November 2008 - Posts

Ottawa Windows Server User Group, Dec. 11th 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008 4:19 PM

Topic: SQL Server 101 for the IT Pro & SQL Server Chalk Talk

SQL What?!? What every IT Pro needs to know about SQL Server

More and more products require a SQL Server database. Are you an IT Pro installing SQL Server but not sure how to support it? Do you work at a place where you are the IT department? Well this event is for you!

The OWSUG and OttawaSQL.net user groups are teaming up to bring you a special session dedicated to SQL Server for the non-DBAs.

We will cover important topics that are often overlooked until it is too late, and talk about ways to simplify SQL Server administration.

Topics include:

· Backup and Restore

· Checking for data corruption

· Creating Maintenance plans

· Sending alerts

· Setting up email for notifications

· Security Basics

· Tips and Tricks, and time saving tools

… and much more!

After the presentations we will have a panel of local DBAs, SQL Server veterans and Microsoft MVPs ready to answer your questions in an informal SQL Server Chalk Talk

Product Showcase (15 minutes): SQL Response - Red Gate Software, David E. Myers

clip_image001

No flashing lights. No repetitive emails. No complicated configuration required. Only the intelligent alerts and diagnostic data you need to resolve problems on your SQL Servers sooner. All from a single, intuitive interface. SQL Response monitors the health and activity of your SQL Servers, so you can work proactively to resolve the problems that matter most. See how no-nonsense monitoring from Red Gate's new SQL Response™ can help you make the most of your office hours.

Location:
Microsoft Canada Co.
100 Queen Street Suite 500
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 1J9

Date: December 11th, 2008

Agenda:

5:00 p.m.  Event registration
5:30 p.m.  Presentation
7:30 p.m.  Q & A
8:00 p.m.  Door Prizes

Notes: Pizza and Pop will be served, Please RSVP to help us order enough of both.

RSVP: http://www.clicktoattend.com/?id=133776

by Garth Jones
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PCs by Model
Friday, November 28, 2008 8:32 AM

SELECT
    CS.Name0,
    CS.Model0
FROM
    dbo.v_GS_COMPUTER_SYSTEM CS
WHERE
    CS.Model0='PowerEdge 2850'

by Garth Jones
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List PC with site code and site server name
Sunday, November 23, 2008 9:49 PM

SELECT CS.Name0, RA_SIS.SMS_Installed_Sites0, S.ServerName
FROM dbo.v_GS_COMPUTER_SYSTEM CS, dbo.v_RA_System_SMSInstalledSites RA_SIS, dbo.v_Site S
WHERE CS.ResourceID = RA_SIS.ResourceID AND RA_SIS.SMS_Installed_Sites0 = S.SiteCode

by Garth Jones
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Change to win a Zune!
Sunday, November 23, 2008 5:23 PM

clip_image001

 

Microsoft Canada is conducting a brief 10-15 minute online survey to better gauge and understand where and how you as a Technical Professional (IT Professional, Developer, Architect or IT Manager for example), find IT? With these learning’s, we can ensure we are driving and delivering information to the right location that is the highest value to you. With your participation, we’ll also be able to better understand how Technical Professionals like yourself consume various types of technical information so we can ensure resources you need are readily available.

Upon completion of the survey, you will have the opportunity to opt-in to receive a summary of the results,
if it is of interest to you. Look for more details at the end of the online survey.

As a token of our appreciation by completing the survey, your name will be entered into a random draw to win* one of five Microsoft Zunes® 4GB.

http://survey.openvenue.com/msstudy?ex1=5 . If you have any difficulties completing the survey,
please e-mail MStechhelp@researchnow.ca for assistance.

SURVEY CLOSE DATE IS: December 5, 2008 @ 4pm EST.
SURVEY LENGTH: 10-15 minutes

Thank you for your participation.  We look forward to hearing from you.

by Garth Jones
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TechDays 2008 Promo
Sunday, November 23, 2008 1:59 PM

In anticipation of the upcoming Tech•Days 2008 tour date in Ottawa on November 27th, I’m writing to inform you of an EXCLUSIVE HOLIDAY OFFER that Microsoft Canada is extending to user group members in Ottawa.

The first 300 user group members to forward their confirmation e-mail for full-price registration to Andrew Howell (v-anhow@microsoft.com) will personally receive a copy of Fable 2 for XBOX 360 at the event on November 27th, 2008.

