Microsoft Higher Education - Mid-Atlantic : Windows Server

Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) Released

Kevin Dean — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:51:46 GMT

Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT)has been released!

Today we released the Remote Server Administration Tools(RSAT) to the web. RSAT is the collection of Windows Server 2008management tools which enable IT professionals to manage their Windows Serverinfrastructure from their PCs running Windows Vista with Service Pack 1. This email outlines the list of components which make up RSAT, a link tothe downloads, and frequently asked questions. Please download and useRSAT today!

Where to Install:

· Microsoft Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows Vista with SP1(x86): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=9FF6E897-23CE-4A36-B7FC-D52065DE9960

· Microsoft Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows Vista withSP1(x64): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=D647A60B-63FD-4AC5-9243-BD3C497D2BC5

RSAT is available to all customers as part of supplementalMicrosoft Software License Terms to Windows Vista licenses.

What Is Included in RSAT?

This is the list of Windows Server2008 administration tools which are included in RSAT:

Role Administration Tools:

· Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) Tools

· Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) Tools

· Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services (AD LDS) Tools

· DHCP Server Service Tools

· DNS Server Service Tools

· Shared Folders Tools

· Network Policy and Access Services Tools

· Terminal Services Tools

· Uniiversal Description, Discovery, and Integration (UDDI) Services Tools

Feature Administration Tools:

· BitLocker Drive Encryption Tools

· Failover Clustering Tools

· Group Policy Management Tools

· Network Load Balancing Tools

· SMTP Server Tools

· Storage Manager for SANs Tools

· Windows System Resource Manager Tools

The tools in the following listare fully supported managing Windows Server 2003 servers as well:

· Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) Tools

· Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services (AD LDS) Tools

· Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) Tools

· DHCP Server Tools

· DNS Server Tools

· Group Policy Management Tools

· Network Load Balancing Tools

· Terminal Services Tools

· Universal Description, Discovery, and Integration (UDDI) Services Tools

RSAT Questions andAnswers:

Q. Why is Microsoft making RSAT available?

A. Many IT professionals manage their servers from their own desktops. RSAT enablesIT professionals to use the updated Windows Server 2008 management tools tomanage their servers remotely from their own computers.

Q. Which operating systems does RSAT manage?

A. All RSAT tools manage Windows Server 2008 servers. Certain RSAT tools alsomanage servers running Windows Server 2003.

Q. Is RSAT the next version of ADMINPAK.MSI?

A. Yes. As ADMINPAK.MSI provides IT professionals the ability to remotely managetheir Windows Server 2003 servers, RSAT provides updated functionality forWindows Server management from computers running Windows Vista with ServicePack 1. All RSAT tools support the management of servers running Windows Server2008; some of these tools also support the management of servers runningWindows Server 2003, and thus can be considered a replacement for ADMINPAK.MSI.

Q. Will RSAT run on the version of Windows Vista with no service packs installed?

A. No. RSAT requires Windows Vista with Service Pack 1.

Q. Will RSAT include Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) for Windows Vista withSP1?

A. Yes.

Q: Will the GPMC provided by RSAT allow me to manage Group Policy preference itemsfrom a computer running Windows Vista with SP1?

A. Yes.

Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008, & Visual Studio 2008 Launch

Kevin Dean — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 02:27:00 GMT

I’m excited to announce that we have officially launched Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 and Visual Studio 2008. This launch represents a major milestone on the road to Dynamic IT,Microsoft’s initiative to help customers optimize their people,processes, and technology and in turn, position IT as a strategic asset for the business.

There will be several “regional” launch events over the next couple months. The following link provides more information about these upcoming events in your area:

http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/events/default.mspx

Windows Server 2008 released to manufacturing (RTM)

Kevin Dean — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:13:00 GMT

On Monday February 4^th, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 was Released to Manufacturing (RTM). You will find a document attached with numerous links to resources related to Windows Server 2008 that you may find useful.

