Some buddies and I are heading out on a backcountry backpacking trip for the rest of this week. So, to keep you in the know while I'm away, starting tomorrow I'll be presenting a four-part series on Implementing Group Policy Preferences.

This down and dirty explanation of how to implement them comes directly out of my recent e-book The Definitive Guide to Building a Windows Server 2008 Infrastructure, sponsored by Tricerat.

If you like the mini version, consider downloading the entire e-book from www.tricerat.com. In that book, I explain many topics necessary to build a server infrastructure using Windows Server 2008. Individual chapters discuss...

• Chapter 1: Introduction to Windows Server 2008
• Chapter 2: Server Manager
• Chapter 3: Active Directory Design & Domain Controller Management
• Chapter 4: File Servers & Storage Management
• Chapter 5: Server Core
• Chapter 6: Managing & Customizing Group Policy
• Chapter 7: Introduction to Terminal Services
• Chapter 8: Advanced Topics in Terminal Services
• Chapter 9: Securing Servers & the Domain
• Chapter 10: Windows Failover Clustering

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Posted by Greg Shields | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

We here at Realtime Windows Server believe in the importance of time off with friends and family. So, today's blog post will be simply a suggestion that you get away from the computer and spend some QT with your buddies, your fam, or whomever is important in your life.

Eat, drink, and be merry!

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Posted by Greg Shields | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Well there's a fine how-do-you-do that arrived in today's Inbox. Earlier this morning, I received a letter from Microsoft announcing:

Congratulations! We are pleased to present you with the 2008 Microsoft® MVP Award! The MVP Award is our way to say thank you for promoting the spirit of community and improving people's lives and the industry's success every day. We appreciate your extraordinary efforts in Terminal Server technical communities during the past year.

Thanks to everyone who nominated me, and a big thanks to all of you who keep coming back day after day to check out this site. Believe you me that I'll be keeping as much news about Terminal Services along with all the Windows Server news that's fit to print -- all right here.

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Posted by Greg Shields | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hi all -

For everyone who's planning on being at Tech Ed next week, I'll be there walking around with the guys from Realtime Publishers and alternately sitting with the SAPIEN guys at their Expo booth. Somewhere yet to be determined, I'll be signing copies of my recent book Windows Server 2008: What's New / What's Changed which you can obtain from Amazon via this link. We'll also have copies for sale on-site if you want one signed.

If you're a member of this community and want to stop by and say "hi", I'd love to visit with you. See you at the Expo!

If you're one of the many who can't make it to Orlando for another rousing Tech Ed, I'll be leaving you with a five-part series taken directly from the book Creating the Secure Managed Desktop: Using Group Policy, SoftGrid, Microsoft Deployment Toolkit, and Other Management Tools. For that book, written by Jeremy Moskowitz, I wrote Chapter 7 on WSUS and the MBSA. This series will excerpt from the chapter and give you some idea of what you can expect if you decide to pick up the book.

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Posted by Greg Shields | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If you haven't already heard the news, Don Jones and I have partnered together to bring you Concentrated Technology at www.concentratedtech.com. This new joint venture is...

A collaboration between IT gurus Don Jones and Greg Shields, Concentrated Technology is a place for concise, helpful IT news and education. The emphasis is on concise: We'll try to provide you with very condensed (dare we say "concentrated?") information that hits right at the heart of what you need to know. This site is a place for us to blog, and even to argue - you'll find us taking up opposite sides on a number of issues, and in doing so helping you see both sides of those issues more clearly so that you can make better decisions. Above all, we'll keep things focused right on the Microsoft IT professional, addressing your needs, questions, and more as best we can.

To get the site kicked off in the best way possible, we're doing a contest to give away an Amazon Kindle. These little devices are the first new tool I've seen to date that makes reading electronic books actually fun. Check out Don's recent blog post where he explains the Kindle, how it works, and the very cool no-added-cost Sprint EVDO network that it uses to download books and surf the Internet.

In that same post, Don talks about the evolving rules for the contest:

Okay - here's how to win an Amazon Kindle from us: First, subscribe to this blog's RSS feed. We'll be giving you chances to win for the next few weeks. Some will be very time-sensitive - that's why you want to subscribe and keep an eye on the RSS feed. To begin with, just find a blog article here that interests you, and then leave a comment. Your comment does need to pertain to the article, and you do need to include a valid e-mail address. Our comment spam filter (and our own eyes) will likely catch anything that's not a "real" comment - so find something to really comment on! Each valid comment you leave - meaning each comment which is on-topic, pertains to the post, and helps continue the discussion - counts as a raffle entry. Keep reading future "Win a Kindle" posts for more tips and chances to win.

