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Showing posts from 2013

Facebook, Google+, Twitter and the like; is your account still safe?

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The announcement yesterday's of the discovery of a botnet command and control database of user credentials for Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo, ADP and others is just the latest in a trend going back several years. If you’re looking to find out if your email address (and thus, any of your online accounts) have been hacked visit http://haveibeenpwned.com/ to find out.

Claim your free voucher for exam 74-409 - Server Virtualization with Windows Server Hyper-V and System Center.

As posted via the Microsoft Virtual Academy - Earn a Microsoft Virtualization Certification for FREE Request a free voucher to take certification exam 74-409 Server Virtualization with Windows Server Hyper-V and System Center. Earn this certification if you are an IT professional who is responsible for designing, implementing, managing, and maintaining a virtualization infrastructure and/or want proof of your skills on current Microsoft virtualization technologies. The number of free exams is limited, so be sure to schedule your appointment to lock-in your free exam. Vouchers expire and all exams must be taken by June 30, 2014 . To register for your exam, go to http://www.register.prometric.com and, when prompted, use your voucher code to schedule your exam. For all the details and additional FAQs please go to Earn a Microsoft Virtualization Certification for FREE .  

TechNet Subscriptions have been pushed into retirement; please consider signing this petition to lobby to save the program.

In case you missed it , TechNet Subscriptions are being forced into retirement . There is a petition being circulated in an effort to lobby to save the program. Please consider signing this petition .

Upgrading Windows from 1.0 to Windows 8 Pro

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Published on Jun 2, 2013 by ZlotyObin Music: Daft Punks - Random Access Memories Upgrading history: Windows 1.01 Windows 2.03 Windows 3.0a Windows 3.1 Windows 95 Windows 98 Windows ME Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows 8 Pro Used VMware Workstation 9 (64-bit)

This is why the Better Business Bureau is useless; it does more for the businesses than the consumer

In the coming days I will be posting more regarding this complaint I have against Connecticut Computer Service but as you can see, because they offered an inferior settlement, which I rejected, the Bureau considers the matter closed. I will follow up with all the details over the next few days but in the meantime if you’d like to not have a negative customer service experience I would avoid Connecticut Computer Service and choose another training / testing provider – they are quick to absolve themselves of any responsibilities to their customers. They do an awesome job of blame transfer and holding themselves harmless as if they were the victim. Despite what the BBB indicates “If the response addresses the disputed issues” (it did not) “BBB forwards the company's response to the customer for an opportunity to accept or rebut the company's position” (I rejected it). “At that time, if the customer does not provide additional information with documentation

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert on Desktop Infrastructure out of the way

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So as of yesterday I put down the 70-416 exam Implementing Desktop Application Environments to round out my Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert on Desktop Infrastructure certification.   All that stands in my way of my Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert on Server Infrastructure is the 70-413 exam which I have scheduled for next Thursday.

Kickin’ it old school – MCSE circa 1999

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I was putting away my current score reports (I just updated my MCSA to 2012 and I am working on the MCSE exams for 2012 going forward) and when I was doing that I found an old printed transcript from 1999. Windows 95…. Windows NT4 Workstation… Windows NT4 Server 4.0 in the Enterprise… man I’m getting old.

Some "15 minutes of fame" on the Microsoft Learning webpage for me

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An old friend of mine (thanks Bob) let me know that my quote is up on the  Microsoft learning landing page (near the bottom left) as well as the link to a video I did last year at TechEd. You can also check out my certification testimonial there as well. Woo Hoo! I figure at some point it'll come down so here's the screen shot of both:

Passed my Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate Certification - Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012

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So with this exam out of the way I have my MCSA for Windows Server 2012. The other day I passed my 70-415: Implementing a Desktop Infrastructure exam so with that also out of the way the only thing ahead of me for the MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure Solutions Expert certification is Exam 70-416: Implementing Desktop Application Environments . Once I have that I will move on to Exam 70-413: Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure and Exam 70-414: Implementing an Advanced Server Infrastructure in order to pick up my MCSE: Server Infrastructure Solutions Expert certification.

Passed my Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate Windows 8 Certification

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So with respect to my Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows 8 certification efforts, I was already certified MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician on Windows 7 so I could have just taken the 70-689: Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows 8 exam. I had already passed 70-687 Configuring Windows 8 when it was BETA (71-687) at TechEd 2012 so I had a choice; I could have taken the upgrade exam (70-689) or 70-688: Managing and Maintaining Windows 8 . I opted for the one exam in 70-688. I just figured it made more sense for me to focus on the one set of topics rather than across two. Next up for me is 70-415: Implementing a Desktop Infrastructure .