Press Release: As Windows Server 2008 RTMs, Customers and Partners Adopting with Help of New Tools, Training

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2008/feb08/02-04WS2008.mspx

Windows Server 2008 Update and resources

Kevin Dean — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 20:03:00 GMT

General Information:

Windows Server 2008 - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/default.mspx

The starting point to obtain information on Windows Server 2008 and related technologies.

Windows Server 2008 RC Evaluation - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/audsel.mspx

For IT Pros:

Windows Server Virtualization: A Key Feature of Windows Server 2008 - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/virtualization/default.mspx

Windows Server virtualization is the virtualization platform that provides the greatest flexibility because of dynamic, reliable and scalable platform capabilities combined with a single set of integrated management tools to manage both physical and virtual resources, which enables you to create an agile and dynamic datacenter and progress toward achieving self managing dynamic systems. Windows Server virtualization, a key feature of Windows Server 2008 provides better reliability, greater scalability and dynamic capabilities that allows you to virtualize most workloads in your infrastructure.

Internet Information Services 7.0 in Windows Server 2008 Release Candidate - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/iis/default.mspx

More than just a Web server, Internet Information Services 7.0 (IIS7) provides a security-enhanced, easy-to-manage platform for developing and reliably hosting Web applications and services. Moreover, IIS7 is a major enhancement to the Windows Web platform and plays a central role in unifying Microsoft's Web platform technologies—ASP.NET, Windows Communication Foundation Web services, and Windows SharePoint Services.

Core Infrastructure Optimization Implementer Resource Guide: Basic to Standardized - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=84248

This is the first of three resource guides for the Core Infrastructure Optimization Model explaining key IT capabilities necessary to move from one of four defined levels to the next more efficient and streamlined level. This guide focuses on moving from Basic to Standardized.

Webcasts and More:

Step into a New Windows Server 2008 Virtual Lab for Free - http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/2008/bb512925.aspx

Come experience the next major release of Windows Server! In these Virtual Labs, you'll have the opportunity to test-drive new and improved features and functionality in the upcoming Windows Server 2008 release, including management, network protection and improvements to Terminal Services.

Windows Server 2008 Webcasts - http://www.microsoft.com/events/series/windowsserver2008.aspx?tab=webcasts

Prepare yourself for the next release of Microsoft’s server operating system—Windows Server 2008. Tune in and learn how you can leverage the new features to improve your organization's networking infrastructure and security, server performance and reliability, remote resource access, and client deployment. Subject matter experts break down what these upgrades mean for your environment and how to take advantage of them.

Windows Server 2008 – Learning Portal - http://www.microsoft.com/learning/windowsserver2008/default.mspx

Focus on readiness for Windows Server 2008 now, and you can be the one who stands out when initiatives happen—and when promotion decisions are made. Let Microsoft Learning resources give you the head start you need to transition your skills and credentials to the latest Windows Server technologies—or get started with a new certification.

Introducing Windows Server 2008 by Mitch Tulloch with the Microsoft Windows Server Team (ISBN: 9780735624214) - http://www.microsoft.com/MSPress/books/11163.aspx

Preview and evaluate the latest features, capabilities, and improvements to Windows Server 2008. The e-book includes coverage of usage scenarios, Windows Server virtualization, configuration and management, server roles, and the core installation, plus pointers to additional resources.

Windows Server 2008 RC0 and other resources

Kevin Dean — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 04:43:00 GMT

The launch for Windows Server 2008 will be here before you know it. You may download the RCO version at the locations below. I've also provided some information on readiness resources that should be of interest.

Windows Server 2008 Download Locations (also available on MSDN)

Windows Web Server 2008 RC0 - http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=d977fde8-d3fb-4e6c-8a8a-352cf83111cc&DisplayLang=en
Windows Server 2008 RC0 Standard Edition - http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=d694d4cc-0681-41b5-b02e-012be18f8b71&DisplayLang=en
Windows Server 2008 RC0 for Itanium-based Systems - http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=07ec6bea-b14e-4f73-98c6-eb7a92e76b05&DisplayLang=en
Windows Server 2008 RC0 Enterprise - http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=0818d425-cd47-4279-be8d-24aba14530a3&displaylang=en&tm
Windows Server 2008 RC0 Datacenter - http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=95cc89a8-0076-4571-b379-4aa4f526b893&displaylang=en&tm
Windows Server 2008 Release Candidate: System Requirements and Installation Documentation - http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=1087a498-40ad-46ba-9ada-f32a58a94a85&displaylang=en&tm