The confirmation e-mail must pertain to a full-price registration and the recipient should reference the user group(s) to which they belong.  Their notification must be forwarded to Andrew Howell no later than November 25th, 2008 at 5:00pm EST.

The XBOX title will be available for pick-up at a designated time at the event.  Specific details will be communicated directly to each individual recipient in advance of the Ottawa event.

We sincerely hope that you’ll take advantage of this exclusive offer and look forward to seeing you on November 27th, 2008!

by Garth Jones
Filed under:
SQL and virtual technologies
Friday, November 14, 2008 3:48 PM

Last night I was at the Ottawa SQL Group event helping out and I found out an interesting tidbit. This tidbit is only for production environments only, in Dev or in test labs, anything goes.

SQL 2000 are NOT supported under at virtualization product!

Now some people are going to asked about SQL 2005 & 2008, yes it is supported HOWEVER there is only one supported configuration (for MS Virtualization technologies, we didn’t talk about VMware so that one is still within “grey” area)

SQL 2005 & 2008 is only supported on Hyper-v!

SQL 2005 & 2008 is only supported if you used pass through disks!

 

Having said this people are going to ask for supporting docs, where here are a few:

 

SQL 2008

http://blogs.technet.com/mattmcspirit/archive/2008/10/07/sql-server-2008-on-hyper-v-best-practices-and-performance-considerations.aspx

 

Running SQL Server 2008 in a Hyper-V Environment - Best Practices and Performance Considerations

http://download.microsoft.com/download/d/9/4/d948f981-926e-40fa-a026-5bfcf076d9b9/SQL2008inHyperV2008.docx

 

Support policy for Microsoft SQL Server products that are running in a hardware virtualization environment

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=956893

by Garth Jones
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DevTeach...
Friday, November 14, 2008 9:28 AM

DevTeach Montreal is less than a month away but it's not too late to register. This is a great conference with sessions covering .NET FX, Future, SQL Server, VSTS/Team System, Silverlight, Agile Development, Software Architecture, ASP.NET. Aside from the great content, build up your professional network by rubbing shoulders with the speakers in an intimate conference. The list of speakers is particularly impressive this year. From MS you'll get to see Elisa Flasko and Carl Perry from the Data Programmability Team, Beth Massi and Yair Alan Griver. Of course .NET Rockers Carl Franklin & Richard Campbell will be there with fellow MS Regional Directors Tim Huckaby, Joel Semeniuk, Stephen Forte, Jim Duffy, Guy Barrette and Barry Gervin.

But wait, there's more...

  1. Every attendee to DevTeach Montreal will get Visual Studio 2008 Pro, Expression Web 2 and Tech-Ed Developer DVD set in their bag. That represents over $1,000 worth of software!
  2. The TechDays/DevTeach rebate coupon will get you a $350 discount if you use it for the December Montreal event. That's $250 more than its original value!
  3. The user group discount has been increased from $50 to $100 for the December Montreal event. Just use rebate code OT00NETUGC

by Garth Jones
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One reason to use network discovery
Thursday, November 13, 2008 8:30 AM

Are you wanting to know how to determine which PCs within your environment have vPro? Well you will need to turn on Network Discovery to add this information to your db. http://technet.microsoft.com/en-ca/library/cc431387.aspx

 

Here is the SQL query to tell you.

 

Select *

from v_R_System

where AMTStatus0=3

by Garth Jones
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ConfigMgr Ranger Training
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 10:08 AM

So Brian posted a blog about ConfigMgr Range training, this goes alone the same lines as System Center Configuration Manager Enterprise Administrator and System Center Operation Manager Enterprise Administrator

Configuration Manager needs an MCITP and so does OpsMgr!

Microsoft last suggestion that the System Center MCITP (70-402) would included both 70-400 and 70-401 (Sorry Trika et al), just does not make sense, hence why I did my blog post about Enterprise Administrators!

Personally, I would go for the both options in a heartbeat, if the option was available to me! But to become a ranger you don’t just study and pass and exams, you must truly understand the product, be invited to take the training, (which cost gig bucks) and be reviewed by both MS & your peers.

So what I’m I doing to work towards this? Well first step is to continue working on study for exams to get my “System Center Configuration Manager Enterprise Administrator” (SCCMEA) :-)

And I think that for the licensing component of SCCMEA that Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Software Asset Management (SAM) Program should qualify.

