Ron Crumbaker at myITforum.com, Inc.

Renewed as MVP for 2011

rcrumbaker — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:49:32 GMT

I got the email this weekend:

Dear Ron Crumbaker,
Congratulations! We are pleased to present you with the 2011 Microsoft® MVP Award! This award is given to exceptional technical community leaders who actively share their high quality, real world expertise with others. We appreciate your outstanding contributions in System Center Configuration Manager technical communities during the past year.

WOW, I am so honored! Thank you Microsoft and Thank you community!

New Security Bulletins

rcrumbaker — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:16:33 GMT

New Security Bulletins

Microsoft is releasing the following three new security bulletins for newly discovered vulnerabilities:

Bulletin ID

Bulletin Title

Max Severity Rating

Vulnerability Impact

Restart Requirement

Affected Software

MS11-015

Vulnerabilities in Windows Media Could Allow Remote Code Execution (2510030)

Critical

Remote Code Execution

May require restart

Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Windows Media Center TV Pack for Windows Vista.

MS11-016

Vulnerability in Microsoft Groove Could Allow Remote Code Execution (2494047)

Important

Remote Code Execution

May require restart

Microsoft Groove 2007

MS11-017

Vulnerability in Remote Desktop Client Could Allow Remote Code Execution (2508062)

Important

Remote Code Execution

May require restart

Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 R2.

Summaries for new bulletin(s) may be found at here.

Configuration Manager 2012–Role Based Administration (RBA)

rcrumbaker — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 15:22:28 GMT

So you can be ready for when Configuration Manager 2012 is released you need to get your head around some new features with Configuration Manager 2012. One of which is the Role Based Administration.

What is RBA? RBA a simplified administration of security permissions within the Configuration Manager environment. This allows organizations to use Security Roles to group sets of permissions together that collectively define an administrative span of control. It gives unified look and feel across System Center Product Line, quick access to what is relevant to the Admin, and Simplified Navigation.

If you are attending MMS 2011, make sure you go to the CM2012 Sessions so you can get a better understanding of these new features. Also, go see Wally Mead in the Labs so you can see the BEAUTIFUL CM2012 Console.

Download the current Beta version so you can start getting used to the new features of CM2012!

See you at MMS!!

Kinect Sales Surpass Ten Million, Sets Record For Fastest Selling Consumer Electronic Device

rcrumbaker — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:55:37 GMT

Microsoft has announced that totally 10 million kinects sold worldwide so far.

Press Release:

Following one of the biggest launches in consumer electronics history, Kinect for Xbox 360 continued its momentum in 2011, reaching 10 million Kinect sensors sold worldwide to date. Not only were sensor sales an overwhelming success, but Kinect drove significant game sales with more than 10 million standalone Kinect games sold worldwide to date.

In a nod to the recent sales success of Kinect, Guinness World Records has officially namedKinect for Xbox 360 the fastest-selling consumer electronics device, which sold an average of 133,333 units per day for a total of eight million units in its first 60 days between November 4, 2010 and January 3, 2011. The record confirmation comes just after the latest release of theGuinness World Records 2011 Gameris Edition, which features dedicated sections to Kinect.

"The sales figures here speak for themselves," said Gaz Deaves, Gaming Editor for Guinness World Records. "According to independent research, no other consumer electronics device sold faster within a 60-day time span, which is an incredible achievement considering the strength of the sector."

Transformative Kinect Games

While the accolades continue to roll in for Kinect, there is still so much more controller-free entertainment to be enjoyed by the 50 million Xbox 360 owners worldwide. Beginning this spring, get ready to play more games, watch more movies and TV shows, and enjoy more social experiences with Kinect for Xbox 360 including:

Kinect-enabled Netflix and Hulu Plus: Xbox LIVE is the world’s leading social entertainment network with 30 million active members across 35 countries. Starting this spring, you will be able to use hand gestures and their voice to control Netflix on Xbox LIVE. Also this spring, Hulu Plus, which offers full current and back seasons of hit TV shows from ABC, Comedy Central, FOX, NBC, MTV, and more, in HD, will join other world-class partners on Xbox LIVE including ESPN, Netflix, Zune, Last.fm, Sky, Canal+ and FOXTEL. Xbox is the only place to enjoy controller-free entertainment with thousands of live and on demand sports, tens of thousands of movies and TV shows in 1080p streaming, and millions of songs — all on the biggest screen in your home.