Windows Server 2008 Media Services
Windows Media Services 2008 for Windows Server 2008 RC0

Windows Server 2008 Learning Portal

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/windowsserver2008/default.mspx

Windows Server 2008 Technical Overviews

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=46dc26d6-af47-43f0-b3de-521831fe09d6&DisplayLang=en

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/2008/default.aspx

Windows Server 2008 Technical Library

http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/library/bab0f1a1-54aa-4cef-9164-139e8bcc44751033.mspx?mfr=true

Windows Server 2008 Step-By-Steps

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=518d870c-fa3e-4f6a-97f5-acaf31de6dce&DisplayLang=en

Windows Server 2008 Security Guild

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=FB8B981F-227C-4AF6-A44B-B115696A80AC&displaylang=en

Windows Server 2008 Component Posters

https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=C2B9E44E-0BBD-47CB-BC09-B3D48BE7F867&displaylang=en

Windows Server 2008

Kevin Dean — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 20:45:00 GMT

I thought this information on Windows Server 2008 may be of interest. This email links to some of the information available to help you understand, prepare for and leverage Windows Vista and associated technologies in your environments.

General Information: General info on Windows Server 2008

For Developers: Information on some of the technologies in Windows Vista for your development teams

For IT Pros: Information on some of the technologies in Windows Vista for your IT Professionals

Webcasts and more: Links to upcoming and on-demand webcasts

General Information:

Windows Server 2008 - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/default.mspx

The starting point to obtain information on Windows Server 2008 and related technologies.

Windows Server 2008 Product Overview - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/evaluation/overview.mspx

Microsoft Windows Server 2008 is the next generation of the Windows Server operating system that helps information technology (IT) professionals maximize control over their infrastructure while providing unprecedented availability and management capabilities, leading to a significantly more secure, reliable, and robust server environment than ever before. Windows Server 2008 delivers new value to organizations by ensuring all users regardless of location are able to get the full complement of services from the network. Windows Server 2008 also provides deep insight into the operating system and diagnostic capabilities to allow administrators to spend more time adding business value.

Windows Server 2008 Beta 3 Evaluation - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/audsel.mspx

For Developers:

Microsoft® Windows® Software Development Kit (SDK) for Windows Server code name “Longhorn” and .NET Framework 3.5 - http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=58726ACA-8D84-4683-8959-BE0038DA7084&displaylang=en

Windows Server 2008 Beta 3 provides developers with the most secure, flexible and connected web and applications platform, reducing the time to craft high-performing, standards-compliant applications and make network services available remotely.

The .NET Show: Windows Server "Longhorn" - http://msdn.microsoft.com/theshow/episode.aspx?xml=theshow/en/Episode058/manifest.xml

Julius Sinkevicius and Volker Will explain some of the new features of Windows Server "Longhorn".

Visual Studio Code Name "Orcas" Downloads - http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vstudio/aa700831.aspx

Get an early look at Visual Studio code name "Orcas"

The next version of Visual Studio, Microsoft® Visual Studio® code name “Orcas”, will provide an industry-leading developer experience for Windows Vista, the 2007 Microsoft Office system, and the Web. In addition, it will continue in the Microsoft tradition of development language innovation.

For IT Pros:

What's New in Active Directory Domain Services in Windows Server "Longhorn" - http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/library/eccfec5b-86c6-4b19-8b70-1aad0403d1df1033.mspx

In Windows Server® Code Name "Longhorn", organizations can use Active Directory® Domain Services (AD DS) to manage users and resources, such as computers, printers, or applications, on a network. AD DS includes many new features that are not available in previous versions of Windows Server Active Directory. These new features make it possible for organizations to deploy AD DS more simply and securely and to administer it more efficiently.

