Windows 7 Network Optimization, Virtualization, Devices Profile
With Windows 7, Microsoft is not only working to steer away from the mistakes made with Windows Vista, but also to move on territories where the successor of Windows XP has failed to gain a consistent level of traction.
windows -
comments -
9.11.2008
Windows 7 RTM Desktop Optimization Pack Available
The latest version of the Desktop Optimization Pack offered by Microsoft is tailored to the company’s most recent iteration of the Windows operating system.
windows -
comments -
21.10.2009
Windows Vista Desktop Optimization Pack Updated
Microsoft has announced that it wrapped up its Desktop Optimization Pack for Windows Vista and that an updated and complete version of the offering will be made available for download on July 1 2007.
windows -
comments -
5.6.2007
Microsoft: Take Advantage of the Vista SP1 Desktop Optimization Pack
The Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack is designed to help customers get the most out of their Windows Vista clients, according to Microsoft's official description of the solution.
windows -
comments -
16.7.2008
Vista SP1 Desktop Optimization Pack 2008 R2 RTM
Since the introduction of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack, the Redmond company has sold in excess of 10 million units of the package of solutions, and on September 15, the R2 version of MDOP 2008 was released to manufacturing.
windows -
comments -
16.9.2008
Network Monitor 3.3 for Windows 7
Network Monitor 3.3 is a protocol analyzer. It allows you to capture network traffic, view and analyze it. Version 3.3 is an update and replaces Network Monitor 3.2. Network Monitor 3.x is a complete overhaul of the previous Network Monitor 2.x version.
download -
comments -
22.4.2009
Network Diagnostics Tool for Windows
The Network Diagnostics for Windows XP tool analyzes information about your network connectivity to help you troubleshoot network-related problems with your computer. Typically you will do this along with a support professional, either on the phone or over the internet. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.
download -
comments -
25.7.2006
Windows 7 DHCP Network Hint
The next iterations of the Windows client and server operating systems will deliver the evolution of the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol.
windows -
comments -
24.12.2008
Windows 7 to allow PC backups to Network Share
Windows Complete PC Backup is an image based backup tool where you could take a backup of your entire system and restore it later.
windows -
comments -
9.11.2008
Windows weakness can lead to network traffic hijacks
A problem in the way Windows PCs obtain network settings could let attackers hijack traffic, security researchers said Saturday.
windows -
comments -
26.3.2007
12 Hidden Windows Vista Network Tools
Thanks to Steve Jobs for this article. Windows Vista delivers an impressive line up of network tools that can be used to keep the operating system connectivity on a short leash. The total of 12 command-line tools can be used to manage all aspects of Vista networking.
windows -
comments -
4.6.2007
Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Available
Microsoft has finally made the Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers available from Microsoft Downloads.
download -
comments -
7.5.2008
Microsoft starts Windows Network Developer Platform beta
Windows Network Developer Platform
Windows Network Developer Platform encompasses technologies such as Winsock, WinINet, HTTP Server API and WinHTTP. HTTP Server APIs (also known as HTTP.sys) is the kernel mode HTTP server stack in Windows that provides user-mode Win32 APIs.
microsoft -
comments -
Resolve TCP/IP Network Configuration Issues in Windows Vista
Microsoft has set up the networking infrastructure in Windows Vista in such a manner that it requires only minimal user interaction, especially when the operating system has to interact with a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server.
windows -
comments -
7.10.2007
Network Reminder 1.0 Beta 5
Network Reminder is a multi-user tool that allows you to set alarms or run programs at a specified time.
download -
comments -
15.10.2007
Network Monitor 3.1 Beta Released
The NM3.1 Beta is available on http://connect.Microsoft.com and simmering with new features for you to test. I'll bet you can't wait to sniff wireless management traffic; for sure an exciting new feature. Not sure how to create a filter? Now this is much easier with our new right click, add to filter feature.
