Windows 7 (M3) pre-beta features detailed in privacy statement
God I love privacy, or to be more exact, privacy statements. Microsoft today has just published the “Windows 7: Pre-release privacy statement” detailing some new and very interesting features which we’re expected to see tomorrow at PDC 2008 when everyone gets the Windows 7 pre-beta build.
Here’s some quick excerpts from the “privacy supplement“,
BitLocker™ Drive Encryption
What this feature does
BitLocker Drive Encryption (BitLocker) is available on computers running Windows 7 Enterprise Edition and Windows 7 Ultimate Edition. Should your computer be lost or stolen, BitLocker protects your data by helping to prevent offline software attacks. Turning on BitLocker encrypts the hard drive where Windows is installed, including all information that is stored on that drive.Device Information Retrieval
What this feature does
Device Information Retrieval downloads information from Microsoft for your hardware devices and displays it in the Windows 7 Devices and Printers control panel, and when you first install and use a device, in the Device Stage.
Choice and control
If you choose the recommended settings during Windows 7 setup, you turn on Device Information Retrieval. You can turn this feature off by going to Devices and Printers in Control Panel. Right-click your computer icon, and then click Device Installation Settings. Select “No, let me choose what to do” and click to clear the “Display enhanced device icons…” check box.
Driver Protection
What this feature does
Driver Protection helps prevent the operating system from starting drivers that are known to cause stability problems. These drivers are listed in a Driver Protection List database that is stored on your computer. The Driver Protection List is updated through Windows Update and Dynamic Update (below). Driver Protection checks this database while the operating system is running. These checks are performed to determine whether to start a driver. For more information, see the Driver Protection List article online at the Microsoft website.
Dynamic Update
What this feature does
Dynamic Update enables Windows 7 to perform a one-time check with the Windows Update website to get the latest updates for your computer while Windows is being installed. If updates are found, Dynamic Update automatically downloads and installs them so your computer is up to date the first time that you log on or use it.
Gadgets
What this feature does
Gadgets are programs that run on the desktop and provide at-a-glance information, and easy access to frequently used tools.
Games Folder
What this feature does
You can also choose to check for updates to some games by right-clicking the game icon and selecting Scan for Update. Game version details and game identification numbers will be sent to Microsoft, and you will be notified of any updates that are available. You may choose to have Windows automatically scan and notify you about game updates from the options menu.
HomeGroup
What this feature does
A HomeGroup allows you to easily link Windows 7 computers on your home network so that you can share pictures, music, videos, documents and devices. It also makes them ready to stream media to devices on your home network such as a media extender. You can help protect your HomeGroup with a password, and you can choose what you want to share.
Source-istartedsomething
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Announcing CTP2 of Microsoft project code name "Velocity"
Today we are announcing CTP2 of Microsoft Project Code Name Velocity. Please download the CTP2 bits here. This entry will highlight what’s new with CTP2 and a follow-up request for feedback on what you would like to see in the product as we finalize on V1.
What’s New with CTP2?
CTP2 includes several new enhancements including High Availability, Performance improvements, PowerShell integration, Additional Configuration Store options and native 64 bit support.
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High Availability: Starting in CTP2, "Velocity" supports continuous availability of cached data by storing copies of that data on separate cache hosts. By using high availability enabled on a multi-server cluster, your application can retrieve its cached data even if a cache server fails. Because the high availability feature is managed by the cache cluster, no code changes in your application are required to take advantage of it.
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Performance and Stress Enhancements: In CTP2 we spent substantial effort on improving the Latency and Thruput of the system as well as the stress and uptime requirements of the distributed cache. The success of a caching product is defined inherently by its performance and stress capabilities and we will continue on enhancing our exit goals as we move towards V1 of the product.
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PowerShell Integration: PowerShell is now the exclusive management tool for "Velocity." With more than 130 standard command line tools, this new administration-focused scripting language helps IT professionals achieve more control and productivity. In addition to the standard command line tools that come with PowerShell, "Velocity" provides additional commands for managing your distributed cache environment.