Avatar Kinect: Also coming this year, Avatar Kinect is a new social entertainment experience on Xbox LIVE that brings your avatar to life. Using the power of Kinect, control your avatar’s movements and expressions. When you smile, frown, nod, or speak, your avatar will do the same. With Avatar Kinect, you can hang out with up to seven friends in a variety of creative themed environments and capture animated videos that you can share via Facebook. Whether friends getting together to socialize, social networkers looking for new ways to speak to their community or just fun reenacting your favorite movie lines, Avatar Kinect opens up a whole new world of creativity and social interactivity.

Body and Brain Connection (NAMCO BANDAI Games): Developed under the supervision of renowned Japanese neuroscientist Dr. Ryuta Kawahima, Body and Brain Connection challenges players of all ages to exercise both their minds and bodies with fun, fast-paced mini-games ranging from math, logic, and memory to reflex and physical-orientation exercises using the full-motion capabilities of Kinect. Body and Brain Connection is now available for Xbox 360.

Michael Jackson The Experience (Ubisoft): Featuring songs from Michael Jackson’s extensive catalogue, as well as an array of his signature, awe-inspiring dance moves,Michael Jackson The Experience is the ultimate interactive game that enables players to be star of the show, with no controllers or microphones required. Michael Jackson The Experience will be available for Xbox 360 beginning April 12.

The Gunstringer (Twisted Pixel Games): From the developers that brought you award-winning hits like Splosion Man and The Maw comes an all-new Kinect-exclusive title, The Gunstringer for Xbox LIVE Arcade. Take control of an undead marionette in an epic Wild West stage production that requires your puppeteering and quick draw shooting skills to exact revenge on the Gunstringer’s enemies, all controller-free. The Gunstringer will be available on Xbox LIVE Arcade this spring.

Kung Fu Panda 2 video game (THQ): Po the Panda is back and ready for another epic, action-packed adventure in the Kung Fu Panda 2 video game. The kung fu action is taken to a whole new level with the addition of Kinect as players pick up where the movie sequel leaves off, helping Po and the Furious Five use full-body kung fu moves to save kung fu forever. The Kung Fu Panda 2 video game will be available on Kinect for Xbox 360 this May in line with the theatrical release.

Carnival Games: Monkey See, Monkey Do (2K Play): The Carnival Games series is back with exciting new ways to play! Available exclusively for Kinect on April 12, this full-body experience features 20 new family-friendly games and attractions that bring the midway to life, including Alley Ball, Shark Tank, and a Monkey Barker dance-off, as well as interactive prizes and surprises!

Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment):Available this fall, kids and parents will embark on an uplifting and funny family adventure exclusively on Kinect. Join Cookie Monster, Elmo, and other Sesame Street characters as they explore a living storybook titled "Once Upon a Monster." Meet zany new monster friends, help them solve their problems, forge friendships, and learn important life lessons along the way.

NoDo–Windows Phone Update

rcrumbaker — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:37:05 GMT

Microsoft has announced on its official French blog that the NoDo update that will bring copy and paste (demoed above) will be delivered in the second half of March via the Zune software.

The update was expected in the first two weeks of March, so this definitely presents a delay, but I suspect us Windows Phone users are by now pretty used to the sound of deadlines whizzing by.

Via Monsmartphone.net

Configuration Manager 2012–Application Model

rcrumbaker — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:24:56 GMT

So you can be ready for when Configuration Manager 2012 is released you need to get your head around some new features with Configuration Manager 2012. One of which is the Application Model.

