December, 2004

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frankarr - an aussie microsoft blogger

MSDN Flash - Tuesday, 21 December, 2004

Posted over 8 years ago

Frank Arrigo

1 Comments

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Frank Exercises His Poetic Licence

T’was the Flash before Christmas, and all through DPE
No evangelist was resting, not even me

For we had another edition to do
I couldn't leave work 'til I was through

No editor’s note written, no articles to pick
No offers, no downloads, I was feeling quite sick

If only I’d written something last week
I could relax and enjoy being a geek

I must include a note about February
The Security Summit will be most extraordinary

I’ve had to skip meetings with each of my team
Coatsy, Jas, Deeps, Dave, Chuck, By now you’ll know exactly who I mean

So, instead I sit here writing, alone at this stage
When all of a sudden I've filled up a page

Now the editor’s note is done, I feel full of cheer
So have a Merry Christmas, speak to you next year

Frank Arrigo

Featured Articles

Move to Windows Server 2005 – You’ll Never Look Back

The end of 2004 signals the end of the support lifecycle for Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Server. Microsoft is following through on previously announced plans to retire public and technical support and security updates on 31 December. The support lifecycle for Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Workstation ended 30 June 2004.

Microsoft is retiring support for these products because the technology is now dated and can expose customers to security risks. Microsoft recommends that customers who are still running Windows NT 4.0 begin migrations to newer, more secure Microsoft operating system products as soon as possible; those who have already upgraded to Windows Server 2003 are reporting improved security, lower total cost of ownership (TCO) and increased productivity. With all these business benefits, you’ll never look back.

Microsoft has assembled a range of tools, information and resources to help smooth your migration path, and support your business-critical applications during migration. Gain savings in time, money and resources. Discover the increased productivity, greater security and a lower TCO that flows from your move to Windows Server 2003. To find out why you’ll never look back, click here.

Sharpen Your Skills at the Microsoft Security Summit 2005

Is every line of code you and your team produce as sharp as it could be? Are you and your team collaborating seamlessly? Are your deployment strategies at the pointy end of security? If you’re in any doubt then you and your team should attend the Microsoft Security Summit 2005. It will help you sharpen your skills for the year ahead. This year’s Summit includes an extensive examination of ‘Microsoft Visual Studio Team System’ and the major advantages it will give you across all application development life cycle stages, plus topics as wide ranging as ‘Source Control and Work Item Tracking’, ‘Tools for Quality Code’ and a discussion of ‘Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Yukon’. It’s running in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra and Perth. Best of all, there is no charge to attend so you and your team can attend one session, or all of them.
Places are strictly limited and filling fast so click here and register today.

Critical Update for Microsoft Windows

Install the cumulative security update for Internet Explorer.

Training and Events

Get Hands On with Microsoft Access

Run Access applications? Faced with the decision to upgrade or migrate to Microsoft SQL Server and/or Microsoft .NET technology? This two-day, hands-on workshop delivered by Adam Cogan will help you understand your options and how to proceed with confidence. Learn to convert Access applications to be more reliable and scalable and make your applications easier to back up, easier to put on the Web, and easier to scale to an enterprise level.
For better access to Microsoft Access, register now.

The Future of Microsoft Technology

Your Chance to Win

Available early next year, Microsoft’s revolutionary new Fingerprint Reader will improve security and save you time by replacing your passwords with your unique fingerprint. No more forgotten passwords. No more locked PCs. This innovative new device puts the future at your fingertips. Click here to see how the Fingerprint Reader can simplify your life, and make sure you register for your chance to win one of 100.

Fresh from the Web

Get an Enhancement on the Web

Want to keep up to date with evolving Web services protocol specs? Simply download the WSE 2.0 Service Pack 2, a supported add-on to Microsoft Visual Studio .NET and the Microsoft .NET Framework and you’ll get all the updates you need in just one click. WSE gives you all the latest Web services capabilities to help secure your system and keep your code looking good. Best of all, it’s complimentary so click here to download it today.

Fine-Tune Your Performance with a New Tool

AmberPoint Express is the most cost-effective tool to help you measure, debug and fine-tune the performance and functionality of your Web services. Integrated with Microsoft Visual Studio .NET for point-and-click management, it’s the ideal tool to help ensure your Web services meet enterprise standards. And thanks to Microsoft and AmberPoint, you can improve your performance at no cost at all. Click here to download this complimentary tool, and you’ll always be at your peak.

