Scott Belton

If your unable to make it to Wembley

2009-10-05T13:49:00Z

If your unable to make it to Wembley for tomorrow's (6th October) UK Technical Launch. check out the following website. The Virtual Launch Event kicks off on the 29th September with a live discussion featuring top industry leaders and Microsoft's Steve Ballmer....(read more)

UK Technical Launch at Wembley Stadium

2009-10-05T13:07:00Z

Tomorrow (6th October) see’s Microsoft's (TechNet) UK Technical Launch to be held at Wembley Stadium. This sounds like its going to be some event, so for those lucky few that got signed up in time well done, I look forward to seeing a large IT Pro crowd, (unlike the www.edgeug.net meetings to many Developers) Sorry guy’s but we could do with a few more IT Pro’s attending. The event labelled under Microsoft's NEW efficiency? banner has quite a line up, with the launch of...(read more)

I want my money back!

2009-07-28T13:43:14Z

Well it’s great to hear that Microsoft last Wednesday RTM’d Windows 7, with its full retail release due October 22 nd , (Partners, OEM etc receiving earlier, Link ) it’s exciting times. But Looking through the press, blogs, twitter and most other mediums, the general feel I get is the following. “How great and wonderful the new interface is, the Aero looks, feels and interacts well, Windows 7 is packed full of cool new technologies and gadgets, a revelation for everyone to enjoy!” Above is just one...(read more)

Windows 7 Planning and Deployment Tools

2009-07-16T10:41:00Z

Following on from my last post on 16-07-2009 4:07 Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit 4.0 If you found this interesting it may pay you to make a note in your diary and register for the upcoming online event from Microsoft. This TechNet Webcast will cover the MAP toolkit, (AIK) Automated Installation Kit and (DISM) Deployment Image Servicing and Management. The presenter is Chris Henley , IT Pro Evangelist for Microsoft, he will also cover (WDS) Windows Deployment Services so this is one not...(read more)

Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit 4.0

2009-07-16T08:07:00Z

With the ever fast approaching release of Microsoft's latest and some say greatest O/S to date Windows 7 and also the upcoming Windows Server 2008 R2 release, its time to look ahead and get out and delve deep into the world of deployment and be one step ahead of the game. To this end Microsoft have just released their latest tool in the deployment armoury namely Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit 4.0 The toolkit is designed to aid us all to be able to quickly identify servers, workstations...(read more)

It's all change!

2009-05-19T07:32:00Z

Well its been an interesting few weeks following what seems some odd things happening in the world of IT. First thing to hit me was no more TechNet magazine, although this will still be available on-line or the American version delivered at a price. TechNet Magazine (American http://www.parkway.co.uk/technet/ ). Some how I always looked forward to this publication and after hours staring at computer screens being able to catch up on the latest Microsoft doings in print and having something tangible...(read more)

My New Best Friend - Direct Access

2009-05-07T07:54:00Z

Now I would like to introduce you all to my new best friend. Now I know Windows 7 is packed full of new features and gizmos that build upon the excellent Vista platform. With great improvements to both looks, feel and speed, not to mention battery life on laptop’s. But for me the single most important new feature is Direct Access, I'm sure this will become one of the most important topics for any dedicated system administrator. Direct Access is a new feature to Windows 7 and is powered...(read more)

Windows 7 Microsoft Press offer

2009-05-06T07:23:33Z

Microsoft Press are offering free to download 5 chapters from up coming publications on Windows 7 including:- Windows 7 Inside Out - Chapter 21: Performing routine Maintenance Windows 7 resource Kit - Chapter 23: Support Users and remote Assistance. Chapter 29: Deploying IPv6 Windows 7 Step by Step - Chapter 1 Explore Windows 7. Chapter 2: Navigate Windows and Folders. All can be found here Link on Windows 7 Learning Portal , there are also numerous other resources so well worth checking out with...(read more)

Window 7 RC Install Issue

2009-05-03T14:31:57Z

I don’t know if anyone else has had install issues but this was strange. Running a Compaq SR5000 desktop with 4GB ram and NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GS. Now installing the Windows 7 PDC build 7000 my system worked fine. Just tried to install Windows 7 RC build 7100 and before the install completed on the system, all I got was a black screen with just the Windows water mark showing and the install would not completed, including trying safe mode and lower resolution. Now all I did to finish the install was...(read more)

Windows 7 RC Released

2009-05-01T07:13:00Z

Windows 7 RC and Windows Server R2 yesterday were available to download from both Technet and MSDN websites. With general public release due around the 5th of May, Also Windows XP Mode beta is now available allowing users to seamlessly run many Windows XP applications on Windows 7. www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc . For more info. I received an e-mail from Microsoft yesterday at 4pm but as you guessed it there download servers were hit big time, took till 3.05am this morning to download, so I'm...(read more)

Vista SP2

2009-04-29T07:02:00Z

Microsoft has today just announced the release to manufacturing of Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista. This latest release will include all the updates and support for new types of emerging hardware since SP1’s release with the addition of the following features:- Windows Search 4.0 Bluetooth 2.1 Feature Pack Blu-Ray media recording natively in Windows Vista Windows Connect Now (WCN) to simplify Wi-Fi Configuration The exFAT file system to support UTC timestamps, allows correct file synchronization...(read more)

Talking About Windows

2009-04-28T07:04:00Z

If you’re as interested in Windows 7 development as I am, it may pay to have a look at this new Community web site from Microsoft. www.talkingaboutwindows.com Designed with IT professionals in mind, really puts you in the picture of how they went about designing and building the new o/s with some great and thoroughly interesting videos....(read more)

Microsoft Press Celebrating 25 Years

2009-04-14T07:20:00Z

Microsoft Press are celebrating 25 years. They are offering a Free EBook Windows Small Business Server 2008 Administrator's Companion . You will need a Windows Live I.D and sign up to the Microsoft Press Book Connection Newsletter. Head on over to this link here....(read more)

Overheating Servers

2009-04-07T16:45:00Z

Overheating Servers The day started well, April, Sunny & warm. Busy at work! for the reason below:- Tip for Network Administrators : IF NICE DAY TURN OFF CENTRAL HEATING AND TURN ON AIRCON IN SERVER ROOM. Need I say more!...(read more)

Windows Live Mail

2009-04-05T20:16:00Z

Hi All I've had a load of request recently from customers using Windows Live Mail and Outlook, unable to connect successfully so I thought I would include the list of settings required to get the job done. · Incoming Server = pop3.live.com -Port 995 -Encryption/Authentication = SSL is required -Full Username = username@xxxx.com “same as full email address, where xxxx.com or live.com, msn.com or hotmail.com” -Password is required -SPA secure password authorization = Off uncheck...(read more)