Run IT on a Virtual Hard Disk – Test Drive Program

The Microsoft Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) format is the common virtualization file format that provides a uniform product support system, and provides more seamless manageability, security, reliability and cost-efficiency for customers.

Featured VHDs

Using the power of virtualization, you can quickly evaluate Microsoft and partner solutions through a series of pre-configured virtual hard disks (VHDs). You can download the VHDs and evaluate them for free in your own environment without the need for dedicated servers or complex installations.

• Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Edition x64 (Full Install)
  You will have the opportunity to try the new and improved features and functionality of Windows Server 2008 R2 free for 180 days. Windows Server 2008 R2 builds on the foundation of Windows Server 2008, offering new virtualization tools, Web resources, management enhancements, and Windows 7 integration. Tools such as Internet Information Services (IIS) version 7.5, updated Server Manager, Hyper-V platforms and Windows PowerShell version 2.0 combine to provide greater control, increased efficiency and the ability to react to front-line business needs faster than ever before.
• Microsoft Windows 7 Enterprise
  Windows 7 has many new features and file management enhancements — like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews — to help speed you through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance. With 64-bit support, you can take full advantage of the latest generation of powerful PCs and processors. New features like HomeGroup, an updated Windows Media Center and Windows Touch make new things possible.
• Exchange Server 2010 for Windows Server 2008
  Evaluate the new capabilities of Exchange Server 2010, which helps you achieve new levels of reliability and performance and delivers features that help to simplify your administration, protect your communications, and delight your users by meeting their demands for greater business mobility.

VHDs by Product

Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Edition x64 (Full Install) Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Edition x64 (Core Install) Windows Server 2008 Standard Ed. x86 (full install) Windows Server 2008 Standard Ed. x64 (full install) Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Ed. x86 (full install) Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Ed. x64 (full install) Windows Server 2008 Standard Ed. x86 (core install) Windows Server 2008 Standard Ed. x64 (core install) Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Ed. x86 (core install) Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Ed. x64 (core install) Office Communications Server 2007 R2 for Windows Server 2008 Microsoft Windows 7 Enterprise 90-Day Eval. x86 (full install)

Exchange Server 2010 RC for Windows Server 2008 Exchange Server 2007 SP1 for Windows Server 2008 Exchange Server 2007 SP1 for Windows Server 2003 R2 SQL Server 2008 Enterprise Evaluation for Windows Server 2008 Windows Server 2003 R2 System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R2 for Windows Server 2003 R2 Office SharePoint Server 2007 for Windows Server 2003 R2 Forefront codename “Stirling” for Windows Server 2003 R2 System Center Essentials 2007 SP1 for Windows Server 2003 R2 Office Communications Server 2007 R2

Learn More About VHDs

VHD Product Overview Learn about the VHD Test Drive Program, get an introduction to virtual machine technology, and read about key features and benefits of using VHDs in this overview.

Frequently Asked Questions about VHDs Find general information about using VHDs, virtual machine technology, requirements, and more in the VHD FAQ.

Become a VHD Test Drive Partner The Microsoft VHD Test Drive Program provides Microsoft’s partners a convenient and simplified process for creation of application images, facilitates its widespread distribution by making it available as a free download and enables accelerated evaluation and testing of these applications by customers.

VHD Image Format Specifications With the VHD format now available as a freely available specification, Microsoft is contributing to the continued expansion of the virtualization market by fostering interoperability among all commercial software solutions, including open source.

Free ebook: Understanding Microsoft Virtualization Solutions (Second Edition)

Here it is! Mitch Tulloch has updated his free ebook of last year; it’s now updated for Windows Server 2008 R2. You can now download Understanding Microsoft Virtualization Solutions, From the Desktop to the Datacenter in XPS format here and in PDF format here.

Six chapters adding up to 466 pages.

Beta Candidates for Exam 71-669!

Are you a desktop virtualization subject matter expert?  Microsoft is offering the beta exam for you!

71-669 TS: Windows Server® 2008 R2, Desktop Virtualization
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exam.aspx?ID=70-669&Locale=en-us

As with every beta exam, seats are limited. Microsoft will be using thier MSL SME database to recruit for the first round of beta participants. For your best chance of participating, create a SME profile by filling out the survey on the MSL SME site on Microsoft Connect http://connect.microsoft.com/site862. If you have already created your SME profile, make sure that you update it to reflect your interest in taking a beta exam and your experience with virtualization technologies.

Yung Chou on Windows Technologies : Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Architecture Explained

In Windows Server 2008 R2 (WS2008R2), Terminal Services (TS) has been expanded and renamed to Remote Desktop Services (RDS). The new and enhanced architecture takes advantage of virtualization and makes remote access a much flexible solution with new deployment scenarios. To realize the capabilities of RDS, it is essential to understand the functions of key architectural components and how they complement one another to process a RDS request. There are many new terms and acronyms to get familiar with in the context of RDS. For the remainder of this post, notice RDS implies the server platform of WS2008R2, while TS implies WS2008.