Definitely check out the post, and the site at www.concentratedtech.com for all the best info, arguments, and most of all the concise information you need to do your job.

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Posted by Greg Shields | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Typically a day off here in the United States, Memorial Day is an opportunity to remember our fallen soldiers and spend time with friends and family. Its also time to kick up the BBQ.

As an interesting aside, with the extra time afforded in this three-day weekend I finally upgraded my aging Netgear router with a brand new Linksys. Without any change of service from my Comcast cable-and-internet provider, my overall bandwidth rose from around 7 megabit to...

Holy petunias! I never knew that a simple router change could do so much good!

Enjoy the day off...

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Posted by Greg Shields | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I was Googling for some articles this afternoon at the Redmond Magazine website, when I saw this new addition to its Google entry:

You may have seen this pop up today too if you're doing research yourself. No, Redmond Magazine won't harm your computer and neither will its website. I just got off the phone with one of the editors over there. They are having a technical issue that they are in the process of getting resolved. As of now, this appears to be only affecting www.redmondmag.com.

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Posted by Greg Shields | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Crazy conference season continues. This week I'll be teaching at MMS, presenting one session on SCCM's SQL database and another on the Security Configuration Wizard. I'm actually just now writing this piece while on the plane.

(There is of course good news and bad news. The bad news is that the plane isn't taking off because there's a mechanical problem. The good news is that cellular internet access just rocks).

So, if you'll be attending MMS and want to meet up. Catch me at either of my two sessions.

• Demystifying the SCCM SQL Database is today (Monday) at 3:00p in Veronese 2401B.
• Using, Troubleshooting, and Configuring the SCW is Thursday at 11:34a in Bellini 2105.

I'll also be sitting at the SAPIEN booth on Monday evening for the welcome reception. Stop on by and introduce yourself!

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This just in! I just got confirmation and booked the flight. I'll be at TechEd this year in Orlando (the IT Professionals half), doing some book signings for my new book Windows Server 2008: What's New / What's Changed.

So, if you want to drop by, meet, and even get a signed copy, stop by the SAPIEN booth at the expo. I'll provide more info once I know it.

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After long last, my most recent book is now available through Amazon. You can get your copy by clicking this link.

This is the first in a new concept of IT book, laser-focusing on just the concepts that have changed between Server 2003 and Server 2008. If you're tired of all the 1700-page doorstops, and are really looking for an entertaining, engaging, and best of all short learning experience, this book is written for you.

To give you a little more info, here's the Amazon blurb:

Microsoft has released its next server operating system - Windows Server 2008 - and you need to know more about it. But you don't need the basics and you don't need the step-by-step. You already know Windows 2003. You just need a quick and dirty review of what's new and what's changed from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008. Get it with this ultra-quick and highly-entertaining guide, written by Windows insider Greg Shields. Focusing tightly on what's new and changed in Microsoft technologies for installing, managing, and securing Windows Server 2008, this thin guide will quickly ramp up your skills. Save yourself some time and money by skipping the basics and using your existing skills to master Microsoft's new server O/S.

Automate server installations * More effectively manage servers through Server Manager * Gain insight with Reliability and Performance Monitor * Implement powerful new Group Policy * Reduce your attack surface with Server Core * Complete better Active Directory backups * Deploy apps using Terminal Services * Secure your servers with the new Windows Firewall * Secure branch offices with Read-Only Domain Controllers * Augment passwords with Fine-Grained Password Policies A major part of Microsoft's new strategy for automated systems management is the new Windows PowerShell. So as a bonus to get you started, you'll also get nine full and complete chapters from Don Jones' and Jeff Hicks' Windows PowerShell v1.0: TFM, 2nd Edition. Learn to use PowerShell while you discover the new and exciting technologies in Windows Server 2008.

Again, feel free to get your copy right from Amazon at this link.

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Posted by Greg Shields | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This week Sunday through Tuesday evening I'll be in Virginia Beach, hanging out with the small group of admins joining us for the third annual Mark Minasi Forum at the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel. Last I heard, attendance has shot through the roof this year, breaking all expectations.

