Brad McCabe's WebLog

Brad, are you alive?

Brad_McCabe — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 19:10:00 GMT

So you might have been wondering, given that it's been oh... 4 years since my last blog post if I was still alive. The answer is yes. In fact I've been posting over on the MDOP blog. I've been on a bit of a journey after my time in VB/SQL/ASP.NET land.

I hired a team here in Redmond that helped to drive the global MSDN and TechNet sites and bring alot to of the great content to folks around the world. After that project and set of sites were up and running I switched gears and went over to play in the consumer space. I worked for about a year with hardware partners, like HP and Linksys, to create Media Center Extender products and bring them to market.

Now I'm working in the Windows client team working on a series of products called MDOP. If you want to catch up with me, or learn more about MDOP 2010, Windows 7 or Office 2010 check out the dates of the bus tour I'll be doing down the East Coast of the US below.

Brad

“Get On the Bus” is back in North America!

www.thebustour.com

The Get On the Bus Tour is back home and we’re kicking off our 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 us as we tour the East Coast for a deep dive into MDOP 2010, 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 MDOP 2010 and how to keep it running efficiently after deployment. We will 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 us 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!

Get your Bus Tour updates first! Follow us on Twitter @thebustour

Visual Studio 2005 US Events

Brad_McCabe — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 20:25:00 GMT

The various Developer Evangelist from around the country will be delivering about 60 technical how to events showing the value of Visual Studio 2005.

These events are pure technical content, no marketing fluff, delivered by noted speakers, authors, and industry experts.

To get more information or to see if they will be in a city near you check out http://www.msdnevents.com/.

New VB WebCast Series Starting Soon

Brad_McCabe — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 02:20:00 GMT

Jacob Cynamon is kicking off a new WebCast series titled Visual Basic 2005 today to focus on what’s new in VB and how you can get up to with it. Check out http://blogs.msdn.com/jacobcy/archive/category/12739.aspx for a complete list of dates for the topics such as language features, data access, RAD, and click once deployment.

Updated Free eBook - Introducing Microsoft Visual Basic 2005 for Developers

Brad_McCabe — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 20:02:00 GMT

Early in the BETA period for Visual Studio 2005 we released a free online version of the MS Press book Introducing Microsoft Visual Basic 2005 for Developers. This book received great comments, but was written against BETA 1.

We have had the authors update and enhance this book for the final release for Visual Studio 2005 and it now available at http://msdn.microsoft.com/vbasic/learning/introtovb2005/.

You can view any of the 8 chapters either online, in the MSDN library or as a PDF, or you can download all 8 PDFs in one zip file to read offline.

The summary of the book is below:

Get a focused, first look at the features and capabilities in Microsoft Visual Basic 2005, Visual Studio 2005, and the .NET Framework 2.0. If you currently work with Visual Basic 6, these authors fully understand the adoption and code migration issues you'll encounter. They'll step you through a quick primer on .NET Framework programming, offering guidance for a productive transition. If you already work with .NET, you'll jump directly into what's new, learning how to extend your existing skills. From the innovations in rapid application development, debugging, and deployment, to new data access, desktop, and Web programming capabilities, you get the insights and code walkthroughs you need to be productive right away.

Will work for food....

Brad_McCabe — Tue, 28 Feb 2006 00:17:00 GMT

Do you like to have an impact on the lives of professional developers? If so check out Jay Roxe's entry about various open positions he has.

Jackie Goldstein on VB Migration

Brad_McCabe — Sat, 28 Jan 2006 08:43:00 GMT

DeveloperPipeline has recently posted a chat with Software Legend Jackie Goldstein about Visual Basic migration. You can check out the chat here.

The summary is posted below:

.NET Migration: In-House or Outsource?

If your development team is getting up to speed on the .NET Framework, .NET guru Jackie Goldstein suggests that you may be able to outsource migration for handling a lot of "grunt work". (MP3, 16:11 mins.)

Microsoft® .NET Framework 2.0 - Windows®-Based Client Development

Brad_McCabe — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 22:16:00 GMT

I have been asked to pass long some information to folks. If you are interested in taking some of the new Microsoft Certification Courses in BETA check out the information below. The registration period has been extended for a few more days until the end of the month.