BOSON SOFTWARE - Practice Exam for Microsoft 70-687 is now available for Configuring Windows 8

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Practice Exam for Microsoft 70-687 Configuring Windows 8 written by yours truly is now available for purchase over at BOSON.com Below is a screenshot of the web demo; you have the ability to download your purchased exam with the Boson Exam Environment to use off line on your own system. The Microsoft Configuring Windows 8 (70-687) exam counts as credit toward the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows 8 certification. In addition to my practice exam, BOSON offers a full practice lab : ”The Practice Lab for Microsoft 70-687 provides access* to real computer equipment that is networked together and conveniently accessible over the internet. Practice Labs include multiple pieces of equipment that you can configure. This lab includes instructions that will guide you as you learn the concepts and technologies covered on the Microsoft 70-687 certification exam. The 70-687 Practice Lab will provide you with the necessary platform to gain hands-on skills in Win

TRAINSIGNAL TRAINING - VMware vSphere 5.1 New Features

TRAINSIGNAL TRAINING has released their new VMware vSphere 5.1 New Features training by vExpert David Davis today. Try it out for FREE by signing up for a 3-day trial. From the product page - "This course will cover all the features offered in vSphere 5.1. After viewing this course, you'll know how to install the vCenter Server Appliance (vCSA), use the improved vSphere web client, and use vCenter Operations Manager Foundations. Additionally, you'll learn how the vSphere Data Protection (VDP) can help you, how to install it, and how to backup and restore vSphere virtual machines. In addition, you'll also learn how to install and use vSphere Replication. To get the most out of this course, you should have some vSphere experience and it's recommended to have watched our vSphere 5 video training course first."

TRAINSIGNAL - TrainSignal Launches Unlimited, On-Demand IT Training Platform

SCHAUMBURG, IL -- (Marketwire - Mar 5, 2013) - TrainSignal , a global leader in IT training, announces today the launch of a new subscription-based, unlimited-access online training platform that delivers comprehensive IT training at all levels. For $49 per month, TrainSignal's new education-as-a-service platform provides access to over a hundred training courses covering certification prep to advanced training for seasoned IT professionals. With its new platform, TrainSignal will play an essential role in educating a workforce for the IT jobs of today. "We've been providing students and professionals around the world with high-quality IT training courses for more than a decade," said Scott Skinger, CEO and Founder of TrainSignal. "Today we are putting IT pros and novices in complete control of their career destinies with on-demand access to the material they need to succeed on the job." According to CompTIA's IT Industry Outlook 2013 , IT jobs are e

TRAINSIGNAL TRAINING Join the 90 Days to MCSA Challenge and Get TrainSignal Courses

TrainSignal is partnering with Microsoft Learning and IT consultant/trainer Michael Bender (MVP, MCT) on the “90 Days to MCSA Challenge,” in which people spend the 90 days leading up to TechEd North America studying for the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: Windows Server 2012 exams. Participants are able to take the exams at TechEd. This year’s challenge begins March 5 and runs through June 3, the first day of TechEd. Bender will be blogging on Microsoft’s Born to Learn throughout the process, to help participants figure out a game plan for studying. He’ll also be answering questions on the site’s forums and encourages people to follow the contest via Twitter, #90Days2MCSA. Review all the details at TrainSignal's Blog    

90 Days to MCSA: Windows Server 2012 Edition

Straight from the Born to Learn site is Microsoft Learning's 90 Days to MCSA: Windows Server 2012 Edition Here you are able to Sign up for “90 Days to MCSA” emails , watch the Exam Prep Videos, join different study groups and much more. Michael Bender will be blogging about this regularly; you can see his first post Welcome to the "90 Days to MCSA" Challenge!

God Made an IT Worker by sangeek @sangeek

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This is fantastic. The entire transcript is here as originally posted by sangeek Here is the video from YouTube.

