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WServerNews (formerly W2Knews)
Vol. 12, #42 - Oct 29, 2007 - Issue #648
The Incredibly Shrinking Windows?

  1. Editor's Corner
    • Microsoft Comes To Terms With EU And Has Blowout Quarter
    • This One Would Be Highly Appreciated
    • Announcing: VistaNews
    • John Cleese's Friendly Advice Machine
    • Upcoming Sunbelt/Double-Take Seminars
    • Quotes of the Week
  2. Admin Toolbox
    • Admin Tools We Think You Shouldn't Be Without
  3. Tech Briefing
    • Tip: Windows System File Checker Helps Stop System Failures
    • Tip: Use GPOs To Specify Windows Network Access For Users
    • Citrix Xen Desktop Challenges VMware
    • How To Use App Virtualization For Server Consolidation
    • Podcast: Solving Windows Networking Security Issues
    • 4 Mission-Critical Scenarios For Selling Windows Server
  4. Windows Server News
    • The Incredibly Shrinking Windows?
  5. WServer Third Party News
    • Some Unique Features Of Sunbelt Exchange Archiver
    • And The Holes Keep On Coming
    • Subscribe To The New VistaNews E-zine
  6. WServerNews Fave Links
    • This Week's Links We Like. Tips, Hints And Fun Stuff.
  7. WServerNews - Product of the Week
    • Save a tree. Save money. And a whole lot of time too.
Block The Holiday Spam Surge - Free

Use Ninja free during the holidays. Spam volumes are surging once again as
we enter into the holiday season. Every year spammers increase their outflow
in record numbers to try to make money in the holiday rush. And the same
pattern is emerging in 2007. Sunbelt Software offers to help.

Download and install Ninja before November 15, 2007 and use it free during the
holidays, your rep or reseller can extend your 30-day eval period:


http://www.wservernews.com/071029-Ninja-Email-Security

Editor's Corner

Microsoft Comes To Terms With EU And Has Blowout Quarter

This week, Redmond basically caved and said it will not appeal the European Commission's 2004 antitrust ruling. It means that Microsoft will share needed IP information around its server technology to enable interoperability with third party developers. And as payment for this, developers will pay MS a one-time fee of 10K euros, instead of royalties on top of their products. Much better of course.

If MS-patents are required by the third party ISV, Redmond has agreed to license them at only 0.4% of revenue, eminently reasonable. MS also agreed to allow open source vendors to access the interop IP. And the EU agreed to stop charging the 3 million (euro) daily fine for being out of compliance with the settlement. This will have some repercussions for large U.S. tech vendors that operate in Europe I'm sure.

Financially, Redmond keeps on going like a pink bunny. Its stock was pushed out of the usual doldrums and went to $35.72 after hours, up 11.6%. They posted revenues of $13.76 billion for the September quarter, a 27% increase year-over-year, and said it was due to PC demand, Vista and Halo 3. Redmond also announced they sold 88 million Vista copies - 25 million in the September quarter. We just do not know how many of these downgraded to XP.

This One Would Be Highly Appreciated

Could you please vote for Ninja and CSE in the SC Mag Reader Trust 2008 Awards? Here are the links for voting. One thing to note: Votes received from non- business email accounts - msn, yahoo, hotmail, etc. are regarded as invalid. Voting opens October 16 and closes on November 2. Please do this right now, and thanks -so- much in advance!

Best Email Security Category - Ninja Email Security
http://www.wservernews.com/071029-Vote-Ninja

Best Anti-malware Category - CounterSpy Enterprise
http://www.wservernews.com/071029-Vote-CSE


Announcing: VistaNews

Microsoft just announced they sold 88 million copies of Vista. So we thought it was the right time to start a new e-zine: VistaNews. This new mag will be dedicated to technical information about Windows Vista, and is a spin-off from WXPnews, which will continue with XP-only news. The editor of VistaNews is Microsoft MVP Deb Shinder, who has done an excellent job with WXPnews over the last years. The first issue has been sent Thursday October 25, 2007 and you can both read it and subscribe at this new site:
http://www.wservernews.com/071029-VistaNews


John Cleese's Friendly Advice Machine

John Cleese's Friendly Advice Machine, sponsored by Iron Mountain Digital, is a must visit Web site. Cleese reprises his hilarious role as Dr. Harold Twain Weck, this time doling out "Friendly" advice on topics such as digital data protection, eDiscovery, compliance and more. If you're looking for some fun, you've got to check out John Cleese's Friendly Advice Machine.
http://www.wservernews.com/071029-Friendly-Advice-Machine


Upcoming Sunbelt/Double-Take Seminars

We'd like to invite you to attend the following seminars: Seminar: "Recovery Made Easy for Exchange, SQL, and other Critical Applications" - Join Sunbelt and Double-Take Software as we discuss strategies for implementing high availability, remote availability and offsite disaster recovery solutions for SQL, Exchange and other mission critical applications using Double-Take. You will also hear about Double-Take's NEW solutions that power your keys to recoverability.