microsoft -
comments -
9.5.2007
Vista Network Helper v1.5
Thanks to Steve Jobs for this post in his blog. Steve Jobs wrote: I’m a laptop user and connect frequently to new or different networks (wlan or lan) and I often come across the problem to connect to the internet or networks. So I decided to make my own batch file to change the network settings to solve the issue.
download -
comments -
17.5.2007
Microsoft Network Monitor 3.1.512.0
Network Monitor is a protocol analyzer. It allows you to capture network traffic, view and analyze it. This version is a complete overhaul of the previous Network Monitor 2.x version. Thanks to pacpis for this download.
download -
comments -
13.7.2007
How to fix Vista's network bottlenecks
As much as I enjoy using Vista, I’ve definitely noticed that in some networking activities, it definitely seems to struggle. Particularly compared with Windows XP.
windows -
comments -
27.9.2007
Network Monitor 3.0 Final Released to Connect
The releases just keep coming...
microsoft -
comments -
24.11.2006
Siemens Breaks Network Speed Record
German electronics company Siemens said Wednesday that it had set a new network speed record, achieving a speed of 107 gigabits -- the equivalent of roughly two DVDs worth of data -- per second, two and a half times faster than the previous record.
common -
comments -
21.12.2006
Network Monitor 3.3 Beta released for testers
In order to download the beta, you must be a member of our connection. To join, select the HOME link in the top left corner and create an account or sign in. Then click on Apply Now under our connection from the CONNECTION DIRECTORY list to join.
microsoft -
comments -
6.3.2009
Microsoft opens Network Monitor 3 beta 2 to public
After many years the Microsoft network sniffer, Network Monitor, is coming back.
microsoft -
comments -
11.9.2006
Microsoft Responds To Vista's Network and Audio Problems
With the discovery last week of the connection between Vista's poor networking performance and audio activities, word quickly spread around the Net. No doubt this got Microsoft's attention, and they have responded to the issue. Thanks to pacpis for this news.
windows -
comments -
27.8.2007
Vista SP1 will deliver big network speed boost
I downloaded the release candidate of Vista Service Pack 1 yesterday and was prepared to wait till its public debut next week before writing about it.
windows -
comments -
6.12.2007
Network Access Protection for XP SP3 and Vista SP1
Network Access Protection is designed to permit a high degree of control over client computers across a network.
windows -
comments -
13.10.2008
Enable Vista-Native Network Access Protection on XP SP3
Network Access Protection (NAP) is one of the few features that were actually added to Windows XP SP3.
windows -
comments -
13.5.2008
Instant Messaging Comes to Xbox 360, Expanding the Largest Social Network on Television
Xbox 360 owners can connect with more than 260 million Windows Live Messenger users on Xbox 360, Windows-based PCs and Windows Mobile-powered devices beginning the week of May 7.
microsoft -
comments -
9.4.2007
MSN to Relaunch as MSN Media Network?
The LiveSide folks are reporting that MSN is looking to relaunch itself as the MSN Media Network. We figured the MSN team would have to do some kind of rebranding, given that most of their properties are now operating under the "Live," rather than the MSN banner. LiveSide says the MSNers are looking to expand their franchises to include
more movie and TV content, as well as some kind of podcasting service. microsoft -
comments -
7.2.2006
MSN (may) becomes the MSN Media Network
Several sources have indicated to us that MSN plans to relaunch itself as the MSN Media Network, whilst at the same time expanding its range of interactive and content rich services. As well as continuing to deliver content through MSN.com and MSN Music, the MSN Video team is evolving to include Movies and TV. Both these sites have already been revamped at the end of last year and feature show times and reviews as well as the latest entertainment news.
microsoft -
comments -
8.2.2006Roundtable Q&A: Infrastructure Optimization Benefits Companies at All Stages of IT Investment
IT experts focus on how
organizations can cut costs
and enhance business agility
with licensing solutions that
simplify Infrastructure
Optimization...
microsoft.com/presspass -
29.05.2007Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack 2008 Released
Chris Flores: Today marks the release of the
Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) 2008 - a set of tools for
IT Pros managing IT environments for companies who have purchased MDOP plus Windows
Software Assurance agreements with Microsoft. There are two key product updates in
this release I'd like to highlight that I think IT Pros will find very useful - Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset 6.0 (DaRT) and Desktop Error
Monitoring 3.0 SP1 (DEM).
winbeta.org -
01.04.2008Microsoft Promises Vista Version Of Softgrid
Microsoft said Monday that the
Vista version of its
http://www.softricity.com/>Sof
tgrid application
virtualization product and
enhanced asset management and
desktop monitoring will be
available July 1.
