Let us know what interests you, and we'll customize your TechNet Flash newsletter with additional reports on topics such as desktop operating systems, server technologies, or security. And please let us know what you think of TechNet Flash.
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From the Editor
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Greetings and Welcome to TechNet Flash,
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Whether you're an IT pro or a developer, the Windows Sysinternals site provides utilities to help you manage, troubleshoot, and diagnose your Windows systems and applications. Here are some of the new or updated utilities available within the last month:
Process Monitor v1.1, an advanced monitoring tool for Windows that shows real-time file system, registry, and process/thread activity. It combines the features of two earlier Sysinternals utilities, Filemon and Regmon, and adds an extensive list of new enhancements.
AccessChk v3.0, a security utility that shows you the methods that users have to gain access to files, registry keys, and services. The update adds support for processes, including display of their Windows Vista object and running integrity levels.
PSExec v1.80, a lightweight Telnet replacement that lets you execute processes on other systems. This update enhances the -i option to allow process launch in a specific session; on Windows Vista, the -l switch runs a process with low integrity.
Also available within the last month, Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Service Pack 2 (SP2) improves business intelligence capabilities, interoperability, and enhances performance and manageability.
For more information about new or improved features in SQL Server 2005 SP2, see the What's New in SQL Server 2005 SP2 Web page.
Finally, it's time to make plans for MIX07, the Microsoft conference for Web designers, developers, and decision makers who earn their living at the forefront of the consumer Web. MIX it up this year from April 30 to May 2 at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. And while you're checking it out, don't forget to enter the REMIX contest. Redesign the MIX07 home page for chance at winning a paid registration to the conference, three nights at the Venetian hotel, and US$1,000 toward your travel expenses. In addition, we will be providing Zunes to ten designers awarded honorable mentions.
Thanks for reading.
Mitch Irsfeld
Editor, TechNet Flash
Beta Updates
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Windows Server "Longhorn" beta is coming soon. To receive an e-mail notifying you about the availability of the beta version, pre-register now.
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Top Stories and Featured Content
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In this issue, we wrap up our in-depth discussion about what's new in the Windows Vista kernel. In this final installment, we look at changes and new features pertaining to reliability, recovery, and security.
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We are very excited to announce the availability of the Essentials 2007 Release Candidate 1. Essentials 2007 is a new management solution specifically designed to enable midsized businesses to proactively manage their IT environment more efficiently. This release incorporates many improvements over Beta 2 and brings us a step closer to launch later next quarter. For more information, click on the "Get RC1 Details" button on the SCE home page.
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Windows IT Pro magazine awarded Chris Stanley IT Pro of the Month for his 911 Center solution that pulled all the manuals, books, and protocols together on a Web server. See more on Chris's winning entry and vote for next month's winner. The first 100 to cast their votes will receive a one-year print subscription to Windows IT Pro magazine, compliments of Microsoft.
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Take the Application Platform Infrastructure Optimization assessment to measure the effectiveness of your current infrastructure in platform-agnostic terms, and compare your application platform infrastructure against industry best practices and the latest IT research.
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Take the Business Productivity Infrastructure Optimization assessment to see how well your IT infrastructure helps your business keep pace with changes and competitive challenges, and compare your results against industry best practices and the latest IT research.
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Are your people free to do business where they need to? The Windows Mobile Enterprise Resource Kit demonstrates how mobility solutions from Microsoft can help your people take your business further through the use of voice, e-mail, and network communication tools.
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Solution Accelerators
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The Windows Vista Hardware Assessment solution accelerator has been released. This new Windows Vista deployment tool will help you quickly determine your organization's Windows Vista readiness networkwide regarding hardware and device compatibilities. Start your migration planning today.
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Security
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This guide discusses processes and tools for use in internal computer investigations. It also presents an applied scenario example of an internal investigation that uses Windows Sysinternals tools (advanced utilities that can be used to examine Windows-based computers) as well as commonly available Windows commands and tools.
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The T-Systems IT business unit has relied on Microsoft Antigen for the e-mail security of its Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 infrastructure. So, as the technology leader moves to the 64-bit world of Exchange Server 2007, it's also adopting Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server. The company praises its ability to catch viruses and dangerous file types--with easy administration and no hit on server performance.
