Year: 2010

Deploy Windows 7 and Office 2010 quickly and reliably—while boosting user satisfaction

Microsoft® Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010 Update 1 is now available! Download MDT 2010 Update 1 at: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=159061

As you prepare to deploy Windows® 7, Office 2010, and Windows Server® 2008 R2, get a jump start with MDT 2010 Update 1. Use this Solution Accelerator to achieve efficient, cost-effective deployment of Windows 7, Office 2010, and Windows Server 2008 R2.

This latest release offers something for everyone. Benefits include:

For System Center Configuration Manager 2007 customers:

New “User Driven Installation” deployment method. An easy-to-use UDI Wizard allows users to initiate and customize operating system and application deployments to their PCs that are tailored to their individual needs.

Support for Configuration Manager R3 “Prestaged Media.” For those deploying Windows 7 and Office 2010 along with new PCs, a custom operating system image can easily be preloaded and then customized once deployed.

For Lite Touch Installation:

Support for Office 2010. Easily configure Office 2010 installation and deployment settings through the Deployment Workbench and integration with the Office Customization Tool.

Improved driver import process. All drivers are inspected during the import process to accurately determine what platforms they really support, avoiding common inaccuracies that can cause deployment issues.

For all existing customers:

A smooth and simple upgrade process. Installing MDT 2010 Update 1 will preserve your existing MDT configuration, with simple wizards to upgrade existing deployment shares and Configuration Manager installations.

Many small enhancements and bug fixes. Made in direct response to feedback received from customers and partners all around the world, MDT 2010 Update 1 is an indispensible upgrade for those currently using MDT (as well as a great starting point for those just starting).

Continued support for older products. MDT 2010 Update 1 still supports deployment of Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista®, Windows Server 2008, and Office 2007, for those customers who need to be able to support these products during the deployment of Windows 7 and Office 2010.

Next steps:

Download Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=159061.

Learn more by visiting the MDT site on Microsoft TechNet: www.microsoft.com/mdt.

This is a repost of a Microsoft announcement

 

Until now, there haven’t been enough certification programs that focus on fundamental IT and development skills.  Microsoft hope is  that the new (MTA) will fill this void.

Launched today, the MTA will offer students a certification in the fundamentals of IT and development. Unlike more advanced Microsoft certifications, the MTA targets students with no prior IT or development experience or employment. It is available exclusively in educational settings and is designed to easily integrate into the curricula of existing computer classes.

The MTA offers three IT certifications, three development certifications and one database certification. The IT section includes tests in Networking Fundamentals, Security Fundamentals and Windows Server Administration Fundamentals. The development certification offers tests in Software Development Fundamentals, Windows Development Fundamentals and Web Development Fundamentals. The database certification covers Database Administration Fundamentals. Students can pursue as many or as few certifications as they choose.

Participating teachers can continue to use their favorite courseware to teach fundamental technology concepts, and also use the included MTA Certification Exam Review Kits (ERKs) to complement existing textbooks. For each exam, 20 hours of instructional material is available. The MTA will eventually be available in thousands of high schools, vocational programs and colleges in the U.S. and other countries. Some colleges are considering making the MTA a mandatory part of their freshman curricula in IT and development. Testing will be conducted by Certiport, a commercial testing service, at participating schools.

 

As a security person I hear what the best build way to build computers system that I can baseline them . I use tools like MDT 2010.

The Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010  is a FREE tool that will allow you to create images for operating systems. This tool will script the building of operating systems XP service pack 3, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2003, Server 2008, Server 2008r2. You can also add applications,  and configurations.

If you have SCCM or use WDS you can take the results created by this tool.  It also has method for upgrading XP to Windows 7 while leaving user data on the system. There is a tool called USMT (User state migration toolkit) using you can specify what data you like to keep on the computer or move to a share during a upgrade.

You can download the beta 1 at https://connect.microsoft.com/site14/Downloads/DownloadDetails.aspx?DownloadID=8689

AS a network administrator you may need guidance to plan and design  and implementation your SQL infrastructure. Using guide like this will also give you best practices to reduce security issues.

The Infrastructure Planning and Design (IPD) guide for Microsoft SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 R2 helps organizations address key design decisions and confidently plan the efficient implementation of a SQL Server infrastructure. The tasks addressed in this guide help technical decision makers identify the appropriate SQL Server roles needed as well as determine the infrastructure components, server placement, and fault-tolerance configuration necessary to meet planning requirements. By using this guidance, organizations can make efficient planning and optimal design decisions for their SQL Server infrastructures.

Download the IPD Guide for Microsoft SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 R2 at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=160982

 

This is another tool that a security or network administrator needs. This is a Windows based Sniffer with the following benefits

A new high performance capturing feature allows you to capture on faster networks without dropping frames. Parser profiles provide a simple way to increase filtering/parsing speed and allow you to switch quickly between various parser sets. And UI updates like Color Rules, Windows Layouts and Column Management give you flexibility to do cool customizations to help you work the way you want..