TRAINSIGNAL TRAINING - How to Use BitLocker in Windows 8

The following is a list of new functionality in BitLocker for Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 as provided via What's New in BitLocker from Microsoft TechNet: BitLocker provisioning Windows 8 is now deployable to an encrypted state during installation prior to calling setup. Used Disk Space Only encryption BitLocker now offers two encryption methods, Used Disk Space Only and Full volume encryption. Used Disk Space Only allows for a much quicker encryption experience by only encrypting used blocks on the targeted volume. Standard User PIN and password change Allows a standard user to change the BitLocker PIN or password on operating system volumes and the BitLocker password on data volumes, reducing internal help desk call volume. Network Unlock Enables a BitLocker system on a wired network to automatically unlock the system volume during boot (on capable Windows Server 2012 networks), reducing internal help desk call volumes for lost PINs. Support for Encrypted Hard Dr

70-411 Server 2012 Certification Exam Prep Resources on Born to Learn

Leann Turpin is the Site Manager for the Born to Learn site and she has been adding and updating to the Certification Exam Prep Resources as part of the Server Certification Study Group content. I have been reviewing these for my 70-417 exam (which is not broken down as its own entry but is there as part of the core entries). The site breaks down each skills measured subtopic into groupings and offers links to the materials. For those of you looking for 70-411: Administering Windows Server 2012 materials can check out the wiki page for the 70-411 exam for all the links.

SCAM ALERTS - Calls from “Microsoft Windows”, optimizepcservice.com and / or 424-256-3700 / 800-800-9822 - SCAM ALERT

Here is my technology public service announcement for the week; if anyone cold calls you about your computer, that they are a windows tech and using "scare tactics" like your "computer is going to crash" or they have you "Windows Key+r and have you enter eventvrv" to run the Event Viewer so they can "prove" that these errors exist - HANG UP. It is a scam - they are just trying to charge you for a non service as there's probably nothing wrong with your system in the first place. The numbers / contact information people are reporting to me include 800-800-9822 and 424-256-3700 and a website http://www.optimizepcservice.com/ The callers speak with a foreign accent and so will any “manager” that comes to the phone. Many times they will simply identify themselves as working for “Microsoft Windows”; I worked for Microsoft Corporation for nearly nine years – there never was a consumer / end user service division and to this da

Testimonial: Got the skills and had certifications to back it up

It’s like I say “If I can teach someone the technology and they can learn the material, they will pass the exams” and that applies just as much to myself as anyone else. Here is a video shot of me at TechEd 2012 regarding the rebranding of the Microsoft Certification tracks for Windows 8 and Server 2012

70-410 Server 2012 Certification Exam Prep Resources on Born to Learn

Leann Turpin  is the Site Manager for the Born to Learn site and she has been adding and updating to the Certification Exam Prep Resources as pa rt of the Server Certification Study Group content.   I have been reviewing these for my 70-417 exam (which is not broken down as its own entry but is there as part of the core entries). The site breaks down each skills measured subtopic into groupings and offers links to the materials. For those of you looking for 410: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 materials can check out the wiki page for the 70-410 exam for all the links.

Taking my first look at VMWare's Project NEE

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I am looking forward to my  opportunity to review VMWare's Project NEE . I received my welcome email and beta sign in information: "Welcome to Project NEE! We're happy to welcome you to the NextGen Education Environment." The VMware Hands-on Labs are now available and the public beta has over one thousand users according to the information as posted on the VMware Hands-on Labs communities page. If you are interested in participate in this you can request a logon via the VMware Hands-on Labs Online Public Beta   section of their communities page in the "Public Beta Interest List" section. If you want to keep up-to-date on the latest hands on Labs news you can read about VMware innovations for both event-based and online labs via their blog http://blogs.vmware.com/hol One word of note - Internet Explorer is not supported. If you want to use the environment you'll need to Install one of the supported browsers: FireFox 13+ Chrome 18+ Safari 6+

TRAINSIGNAL - Windows Server 2012 Installing and Configuring (70-410) Training

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I personally use TrainSignal Training for my own studies and continue to do so 10 years later and I highly recommend them for anyone that is looking to study for the corresponding certification exams or just looking to increase their knowledge on the subject matter. In both cases TrainSignal puts you on the best track for success. For the Windows Server 2012 Installing and Configuring (70-410) Training , Ed Liberman teaches you how to perform a full installation of Server 2012. The course goes through exam objectives for Exam 70-410 including: -- Active Directory Domain Services -- Implementing Server Virtualization with Hyper-V -- Introduction to PowerShell -- PowerShell vs Command Prompt -- Implementing Network Services -- Working with Group Policy -- Installing Windows Server 2012 -- Group Account Management -- Computer Account Management -- Organizational Unit (OU) Management -- Implementing IPv4 -- Implementing IPv6 -- Implementing DNS, DHCP, Group Policy and more The train