Case Studies, KB Articles and How-To Articles

•	Implement Array Arguments in Microsoft Visual Basic COM Objects for Active Server Pages
•	Write a Visual Basic COM Component for use within Active Server Pages
•	Use Response Redirect in a Server Script
•	Create a Microsoft Office Document in an ASP Application
•	Use ASP with a SQL Trusted Connection with Guest Account

Tips and Hotfixes

•	What’s the Microsoft GDI+ Detection Tool?
•	Obtain the Latest Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0 Service Pack
•	Buffer Overrun in JPEG Processing (GDI+) Could Allow Code Execution in Microsoft Visual Basic, Visual C#, Visual C++, Visual J# .NET, and the Microsoft .NET Framework
•	INFO: ASP.NET Hotfix Rollup
•	FIX: After an AppDomain Unload, the ASP.NET Worker Process uses all the CPU

Tuesday, 21 December, 2004

In this Issue:

	Featured Articles
	Training and Events
	The Future of Microsoft Technology
	Fresh from the Web

Get Recognised: Join the MSDN Connection

By developers, for developers, MSDN Connection is Australia’s peer-based recognition program.

•	Click here to register

Special Offers, Training and Events

MSDN User Groups
Why not share your ideas with one of our user groups run nationwide?

•	Click here for a group near you!

TechNet Special Interest Groups

•	Click here for a SIGs event near you!

Upgrade to the Visual Studio .NET Professional Special Edition for Only $948 (RRP)

•	Visit MSDN products today!

Register for the Imagine Cup 2005

•	Register now. Registration closes 1 March 2005.

Product Updates

Stay up to date with downloadable Microsoft Visual Studio .NET and the Microsoft .NET Framework product updates and related enhancements.

•	Click here for more details

Service Packs

Find critical service packs to keep your system updated with the latest fixes and product enhancements.

•	Click here for more details

Top 10 MSDN Code Samples

1.	Code Samples for Visual Basic 6.0
2.	Microsoft .NET Pet Shop
3.	Customising the Windows Forms DataGrid
4.	Working with Client-Side Script
5.	Madam, I'm ADAM
6.	Calling Code Dynamically
7.	What's New in Microsoft Office Outlook 2003 for Developers?
8.	Dragging and Dropping DataGrid Columns
9.	An ASP.NET Framework for Human Interactive Proofs
10.	Playing with Music Files

Developer Communities

•	Visit an MSDN Developer Centre Today

Technical Support

•	Receive technical support when you need it via an MSDN Managed Newsgroup

Security for Developers

•	Microsoft Security Summit 2005
•	Visit the MSDN Security Developer Centre
•	The Security Risk Management Guide
•	Privacy Information for Developers
•	Building and Configuring More Secure Web Sites

To cancel your subscription to this newsletter, reply to this message with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the Subject line. You can also unsubscribe at http://www.microsoft.com/misc/unsubscribe.htm. You can manage all your Microsoft.com communication preferences at this site.

Legal Information.

This newsletter was sent by Microsoft Pty Ltd
1 Epping Rd
North Ryde, NSW, Australia
2113

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frankarr - an aussie microsoft blogger

Sydney .NET User Group 15th December 2004

Posted over 8 years ago

by Frank Arrigo
- 1 Comments
The Sydney .NET User group is meeting one week earlier this week due to Christmas next week:
To celebrate the festivities of the next few weeks, we will model Santa's hats and drink amber liquid to get into the Christmas spirit!

Andrew Weaver will briefly talk about DotNetNuke module development. He will demonstrate the building of a custom module and conclude with some his experiences with the DotNetNuke framework.

In an open forum facilitated by Andrew Coates, we will share ideas, questions, experiences, and what you want to achieve in the New Year!

Wednesday 15th December. 6:00 pm at Microsoft, 1 Epping Road North Ryde
See You There!! | Sorry I can't make it

[ Currently Playing : Labor Day (It'S A Holiday) - The Black Eyed Peas - Elephunk (03:59) ]
frankarr - an aussie microsoft blogger

Dr Pete *FINALLY* gets with the program and get's himself a blog

Posted over 8 years ago

by Frank Arrigo
- 1 Comments
I saw a post on the AUS-DOTNET mailing today that I never thought I would see...

From: dotnet-owner@stanski.com [mailto:dotnet-owner@stanski.com] On Behalf Of Peter Stanski
Sent: Monday, 13 December 2004 11:41 AM
To: dotnet@stanski.com
Subject: [aus-dotnet] I finally started a Blog

Hey Guys,

I' ve talked myself into being a beta user of MSN Spaces. Which has resulted in a blog: 8-) So for those that emailed me some time back and suggested I start one - thanks for all your emails. Here it is.

