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.
Monday, September 8
TM6Reporting Active Directory Issues Directly from the Source
Kurt Hudson
Monday, September 8, 10:30 a.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.
TM8Controlling Desktops and Servers Using Group Policy Preferences
Derek Melber
Monday, September 8, 12:45 p.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.
Tuesday, September 9
TT5The Best Free Tools for Group Policy Management
Derek Melber
Tuesday, September 9, 10:30 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!
TT8 How to Automatically & Rapidly Deploy Software in a Small Environment
Greg Shields
Tuesday, September 9, 12:45 p.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.
TT14 Network Monitor: From "No" to "Pro" in 75 Minutes
Rhonda Layfield
Tuesday, September 9, 3:45 p.m.
For novices and experts alike, this session you’ll explore the new Network Monitor 3.2 interface. You’ll discover how to capture network data and analyze it. Getting too much data can be a problem, so you’ll learn how to filter to find just the network traffic you are looking for. You’ll see demos on some of the most common network traffic like PING, DHCP and DNS. When you leave this session you’ll be armed with the information you need to get started using tracing network conversations and understanding what’s going on down deep at your network layer.
Wednesday, September 10
TW5
The Best Free Tools for Windows Systems Administration
Greg Shields
Wednesday, September 10, 10:45 a.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!
TW8 Migrating XP to Vista: Don't Fear, Stop Waiting, Here's Why!
James Conrad
Wednesday, September 10, 12:45 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.
TW9 TW9 - Optimizing your Desktops with the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack - Jeremy Moskowitz
Jeremy Moskowitz
Wednesday, September 10, 12:45 p.m.
You can get "Five for the price of one" with this session. Learn how to get 5 awesome applications for one fixed price with Microsoft's new MDOP, the "Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack." Inside the pack, you'll get Microsoft Softgrid, Microsoft AGPM, Microsoft Asset Inventory Service, Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset and Microsoft System Center Desktop Error Monitoring. We'll do a quick start through all these products to see what they offer and how they fit in to your enterprise. Even if you've not paid for MDOP, come find out what the awesomeness is all about to "see before you buy."