After all of the exams that I have done recently I still don’t have neither the SCCMEA or SCOMEA yet! However I am still working on trying to “Put my money where my month is”! I might regret putting the MSI certification in there but...

by Garth Jones
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70-635 Study Guide
Sunday, November 09, 2008 7:25 AM

Since I am really busy and can't write a study guide, I want to try something new for this exam, I created a WIKI page on MyITForum to help everyone review for this exam.

http://www.myitforum.com/myITWiki/70-635.ashx?NoRedirect=1

 

So let see what the community can do to prepare everyone for this exam.

·         I have started by posting the Microsoft Preparation guide,

·         Each topic item need to be expanded to provide details (with screenshots)

·         New sub-topic need to be added to list locations of:

o    VHD – to create test labs

o    Virtual Server Software

o    Review software – NO BRAIN DUMPS!!!! (Measure up and  Transender)

o    List of any KB or other MS links.

·         Post the Beta exam code when it is available. 

by Garth Jones
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70-635 MCTS: Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2008, Desktop Deployment
Saturday, November 08, 2008 11:45 AM

Get ready for a new Exam

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/Exams/70-635.aspx

 

About this Exam

This exam validates the skills necessary for IT professionals to create and maintain deployment infrastructures and images for Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and Office 2007

Audience Profile

Candidates for this exam should have one year of on-the-job experience deploying Windows operating system or application images. Including creating and maintaining deployment infrastructures and images for Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and Office 2007. Candidates should have a minimum of one year of experience deploying Windows operating systems and applications and troubleshooting day-to-day issues that involve deployments and their related tools.

Candidates should be proficient with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2008 or Microsoft Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) 2007 and have a basic understanding of a Windows-based network. In addition candidates should be familiar with Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) in Windows Server 2008, DNS, DHCP, file sharing, and share security. Candidates should will have a basic understanding of the technologies underlying operating systems and applications being deployed, for example, Unattended Windows setup process, Windows Pre-Installation Environment (Windows PE), User State Migration Tool [USMT], System Center Configuration Manager [ConfigMgr 2007], and Application Compatibility Toolkit [ACT]).

Credit Toward Certification

When you pass Exam 70-635: TS: Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2008, Desktop Deployment, you complete the requirements for the following certification(s):MCTS: Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2008, Desktop Deployment

Skills Being Measured

This exam measures your ability to accomplish the technical tasks listed below.The percentages indicate the relative weight of each major topic area on the exam.

Preparing a Deployment Infrastructure (20 percent)

  • Prepare a deployment environment to meet the recommended system requirements.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: preparing the infrastructure servers to ensure that hardware requirements are met, ensuring that the network environment is functional
  • Install and configure servers, roles, and products.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: installing and configuring Windows Server 2008, AD DS, DHCP Server, IIS 7.0, and ConfigMgr 2007
  • Install and configure MDT.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: installing the Microsoft Development Toolkit, enabling Configuration Manager Console integration, configuring the Network Access Account, updating live data in Information Center
  • Install and configure additional tools.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: Windows Automated Installation Kit (Windows AIK), USMT, ACT, Windows Deployment Services (Windows DS)

Configuring Images, Applications, and Scripts (22 percent)

  • Populate distribution shares.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: importing source files for operating systems, applications, service packs, language packs, drivers, and security updates
  • Create driver groups.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: create an inventory of hardware and peripherals and their corresponding drivers, distinguish between in-box and out-of-box drivers
  • Configure task sequences.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: configuring Zero Touch Installation (ZTI) task sequences, configuring Lite Touch Installation (LTI) task sequences, adding server roles, distinguishing among task sequence templates
  • Create and configure deployment points.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: creating and configuring lab deployment points, media deployment points, network deployment points, and Windows PE; configuring application lists, image captures, network shares, and product keys; editing rules, for example, customsettings.ini and bootstrap.ini; adding tools to a deployment point, for example, USMT
  • Select an activation method.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: selecting Key Management Services (KMS) or Multiple Activation Key (MAK) as the most appropriate activation method
  • Configure Office settings and components.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: placing the custom.xml file in a source directory, detecting file issues by using Office Migration and Planning Manager (OMPM), adding language packs, configuring Office applications in multiple language environments, configuring the Local Installation Source (LIS)

Building Custom Images (19 percent)