Video Case Study: 100k.wvx |
300k.wvx
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Guardian Management LLC (Guardian) depends on Microsoft Antigen to protect its Exchange Server 2003 servers. With its planned upgrade to Exchange Server 2007, the company is also preparing to move to Forefront Security for Exchange Server. Guardian finds it offers even more protection than Antigen, plus simple installation and trouble-free use that make life easier for its two IT staffers.
Video Case Study:
100k.wvx |
300k.wvx
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Support and Troubleshooting
How-to Articles
Hotfixes
Knowledge Base Articles
See a selection of new Knowledge Base articles on the TechNet Web site. KB articles feature an Article Translations box in the right column. You can select a language from the drop-down list and read the article in the selected language. Also available via RSS 
Featured Downloads
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Download this networkwide readiness assessment tool today and assess your existing PCs' readiness for Windows Vista.
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Download this whitepaper today.
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Forefront Client Security, currently in public beta, delivers unified anti-virus and anti-spyware protection for business desktops, laptops, and server operating systems that is easy to manage and control. Around the world, companies are trying out the public beta and learning firsthand about the unified protection, simplified administration, and critical visibility and control that Forefront Client Security delivers.
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What's New Online in TechNet Plus Direct
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TechNet Plus Direct subscribers receive access to selected Microsoft E-Learning courses for free. Microsoft E-Learning offers a variety of courses providing hands-on learning to help you build the skills you need. The following courses are currently available to TechNet Plus subscribers through May 20:
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Course 5365: Connecting and Troubleshooting Mobile Devices with Windows Vista
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Course 5356: Fundamentals of Windows Vista Client-Side Network Services
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Course 5351: Maintaining and Optimizing Windows Vista
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These courses are all part of a Microsoft E-Learning collection composed of eight courses. They can help you build on your knowledge of Windows XP to configure Windows Vista client settings along with Windows Vista networking and security. If you're not a TechNet Plus Direct subscriber and want access to these free e-learning benefits, as well as access to all the latest software, tools, and resources, click here and get started today.
And to stay up to date on TechNet Plus news, sign up for the TechNet Plus Blog RSS feed. 
Upcoming Webcasts
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Tuesday, March 27, 9:30 AM Pacific Time
Learn how Microsoft IT facilitated the deployment of Windows Vista with careful predeployment planning.
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Learn how the new Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) stack and other Windows Vista networking infrastructure features can make your life as a network administrator easier. In April, we cover diagnostic upgrades, ways to incorporate the Microsoft Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) standard, new features available when running Windows Vista in a Microsoft Windows Server "Longhorn" environment, and wireless security.
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On Demand
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Introduce yourself to our new site by watching Bill Gates' keynote speech on the new technology at Microsoft. In addition, access more information on how Windows Vista, the 2007 Microsoft Office system, and Exchange Server 2007 can help streamline deployment and management; increase security, control, and reliability; improve user experience and support; and enable and support mobile users.
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Learn how the Windows Vista Hardware Assessment tool can help you quickly assess the hardware and device compatibilities of your computers for Windows Vista networkwide. Listen to the on-demand webcast and learn more.
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Learn how the 2007 Microsoft Office system can help you provide your business with a more secure and efficient everyday experience. Our live and on-demand webcasts get you started with deployment and migration, management, and security tips and best practices. Virtual labs for Microsoft Office Groove 2007, Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, and the 2007 Office release are available and have been updated to release-to-manufacturing (RTM) versions. You can also stream or download podcasts.
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Virtual Labs
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Test the capabilities of the Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003 in a sandbox environment. Take part in these virtual labs to experiment with SMS 2003 and Active Directory service integration, learn more about patch management and security updates, and see how SMS enables scalable enterprise class deployment for Windows Vista.
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See how Microsoft Forefront helps provide greater protection and control over the security of your network infrastructure. Test-drive Forefront in our virtual labs and learn more about this family of business security products in our webcasts. Learn how you can improve your security for the client operating system, application servers, and the network edge.
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Learn how Microsoft Operations Manager 2005 serves Forefront Client Security connecting Clients with Central Management Console.
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Learn about the basics of deployment with this new hands-on-lab.
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Received TechNet Flash from a Friend?
The TechNet Flash is full of pointers to in-depth technical information that we encourage subscribers to forward to friends and co-workers. If you've received this issue from someone via e-mail and would like to receive the free TechNet Flash newsletter biweekly, all you have to do is register.
Scripting for IT Pros
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The Select and Case keywords have a lesson for all of us, not just those learning Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition (VBScript).
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Hey, Scripting Guy!
