Back in the Saddle

Well I’m back now for what has to be the second longest holiday I’ve had in my career at Microsoft.  The last one was in 1997 when I took 6 weeks off for long service.  My manager Frank says I need to take regular holidays as I’ve accumulated quite a few annual leaves days in my 18 years here. 

Anyway its good to be back after the Christmas/New Year break.  I hope all of you had a nice relaxing time and were able to spend some time with your family and friends.

So since I’ve been back I’ve been slowly getting through the hundreds and hundreds if emails and I’ve come across some stuff that might be of interest.  First up is Technet.  System Center Capacity Planner is available this month to on Technet as featured content.  There are alot of other new bits available this month so check them all out:

Featured Content:

SCCP Available Exclusively to TechNet Subscribers

System Center Capacity Planner (SCCP) ships this month and is only available to TechNet Subscribers. SCCP employs state of the art modeling technology to bring unprecedented functionality and flexibility to the process of performance analysis and planning of Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 and Microsoft Operations Manager 2005 deployments. With SCCP the IT Professional will get the guidance required to plan a deployment in the most efficient manner, while also allowing for “what-if” analysis for future planning. Find it on TechNet disc 0422.

 

New This Month:

NewContent

This month’s package has some great security-focused content and includes documents detailing:

§ TechNet Magazine - November - December 2005

§ Introduction to the Single-Server Solution

§ Planning Guide for the Single-Server Solution

§ Build Guide for the Single-Server Solution

§ Test Guide for the Single-Server Solution

§ Troubleshooting Management Points for Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003

§ IIS Insider - November 2005

§ Security Management - How to Shoot Yourself in the Foot with Security, Part 2

§ Security Tip of the Month - November 2005

§ Office Space: Tips and Tricks for Scripting Microsoft Office Applications

§ Project REAL: Analysis Services Technical Drilldown

§ Troubleshooting Management Points for Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003

 

New Tools and Utilities

§ Microsoft SQL Server 2000 SP4 Replication Components

§ Windows Server 2003 Resource Kit Tools Updates

§ Microsoft ActiveSync 4.1

§ User Profile Hive Cleanup Service

§ Microsoft Availability Reporting Management Pack for Microsoft Operations Manager 2005

§ Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Mobile Edition Server Tools

§ Windows Media Player 10

§ Microsoft KPIUtil.exe tool for Microsoft Office Business Scorecard Manager 2005

 

New Resource Kits

§ Windows Server 2003 Resource Kit Tool Updates

New Service Packs

§ Windows SharePoint Services Language Template Pack Service Pack 2

§ Microsoft Content Management Server 2002 Service Pack 2

New Security Bulletins

§ MS05-053: Vulnerabilities in Graphics Rendering Engine Could Allow Code Execution (896424)

New TechNet Plus Evaluation Software (no time limits)

§ Internet Explorer 7 Beta 1 Security Updates for Windows XP with Service Pack 2 - English

§ Internet Explorer 7 Beta 1 Security Updates for Windows Vista Beta 1 - English

§ Internet Explorer 7 Beta 1 Security Updates for Windows Vista Beta 1 (X64 Edition) - English

§ Internet Explorer 7 Beta 1 Security Updates for Windows Vista Beta 1 (IA64 Edition) - English

§ Microsoft Management Console 3.0 Pre-Release (RC1 Refresh) - English

§ Microsoft Office Business Scorecard Manager 2005 Trial Version (Server and Builder Components) - English

§ Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware – English

§ SQL Server 2005 Developer Edition - German, Japanese

The TechNet Index Replaces the Inbox Letter in February

In September, TechNet Subscriptions introduced the TechNet Index as a key element in improving your overall experience with TechNet. We heard loud and clear that this in-box subscription update needed additional functionality. We have built this functionality into the TechNet Subscription Index. Therefore, the inbox letter will no longer be included as part of your monthly shipments. Instead, you should use the Index CD or visit the online web index at https://www.microsoft.com/technet/index to update your subscription kit each month.

 

Also our user group community is starting to kick back into gear and start up meetings after the holiday break. Tonight I’m actually attending the Sydney Sharepoint User Group which should be interesting. If you are interested in SharePoint technologies then check out the link which has all the details.

For a list of all active user groups in Australia then check out out TechNet site for more details about when they meet and where.