This is news I'm glad to hear, because I know how much this means for Mark, Eric, and everyone on the forum who make this possible.

This will be my first time attending the forum, and I'll be giving two presentations. On Monday morning I'll be giving my talk on Documentation and Change Control: Hating it to Loving it in 75 Minutes. The next morning at 9:00a sharp I start off the day with my ever-popular talk Tips and Tricks for Preventing an AD Failure.

If you haven't heard of the forum yet, you can check out this year's page on it at this address: http://www.minasi.com/forummeet2008/ The show is unique in that its a small group of highly-dedicated people getting together in an intimate format. I'm looking forward to getting out there (even if I route through O'Hare to get there! Y'ick!)

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Posted by Greg Shields | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I'm writing an article for Redmond Magazine on the world's best SMS and SCCM queries, but I still need entrants! Please drop me a line and send your very best!

Here's the pleading request from redmondmag.com:

Query creation in SMS and SCCM is an art, and building the very best queries for collections and reports is key to doing SMS and SCCM well. Contributing Editor Greg Shields wants to showcase your very best queries for an upcoming column. Help out a fellow administrator and you could get a free Redmond T-shirt to boot if you're published! Leave your response below or e-mail Greg at gshields@realtimepublishers.net.

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Posted by Greg Shields | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Doing a little research today, I discovered that Microsoft has changed the room where I'll be teaching my session Demystifying the Configuration Manager SQL Database. The previous room was one of the smaller ones, but the new room seats 1000 people!

The last time I taught this session was back in 2006, and we had 400+ people who filled out evaluations (which means that more were actually in attendance) and the session ended up in 11th place in evaluation scoring overall. So, if you're planning on being at MMS in Vegas in the next couple of weeks, you won't regret stopping by on Monday from 3p to 4:15p in Veronese 2401B.

Here's the session abstract:

SCCM 2007 is a powerful management tool that sits atop a powerful database. While SCCM's administrative consoles are great for many tasks, there is great power in understanding the SQL that stores its data. Queries return faster. Reports and Collections are easier to create. In this deeply technical and hugely popular session, we'll shine a bright light on SCCM's SQL database. You'll learn how to relate what you see in the console to what you see in the database. You'll discover how to translate between SMS's internal WQL to native SQL. And you'll leave with the knowledge you need to create your own queries outside the console and create your own tools using SCCM's SQL data.

If you haven't signed up for MMS yet, unfortunately you're too late. For the first time ever MMS registration has filled up and new registrations are now closed.

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Posted by Greg Shields | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I always have writing or speaking work coming across my desk, and sometimes its actually difficult to find people who are passionate, dependable, and excellent writers and/or speakers to get the work done.

Are you passionate about IT? Do you have interest and/or experience in writing or speaking on various IT topics?

If so, let me know. Drop me a line at gshields@realtimepublishers.net. Serious inquiries only, please. But I'd love to talk with anyone who's got a knack for speaking/writing and a keen sense of what's going on in IT today.

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Posted by Greg Shields | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

That's the length of time its taken me personally to get through this year's flu-slash-bronchitis-slash-upper-respiratory-infection-slash-what-the-heck-is-freaking-killing-me super-bug that's apparently taken large swaths of the country and the world by storm.

Now, I'm not one to post overtly personal things on this community. You aren't interested, and I'm not often interested in sharing. But this latest round of whatnot I swear has nearly killed me. According to the reports I'm reading on Google (advice: use the search terms "this flu" rather than just "flu"), its been hitting everyone hard...and for a long time...

All's finally getting better now, but man its been a rough week-and-a-half...

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Posted by Greg Shields | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hi all, Greg here -

This week I'm out of the office in San Francisco where I'll be teaching eleven different sessions for the TechMentor Conference. This time, I'm giving a bunch of new sessions in addition to some old favorites:

Pre- and Post-Con Four-Hour Sessions:

• Introducing Windows Server 2008: What's New / What's Changed


• Advanced Windows Server 2008: What's New / What's Changed


• Getting to Know Virtualization with VMware

75-Minute Breakout Sessions:

• Tips & Tricks for the Windows Firewall


• Tips You Should Know for Preventing an AD Failure


• Unveiling What's New & Exciting in W2008 Terminal Services


• Best Practices in Managing the New Windows Event Log


• The Best Free Tools for Windows Server Troubleshooting


• IE7 Deep Dive


• Automating Performance Management & Collection

In addition to these, Don Jones and I are keynoting and emceeing the Wild Wednesday evening festivities on (wouldn't you guess it, but) Wednesday night. This is my first keynoting opportunity at an IT conference and Don and I's first joint speaking engagement.