Windows PowerShell: Now Part of Windows Server 2008 Beta 3 - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/powershell.mspx

Microsoft Windows PowerShell is a new command-line shell and scripting language that helps IT professionals achieve greater productivity and control system administration more easily. Windows PowerShell does not require you to migrate your existing scripts, and it is ideally suited for automation of new Windows Server 2008 features.

Server Core Installation of Windows Server 2008 - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/servercore.mspx

The Server Core installation option of the Microsoft Windows Server 2008 operating system is a new option for installing Windows Server 2008. A Server Core installation provides a minimal environment for running specific server roles that reduces the maintenance and management requirements and the attack surface for those server roles.

Webcasts and More:

Step into a New Windows Server 2008 Virtual Lab for Free - http://www.microsoft.com/technet/traincert/virtuallab/longhorn.mspx

Windows Server 2008 Webcasts - http://www.microsoft.com/events/series/windowsserver2008.aspx?tab=webcasts

Introducing Windows Server 2008 by Mitch Tulloch with the Microsoft Windows Server Team (ISBN: 9780735624214) - http://www.microsoft.com/MSPress/books/11163.aspx

Microsoft Windows PowerShell Step by Step by Ed Wilson (ISBN: 9780735623958) - http://www.microsoft.com/MSPress/books/10329.aspx

Learn Microsoft Windows PowerShell with hands-on instruction from a leading Microsoft scripting trainer. This guide features self-paced labs, timesaving tips, and sample scripts. The e-book includes an overview of PowerShell, how to use cmdlets, and how to leverage PowerShell providers.

Microsoft Releases Windows Server 2003 SP2

Kevin Dean — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 02:08:00 GMT

Yesterday, Microsoft released Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2), a cumulative service pack that provides the latest updates and security and stability enhancements, in addition to the newest features, to the Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP Professional x64 operating systems. Thousands of customers are already using the Release Candidate of SP2, which was made available in November.

SP2 enables IT professionals to secure their server and improve system reliability and stability, helping them better meet the needs of their organizations. Some of the new features and capabilities include:

Windows Deployment Services is an updated and redesigned version of Remote Installation Services (RIS), allowing administrators to set up new computers through a network-based installation without having to be physically present at each computer and without having to install directly from DVD media.
Windows Server 2003 Scalable Networking Pack enables customers to cost-effectively improve the performance and scalability of network-based Windows Server 2003 workloads, such as file storage, backup, Web servers, and media-streaming.
Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 supports the new Wi-Fi Alliance certification for wireless security, making it easier for end users to securely connect to Wi-Fi hotspots.
Improved IPSEC Filter Management reduces the filter set from 400 to 2 that needs to be managed in a Server and Domain Isolation using IPSEC. It also removes the need for ongoing filter maintenance due to infrastructure changes.
“Firewall per port” authentication secures traffic between extranet environments and internal assets that are protected via IPsec domain isolation.
Microsoft Management Console 3.0 supports richer functionality in snap-in management tools, allows users to add or remove snap-ins and provides improved error handling via the MMC console.
Enhanced MSConfig provides a single launching point for common support tools that will ease server diagnostics.

For those of you that are preparing to update to SP2 for Windows Server 2003 I wanted to make you aware of KB 932132 which references post-SP1 hotfixes that will need to be updated to be compatible with SP2. Please review the KB below for complete instructions.

932132 Certain Windows Server 2003 hotfixes have been repackaged to be compatible with Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2) http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932132

Additional Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 links you may find useful are below.

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (32-bit x86)

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=95ac1610-c232-4644-b828-c55eec605d55&DisplayLang=en

System Preparation tool for Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 Deployment

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=93f20bb1-97aa-4356-8b43-9584b7e72556&DisplayLang=en

Updated System Preparation tool for Windows Server 2003 SP1 and Windows Server 2003 SP2

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=892778

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 32-bit Support Tools

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=96a35011-fd83-419d-939b-9a772ea2df90&DisplayLang=en

926027 Descriptions of Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 Support Tools

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;926027

Toolkit to Temporarily Block Delivery of Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2