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Volume 9, Issue 6  March 21, 2007 |
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Tell Us Your IT Interests and Get News to Match
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TechNet Plus Direct
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Full library of Microsoft software for evaluation without limits
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Immediate access through subscriber downloads |
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Two Professional Support incidents
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Access to beta software before public beta releases
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Exclusive tools and utilities |
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How Microsoft Does IT
Insight Workshops from Microsoft IT Showcase
Offered worldwide, Insight Workshops provide IT professionals with an opportunity to engage in peer-to-peer technology by sharing in a multiple-day workshop environment. Current topics include Enterprise Security and Directory Services, Manageability, and High-Availability Messaging.
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Events
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REMIX MIX07: Redesign the MIX07 Home Page and Win a Zune or a Paid Trip to MIX07
April 30 - May 2:
Las Vegas, NV
REMIX the MIX home page and your original design could be your ticket to MIX07. Create one of the top three designs and you will receive paid registration to the conference, three nights at the Venetian hotel, and $1,000 toward your travel expenses. In addition, we will be providing Zunes to ten designers awarded honorable mentions. |
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Tech-Ed 2007 Online: Prepare to Make Your Mark
Get online access to content before, during, and after Tech-Ed. Watch for simulcast sessions from Tech-Ed and the Best of Tech-Ed webcasts and virtual labs. These training experiences are free to everyone -- including those of you who did not attend. |
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Protect Critical Systems from Security Threats: Don't Miss TechNet Events
Learn how Windows Vista, the upcoming Windows Server "Longhorn," and the Microsoft Forefront Client Security solution can help you manage complex networks and keep critical systems up and running safely. TechNet Events are free, half-day sessions. |
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April 3:
Bakersfield, CA
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April 5:
Long Beach, CA
Woodridge, IL
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April 10:
Boise, ID
Cleveland, OH
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April 12:
Columbus, OH
El Paso, TX
West Jordan, UT
Fairfax, VA
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April 17:
Billings, MT
Reno, NV
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April 19:
San Francisco, CA
Rapid City, SD
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April 24:
Eugene, OR
Tarentum, PA
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April 26:
Portland, OR
King of Prussia, PA
Chattanooga, TN
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$250 Discount on the TechMentor 2007 Conference Package in Orlando
March 26 - 30: Orlando, FL
Come to Orlando for a week of exceptional network training at Redmond magazine's TechMentor Conference. You'll join other IT professionals for focused training sessions on automating, managing, securing, and troubleshooting Windows Server systems. Register for this event using promotional code MSFT4107 and obtain a $250 discount off the five-day conference package. |
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Security Training at Windows Connections
April 1 - 4: Orlando, FL
Attend in-depth sessions on Exchange Server, Windows Vista, and Office with more than 100 sessions to choose from and 60-plus industry experts presenting comprehensive sessions and hands-on labs. If that wasn't enough, the expo hall will feature exciting new products and the great networking receptions. |
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Coming May 2: The 'You're In Control' Launch -- Save the Date
Experience how the integration of security and IT management software from Microsoft enables more control over your IT environment. Learn about Microsoft Forefront and Microsoft System Center, and see how Forefront and System Center work together. Try the products and get free evaluation software at the You're In Control launch event. |
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Training/Books
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Register for an MCP Live Meeting: Windows Server Certifications (Worldwide)
Join Microsoft Learning certification planners for an overview of Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003 credentials and requirements -- and a preview of Windows Server "Longhorn" certifications. Click to register for: |
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MCP Live Meeting: 2007 Office System Certifications for IT Pros and Developers (Worldwide)
Microsoft is offering new certifications to support the 2007 Office system from an IT perspective. Join certification planners to discuss the new Office IT certifications and whether they are right for you. Click to register for: |
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E-Learning: Save on New Windows Server 2003 Collection
Learn how to implement a Windows-based hosting solution with a collection of six new Windows Server 2003 courses. For a limited time, enter promotion code CMS10 during purchase to save 10 percent. |
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Online Course: How to Maintain and Optimize Windows Vista
See how to troubleshoot slow performance and system stability issues, and then apply best practices for protecting and updating Windows Vista. |
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Hot Off the Press: New Books from Microsoft Press
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© 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Active Directory, BitLocker, BizTalk Server, Forefront, Groove, Microsoft Press, PerformancePoint, SharePoint, SQL Server, Visual Basic, Windows, Windows Mobile, Windows Server, Windows Vista, and Zune are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
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