*********************************************************************************************************************

Beta Exam 71-526: TS: Microsoft® .NET Framework 2.0 - Windows®-Based Client Development [Beta version of Exam 70-526]

As an early adopter or someone who has expressed interest in Microsoft Certifications, you are invited to take the Beta (pre-release) version of Exam 70-526 and provide feedback. The Beta exam is FREE for you, and it will count towards certification in the same way as the final version of the exam. When the exam begins, you will be able to specify whether you want to take the exam in Microsoft Visual Basic 2005, Microsoft Visual C# 2005 or in Microsoft Visual C++ 2005.

Microsoft® has launched a New Generation of Certifications. There are two series of credentials for .NET Framework developers: Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD). The MCTS credential highlights your ability to develop Windows, Web, or distributed applications using the .NET Framework 2.0 and Visual Studio 2005. The MCPD credential highlights your job role, featuring your specific area of expertise and allowing you to distinguish yourself as an expert in Windows Development, Web Application Development, or Enterprise Applications Development.

Exam 70-526, is one of two exams required for the “Microsoft® Certified Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications” credential. To achieve this credential you will also need to pass exam “70-536: TS: Microsoft® .NET Framework 2.0 - Application Development Foundation”. After achieving the Technology Specialist credential for Windows applications, you will be able to achieve the “Microsoft® Certified Professional Developer: Windows Developer” credential by passing one additional exam: “70-548 PRO: Designing and Developing Windows®-Based Applications by Using the Microsoft® .NET Framework.”

You are being given advanced notification about this Beta exam. By participating in Beta exams, you have the opportunity to provide the Microsoft Certification Program with feedback about exam content, which is integral to the development of a high quality exam. We depend on the contributions of experienced IT professionals and developers as we continually improve exam content and maintain the value of Microsoft certifications. You can expect to receive notification on whether or not you have passed the exam before the final exam is released.

SPECIAL OFFER: Candidates who take and achieve passing score in the beta exam will receive a free exam voucher* for any Microsoft Certification Exam. Vouchers will be sent after exam scores are tabulated.

The preparation information for this exam can be found at:

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-526.asp

Beta exams have limited availability (approximately 500 seats worldwide), so please follow the registration information below to make your reservation.

**Registration Information**

Note: You will be given four hours to complete the Beta exam. Please plan accordingly.

Testing is held at Thomson Prometric and Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide, although this exam may not be available in all countries. You must register at least 24 hours prior to taking the exam. Contact your exam provider for seat availability, which is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. This exam will have limited availability and will be offered for a limited time.

Please register for the exam only if you intend to take the exam, and register as soon as you receive this notice. Registration will open December 8 2005 – ONCE AGAIN SEATING IS LIMITED.

Please read the following registration information carefully as the schedules vary depending on which testing center you choose:

Registration begins:

December 8 2005

Beta exam period runs:

January 12 2006 through January 25 2006

Please use the following promotional code when registering for the 71-526 Exam:

TSB526

This Beta exam period is subject to change.

To register for this exam or for information about testing centers in your area, call:

Thomson Prometric: (800) 755-EXAM (800-755-3926)
Pearson VUE: 800 TEST Registration (800-837-8734)

Outside the U.S./Canada, please visit the following Web sites for registration information:

Thomson Prometric: http://www.prometric.com/ContactUs/TestTakers/default.htm

Online registrations for Thomson Prometric will not be possible. You must register via telephone.

Pearson VUE: http://www.vue.com/ms/

NOTE : This Beta exam will not be available in China, India and Pakistan.

* Offer good only for people who pre-register for, and pass, Exam 71-526. Limit one gift per person. This offer is non-transferable. This offer expires on January 25, 2006, or when registration closes for this Beta exam. Beta exam registration has limited availability. This offer is not redeemable for cash. Taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the recipient. Any gift returned as non-deliverable will not be re-sent.

________________________________________________________________________

Microsoft Certification Program Information on the World Wide Web

For more information, visit the Microsoft Learning Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/mcp/

Specific pages that answer some frequently asked questions are listed below.

What is a Beta exam?

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/faq/procedures.asp

Where can I learn more about the registration process?

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/register/default.asp

How do I prepare for this exam?

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-526.asp

When will my Beta exam results be available?

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/faq/procedures.asp#D

Where can I learn more about the Beta exam invitation process?

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/status/beta.asp

How can I learn more about the new and improved item types?

