured have been relocated to the back part of the property protected by silt fencing and a 25 ft eating coverage area and are safe and happy today. Next phase is getting the property cleared and ready for tree planting.

Below Michael has a adolescent gopher tortoise is his hands from about 20 feet down in the sand. Nice work!

Windows Server 2012 Active Directory Resource Page

Blain Barton — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:48:30 GMT

Here are some important resource links to utilize when digging in to Windows Server 2012 Active Directory.

What's New in Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831477.aspx

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831769.aspx

Active Directory Administrative Center Enhancements

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj574139.aspx

Deploy Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) in Your Enterprise

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh472160.aspx

What's New in Active Directory Certificate Services?

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831373.aspx