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New Configuration Options: "Velocity" now offers many options for specifying and storing the configuration details used by the cache cluster and client application. Cache-based applications have the option of specifying configuration information programmatically or using an application configuration file. You now have two additional options available for storing cluster details. In addition to XML, cluster configuration settings can also be stored in a SQL Server Compact data file or a SQL Server database. You can choose the option that best meets the needs of your application and IT infrastructure.
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64-Bit Support: There is now a 64-bit version of the "Velocity" cache service for x64-based computers. Due to memory limitations in 32-bit Windows operating systems, each 32-bit "Velocity" process can only support 2GB of memory. But with 64-bit "Velocity" on an x64-based computer, each process can use almost all available memory for caching data.
Source- MSDN Blog
Microsoft Pre-release Software Visual Studio 2010 and .NET Framework 4.0 CTP
Visual Studio 2010 and the .NET Framework 4.0 mark the next generation of developer tools from Microsoft. Designed to address the latest needs of developers, Visual Studio delivers key innovations in the following pillars:
Democratizing Application Lifecycle Management
Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) crosses many roles within an organization and traditionally not every one of the roles has been an equal player in the process. Visual Studio Team System 2010 continues to build the platform for functional equality and shared commitment across an organization’s ALM process.
Enabling emerging trends
Every year the industry develops new technologies and new trends. With Visual Studio 2010 and .NET Framework 4.0, Microsoft delivers tooling and framework support for the latest innovations in application architecture, development and deployment.
Inspiring developer delight
Ever since the first release of Visual Studio, Microsoft has set the bar for developer productivity and flexibility. Visual Studio 2010 continues to deliver on the core developer experience by significantly improving upon it for roles involved with the software development process. .NET Framework 4.0 contains numerous improvements that make it easier to develop powerful and compelling applications.
Riding the next generation platform wave
Microsoft continues to invest in the market leading operating system, productivity application and server platforms to deliver increased customer value in these offerings. With Visual Studio 2010 and .NET Framework 4.0 customers will have the tooling support and the platform support needed to create amazing solutions around these technologies.
For more information on Visual Studio 2010 and the .NET Framework 4.0 visit http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/vs2008/products/cc948977.aspx
This CTP release is available in English only as a Virtual PC image. To download Virtual PC 2007 please visit http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=28C97D22-6EB8-4A09-A7F7-F6C7A1F000B5&displaylang=en
The CTP is designed to enable users to experience Visual Studio 2010 and the .NET Framework 4.0, and to provide feature design feedback on a limited set of features. These features are exposed through a set of walkthroughs that are included in the VPC itself. Many common development scenarios may not work in this CTP as it is designed to support the above walkthroughs.
Windows 7 software logo requirements published
If you intend to develop applications for Windows 7, then take a good look at this. Otherwise if you’re in the niche of developing for Windows Me, you can safely ignore. Microsoft’s just published the “Technical Requirements for the Windows 7 Software Logo Program for Client Operating Systems” document for the Windows Logo Program for Windows 7.
The short but concise document of only 10 pages describing 5 steps, 3 policies and 10 requirements gives developers a clear guide on how their application can qualify certification for the pre-release version of Windows 7.
The document of course is still in preliminary stages and may be changed over time. Microsoft however does have a survey up which allows people to give feedback on. Remember, if don’t certify, the terrorists win.
Source- istartedsomething
Security Update for Windows 7 Pre-Beta (KB958644) really??
Indeed updates for Windows 7 has been released before it’s release and is available for public download.
A security issue has been identified that could allow an authenticated remote attacker to compromise your Microsoft Windows-based system and gain control over it. You can help protect your computer by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer. This update is provided to you and licensed under the Windows 7 Pre-Release License Terms.
System Requirements
- Supported Operating Systems: Windows 7
If someone is using windows 7 then do download it from here-
Security Update for Windows 7 Pre-Beta x64 Edition (KB958644)
Security Update for Windows 7 Pre-Beta for Itanium-based Systems (KB958644)
Security Update for Windows 7 Pre-Beta (KB958644)
System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 is now available
System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 provides a management solution for the virtualized data center that helps enable centralized management of IT infrastructure, increased server utilization, and dynamic resource optimization across multiple virtualization platforms.
