Microsoft Higher Education - Mid-Atlantic : Office 2007

2007 Microsoft Office Security Guide

Kevin Dean — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:50:00 GMT

With hundreds of security and privacy settings, the 2007 Microsoft® Office release is the most secure version of Microsoft Office ever. To help you quickly and easily deploy security configurations for Office across your organization, the Solution Accelerators-Security and Compliance team has released the 2007 Microsoft Office Security Guide.

This Solution Accelerator provides IT Pro customers with best practices and automated tools to help strengthen the security of computers running the 2007 Office release on Windows Vista^TM and Windows® XP SP2.

Based on extensive, real-world experience from customers, government agencies, and Microsoft security experts, the 2007 Microsoft Office Security Guide lets you choose from two thoroughly tested, baseline security configurations.

You can easily tailor the configuration you choose, modifying security settings to accommodate your unique needs. And the included GPOAccelerator is a powerful tool that will help you automatically deploy Group Policy security settings across your organization-in minutes, instead of hours or days.

Benefits:
Comprehensive. The guide includes information on hundreds of security settings in the 2007 Office release, with recommendations for configuring each setting.

Saves time. Customers using Microsoft Security Guides and tools have reported up to an 80% reduction in their time to deployment.

More reliable. The GPOAccelerator eliminates most manual steps in the deployment process-so you get more reliable results.

Easy to deploy. The guide makes it easy to deploy 2007 Office security settings across domain-based environments.

Thoroughly tested. All recommendations are tested in our labs, and verified by customers and partners under real-world conditions.

Integrated Solution. The 2007 Office Security Guide is designed to work with other Windows Vista Solution Accelerators such as the Windows Vista Hardware Assessment tool, Business Desktop Deployment, Windows Vista Security Guide, and Windows Vista Service Lifecycle Management.

The 2007 Microsoft Office Security Guide is now available! To learn more about the guide, click here.

Excel 2007 Hotfix Package released

Kevin Dean — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 17:55:40 GMT

I wanted to be sure you are aware that Microsoft has recently addressed anissue in Excel 2007 and Excel Services in Office SharePoint Server 2007 throughthe following hotfixes:

1. Excel 2007 hotfix package: October 3,2007 (KB 943075)

2. Excel Services in Office SharePointServer 2007 hotfix package: October 3, 2007 (KB 943076)

The hotfixes are available to downloadat the links above and will be included in the Microsoft Office 2007 ServicePack 1 (SP1) and in an upcoming Public Update (release dates are currentlyunavailable). We encourage you to install these updates as soon aspossible.

Who is affected?

All customers and users of Excel 2007and Excel Services in Office SharePoint Server 2007 are affected. Versionsprior to Excel 2007 are not affected.

What is the issue?

The Excel team was made aware of anissue with the display of calculation result numbers within the ranges of65534.99999999995 to 65535 and 65535.99999999995 to 65536. (Try entering =850*77.1 into a cell.) Investigation into these reports determined thatmany calculations resulting in a number within these ranges actually displayedthe incorrect value 100,000. This is not due to a calculation error but a flawwith the display of this calculation. The hotfixes as described in KB 943075 and KB 943076 will address thisissue.

Upcoming Microsoft Office System Webcasts: June 2007

Kevin Dean — Fri, 18 May 2007 19:12:00 GMT

Upcoming Microsoft Office System Webcasts: June 2007

Learn about the Microsoft Office System and productivity software such as Visio, OneNote, and Project by taking part in a Microsoft Office System Webcast. These online and interactive events are an effective way for business professionals to learn how Microsoft products and technologies can enable them to do their jobs more efficiently.

Microsoft Office System Webcast: Online Media Series

Upcoming Microsoft Office System Webcasts

· By Topic

· By Product/Technology

Now you can register for an on demand webcast and choose how you would like to view the archive (for most webcasts that took place live April 12, 2005, or later). Register to view an on demand webcast and download a .wmv of the webcast immediately. By registering, you will also receive a confirmation email the following day with a link to the PPT download.

Additional Resources

Online Media Series

Microsoft Office System Webcasts: Enhance Your Skill Set with Expert Tips

Learn how you can work smarter. Tune in to these free webcasts and get tips for using Microsoft Office products and servers. Watch as experts show you fast and easy ways to leverage e-mail, customize the Ribbon using Microsoft Office open XML, and get started in the 2007 Microsoft Office system.

Microsoft Office System Webcasts

Tune In and Win!
Attend any live webcast through June 30, 2007, and you could win* a Microsoft Zune 30-GB digital media player.

* No purchase necessary. Open only to residents of the U.S. Some restrictions may apply. See Web site for entry dates, specific eligibility requirements, and official rules.

