PRESENTED BY
Proactive Windows Management
Proactive Windows Management sessions will discuss how administrators can best use the resources they have available to manage their Windows network. Techniques for automating typical Windows administration processes such as software packaging and automated deployment, policy-based configuration control, performance management, monitoring, and alerting are all within the area of focus for this virtual track.
Tuesday, October 14
TLT9Controlling Desktops and Servers Using Group Policy Preferences
Derek Melber
Tuesday, October 14 - 11:00 a.m.
The wait is over! Whether you’re a Group Policy pro or a management newbie, you’ll be happy to know that Microsoft has added an amazing technology into Windows Server 2008 and Vista. Group Policy Preferences include around 3000 settings that give you ultimate control over your Windows environment. And, best of all they’re supremely customizable. Join this session to learn about drive and printer mappings, local Administrator password resets, registry modifications, and much, much more with Microsoft’s new Group Policy Preferences.
TLT12How to Automatically & Rapidly Deploy Software in a Small Environment
Greg Shields
Tuesday, October 14 - 11:00 a.m.
For your small or medium-sized IT environment, what percentage of time do you spend endlessly hitting Next, Next, Finish? Installing and updating applications across your IT environment can be a manual pain in the noggin’, or it can be a smooth and fully automated process. Learn how to rapidly package software and deploy it out to computers in your less-than-large environment using no- and low-cost tools for deployment. Come learn how to eliminate all the Next’s and every Finish from your day to slow the firefighting and free your time for bigger and better things.
TLT13Reporting Active Directory Issues Directly from the Source
Kurt Hudson
Tuesday, October 14 - 4:00 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what is going on when you’re faced with a cryptic error message? Have you clicked on a link in the Event Viewer that promised additional information, but only led to a “We’re Sorry” or “No Results Found” page? Ever wondered if it is worth reporting issues to Microsoft? In this session, you’ll gain some insight on what’s happening behind the scenes with Microsoft reporting and comments. You’ll see examples of changes that were implemented with Windows Server 2008 based on feedback and error reporting. Most importantly, you’ll see how to get free assistance with your technical issues and send feedback to Microsoft that has an impact.
TLT16Tackling the Toughest Windows Server Outages *INTERACTIVE
Bruce Mackenzie-Low
Tuesday, October 14 - 4:00 p.m.
Join Bruce as he guides you through some of the toughest real world outages you can experience on your Windows servers. Bring your most challenging issues and interact with Bruce as he steps you through the troubleshooting process of gathering data, analyzing performance metrics, identifying critical events and using the Windows debugger to isolate crashes and hangs. Use a variety of free tools to expedite your troubleshooting efforts including MPS & HPS Reports, PAL (Performance Analysis of Logs), and the Windows debugger (Windbg).
Wednesday, October 15
TLW3The Best Free Tools for Group Policy Management
Derek Melber
Wednesday, October 15 - 9:30 a.m.
Did you know that there are some amazing Group Policy tools available to you… for FREE?! You can find out about all of them by attending this fast-paced session from Group Polcy guru Derek Melber. Here, we’ll cover the best of the best free Group Policy tools that you can implement immediately. We will go over the limitations of the “default capabilities” and introduce you to some tools that will save you time. Best yet, you’ll save so much time and cash through these simple tools that Derek estimates you’ll get in at least 4 extra rounds of golf each year!
TLW13The Best Free Tools for Windows Systems Administration
Greg Shields
Wednesday, October 15 - 3:15 p.m.
Why buy anything if you can get it for free? With the hundreds of free tools out on the Internet, you can find one that’ll do just about anything. But finding the right one is the hard part. Considered the must-see TechMentor session, come see Master Toolsmith and Windows Insider Greg Shields share the ones in his quiver for easing the burden of systems administration – without having to beg for money from your boss!
TLW14Understanding Microsoft's Free Databases: Getting More than You Paid For
Wendy Henry
Wednesday, October 15 - 3:15 p.m.
Oops, it looks like database just followed me home… can I keep it? The innocent act of installing simple applications may get you more than you bargained for. With the advent of the Microsoft Windows Internal Database and the freely licensed Express Edition of SQL Server 2005, application manufacturers have jumped at the opportunity to store their software’s precious data in a fully functional relational database system. But what does that mean for you the administrator? Join this session for an introduction to the similar-yet-different free database products offered by Microsoft and learn how to manage and secure the databases hidden behind your favorite applications.
Thursday, October 16
TLTH11Migrating XP to Vista: Don't Fear, Stop Waiting, Here's Why
James Conrad
Thursday, October 16 - 1:45 p.m.
“There aren’t enough drivers, my applications aren’t compatible, and the users are already used to the interface they have now.” Sound familiar? That’s because these are the arguments many folks used to resist upgrading to Windows XP! With the Vista upgrade, everything has changed and nothing has changed. In this session, see how Vista mitigates these issues and more, including: Handling User Account Control, implementing new security features, making Event Viewer more useful, preventing “prohibited” devices such as USB sticks, implementing powerful new features of Group Policy, and more! Combat your fear of Vista with a healthy dose of up-to-the-second knowledge.
*Introducing TechMentor’s new INTERACTIVE sessions
After hearing the lecture and working through the new Hands-On Labs, where do you go if you still have questions? With TechMentor we’ve heard your requests and designed a few new special sessions we call INTERACTIVE. More than just group discussion, TechMentor’s INTERACTIVE sessions focus on a topic-specific, two-way conversation between attendees and instructor. You’ll get the opportunity to ask questions you need to know while learning from your fellow attendee. These special INTERACTIVE sessions are unique to TechMentor and something you won’t want to miss. Come to TechMentor, learn about new and existing technologies, get your hands on them, and your questions answered.