The
updated Softgrid platform is
part of Microsoft's Desktop
Optimization Pack for its
Software Assurance customers
who buy software maintenance
contracts. The Windows Vista
client has been widely
available since early this
year.
As part of the
version 2.0 Optimization Pack,
which was released to
manufacturing this week,
Microsoft will release
enhanced asset inventory
services, including a
Vista-compatible version of
Asset Inventory Service, a
byproduct of the company's
acquisition of AssetMetrix. ..
winbeta.org -
04.06.2007Microsoft BizTalk Server Performance Optimization Guide Released
The BizTalk Customer Advisory Team and BizTalk UE team are pleased to announce the first edition of the "
Microsoft BizTalk Server Performance Optimization Guide".
The
Microsoft BizTalk Server Performance Optimization Guide is the second installment in a series of guides intended to provide easily accessible,
hands-on guidance to our customer and partner community. This 228 page guide is available on
MSDN,
TechNet and as a separate DOCX or CHM
download alongside the already available “
Microsoft BizTalk Operations Guide”
winbeta.org -
09.07.2008Microsoft's Desktop Optimization Pack Sets Sales Record
The Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack for Software Assurance has been the fastest selling Version 1 product in the history of Microsoft's volume
license program, with more than 3 million licenses sold over the past nine months.
The product is only available to those
customers who have a Windows Client volume license with Software Assurance, a fact that had not been an obstacle to adoption, said Brad Anderson, the
general manager for the Windows and Enterprise management division, at a press conference at the TechEd IT Forum here Nov. 12.
Anderson's comments came ahead of the conference's opening keynote address by Bob Kelly, corporate vice president of infrastructure server
marketing.
winbeta.org -
13.11.2007Microsoft releases Windows-7-friendly version of Desktop Optimization Pack
Microsoft officials last month said they had revised their Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) plans so as to get a Windows-7-friendly version
of its tools out to businesses around the time of the Windows 7 launch.
On October 20, the MDOP team announced that
the newest version of MDOP isready for download.
Software Assurance licensees who’ve purchased MDOP can get the final
MDOP 2009 R2, as the revised version
of the pack is known. And those who aren’t already customers but who have MSDN/TechNet subscriptions can try it out today, as well.
winbeta.org -
20.10.2009DHCP Network Hint in Windows 7
With the increase in popularity of laptops, it is very common for users to frequently reconnect to a previously visited network. In order to improve
user experience in roaming scenarios, where the user connects back to a previously visited network where the user had a valid DHCP lease, DHCP network
hint has been implemented in Windows 7 OS. DHCP network hint helps in identifying the correct DHCP configuration for a previously visited network and
then using the configuration opportunistically. Network hint used in order to uniquely identify different network is SSID (Service Set Identifier) of
a network...
winbeta.org -
22.12.2008Set up a secure wireless
network using Windows Connect
Now
Columnist Barb Bowman explains
how to use Windows Connect Now
to set up a secure wireless
network without worrying about
complicated network
configuration issues...
WindowsXP/expertzone -
04.01.2006Deploying IPsec Server and Domain Isolation using Windows Server 2008 Group Policy
Network Access Protection is a new technology included with Windows Server 2008 that allows you to control what machines are allowed to connect to
other machines on your network. Network Access Protection (or NAP) enables you to set system health policies that must be met before a machine is
allowed network access. If the machines meet the requirements in the network access policies, then they are allowed on the network. If not, then the
machine may be disallowed from connecting to any machine on the network, or you might configure policies that allow the machine to connect to
remediation server that allow the machine to remediate and try to connect to the network again after remediation is successful.
winbeta.org -
09.10.2008Quandary: Is Windows Desktop Search Installing Itself?