Webcast Series Available Now:

§ Digital Note Taking

§ Microsoft Office System Webcasts

§ Microsoft Office Tips & Tricks

§ Microsoft Office Visio

§ Microsoft Project

§ Office Tips & Tricks for Administrative Professionals

§ Real-Time Collaboration

Live webcasts for business professionals

Microsoft Office System Webcasts

Microsoft Office System Webcast: Creating Effective Conditional Formats Using Excel 2007 (Level 300)

Tuesday, June 05, 2007 - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Pacific Time

Curt Frye, President, Technology and Society, Incorporated

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032337594&Culture=en-US

Microsoft Office System Webcast: Top 10 Tips for Excel 2007 (Level 100)

Tuesday, June 12, 2007 - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Pacific Time

Andy Reed, Senior Training Specialist, Microsoft Corporation

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032337596&Culture=en-US

Microsoft Office System Webcast: Tips and Tricks for Live Meeting 2005 (Level 100)

Thursday, June 14, 2007 - 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Pacific Time

Evan Archilla, Consultant, Projectline Services

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032318897&Culture=en-US

Microsoft Office System Webcast: Advanced Tips and Tricks: What You Can Really Do with Your Documents Across the 2007 Office Release (Level 300)

Thursday, June 21, 2007 - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Pacific Time

Stephanie Krieger, MS Press Author and MVP, Arouet.net

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032339512&Culture=en-US

Microsoft Office System Webcast: Top 10 Tips for PowerPoint 2007 (Level 100)

Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Pacific Time

Andy Reed, Senior Training Specialist, Microsoft Corporation

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032337600&Culture=en-US

By Topic:

· FY05 Connected Productivity

Connected Productivity

Microsoft Office System Webcast: Creating Effective Conditional Formats Using Excel 2007 (Level 300)

Tuesday, June 05, 2007 - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Pacific Time

Curt Frye, President, Technology and Society, Incorporated

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032337594&Culture=en-US

Microsoft Office System Webcast: Top 10 Tips for Excel 2007 (Level 100)

Tuesday, June 12, 2007 - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Pacific Time

Andy Reed, Senior Training Specialist, Microsoft Corporation

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032337596&Culture=en-US

Microsoft Office System Webcast: Advanced Tips and Tricks: What You Can Really Do with Your Documents Across the 2007 Office Release (Level 300)

Thursday, June 21, 2007 - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Pacific Time

Stephanie Krieger, MS Press Author and MVP, Arouet.net

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032339512&Culture=en-US

Microsoft Office System Webcast: Top 10 Tips for PowerPoint 2007 (Level 100)

Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Pacific Time

Andy Reed, Senior Training Specialist, Microsoft Corporation

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032337600&Culture=en-US

By Product/Technology:

· Excel

· Live Meeting

· Office

· PowerPoint

Excel

Microsoft Office System Webcast: Creating Effective Conditional Formats Using Excel 2007 (Level 300)

Tuesday, June 05, 2007 - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Pacific Time

Curt Frye, President, Technology and Society, Incorporated

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032337594&Culture=en-US

Microsoft Office System Webcast: Top 10 Tips for Excel 2007 (Level 100)

Tuesday, June 12, 2007 - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Pacific Time

Andy Reed, Senior Training Specialist, Microsoft Corporation

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032337596&Culture=en-US

Live Meeting

Microsoft Office System Webcast: Tips and Tricks for Live Meeting 2005 (Level 100)

Thursday, June 14, 2007 - 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Pacific Time

Evan Archilla, Consultant, Projectline Services

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032318897&Culture=en-US

Office

Microsoft Office System Webcast: Advanced Tips and Tricks: What You Can Really Do with Your Documents Across the 2007 Office Release (Level 300)

Thursday, June 21, 2007 - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Pacific Time

Stephanie Krieger, MS Press Author and MVP, Arouet.net

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032339512&Culture=en-US

PowerPoint

Microsoft Office System Webcast: Top 10 Tips for PowerPoint 2007 (Level 100)

Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Pacific Time

Andy Reed, Senior Training Specialist, Microsoft Corporation

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032337600&Culture=en-US

Additional Resources

§ All upcoming webcasts

§ All on-demand webcasts

Office Communication Server 2007

Kevin Dean — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 01:06:30 GMT

FYI - Office Communication Server 2007 will be available in the summer timeframe.

The public Beta will be available for download shortly.

You can pre-register for it here: Pre-register for the beta

Check it out!

Training Resources for Outlook and Office 2007

Kevin Dean — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 18:33:00 GMT

Mini Webcasts

5-Minute Outlook Webcast

Outlook side by side: What's New & Different

Microsoft Office System

A First Look at the 2007 Microsoft Office System and Windows Vista: Working Better Together

Come learn how Microsoft Office 2007 and Windows Vista will enable you to focus on the analysis of your data and creation of your documents, without worry about the tools you need.

Top 10 Tips for Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 E-Mail

Join us for this informative webcast and learn the top 10 ways you can put Outlook e-mail to work for you.

A First Look at the 2007 Microsoft Office System: Five Important New Features

The 2007 Microsoft Office system can help you and your organization work more efficiently and effectively with a new set of powerful tools for creating, managing, analyzing, and sharing information. Join this informative webcast to learn five important ways Microsoft Office Word 2007, Excel 2007, and PowerPoint 2007 can help you deliver better results faster. This First Look webcast is part of our year-long series designed to help you learn how the Microsoft Office system can help you control sensitive business information and streamline your everyday business processes.