FREE Hands-on "Virtual Study Halls" with Live Expert Q&A

Beginning February 8th through June 2013, you can block time on Fridays on a weekly basis between 10AM and 3PM Eastern Time to join a Virtual Study Hall and work through real-world hands-on activities with live Q&A assistance from a field-experienced IT Pro Technical Evangelist. A Virtual Study Hall is an “open lab” time where you can study and work virtually on any of the hands-on exercises in the “Early Experts” Hands-on Labs http://earlyexperts.net/ or Step-by-Step Guides http://aka.ms/CloudLab . The list of study and lab topics is always growing, but here are the ones that are listed at the time of this post -- Windows 8 - Build a Windows 8 Application Development Environment in the Cloud -- Windows 8 - Side-loading Windows 8 Apps -- Windows 8 - Controlling Access in Windows 8 via AppLocker Windows Server 2012 - 11 labs in total including Installing Windows Server 2012, Implementing Server Core and Minimal Server Interface, and Manage Server Roles and Features with Se

Microsoft in talks to assist takeover bid for Dell

New York Times News Service The effort to take Dell private has gained a prominent, if unusual, backer: Microsoft. The software giant is in talks to help finance a takeover bid for Dell that would exceed $20 billion, a person briefed on the matter said Tuesday. Microsoft would be expected to contribute up to several billion dollars. An investment by Microsoft could be enough to push aleveraged buyout of the struggling computer maker over the goal line. Silver Lake, the private equity firm spearheading the takeover talks, has been seeking a deep-pocketed investor to join the effort. And Microsoft, which has not yet made a commitment, has more than $66 billion in cash. Microsoft and Silver Lake, a prominent investor in technology companies, are no strangers. The private equity firm was part of a consortiumthat sold Skype, the online video-chatting pioneer, to Microsoft for $8.5 billion nearly two years ago. And the two companies had discussed teaming up to invest in Yahoo in

BitLocker Enhancements in Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8 (Part 2) - Cluster Share Volume Support

Author Deb Shinder takes a look at two new features of BitLocker in Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8: used disk space only mode and preprovisioning of BitLocker. These and other BitLocker Enhancements in Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8 are part of her ongoing series of articles over on http://www.windowsecurity.com Part two of her series is titled BitLocker Enhancements in Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8 (Part 2) - Cluster Share Volume Support The printable version of the article is available here .

TRAINSIGNAL - Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V Essentials Training

‎1 of 2 new releases today! Check out our new Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V Essentials Training with virtualization expert David Davis. Follow along as David walks you through installing, configuring, and using the most powerful new features such as live storage migration, Replica, and failover clustering. With the release of Server 2012, the time is right to learn Hyper-V! Save $100 with coupon HYPERV382 at checkout, limited time only! I have been using TrainSignal training for decades (yep - in the early 2000's and today so I get to say "decades"); I cannot emphasize enough the quality of the products. I have personally used their training for both certification purposes as well as skills enhancement and it has been above par in every case - from the early days of Windows 2000 and 2003 Active Directory all the way through the VMware vSphere 5 Training and CompTIA Cloud Essentials Training that I am reviewing today. If you have only the time and / or the budget for onl

BitLocker Enhancements in Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8 (Part 1) - SED Support and Network Unlock

Author Deb Shinder   takes a look at the new support for self-encrypting drives (SEDs) and the new Network Unlock feature that allows for automatic unlocking of BitLocker-protected drives when the computer is connected to the wired corporate network. These and other BitLocker Enhancements in Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8 are part of her ongoing series of articles over on http://www.windowsecurity.com Part one of her series is titled BitLocker Enhancements in Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8 (Part 1) - SED Support and Network Unlock The printable version of the article is available here .

MVA Office Hours - Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8 - Get your technical questions on Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8 answered live

MVA Office Hours - Windows Server & Client January 15, 2013 8:30-10:00am PST Register Now: Space is Limited! The Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA) team is hosting a live online discussion designed to enable experienced IT Pros to ask technical questions regarding Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8 . This exclusive session will feature two of Microsoft’s most popular personalities from " The Edge Show " -- Senior Technical Evangelist  Joey Snow -- Senior Technical Evangelist  Rick Claus  Both will be engaging in dialog, debate and demos shaped by a global audience of esteemed IT Pros.