There are five main architectural components in RDS, as shown, and all require a RDS licensing server. Each component includes a set of features designed to achieve a particular function. Together, the five form a framework for accessing Terminal Services applications, remote desktops, and virtual desktops all with WS2008R2 capabilities. Hence, WS2008R2 offers a set of building blocks with essential functions for constructing an enterprise remote access architecture.

via Yung Chou on Windows Technologies : Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Architecture Explained.

MCSA Recertification Meets Growing Requirements for Security Specialization

Stay current with exam 70-699: Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) Security Specialization Skills Update. MCSA Security Specialization plus recertification demonstrates current status on the latest security-related functions and tasks on Windows Server 2003 and Windows Vista or Windows 7. In 2010, the Department of Defense, among other organizations, will require employees to meet credential requirements accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or an equivalent authorization body.

Microsoft Exams released in October 2009

Exams released in October 2009	Preparation guide
Windows Server 2003, MCSA Security Specialization Skills Update (English)	Exam 70-699
TS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, Configuring (English)	Exam 70-662

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Free virtualization e-learning collection

Free virtualization e-learning collection offer

Take clinics in the Microsoft E-Learning Collection 6333: Exploring Microsoft Virtualization Technologies, including:

• Clinic 5935: Introducing Hyper-V in Windows Server 2008
• Clinic 6334: Exploring Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008
• Clinic 6335: Exploring Microsoft Application Virtualization
• Clinic 6336: Exploring Terminal Services in Windows Server 2008

Free e-book: Introducing Windows Server 2008 R2

Greetings! We’re happy to say that another free e-book is now available. 

Introducing Windows Server 2008 R2, by Charlie Russel and Craig Zacker with the Windows Server Team at Microsoft, can be downloaded here (XPS file, 28 MB) and here (PDF file, 11 MB).

Here is the book’s Content at a Glance:

Introduction    xvii
Chapter 1    What’s New in Windows Server R2    1
Chapter 2    Installation and Configuration: Adding R2 to Your World    9
Chapter 3    Hyper-V: Scaling and Migrating Virtual Machines    25
Chapter 4    Remote Desktop Services and VDI: Centralizing Desktop and Application Management    47
Chapter 5    Active Directory: Improving and Automating Identity and Access    65
Chapter 6    The File Services Role    91
Chapter 7    IIS 7.5: Improving the Web Application Platform    109
Chapter 8    DirectAccess and Network Policy Server    129
Chapter 9    Other Features and Enhancements    147
Index    163

And here’s part of the Introduction:

Introduction

Windows Server 2008 R2, or simply R2 for short, is the second release of
Windows Server 2008. It isn’t a completely new release, but rather adds
additional features and refinements to the existing release. In this book, we focus
on the new features and refinements in R2. We assume you have at least a general
knowledge of Windows Server, and that you have some familiarity with Windows
Server 2008, although we don’t assume you’re actively running Windows Server
2008. Where an R2 feature is a refinement of a feature that was new in Windows
Server 2008, we provide background on the Windows Server 2008 feature to
provide context.

Who This Book Is For

This book is targeted primarily at Windows server administrators who are responsible
for hands-on deployment and day-to-day management of Windows-based
servers for large organizations. Windows server administrators manage file and
print servers, network infrastructure servers, Web servers, and IT application
servers.

They use graphical administration tools as their primary interface but
also use Windows PowerShell commandlets and occasionally write Windows
PowerShell scripts for routine tasks and bulk operations. They conduct most
server management tasks remotely by using Terminal Server or administration
tools installed on their local workstation.

What This Book Is About

Covering every aspect of Windows Server 2008 R2 in nine chapters and approximately
200 pages is clearly an impossible task. Rather than try to cover everything,
we’ve focused on what is new and important, while giving you the context
from Windows Server 2008.

Chapter 1, “What’s New in Windows Server R2” Provides a brief overview of
all the new features and capabilities of Windows Server 2008 R2.

Chapter 2, “Installation and Configuration: Adding R2 to Your World” Covers
minimum system requirements, basic installation and configuration of R2, and
what is involved in adding an R2 server to an existing Windows Server network.
Configuration of the Windows Server Core installation option, added in Windows
Server 2008, is covered, along with the steps required to add a Windows Server
2008 R2 domain controller to an existing Windows Server network.

Chapter 3, “Hyper-V: Scaling and Migrating Virtual Machines” Covers the
new Hyper-V features of Windows Server 2008 R2, including dynamic storage
management and Quick Migration of clustered virtual machines (VMs). Covers
creation and management of virtual machines using the Hyper-V Manager
console, Windows PowerShell, and the Failover Cluster Manager console and
discusses the features of System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 R2.