The Application Model has been designed to provide different deployment types (MSI, Script, AppV, Mobile and more) to different scenarios. Using this model, conditions, rules and predefined relationships can be dynamically calculated at delivery to determine the best application experience for the user on the hardware and connection they are using. In this technical overview of the new Software Distribution capability, we will cover the key concepts including: Deployment Types; Deployments; Requirements; Conditions; and the associated functionality required to support your new generation workforce.

Download the current Beta version so you can start getting used to the new features of CM2012!

See you at MMS!!

Windows Phone–Update…still not there for me

rcrumbaker — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:00:40 GMT

So, I’ve had my Windows Phone for some time now and was very excited when I got it. It’s a great phone, very fast, very responsive.

I’m a bit disappointed in the available apps, but the Market place is growing everyday…so I can live with that right now.

However, as others have stated (http://windowsphonesecrets.com/2011/03/09/still-no-update/) I’m getting a bit frsustrated with the NO UPDATE.

Is ATT Blocking it, is Microsoft??

2010 Camaro–My baby

rcrumbaker — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 00:41:55 GMT

Microsoft Patch Tuesday for June 2010:

rcrumbaker — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:04:13 GMT

Microsoft Patch Tuesday for June 2010: 10 bulletins http://bit.ly/ciztv8

Microsoft's Deskerity Project Combines the Powers of Pen, Touch, Gesturing, Voice

rcrumbaker — Fri, 07 May 2010 14:19:32 GMT

http://www.fastcompany.com/1640264/microsofts-deskerity-project-combines-the-powers-of-pen-touch-gesturing-and-voice

Remember the Surface? It's Microsoft's tablet-sized tablet, and the company is showing off its Manual Deskerity system, which sounds like a dream come true for architects, designers and the like.

Using Configuration Manager saves money…

rcrumbaker — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 20:44:53 GMT

http://www.microsoft.com/casestudies/Case_Study_Detail.aspx?CaseStudyID=4000006996

General Mills Enables Users and Reduces IT Work with New Desktop Management Tools Management Tools

General Mills, one of the world’s leading food companies, operates globally in very competitive markets. To remain creative and agile, the company needed to provide users with the latest technology without raising IT costs or sacrificing network security. To meet these needs, General Mills deployed Microsoft desktop optimization technologies, including Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 and Microsoft Application Virtualization. The IT staff can now make PC transitions 80 percent faster, offer more models to better fit business needs, and reduce technical engineering work. It is performing one million software installations a year, and has cut software imaging costs by U.S.$450,000 annually. General Mills has implemented tighter software licensing controls and automated common support tasks. Users are happy, and the IT staff is smiling, too—a recipe for business success.

Texting & Driving Now Illegal In Kentucky: KENTUCKY - Texting behind the wheel is now illegal in Kentucky....

rcrumbaker — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 01:06:00 GMT

http://www.news25.us/global/story.asp?s=12321272

KENTUCKY - Texting behind the wheel is now illegal in Kentucky.

Governor Steve Beshear signed the bill into law this Thursday morning.

The law bans texting for drivers of all ages while vehicles are moving, but drivers under the age of 18 have tighter restrictions-- they're not allowed to use the phone at all while driving.

Law enforcement officers will issue warnings until January 1st of next year.

after that, violators will be fined $25 for a first offense and $50 for each time after that.

Microsoft TechNet Wiki has launched

rcrumbaker — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:48:00 GMT

Microsoft TechNet Wiki has launched --http://blogs.technet.com/keithcombs/archive/2010/04/14/microsoft-technet-wiki-has-launched.aspx

Microsoft to launch Office 2010 in New York on May 12

rcrumbaker — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:55:02 GMT

Microsoft to launch Office 2010 in New York on May 12

Re-Awarded MVP

rcrumbaker — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:14:34 GMT

I was just told that I was renewed as a Microsoft MVP!

WOW, I’m so excited!!

Dear Ron Crumbaker,

Congratulations! We are pleased to present you with the 2010 Microsoft® MVP Award! This award is given to exceptional technical community leaders who actively share their high quality, real world expertise with others. We appreciate your outstanding contributions in System Center Configuration Manager technical communities during the past year.