  • Customize operating system images.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: customize Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista by using Windows System Image Manager (Windows SIM) and processes, distinguish between online and offline customization tools and processes
  • Install and configure Office 2007.
    • This objective includes but is not limited to: create a network installation point, create application packages for Office 2007, configure Office applications to install automatically
  • Install and configure other applications.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: installing Microsoft or third-party applications such as anti-virus software, VPN software, and backup software
  • Capture images.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: capturing images by using SysPrep, ImageX, and Windows PE
  • Localize images.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: importing language packs, changing regional settings, changing time zones
  • Import custom images.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: importing custom images to Windows DS, importing custom images to MDT
  • Conduct build verification tests (BVTs).
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: testing deployment of operating systems packages or images, testing deployment of applications, testing installation of drivers, patches, anti-virus software, security updates, and service packs

Deploying to Production (21 percent)

  • Select an MDT deployment method.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: selecting an appropriate deployment method (LTI or ZTI with System Center Configuration Manager)
  • Select a deployment medium.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: selecting an appropriate deployment medium, for example, Windows DS, DVD, USB, and CD
  • Deploy images by using the Using ZTI deployment method.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: creating packages, importing and advertising task sequences in ConfigMgr 2007
  • Deploy Office 2007 with ConfigMgr 2007.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: creating an Office package and program for deployment, adding the package to a task sequence

Monitoring and Troubleshooting Deployments (18 percent)

  • Locate and analyze logs.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: locating and analyzing BDD.log, SMSTS.log, and Panther logs
  • Monitor deployment status by using the MDT Management Pack (MP) for System Center Operations Manager 2007.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: installing, configuring, and using the MP to monitor deployment success or failure
  • Report deployment status by using System Center Configuration Manager Reporting.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: using reporting to create status reports on deployments
  • Troubleshoot security configurations.
    • This objective may include but is not limited to: troubleshooting the configuration of shares, accounts, permissions, security groups, and database connectivity

by Garth Jones
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MCITP: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator
Friday, November 07, 2008 3:33 PM

I passed this exam this morning, the only exam left to take is 70-400, So Rory and Brad, I will work on that one once I get back from holidays!

So Pete hurry up an finished this study guide for me to use. :-) maybe I will help him complete it.

by Garth Jones
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Master Microsoft Security
Tuesday, November 04, 2008 2:10 PM

I took one of the free certification that Brainbench is offering and I earned a Master Microsoft Security, time to add this to my resume.

image

 

BTW I ranked 29th in the world and 2nd within Canada, with my score! Not too bad.. 

image

 

image

by Garth Jones
Filed under:
Free Certifications!
Monday, November 03, 2008 9:32 PM

That right, I say free Certifications! BrianBench is giving away lots of free certification, here are just a few of them! so what are you waiting for?

  

Product Name Status Add to My Plan Learn Get Test Test Cost (U.S.)
Check Point Firewall-1 NG Administration Available Plan Learn Test FREE
Cisco Network Support Available Plan Learn Test FREE
Citrix Administration Available Plan Learn Test FREE
Computer Fundamentals (Win XP) Available Plan Learn Test FREE
Linux Administration (RHEL 5) Available Plan Learn Test FREE
Microsoft Security Available Plan Learn Test FREE
MS SharePoint Portal Server 2003 Available Plan Learn Test FREE
MS Windows Vista Desktop Administration Available Plan Learn Test FREE
Storage Area Networks (SAN) Concepts Available Plan Learn Test FREE
Microsoft Excel 2007 - Essentials Beta Pre-Release (Beta) Plan Learn Test FREE
MS Visio 2007 Beta Pre-Release (Beta) Plan Learn Test FREE
MS Word 2003 Available Plan Learn Test FREE

by Garth Jones
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OU Count of PCs not reporting within 1 day
Saturday, November 01, 2008 11:35 AM

SELECT
    OU.System_OU_Name0,
    count(*) as 'Count'
FROM 
    dbo.v_GS_WORKSTATION_STATUS    as WS,
    dbo.v_R_System as SYS,
    dbo.v_RA_System_SystemOUName as OU
Where
    SYS.ResourceID = OU.ResourceID
    and SYS.ResourceID = WS.ResourceID
    and Datediff(dd,WS.LastHWScan, getdate()) > 1
group by
    OU.System_OU_Name0
order by
    OU.System_OU_Name0

by Garth Jones
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