Hosted at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center in Minneapolis, MN on Wednesday, November 14th. Register here:
http://www.wservernews.com/071029-DT-Seminar-MN

Hosted at the Courtyard Bellevue Marriott in Seattle, WA on Wednesday, November 14th. Register here:
http://www.wservernews.com/071029-DT-Seminar-WA

Hosted at Microsoft in Cleveland, OH on Tuesday, November 27th. Register here:
http://www.wservernews.com/071029-DT-Seminar-OH


Quotes of the Week

The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you're willing to work. - Oprah Winfrey

It's the job that's never started that takes the longest to finish. - J.R.R. Tolkien

UNDO DEPT: In the last issue I said: "Redmond is now attacking the last remaining island that has not been affected by IT." Actually, Redmond is implementing the same idea that was earlier covered by open source software, most notably Asterisk, since about 2005.

And thank you for being a WServerNews subscriber.

Hope you enjoy this issue of WServerNews! Warm regards, Stu  |   Email me: feedback@wservernews.com

Double-Take Software - Recovery Made Easy



Disaster Recovery Virtualization - Past, Present and Future;

With Analyst Guest Speaker! Date: November 14th, 2007 Time: 5pm - 6pm CET Speakers: Bob Roudebush, Director of Solutions Engineering, Double- Take Software and John Humphreys, Analyst, IDC. The virtualization market continues to grow at a rapid pace, fueled by industry leaders such as VMware and Microsoft, as well as newer companies vying for a piece of the virtualization action.
  • What virtualization solutions are available today?
  • Which technology for an organization's business continuity goals?
  • Are there solutions designed to leverage the capabilities of virtualized servers to make implementing disaster recovery easier and cheaper?
  • What kinds of use cases are most beneficial to investigate?

http://www.wservernews.com/071029-Virtualization-Recovery

Admin Toolbox

Admin Tools We Think You Shouldn't Be Without

Need to archive email and also have end-user self-service so they can restore deleted emails? One of the -many- features of Sunbelt Exchange Archiver:
http://www.wservernews.com/071029-Sunbelt-Exchange-Archiver

Replay for Exchange - Eliminate Corrupt Exchange Backups Forever - Free Trial
http://www.wservernews.com/071029-Replay-for-Exchange

For loads of laughs visit John Cleese's Friendly Advice Machine:
http://www.wservernews.com/071029-Friendly-Advice-Machine

Reclaim up to 80% of you Exchange Store with ExchangeCompress 2, now in real time. Download today.
http://www.wservernews.com/071029-ExchangeCompress2

Get mPowerTools to do tedious Active Directory tasks without scripting. 100+ reports with AD, Security and Permissions reporting. Use it free for 15 days.
http://www.wservernews.com/071029-mPowerTools


Tech Briefing

Tip: Windows System File Checker Helps Stop System Failures

IT administrators know that things can go horribly wrong with Windows if critical system files are accidentally replaced with incorrect versions or replaced by malicious code. To help reduce the chances of this happening, Microsoft has created the Windows File Protection Service.
http://www.wservernews.com/071029-System-File-Checker


Tip: Use GPOs To Specify Windows Network Access For Users

If you properly configure Group Policy Objects (GPOs), you can control which users can access your network and from where they can do it. Learn how to give specific users access to one specific machine in this expert tip. (registration required)
http://www.wservernews.com/071029-GPO


Citrix Xen Desktop Challenges VMware

At iForum 07 this week, Citrix showed IT managers its desktop virtualization strategy as it moves toward a new life beyond that of Microsoft bedfellow. The updated Citrix -- now fortified by its late August acquisition of XenSource Inc. - is ready to rumble with client and server virtualization's Bigfoot VMware Inc.
http://www.wservernews.com/071029-Citrix-Xen


How To Use App Virtualization For Server Consolidation

Although server virtualization technology provides overwhelming support for server consolidation, it can also add to the server proliferation problem because now, you'll have host servers to manage in addition to the virtualized machines that provide services to your users. Application virtualization is another option to consider. Find out more in this tip!
http://www.wservernews.com/071029-App-Virtualization


Podcast: Solving Windows Networking Security Issues

Windows networking security expert Brad Dinerman offers his take on different security issues like managing Windows Firewall, managing Remote Desktop and Group Policy in the second installment of SearchWindowsSecurity monthly "Ask the Security Expert Roundup." If any of these applications are creating problems in your Windows network, this five-minute podcast has information that you simply must have.
http://www.wservernews.com/071029-Security-Podcast


4 Mission-Critical Scenarios For Selling Windows Server

Despite its critics, there are several applications and environments in which the Windows Server platform surpasses other platforms in value, applicability, and performance. Find out what those applications and environments are -- and learn how you can make your customers Windows Server believers -- with this SearchSystemsChannel.com tip.
http://www.wservernews.com/071029-Mission-Critical


Windows Server News

The Incredibly Shrinking Windows?