SITE:

http://spaces.msn.com/members/pstanski/Blog/

RSS:

http://spaces.msn.com/members/pstanski/feed.rss

Cheers

Peter

_________________________________________________
Founder & CEO
Microsoft MSDN Regional Director (www.microsoft.com/rd)
Solutions Architect, MVP (www.microsoft.com/mvp )
Founding Member Victoria.Net (www.VictoriaDotNet.com)

Stanski Consulting Pty. Ltd.
strategy.training.development.convergence
Mobile: 0407 407 921
Phone: +61 3 9708 5501
Fax: +61 3 8080 1729
Web: http://www.stanski.com
_________________________________________________

Dr Pete has starting a blog - it's a bit simple as he has used MSN Spaces to get his own space, but it is to be admired.

I have update the Aussie .NET Blogger OPML to reflect this momentous occasion.

[ Currently Playing : Hands Up - The Black Eyed Peas - Elephunk (03:36) ]
frankarr - an aussie microsoft blogger

Mark Richards joins the Aussie .NET Blogger community

Posted over 8 years ago

by Frank Arrigo
- 0 Comments
I got an email last night from a relatively new blogger asking to be added to the Aussie .NET Blogger OPML.

Let's welcome Mark Richards to the community. He has two blogs Soapbox & .NET Journey

Our list keeps growing & growing.... Check out the combined feed on feedster

[ Currently Playing : Silver Bells - Olivia Newton John - The Spirit of Christmas (02:52) ]
frankarr - an aussie microsoft blogger

Sneak Peak : Next MSDN Flash

Posted over 8 years ago

by Frank Arrigo
- 1 Comments
The latest MSDN Flash is about to go out. This edition has a special drawing done by my daughter Emma.

You can see the sneak preview of this latest flash in the pirate archive.

[ Currently Playing : Loco Man - Folksmen - Mighty Wind: The Album (01:57) ]
frankarr - an aussie microsoft blogger

Updating Aussie .NET Blogger OPML

Posted over 8 years ago

by Frank Arrigo
- 3 Comments
I've just added another Aussie .NET Blogger to the local OPML - finally got around to adding Douglas Stockwell.

For those of you keeping score, Doug was one half of the Australian Imagine Cup contingent who went to Brazil earlier this year. The other member was Richard Mason, who is already listed in the OPML

Doug - Apologies for not adding you sooner

[ Currently Playing : Potato's in the Paddy Wagon - New Main Street Singers - Mighty Wind: The Album (02:11) ]

frankarr - an aussie microsoft blogger

MSDN Flash - Friday, 10 December, 2004

Posted over 8 years ago

Frank Arrigo

1 Comments

Visit the Microsoft Australia MSDN site | Sign up for other newsletters | Unsubscribe | Update your profile

Frank Gets Into the Spirit

Ho, Ho, Ho.

I’m playing Santa in this edition, letting you know about some of the goodies we’re offering you in December, just for MSDN Flash readers.
There was a lot of buzz following my editorial in the last edition of the flash on the value of an MSDN subscription. We’ve changed the license terms to allow our local developers to purchase individual MSDN licenses through the OPEN licensing program, giving you significant savings. You can also take advantage of a two-year subscription for the price of one. Plus there’s a promotion for existing Visual Studio .NET 2002 and 2003 customers to upgrade to an MSDN subscription. Click here to check out these offers.

Also exclusive to MSDN Connection members, be one of the first 30 members to buy MSDN Universal via this month’s special offers and you’ll get a digital camera. How’s that for a sweet deal! Plus you’re entitled to discounted training – check out our Mates Rates offer below.

You may have heard we’ve released some interesting technology for MSDN subscribers to start working with. Like the new presentation subsystem ‘Avalon’ for Windows that unifies development of documents, graphics and applications into a common platform. And the really cool news is ‘Avalon’ now installs and runs on Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Windows Server 2003. Check it out today.

Last but not least, have a wonderful Christmas, and I’ll look forward to keeping you up to date with all the latest news in 2005.

‘Til next time, Happy Coding

Frank Arrigo

Featured Articles

Critical Update for Windows

Install the cumulative security update for Internet Explorer.

Upgrade Your Studio For Less

If you’re looking to upgrade your Visual Studio, now’s the perfect time. Right now, you can upgrade to the NEW Visual Studio .NET Professional 2003 Special Edition for just AU$948 (RRP). Or get the Full Version for a low AU$1387. Special Edition helps you create data-driven Web applications quickly and easily using familiar Visual Basic techniques. Using Visual Studio .NET and ASP.NET to build your applications will give you improved performance, reliability, security, and scalability. And if you’re considering upgrading, the new language enhancements of Visual Basic 2005 outlined in the next article might also interest you.

