The training kit is available as an installable package on the Microsoft Download Center.

You can download it free from http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=130354

Azure Services Management Tools – April Update

The Azure Services Management Tools include an MMC SnapIn and Windows PowerShell cmdlets that enable a user to configure and manage several Azure Services including .NET Access Control Services, and the .NET Workflow Service. These tools can be helpful when developing and testing applications that use Azure Services. For instance, using these tools you can view and change .NET Access Control Rules, and deploy and view workflows.

You can download the latest management tools free from http://code.msdn.microsoft.com/AzureManagementTools.

I came across some publically-releasable information I'd love to share with you all, regarding our Azure Services Platform, currently in Community Technology Preview (CTP)  preview.
Microsoft is planning for future innovations in computing and will continue to partner with customers as our Software + Services landscape evolves.  
Our efforts will provide more options over time on how you can obtain and experience more Cloud Computing technology from Microsoft.

If your new to this space, I suggest heading over to the Windows Azure Site, and/or Steve Marx's blog and finding out more!

Windows Azure - An update to the Windows Azure service delivers advancements in interoperability, openness, geo-specification, and the ability to take existing IP to the cloud. 

Applications written in PHP or other 3rd party programming languages can be deployed and run on the Windows Azure infrastructure with FastCGI support, providing an easy to use, scalable cloud runtime and storage environment while giving developers the power to choose their preferred programming language. For .NET developers, Full Trust is now available, so all aspects of the .NET Framework can be utilized, including invoking native and legacy code components and giving existing code investments new life in the cloud.  Over the next few weeks geolocation will be available, enabling customers to specify the datacenter location for applications and storage to optimize for lower network latency and comply with location-based regulatory and legal requirements when additional globally distributed data-centers become available. 

Ever wonder how you patch boxes at an enterprise level effectively? 
Think you already know huh? Think your good at it too?

Well then, let's throw you into a scenario:

You are the head-honco C-level manager, responsible for nearly 90,000 users with more than 255,000 computers worldwide, spanning over 400 locations. Oh, did I mention that's 24/7 with tight SLA's?
Rethinking your battle plan now? 

So how are you going to ever get to go home?
Start by spending 5 minutes and see how the other pros do it at Microsoft: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd547402.aspx 

Enjoy!

Hope this will solve some folks a bit of time and pain. 

Issue:
I recently had to bring one my core laptops (a Lenovo ThinkPad T60p) to Windows Seven.
I'm running Windows Seven Enterprise 64Bit Ver. 6.1 Build 7000 on it, but I found that the Tru_Install application corrupted my system USB drivers. 
I had to remove the Tru_Install application and the modem drivers, using "Programs and Features", to get my USB Drivers going again. (After a reboot, of course.) This little gem of a 3G wireless card is key to my internet mobility while on site with customers, etc. So not being able to use it really is not an option for me.  

Solution: 
I found if you go to the Sierra Wireless site, and select your carrier (in my case AT&T) and the model (USB Connect 881), you can download the latest "3G Watcher" connectivity software.
(Details: Filename: 3G_Watcher_Generic.msi;Version Info: Build 1822, 3GWatcher_R3.0.0.9_Build1822, DriverInstaller_Build 1818, GPS_Monitor Build1805, TRU_Updater_MSM B1819, TRU_Install_MSM B1816)

I ran an adminstrative install with Vista Compatability, rebooted, and viola, it detected and connected without any USB corruption.
I ran a speed test (speedtest.net), and I'm hitting about 1300-1600kbps download speeds, which seems a bit faster than the original Tru_Install drivers too.

Have fun! 

You know I work at Microsoft, and that I love technology.  Sometimes I love Microsoft technology so much that I can’t wait to tell people about it, and this is one of those times.  Microsoft has just released the Release Candidate 1 for Internet Explorer 8, and I think you should install it and use it today.

You may want to know what a “release candidate” is:  that’s techno-speak for an almost-final version of software, like a sneak preview.

Internet Explorer 8 RC1 is much faster than previous versions of Internet Explorer, so you’ll notice that difference right away.  But you’ll also notice some cool new features that will make your surfing experience faster and easier—not mention a whole lot safer.

·         Highlight a street address in your Hotmail, Yahoo Mail, or other web mail account, right-click on the blue button that appears, and hover over “Map with Live Search.”  Presto!  You’ll see the map with the location right there—no more copying and pasting street addresses from web mail to a mapping site.  Plus, you can choose what mapping service you want to use.

·         Go to the search box in the top right, and type a search item—see how the enhanced Instant Search Box is more helpful, providing real-time search suggestions, including images, from your chosen search provider.

·         Click on a new tab, and see the options that are presented there, including “InPrivate Browsing.”  Click InPrivate Browsing and watch what happens—you are now in a browser session that is leaving no trail behind, so research gift suggestions for your significant other to your heart’s content without worrying about who might pick up the crumbs after you. 

Harder to see are the many security enhancements that will help keep you protected against the ever-evolving online threats—things like protection from cross-site scripting attacks that no other browser offers.

Thanks for visiting my blog today.  You know I wouldn’t lead you astray.  Let me know what you think of IE8 RC1.