Support for VMs Running on Windows Server 2008
- System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 was designed to fully utilize the foundational features and services of Windows Server 2008 and Microsoft Hyper-V™ Server. This includes Hyper-V’s 64-bit architecture, attack hardened security model, fail-over cluster support (see below) and others.
- Virtual Machine Manager 2008 (VMM) supports the management of hosts running Hyper-V and VMM can actually enable Hyper-V remotely from the VMM 2008 console.
- VMM 2008 integrates with new clustering support in Windows Server 2008 to allow for fault-tolerant and cluster aware virtual machines to be created
- VMM 2008 supports all Hyper-V functionality while providing VMM-specific functions, such as Intelligent Placement, the Self-Service Portal, and the integrated Library.
Multi-Vendor Virtualization Platform Support
- In addition to support for Hyper-V, VMM 2008 integrates multi-hypervisor management into one tool with its support for virtual machines running on VMware ESX infrastructure and Microsoft Virtual Server.
- VMM 2008 provides comprehensive support for VMware VI3 including moving virtual machines among virtual hosts with no downtime via VMotion, through integration with VMware’s Virtual Center.
- VMM 2008 specific features such as Intelligent Placement, consolidation candidate recommendations and others can be run against virtualized infrastructure on any supported platform.
- Windows PowerShell™ scripts for customization or automation are also supported across Hyper-V, VMware ESX or Virtual Server implementations
Download it from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=ED012990-6E86-4B43-9842-DA5C02FF1C83&displaylang=en
Source- Technet Blog
Report Builder 2.0 Released!
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Report Builder 2.0 RTM (build 10.00.1600.60) is now available on Microsoft Download Center as stand-alone installer in more than 20 languages.
Report Builder 2.0 provides an intuitive report authoring environment for business and power users. It supports the full capabilities of SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services. Compared to Business Intelligence Development Studio 2008, Report Builder 2.0 includes a number of additional features:
- Easy to use wizards for creating table, matrix and chart data regions
- Support for directly opening and editing reports stored on the report server
- Support for using server resources such as shared data sources
Microsoft Security Assessment Tool v4.0 available
The Microsoft Security Assessment Tool 4.0 is the revised version of the original Microsoft Security Risk Self-Assessment Tool (MSRSAT), released in 2004 and the Microsoft Security Assessment Tool 2.0 released in 2006. Security issues have evolved since 2004 so additional questions and answers were needed to ensure you had a comprehensive toolset to become more aware of the evolving security threat landscape that could impact your organization.
The tool employs a holistic approach to measuring your security posture by covering topics across people, process, and technology. Findings are coupled with prescriptive guidance and recommended mitigation efforts, including links to more information for additional industry guidance. These resources may assist you in keeping you aware of specific tools and methods that can help change the security posture of your IT environment.
There are two assessments that define the Microsoft Security Assessment Tool:
- Business Risk Profile Assessment
- Defense in Depth Assessment (UPDATED)
The questions identified in the survey portion of the tool and the associated answers are derived from commonly accepted best practices around security, both general and specific. The questions and the recommendations that the tool offers are based on standards such as ISO 17799 and NIST-800.x, as well as recommendations and prescriptive guidance from Microsoft’s Trustworthy Computing Group and additional security resources valued in the industry.
After completing an Assessment, you will gain access to a detailed report of your results. You may also compare your results with those of your peers (by industry and company size), provided that you upload your results anonymously to the secure MSAT Web server. When you upload your data the application will simultaneously retrieve the most recent data available. To be able to provide this comparative data, we need customers such as you to upload their information. All information is kept strictly confidential and no personally identifiable information whatsoever will be sent. For more information on Microsoft’s privacy policy, please visit: http://www.microsoft.com/info/privacy.mspx.