A First Look at Five New E-Mail and Collaboration Features in the 2007 Microsoft Office System

Learn five important ways the 2007 Microsoft Office system helps users increase productivity and improve collaboration.

Elearning for Microsoft Office System 2007

Kevin Dean — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 01:05:18 GMT

Here are some links to online training resources for Office 2007:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/getstarted/FX101923361033.aspx - ‘Basic Training’ is a good starting point with links to training and help sites for specific products.

** http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/FX100565001033.aspx - self paced training courses

** http://www.microsoft.com/learning/office2007/default.mspx - The Microsoft Learning portal for Microsoft Office System 2007. Many, many elearning courses!

http://www.microsoft.com/events/series/officesystemwebcasts.mspx - Microsoft Office System webcasts

As you’ll see from these sites, we have a wealth of free training resources for you. Please check these out and let me know if you have further questions.

Business Desktop Deployment 2007 (BDD)

Kevin Dean — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 18:07:00 GMT

We released the Business Desktop Deployment (BDD 2007) toolkit! This is the single best place to go for best practices, scripts, migration scenarios, and general guidance on how to deploy Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007.

To learn more about this solution accelerator, visit the Overview page of the Business Desktop Deployment 2007 or download BDD 2007 now.

Overview

Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) 2007 is the best practice set of comprehensive guidance and tools to optimally deploy Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office system. Many changes have been made to BDD to significantly ease the deployment of Windows Vista, including new out-of-the-box imaging technologies, XML-based migration scripts, new tools for image engineering (ImageX and System Image Manager), application compatibility (Application Compatibility Toolkit 5.0) and the new unattend XML format. Another huge breakthrough with Windows Vista is Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) independence and language neutrality; this means that our customers can get to a minimal number of standard images across multiple hardware types and languages.

As with any advancement in technologies, getting the maximum benefit requires understanding the tools and technologies. BDD 2007 provides the depth of guidance and tooling to make the Windows Vista and 2007 Office system deployment process predictable and scalable.

• BDD 2007 includes best-practice guidance based on every stakeholder role involved with desktop deployment, from business decision makers to end users. Tasks are divided into logical groupings, and comprehensive job aids are included to support the entire deployment process.

• BDD 2007 provides the layer of project management knowledge and tool integration to make the complex desktop deployment process seamless and predictable, while reducing or eliminating deployment-related service disruptions and help desk calls.

• Many of the tools and guides within BDD 2007 can even be used throughout the desktop management life cycle to provision new users, maintain images, and centrally manage drivers and applications.

• BDD 2007 introduces the new Deployment Workbench, which enables users to build and manage multiple OS configurations, define network deployment points and network shares, inject drivers, attach language packs, and chain applications. It even helps generate ISO and WIM images using Windows PE that can be deployed in a networked environment or using DVDs offline.

• BDD 2007 also alleviates much of the scripting requirements of previous deployment practices by incorporating a stand-alone task sequencer derived from System Center Configuration Manager 2007. BDD continues to offer the flexibility for Zero Touch Installation with Systems Management Server 2003 and Lite Touch Installation with minimal infrastructure requirements.

Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats (Beta 2)

Kevin Dean — Sat, 07 Oct 2006 20:50:00 GMT

Office System 2007’s release and deployment time is quickly approaching and soon your organization will start receiving documents using the new Office 2007 formats.

Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack is a key component to ensure that existing version of your Office suites can work with the new document formats.

Please find below details regarding the Beta 2 release of the compatibility pack. Perhaps it’s time to start evaluating this component and plan its deployment to ensure that your users can easily collaborate with Office System 2007 users both externally and internally.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Exchanging Files Between Previous Releases of Microsoft Office and the 2007 Microsoft Office Release

http://www.microsoft.com/office/preview/beta/converter.mspx

Microsoft has added new file formats to the 2007 Microsoft Office system to reduce file sizes, improve the recovery of corrupt or damaged files, and improve integration with external sources. To help ensure that you can exchange documents between Office releases, Microsoft has developed a Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats. The Compatibility Pack (Beta 2) is available for Microsoft Office XP and Office 2003.

By updating Microsoft Office XP and Office 2003 with the Compatibility Pack (Beta 2), you can create new documents, open and edit documents, and save documents using the following 2007 Microsoft Office system file formats:

Word

•	.docx—Microsoft Office Word 2007 document
•	.docm—Microsoft Office Word 2007 macro-enabled document

PowerPoint

•	.pptx—Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007 presentation
•	.pptm—Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007 macro-enabled presentation
•	.potx—Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007 template
•	.potm—Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007 macro-enabled template
•	.ppsx—Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007 show
•	.ppsm—Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007 macro-enabled show

Excel

•	.xlsb—Microsoft Office Excel 2007 binary workbook
•	.xlsx—Microsoft Office Excel 2007 workbook
•	.xlsm—Microsoft Office Excel 2007 macro-enabled workbook
•	.xltx—Microsoft Office Excel 2007 template
•	.xltm—Microsoft Office Excel 2007 macro-enabled template
•	.xlam—Microsoft Office Excel 2007 add-in