At least two independent, private network administrators have reported on their blogs since yesterday that their Windows Server Update Service has
downloaded and deployed to their network clients the most recent update to Microsoft's Windows Desktop Search engine, even though those services are
set up not to deploy updated software automatically...
betanews.com -
26.10.2007Windows Media Player: Internet access to home media
By linking your Live ID to your user account in Windows 7 (from build 7048), you can now stream your home media to your another PC/laptop connected to
a work or public network. Both your home network PC and work network PC should be linked to the same Live ID account. The media is streamed always
from home network to work or public network. This feature partially worked in build 7048, but works pretty neat in the recent 7057 build.
Read full story.....
neowin.net -
12.03.2009Google offers search optimization advice for Webmasters
They're not guaranteeing users the coveted top spots on search results, but Google's got a free guide for those looking to make their Web pages as
tasty as possible to the search giant's robot spiders...
betanews.com -
15.11.2008Understanding the new Windows Server 2008 Network Policy Server
David Davis: What the Windows Server 2008 Network Policy Server (NPS) is, how it has replaced IAS, how to load NPS, and how it can help you.
Although I was familiar with all the concepts and terms regarding the Microsoft Network Access Protection (NAP) and the Cisco NAC
technologies, what actually prompted me to take a look at the new Windows Server 2008 Network Policy Server was unrelated to either of those. My
interest in the Windows 2008 Network Policy Server (NPS) was to be able to use RADIUS on a Windows 2008 System. Specifically, I wanted to use a
Windows 2008 Server to allow me to authenticate PCs using 802.1x and users logging into network devices like Cisco routers.
Traditionally, if I wanted to perform one of these tasks with Windows 2000 or 2003 Server, I would use the Microsoft
Internet Authentication Service (IAS). In the past,
WindowsNetworking.com has offered a number of articles on using IAS. For example,
Wireless Networking in Windows 2003 and
Setting up Windows 2000 RADIUS to authenticate wireless 802.1x clients. However, in Windows Server 2008, you will quickly find out that IAS
has been replaced with the Network Policy Server (NPS).
So what is NPS and how can it help me?
winbeta.org -
20.01.2008Windows 7 Build 7105
A short while ago, Windows 7 Build 7105 surfaced on the 'net, raising some eyebrows with its appearance. After previous rumors that the release
candidate could pop up sometime in early April (specifically April 10th), could this be a build not far off from the planned RC one?
Neowin reports that from an 'exculsive source,' they were able to pinpoint build 7100 as being the most viable build number to recieve the 'RC'
status. Compiled on April 4th, Build 7105 bears the following build string:
"6.1.7105.0.090404-1235_x86fre_client_en-us_Retail_Ultimate-GB1CULFRER_EN_DVD"
According to WZor, there are a few visible changes in
the build, despite its short time away from RC. The changes include:
1. Improved networking support, the work in the local network
2. Added support for some previously incompatible programs
3. Extras in the LP (?) and small cosmetic interface improvements
4. Added
support for new drivers for various devices
5. Extended support sensory displays
6. A small optimization and changes in the kernel
Besides some behind-the-scenes changes, it would seem that Microsoft is just putting on the final touches. Nerds rejoyce!
jcxp.net -
07.04.2009Nick White, Microsoft Product Manager, talks Vista SP1
Microsoft seems to want to emphasize that Windows Vista SP1, slated for release to manufacturing in the first quarter of 2008, is not meant to be
about new features, but about already existing components gaining new functionality. Over at Geek.com, Brian Osborne explains what he has learned
about the first major update to the software giant's latest OS. Apart from performance, security and reliability, including all previously released
updates, SP1 will incorporate additional support for hardware and standards including an Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) and an Extended File
Allocation Table (exFAT).