This week a whole bunch of tech journalists did not do their homework and started talking excitedly about the new Windows 7 (expected 2010) that will be a lot smaller than now. It all started with Microsoft distinguished engineer Eric Traut who told the world about 'MinWin', a shrunk-down version of the Windows kernel that requires less than 40 MB of RAM to run, and fits in 25 MB of storage. That, of course, is without a GUI.

Everyone fell over one another to announce this great news. But a bit of Googling would have shows that MinWin was talked about 2 years ago, when they started modularizing the next windows server version. And how do you think all these different Vista versions were built? Right, with the same modular kernel. Move on folks, nothing to see over here!

WServer Third Party News

Some Unique Features Of Sunbelt Exchange Archiver

Sure, there are enterprise-strength archiving solutions out there. Symantec acquired Veritas and that is how they got their hands on Enterprise Vault. And Zantaz recently got gobbled up and that also caused some 'changes' for the installed base. If you run either product you know what I'm talking about. If you run Vault or Zantaz and are not happy with some of the features or the support, you should continue reading. And forward this article to friends that you know are running these products.

SEA has a number of very important features that differentiate it from the others. 'Direct Archiving' is an example, which does not use Exchange journaling. Other enormously handy features are support for MAC Entourage, and support for BlackBerry that actually -works-. SEA actually does NOT require a client roll-out, and can add some optional features via an Outlook plug-in.

Opposed to some other enterprise products, with SEA you will not get 'nickled-and-dimed' with amounts of 10 to 15 bucks per mailbox. Everything is built-in! Very important things like Hierarchical Storage Management, Disaster Recovery, PST-gatherer/Importer, Public Folder Archiving and more are included in the (very low) base price.

BlackBerry support is done via 'shortcut-creation delay', so that the emails still get archived but only after 14 or 30 days. At that time a shortcut will be created and you will get the Exchange store space benefits. Being able to really support the MAC platform is also a major plus, for outfits that absolutely need to be compliant. Last but not least, you will find that Sunbelt tech support is available 24/7, knowledgeable, and committed to get your question resolved in the least possible time. This is where we shine! We also have a 50% competitive upgrade program if you are looking for something else. Ask for a quote here:
http://www.wservernews.com/071029-Sunbelt-Exchange-Archiver


And The Holes Keep On Coming

SNSI uses the latest Mitre Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) list of computer incidents. It also contains the latest SANS/FBI top 20 vulnerability list. SNSI also uses the latest CERT, CIAC Microsoft and FedCIRC (Department of Homeland Security) advisories. New vulnerability updates for this release include: 
W3215 Oracle Database Vulnerabilities (Oct. 2007)
W3216 Oracle Application Server Vulnerabilities (Oct. 2007)
W3217 Oracle Collaboration Suite Vulnerabilities (Oct. 2007)
W3218 Oracle E-Business Suite Vulnerabilities (Oct. 2007)
W3219 Oracle Enterprise Manager Vulnerabilities (Oct. 2007)
S0523 Bzip2 Vulnerabilities - Solaris 8 - 10
S0524 Kernel statistics retrieval induces system panic - Solaris 8-9
N0071 MGCP, TLS Packet handling - Cisco PIX
L0164 TCL/TK animated GIF image error - FC
Sunbelt Network Security Inspector version 1.6.81.0 was released October 25, 2007). Sunbelt Software recommends you download the new SNSI version 1.6.81.0, scan, and patch your machines today. To get the latest SNSI version, visit:
http://www.wservernews.com/071029-SNSI


Subscribe To The New VistaNews E-zine

Microsoft just announced they sold 88 million copies of Vista. So we thought it was the right time to start a new e-zine: VistaNews. This new mag will be dedicated to technical information about Windows Vista, and is a spin-off from WXPnews, which will continue with XP-only news. The editor of VistaNews is Microsoft MVP Deb Shinder, who has done an excellent job with WXPnews over the last years. The first issue has been sent Thursday October 25, 2007 and you can both read it here and also subscribe at this new site:
http://www.wservernews.com/071029-VistaNews


WServerNews Fave Links

This Week's Links We Like. Tips, Hints And Fun Stuff.



WServerNews - Product of the Week

Save a tree. Save money. And a whole lot of time too.

You can stop printing employee directories by leveraging your Active Directory with rDirectory. It's the perfect system: a web-based employee directory where users can self-edit to update their info, a template driven account creation tool with provisioning, a way for users to create and self-subscribe to email lists and groups, a self-service password reset utility, a valuable tool for any help desk and more. And with Microsoft's Office Communication Server 2007, we have integrated presence capabilities so your users can seek, find and click to communicate. We offer four editions so you can find the perfect fit for your needs. See why customers call rDirectory the most versatile Active Directory tool available:
http://www.wservernews.com/071029-rDirectory