Feb 22 2008 2:31PM GMT
Posted by: Michael Khanin
Virtualization
This cumulative update for SoftGrid v4.1 SP1 and v4.2 provides the latest updates to SoftGrid.
New capabilities
This update provides the following new capabilities:
- SoftGrid now supports deployment of Virtual Application .msi files that are generated by the MSI Utility for Microsoft Application Virtualization to SoftGrid clients that are running Microsoft Windows 2000 or Windows 2000 Server/Advanced Server and that have Terminal Services enabled.
- SoftGrid 4.2 HFRU2 now supports Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1).
Please Note: The 4.1 SP1 KB article incorrectly identifies Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) as a new capability of 4.1 SP1 HFRU2. We’re in the process of changing the article now so you should see it updated soon.
SoftGrid 4.1 SP1 HFRU2 Bits: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/938497
SoftGrid 4.2 HFRU2 Bits: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/941408
Feb 21 2008 12:41AM GMT
Posted by: Michael Khanin
Microsoft Windows
The document describes new features and technologies, which were not available in Windows Server 2003, that will help to increase the security of computers running Windows Server 2008, increase productivity, and reduce administrative overhead.
Released on 7th Feb 2008, containing 341 pages. Download here
Feb 21 2008 12:36AM GMT
Posted by: Michael Khanin
Networking
Windows Server 2008 delivered with Administrative template files (.admx/.adml) policy settings for computer and user configurations. The policy settings included in this spreadsheet cover Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP Professional and Windows 2000.
To configure these policy settings we need use Group Policy objects (GPOs). In addition, this spreadsheet includes the following categories of security policy settings:
- Account Policies (Password Policy, Account Lockout Policy, and Kerberos Policy)
- Local Policies (Audit Policy, User Rights Assignment, and Security Options)
- Event Log
- Restricted Groups
- System Services
- Registry
- File System policy settings
Download here
Feb 21 2008 12:27AM GMT
Posted by: Michael Khanin
Microsoft Windows
Evaluating Windows Server 2008 software does not require product activation. Any edition of Windows Server 2008 may be installed without activation, and it may be evaluated for 60 days. Additionally, the 60-day evaluation period may be reset (re-armed) three times.
When the initial 60-day evaluation period nears its end, you can run the Slmgr.vbs script to reset the evaluation period. To do this, follow these steps:
- Click Start, and then click Command Prompt.
- Type slmgr.vbs -dli, and then press ENTER to check the current status of your evaluation period.
- To reset the evaluation period, type slmgr.vbs –rearm, and then press ENTER.
- Restart the computer.
This resets the evaluation period to 60 days.
Feb 7 2008 5:36PM GMT
Posted by: Michael Khanin
Microsoft Windows,
Windows Computing
As many of you know, Microsoft released Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and Windows Server 2008 to Manufacturing RTM ! So, it’s a time to take a last Windows Automated Installation Kit (Windows AIK). The Windows Automated Installation Kit (Windows AIK) is designed to assist corporate IT professionals customize and deploy the Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 families of operation systems. The Windows Automated Installation Kit (Windows AIK) is a set of tools and documentation that support the configuration and the deployment of Windows operating systems. By using Windows AIK, you can perform unattended Windows installations, capture Windows images with ImageX, create Windows PE images and much more.
Download WAIK1.1 here
Feb 7 2008 4:51PM GMT
Posted by: Michael Khanin
Microsoft Windows
If you are planning to deploy Windows Server 2008 - Server Core installations, I think you should use the following tip, that I’ve found few days ago on very good blog, blogs.technet.com/aralves.
Think about you have more than one Windows Server 2008 - Server Core box and you are connecting to them by using the Terminal Services Remote Programs. What you get? Just a simple prompt. By using following tip you can change the default prompt and add at least the servername. To do this, simple open the registry editor and navigate to the following key:
HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Environment
Find a key called Prompt, if it’s not there create one using the following settings.
Value Name: Prompt
Data Type: REG_EXPAND_SZ
Value Data: $_Server:[%servername%]$_Username:[%username%]$_$T$_$p$g
With this value you get the prompt as shown in the picture.

Here are some of the special codes you can use:
* $A - & (Ampersand)
* $B - | (pipe)
* $C - ( (Left parenthesis)
* $D - Current date
* $E - Escape code (ASCII code 27)
* $F - ) (Right parenthesis)
* $G - > (greater-than sign)
* $L - < (less-than sign)
* $N - Current drive
* $P - Current drive and path
* $Q - = (equal sign)
* $S - (space)
* $T - Current time
* $_ - Carriage return and linefeed
* $$ - $ (dollar sign)
Now you will always know on which server you are working 
Feb 3 2008 3:51PM GMT
Posted by: Michael Khanin
Microsoft Windows
As many of you know, it’s possible to create a “Lite” version of operating system by using well know program vLite. But, recently Microsoft said in an e-mail to CNET News.com:
“Microsoft does not recommend using any tool to strip out applications from Windows Vista prior to installing it on your system, as it may affect your ability to download future Windows updates and service packs, and may cause your system to become unstable,”
So, think twice before you creating Vista ‘Lite’ 