Improve Your Language

Discover how Visual Basic 2005’s new language enhancements can help you. Explore simple code snippets and learn how many of them work. This link features XML comments, generics, global keyword, partial types, ‘My’, and more.

Make Your Solution a Solution

Did you know that only around a third of software development projects go ahead successfully? If you want to make sure your next project is one of them, the Microsoft Solutions Development Centre could be your answer. With the infrastructure and experience to save you real time and money, it’s a great alternative to appointing expensive consultants. Accredited Microsoft technicians are just a call away to help you make informed decisions using proven tools and practices. Which will reduce risks and ensure your project runs smoothly - on time and on budget.

Move to Windows Server 2003 – You’ll Never Look Back

Training and Events

Sharpen Your Skills at the Microsoft Security Summit 2005

Is every line of code you and your team produce as sharp as it could be? Are you and your team collaborating seamlessly? Are your deployment strategies at the pointy end of security? If you’re in any doubt then you and your team should attend the Microsoft Security Summit 2005. It will help you sharpen your skills for the year ahead. This year’s Summit includes an extensive examination of ‘Visual Studio Team System’ and the major advantages it will give you across all application development lifecycle stages. Plus topics as wide ranging as ‘Source Control and Work Item Tracking’, ‘Tools for Quality Code’ and a discussion of ‘SQL Server 2005 Yukon’. It’s running in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra and Perth. Best of all it’s complimentary – with no charge to attend. So you and your team can attend one session, or all of them. Places are strictly limited and filling fast so click here and register today.

Take Advantage of our Mates Rates

It’s never too late to build up your skills to get ahead. And there’s never been a better time, because exclusive to MSDN Connection members, our Training Partners are offering you a huge range of fantastic courses with significant discounts. Discounts of up to 30%, plus special offers like 3 courses for the price of 2, complimentary exams or even a bonus Xbox! Not an MSDN member? You can subscribe to MSDN Connection at http://www.microsoft.com/australia/msdn/connection/

Get Visual at Lunchtime

If you’re in Adelaide this month you’re in luck. For one day only, Dave Glover will deliver a lunchtime session covering advantages of the ‘System Definition Model’ support in Visual Studio 2005 Team Architect. You’ll learn all about new support in Visual Studio 2005 Team System, including re-factoring, unit test, profiling, performance test, and management aspects of the software development lift cycle. All in just over an hour. And don’t worry - this time Dave promises no ‘Demo Daemons.’ Kick off is at 12:05 sharp, with a short break for lunch at 12:30. So make sure you register today and mark Wednesday 15 December in your diary.

Attend our Hands-On Workshop on Microsoft Access

Run Access applications? Faced with the decision to upgrade or migrate to Microsoft SQL Server and/or Microsoft .NET technology? This two-day, hands-on workshop delivered by Adam Cogan will help you understand your options and how to proceed with confidence. Learn to convert Access applications to be more reliable and scalable, make your applications easier to back up, easier to put on the Web and easier to scale to an Enterprise level. For better Access to Microsoft Access, register now.

The Future of Microsoft Technology

Score on a Global Scale

See if you can out-master your colleagues - or even your boss - with these cool skills tests. Whether you use Microsoft Visual Basic .NET or Visual C# .NET, these great assessments will identify your strengths. And with every test you’ll get a Personalised Learning Plan to help you brush up on skills you’d like to improve on. Take a test now and see how your score compares to other developers on the worldwide leader board. Good luck!

Get Closer to Your Clients

If you’re developing for .NET while your clients are working with Lotus Notes, you may find it difficult to integrate their Notes/Domino databases into your new environment. Proposion NZN addresses these issues by allowing you to access their databases, so make your life easier and download a complimentary trial version now.

Fresh from the Web

Crack the Code with 5,000 Clues

Imagine all the Visual Basic, Visual C#, and Visual C++ codes you could ever need in one place. This release has a whopping 5,000 extra code examples, along with bug fixes and content improvements and clarifications. Plus you can check out the latest tips and hints from developers in the U.S. Follow the link and get cracking.