To download the latest version, please visit our Microsoft Download Center page. For more information see the release blog which has the official announcement.

 

AS a security profession i am always on the look for tools that we help me do easer. Ipswich has just offered a free tool that should be in any Windows administrator took kit.

The Engineer’s Toolkit has a single login and credentials library, features robust functionality, and is designed to simplify common network engineering tasks. The Engineer’s Toolkit can help you with:

* Network design and planning

* DNS verification

* Network diagnostics

* Remote access to devices and servers

* Network discovery

* Configuration and credential management

Your role as a network engineer is not an easy one. Routine tasks often take more time than planned and troubleshooting issues can lead to long days, not to mention a few headaches.

Take advantage of our limited time offer -Get the WhatsUp Gold Engineer’s Toolkit today for free! Get ready to simplify network engineering.

Download your WhatsUp Gold Engineer’s Toolkit(http://www.whatsupgold.com/2/engineerstoolkit) today and gain access to the most robust and usable toolkit available featuring one application, one interface, and one easy way to monitor, diagnose and troubleshoot network issues!

 

 

This is a very big issues for most users, Adobe announced that on Windows, Macintosh, Linux and Solaris operating a  critical vulnerability exists  in ALL versions of Flash player version 10.0.45.2 and earlier versions .

They also announced that  a component that ships with Adobe Reader and Acrobat 9.x for Windows, Macintosh and UNIX operating systems 

These vulnerabilities could cause a crash and potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system. There are reports that this vulnerability is being actively exploited in the wild against both Adobe Flash Player, and Adobe Reader and Acrobat.

At this time there in NOT a FIX. Adobe will update their site once a schedule has been determined for releasing a fix.

 

Microsoft Volume 8 of the Security Intelligence Report provides a comprehensive and unique perspective on malware and potentially unwanted software activity around the world. The report analysis is based on data from over 500 million computers and from some of the Internet’s busiest online services in the second half of 2009, and offers information about developing secure software and securing Internet-facing systems from attack. As a security professional this information is very telling on what happing to Pc and the different type of attacks that companies are under.

The SIR reports discuss wide-ranging study of the evolving threat landscape, and addresses such topics as software vulnerability disclosures and exploits, malicious software (malware), and potentially unwanted software. This is a Must read for Security Professionals at companies who what to learn about threats to their network

The report show for example

To read the full report go here

 

 

FREE SOFTWARE!

Microsoft is giving away 50 copies of Windows 7 Ultimate for the first 50 Get On the Bus event attendees through the door at EVERY STOP! Don’t miss your chance to win a copy of Microsoft’s newest software offering – register today at www.thebustour.com.

Disclaimer:

*To receive your free copy of Windows 7 Ultimate, be one of the first 50 people who are US residents (includes D of C) or Canada 18+ to arrive at a Microsoft Get On the Bus Tour afternoon event.  50 copies of the software title are available. Limit one gift per person.  This offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer.  This offer ends on June 4, 2010 while supplies last, and is not redeemable for cash.  Taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the recipient.  There is no shipment of your gift – all gifts will be distributed onsite.

Montreal, May 21 | Boston, May 24 | New York, May 25 | Philadelphia, May 26 | Washington DC, May 27 & 28 | Richmond, June 1 | Raleigh, June 2 | Charlotte, June 3 | Atlanta, June 4 | New Orleans, June 5

www.thebustour.com

The Get On the Bus Tour is back home and Microsoft is  kicking off the  new tour with a visit to Canada! Montreal marks our first location on a 10-city North American road show en route to TechEd in New Orleans, June 7. Come spend some time with Microsoft as they tour the East Coast for a deep dive into both Windows 7 and Office 2010, along with a specific path on how to get certified. Learn why Windows 7 has received rave reviews from IT organizations and is setting records as the fastest selling operating system in history.  Find out why so many IT Pros are eagerly awaiting the release of Office 2010. We will show you both the best practices for deploying Windows 7 and how to keep it running efficiently after deployment.  Also take a tour through all of the features of Office 2010 from an IT Professional’s point of view. It’s time to join at a stop nearest you for technical training, professional networking, hands-on experiences, and real world guidance from industry experts sent to you from Redmond. Don’t miss your chance to “Get On the Bus!”

REGISTER

For your local event today!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 9:00AM – 10:00AM Pacific Time

Join the Event

Join an online live conversation with Microsoft Community Managers Matt Bernardy,  Jake Grey, and your truly Jay Ferron on May 4^th, 2010 from 9:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M. PMT. This is your opportunity to learn more about the Clubhouse, Microsoft Answers, the MVP Program, and to ask questions about all the Windows community programs.  To join, follow these simple steps:

1. Find out what time this Live Meeting is in your country/region.
2. Download Microsoft Office Live Meeting 2007. We recommend you download the program several hours in advance to avoid technical difficulties during the session.
3. Enter the meeting and fill in your name.