Chapter 4, “Remote Desktop Services and VDI: Centralizing Desktop and
Application Management” Covers Remote Desktop Services (the new name
for Terminal Services) and the enhancements of Windows Server 2008 R2, including
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), which uses the new RD Virtualization
Host capability of R2 to provide desktop virtualization. R2 also includes an all-new
Remote Desktop Services provider for Windows PowerShell.

Chapter 5, “Active Directory: Improving and Automating Identity and
Access” Covers the new features of Active Directory (AD), including an AD
Recycle Bin, a new set of Active Directory Windows PowerShell cmdlets, and
improvements in daily AD administration.

Chapter 6, “The File Services Role” Covers the new File Services features,
including BranchCache, Distributed File System–ReadOnly (DFS-R), and the File
Classification Infrastructure (FCI).

Chapter 7, “IIS 7.5: Improving the Web Application Platform” Covers the
features of the new version of Internet Information Services (IIS), including the
new Windows PowerShell management features.

Chapter 8, “DirectAccess and Network Policy Server” Covers the Network
Policy Server (NPS) and the new DirectAccess feature that allows Windows 7
computers to be transparently connected to internal network resources from anywhere
without requiring a virtual private network (VPN) connection.

Chapter 9, “Other Features and Enhancements” Covers the enhanced version
of Windows Server Backup included in R2, including the Windows PowerShell
commands for backing up. Also covered is the new BitLocker To Go capability,
which provides an important new protection for removable volumes such as
backup disks.

Enjoy!

Course Release Announcement: 6426B – Configuring and Troubleshooting Identity and Access Solutions with Windows Server 2008 Active Directory

Microsoft Learning is proud to announce the release to manufacturing of MOC course 6426B, Configuring and Troubleshooting Identity and Access Solutions with Windows Server® 2008 Active Directory®. This three-day instructor-led course covers creating, maintaining and troubleshooting identity and access solutions with Active Directory services including Active Directory Certificate Services, Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services, Active Directory Federation Services and Active Directory Rights Management Services.

Course 6426B was released to manufacturing on October 26, 2009 and is currently available for download on the MCT courseware download center. The course will be available for ordering by CPLS partners on November 6, 2009. You can view the syllabus for course 6426B here: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/Course.aspx?ID=6426B

Exam 70-699: Windows Server 2003, MCSA Security Specialization Skills Update

Microsoft announces the availability of exam 70-699: Windows Server 2003, MCSA Security Specialization Skills Update. This exam allows the certification holder to demonstrate their continuing ability to perform the security-related functions and tasks on Windows Server 2003 and one of Microsoft’s clients (operating systems). The prep guide for this exam is available at: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exam.aspx?ID=70-699&locale=en-us

Who Should Take This Exam?

Some organizations will not recognize credentials unless they meet the ISO 17024 Personnel Certification Bodies requirements. For example, according to the Department of Defense Directive 8570.1, by 2010, the DoD will only recognize information security credentials that have been accredited by ANSI or equivalent authorization bodies. Because demonstrating continued competence (recertification) is one of the ISO 17024 requirements, we have developed this exam to fulfill this requirement.

If you hold the MCSA Security Specialization credential and work for the DoD or an organization with similar requirements, you should take this exam if you’d like your organization to recognize your MCSA Security Specialization credential. Additionally, candidates who are interested in demonstrating continued competence on the security-related functions and tasks on Windows Server 2003 and one of Microsoft’s clients are encouraged to take this exam. Recertification is not required for candidates who do not work for such an organization or who have no interest in demonstrating continued competence in this content area.

Please note that this process only applies to the MCSA Security Specialization credential.

How to Demonstrate Continued Competence

Renewal requires certification holders to register for and pass 70-699: Windows Server 2003, MCSA Security Specialization Skills Update. After passing the exam, the candidate will earn the MCSA Security Specialization plus recertification credential. Note that candidates must hold the MCSA Security Specialization prior to recertification; candidates who take and pass 70-699 will not be awarded the MCSA Security Specialization plus recertification credential until they have met all the requirements for the MCSA Security Specialization credential.

Candidates will be required to demonstrate continued competence every three years. If candidates do not, their MCSA Security Specialization plus recertification credential will expire and revert to the MCSA Security Specialization credential without the recertification designator. Candidates who hold the MCSA Security Specialization credential can earn the MCSA Security Specialization plus recertification at any time by passing 70-699.

Demonstrate that you are up to date on the latest security-related functions and tasks on Windows Server 2003 and Windows Vista or Windows 7 with MCSA Security Specialization plus recertification. Learn more about MCSA recertification.