In SP1, BitLocker Drive Encryption will be able to encrypt other local volumes besides the C drive. Disk
Defragmenter will give administrators the ability to control which volume the program defragments. The Network Diagnostics tool has been expanded to
help diagnose common file sharing problems and issues associated with printing to local printers from a Windows Terminal Services session. Group
Policy tools are also being updated in SP1 to simplify policy management. Nick White, Microsoft Product Manager, also notes that laptop users will be
happy to know that SP1 will offer a number of performance improvements, including: " optimization to improve power consumption when the display is
not changing by managing the processor so it consumes less energy; single sign-on (SSO) for authenticated wired networks; and improvements in the
method used to determine which network interface to use (e.g., should a laptop use wireless or wired networking when both are available) ."
Read full story.....
neowin.net -
02.09.2007New "Network Direct" RDMA Interface Available with Windows Server 2008
Phil Pennington: Windows HPC Server 2008 introduces a new low-latency RDMA network API known as "Network Direct". This RDMA interface in
addition to and distinct from the existing "Winsock Direct" interface. The Network Direct interface introduces several advantages over
Winsock Direct including no dependency on the Winsock stack and much lower latency metrics. MS MPI is being developed to take advantage of this
new interface.
This means that Infiniband vendors, for instance, will need to provide HCA Network Direct providers in
addition to (or perhaps instead of) the Winsock Direct providers published previously. Consequently, development is underway by both Microsoft
and partners to enable full support for the entire network stack.
For programmers, the Network Direct API provides a model
similar to the User Mode Driver Framework (UMDF). MS MPI will be the first user-mode application to leverage Network Direct.
winbeta.org -
15.12.2007TechEd 2007: Software Assurance Licensees to Get Error Reporting Tool
Software Assurance licensees
for Microsoft Windows clients,
including XP and Vista, will
soon be receiving a utility
called System Center Desktop
Error Monitoring as part of
the Desktop Optimization Pack
(MDOP) they receive with their
licenses. As we learned at
TechEd, the utility will
enable admins to produce
aggregate reports that track
problems throughout an entire
enterprise...
betanews.com -
05.06.2007Microsoft Responds to Re-discovery of Vista Network Slowdowns
A curious network performance reduction noticed by many Windows Vista users of the 2CPU forum that became the talk of Slashdot last week has been
identified as having been caused not by DRM, as Slashdot users expected, but by a curious prioritization "feature" of Vista that's
intentionally biased toward Media Player at the expense of network and system resources...
betanews.com -
28.08.2007Windows 7 to allow PC backups to network share
Windows Complete
PC Backup is an image based backup tool where you could take a backup of your entire system and restore it later. Currently in Vista, the backed
up image cannot be saved in a network share as in
Windows Home Server. This requires to write the backup to DVD(s) or to an external hard drive.
With Windows 7,
Long has discovered one can
directly backup to a network share! I guess now’s a good a time as any to buy a NAS device. :)
neowin.net -
10.11.2008Don't wait for Windows 7: realize the benefts of Vista now
Some customers are considering whether to deploy Windows Vista or whether to skip in anticipation of Windows 7.
The discussion is often phrased
as one of balancing costs and timing of releases. By not deploying Windows Vista, it means missing out on the proven benefts such as better security,
productivity, search, mobility, manageability, and infrastructure optimization. Windows Vista works with more applications and devices than ever
before and can be signifcantly less expensive to support than Windows XP SP3.
There is no need to wait for Windows 7. It is a goal of the
Windows 7 release to minimize application compatibility for customers who have deployed Windows Vista since there was considerable kernel and device
level innovation in Windows Vista. The Windows 7 release is expected to have only minor changes in these areas. Customers who are still using Windows
XP when Windows 7 releases will have a similar application compatibility experience moving to Windows 7 as exists moving to Windows Vista from Windows
XP.
Historically, mainstream deployment occurs not when Microsoft releases a product but 18 months later. While the mainstream deployment
cycle is beginning for Windows Vista now, it isn’t expected to begin for Windows 7 until at least mid-2011
Read full story.....
neowin.net -
06.06.2008