Stock Up Your Toolbox

Here you’ll find a host of handy tools to save you valuable time and resources. Just for starters there’s the Standards Master 2004, which checks your .NET-based code against flexible, configurable coding standards that you define, reporting any violations. And how’s this for a great idea – now your users can recover their own forgotten passwords without calling you or the helpdesk. ANIXIS Password Reset 1.0 for Windows allows users to reset their own passwords by simply asking them a few personal questions. Check out the site for more exciting tools and gadgets.

ANTS Give You Speed

Want to have the slickest working code around? The handy little ANTS speed tester identifies slow code, allowing you to optimise it and improve your overall performance. You’ll understand how your code is working and how memory is being used with this simple, stable application which works on nearly all .NET applications.

Case Studies, Kb Articles and How to’s

•	Treasury Management Suite Cashes In with .NET Framework, Web Services
•	ASP.NET Developer Support Voice: Troubleshooting ASP.NET
•	FIX: You Get an ‘ALINK Error AL1022: Error Reading Embedded Resource’ Error Message When Building in Visual Studio .NET 2002
•	FIX: The IRR Function in Visual Basic .NET 2003 Returns Different from Excel/Visual Basic 6.0
•	Address Loss of Performance in BizTalk Server 2004’s Subscriptions Function

Most Active Newsgroup Discussions about Longhorn

•	Mask Support in XAML
•	3D Issues
•	Avalon CTP and SQL Server 2005 Yukon/Whidbey Oct. CTP (.Net 2.0.40903)
•	I See a Black Square When I Run Avalon apps
•	Dithered Gradients?

Friday, 10 December, 2004

In this Issue:

	Featured Articles
	Training and Events
	The Future of Microsoft Technology
	Fresh from the Web

Special Offers, Training and Events

•	Click here for more details

MSDN User Groups

Why not share your ideas with one of our user groups run nation wide.

•	Click here for a group near you!

TechNet Special Interest Groups

•	Groups run in most capital cities

Upgrade Today

•	Upgrade to the Visual Studio .NET Professional Special Edition For Just $948 (RRP)

Product Updates

Stay up-to-date with downloadable Visual Studio .NET and .NET Framework product updates and related enhancements.

•	Click here for Updates

Service Packs

Find critical service packs to keep your system updated with the latest fixes and product enhancements.

•	Click here for Service Packs

Top 10 MSDN Downloads

1.	DirectX 9.0c Re-distributable For Software Developers
2.	Microsoft XML Parser (MSXML) 3.0 Service Pack 4 (SP4)
3.	Windows Script 5.6 for Windows 2000 and XP
4.	DirectX 9.0 SDK Update - (October 2004)
5.	MSXML 4.0 Service Pack 2 (Microsoft XML Core Services
6.	SDK for Windows Mobile 2003-based Pocket PCs
7.	Windows Script 5.6 for Windows 98, Windows Millennium Edition, and Windows NT 4.0
8.	Visual Basic 6.0 Service Pack 5: Run-Time Redistribution Pack (vbrun60sp5.exe)
9.	DirectX 9.0 SDK Update - (Summer 2004)
10.	MDAC 2.7 SP1 Refresh

Developer Communities

•	Visit an MSDN Developer Centre Today

Technical Support

•	Receive technical support when you need it via an MSDN Managed Newsgroup

Security for Developers

•	Visit the MSDN Security Developer Centre
•	The Security Risk Management Guide
•	Privacy Information for Developers
•	Building and Configuring More Secure Web Sites

Visit the Microsoft Australia MSDN site | Sign up for other newsletters | Unsubscribe | Update your profile

MSDN Flash - Tuesday, 21 December, 2004

Sydney .NET User Group 15th December 2004

Dr Pete FINALLY gets with the program and get's himself a blog

Mark Richards joins the Aussie .NET Blogger community

Sneak Peak : Next MSDN Flash

Updating Aussie .NET Blogger OPML

MSDN Flash - Friday, 10 December, 2004

Dave Glover to speak on VS2005 in Adelaide

Hotel Uses Tablets [from Jim Fawcette]

Hello Bandwagon - I have a space on MSN Spaces

NZ Developer AMBIENT DESIGN is No 1 Worldwide in Microsoft Tablet PC Contest

Biztalk Bill Blasts off with Melbourne Biztalk User Group

ASP.NET Site of the Day - ninemsn home page

MSDN Flash - Tuesday, 21 December, 2004

Sydney .NET User Group 15th December 2004

Dr Pete FINALLY gets with the program and get's himself a blog

Mark Richards joins the Aussie .NET Blogger community

Sneak Peak : Next MSDN Flash

Updating Aussie .NET Blogger OPML

MSDN Flash - Friday, 10 December, 2004