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/faq/innovations.asp

If you have further questions regarding this exam or the Microsoft Certification Program, please contact your Regional Service Center. You may find the contact information for your Regional Service Center here: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/support/worldsites.asp.

Microsoft® .NET Framework 2.0 - Distributed Application Development

Brad_McCabe — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 22:13:00 GMT

*********************************************************************************************************************

Beta Exam 71-529: TS: Microsoft® .NET Framework 2.0 - Distributed Application Development [Beta version of Exam 70-529]

As an early adopter or someone who has expressed interest in Microsoft Certifications, you are invited to take the Beta (pre-release) version of Exam 70-529 and provide feedback. The Beta exam is FREE for you, and it will count towards certification in the same way as the final version of the exam. When the exam begins, you will be able to specify whether you want to take the exam in Microsoft Visual Basic 2005 or Microsoft Visual C# 2005.

Exam 70-529, is one of two exams required for the “Microsoft® Certified Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications” credential. To achieve this credential you will also need to pass exam “70-536: TS: Microsoft® .NET Framework 2.0 - Application Development Foundation”.

The preparation information for this exam can be found at:

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-529.asp

Beta exams have limited availability (approximately 500 seats worldwide), so please follow the registration information below to make your reservation.

**Registration Information**

Note: You will be given four hours to complete the Beta exam. Please plan accordingly.

Please register for the exam only if you intend to take the exam, and register as soon as you receive this notice. Registration will open on December 5 2005 – ONCE AGAIN SEATING IS LIMITED.

Please read the following registration information carefully as the schedules vary depending on which testing center you choose:

Registration begins:

December 5 2005

Beta exam period runs:

January 4 2006 through January 17 2006

Please use the following promotional code when registering for the 71-529 Exam:

TSB529

This Beta exam period is subject to change.

To register for this exam or for information about testing centers in your area, call:

Thomson Prometric: (800) 755-EXAM (800-755-3926)
Pearson VUE: 800 TEST Registration (800-837-8734)

Outside the U.S./Canada, please visit the following Web sites for registration information:

Thomson Prometric: http://www.prometric.com/ContactUs/TestTakers/default.htm

Online registrations for Thomson Prometric will not be possible. You must register via telephone.

Pearson VUE: http://www.vue.com/ms/

NOTE : This Beta exam will not be available in China, India and Pakistan.

* Offer good only for people who pre-register for, and pass, Exam 71-529. Limit one gift per person. This offer is non-transferable. This offer expires on January 25, 2006, or when registration closes for this Beta exam. Beta exam registration has limited availability. This offer is not redeemable for cash. Taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the recipient. Any gift returned as non-deliverable will not be re-sent.

________________________________________________________________________

Microsoft Certification Program Information on the World Wide Web

For more information, visit the Microsoft Learning Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/mcp/

Specific pages that answer some frequently asked questions are listed below.

What is a Beta exam?

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/faq/procedures.asp

Where can I learn more about the registration process?

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/register/default.asp

How do I prepare for this exam?

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-529.asp

When will my Beta exam results be available?

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/faq/procedures.asp#D

Where can I learn more about the Beta exam invitation process?

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/status/beta.asp

How can I learn more about the new and improved item types?

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/faq/innovations.asp

New LINQ Preview Bits Released

Brad_McCabe — Wed, 18 Jan 2006 04:24:00 GMT

The VB team has release a new version of the LINQ preview bits. You can download the January preview and check out the latest MSDN TV episode on link at http://msdn.microsoft.com/vbasic/Future/default.aspx.

For those of you unsure of what LINQ is, it is new technology that was announced at PDC last year that will be part of the next version of Visual Basic. Check out the link above for lots of information on both LINQ and the next version of Visual Basic.

Register Now for the MIX '06 Conference in Las Vegas

Brad_McCabe — Tue, 17 Jan 2006 00:44:00 GMT

This sounds like a cool event for web developers, here is the marketing blurb:

Attend the MIX conference, a LIVE! conversation between web developers, designers and business leaders, being held in Las Vegas from March 20 - 22 at the Venetian hotel with Bill Gates and Tim O’Reilly.

Click here for more information or to register.

Note that is Bill Gates and Tim O’Reilly, the publishing and open standards guy. Not to be confused with the Fox News guy Bill O’Reilly