I'll let you know how it goes when I get back. If these sound interesting to you, consider joining us in Orlando in May where we'll be repeating many of these (with a few new twists).

In the mean time, posting to the blog will be a little slow this week. While I'm gone, I'll be presenting to my April column in this month's Windows Administration in Realtime e-Journal. This will be a four-part series on Unraveling Windows DNS Resolution.

If you haven't signed up yet for your free copy of our monthly e-Journal, get it here at: http://nexus.realtimepublishers.com/RTWA.htm

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We're going to try a new type of podcasting here at Windows Server. Lately we've been doing a lot of interviews with the people that make the products you use and love. We've talked with excITing people who work in all kinds of interesting and unique IT-related jobs.

Now let's take a new tactic. I'm looking for a few good men and women who have strong opinions and are interested in debating publicly on some of the philosophical and contentous issues we whisper about today in IT. Are you the type of person who can make a good, logical argument defending your position? Do you have an hour of time to spare? Then, drop me a line at gshields@realtimepublishers.net. We can use your name, title, and company. Or, if you'd rather we can keep your identity anonymous. Its the debate itself that is important.

Here are some suggestions for debates I'd like to see exposed here in our community:

• Microsoft Windows vs. Linux - Which is really cheaper for the enterprise? (I'll take the "Microsoft" position)
• Scripting and automation - Do you need these tools to do your job? (I'll take the "Yes" position)
• With the release of Server 2008, does Terminal Services make Citrix Presentation Server / XenApp no longer relevant? (I'll take the "Yes" position)
• Which virtualization solution works best - VMware's, Microsoft's, Citrix's, or Parallels'? (I'll take the "it depends" position)

Again, drop me a line if you're interested. If you're in IT and have strong feelings, let's have a debate!

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Posted by Greg Shields | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

What an honor. I was approached earlier this week by Chuck Tomasi, the author of Podcasting for Dummies. He was out looking for some great examples of podcasts in the technology arena and found ours here at RTWS to be an example "of good quality, sufficient frequency, and longevity."

So, our podcasts will be in his list of the Top 10 Types of Podcasts to Listen To (Technology). Yea, us!

Chuck has asked me to forego dropping a link to his book for now, as it isn't released just yet. But he has agreed to take part in a future podcast in the June time frame after it releases. I'm thinking about a "How to Podcast" topic for the interview. Keep your eyes peeled.

If you haven't heard any of our recent podcasts, definitely check them out here. If you've got ideas for future interviews or other topics -- or if you'd like to be interviewed yourself -- don't hesitate to drop me a line. I'll respond to all requests.

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Posted by Greg Shields | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Have you enjoyed our three-part series on Vista/2008 and UAC?

Were you aware that this feature is only one of the great stories you'll find in this issue of Windows Administration in Realtime. With great authors that you know and love and a completely independent approach to today's technology topics, sign up for Windows Administration in Realtime and get your monthly update on the topics, trends, and technology you need to know. Best of all, its free!

Download your first issue and sign up at this address: http://nexus.realtimepublishers.com/RTWA.htm

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Posted by Greg Shields | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If you haven't heard, Realtime is starting another endeavor in the publications business. Starting this week, we're releasing the first of our series of eJournals. This monthly magazine-style journal titled Windows Administration in Realtime will include a number of established IT authors that you know and love to hear from, including myself.

In that first issue I'll have a column, the first of which will be on User Account Control. To celebrate the launch of our first eJournal, I'll be including that column as a three-part series this week. You can read the column here on the Windows Server Community or you can sign up for the full eJournal right here on the site. Starting tomorrow with Part 1, I'll be giving you my impressions on UAC and why you need it as well as why you don't need it. We'll love to hear your thoughts.

Click past the fold for the press release.

 
Continue reading 3-Part Series on Vista's and Server 2008's User Account Control Starts Tomorrow...

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