Diagnostic Tool for the WSUS Agent

Some of Our Favorite Features in the Diagnostic Tool for the WSUS Agent:

·         Validate key Windows® Update Agent configuration values

·         Test connections to key WSUS resources

·         Works for both 32 and 62-bit systems

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VMware vSphere Hypervisor™ (ESXi) 5

VMware vSphere Hypervisor 5 is  the simplest and easiest way to get started with virtualization for free. This fully functional hypervisor lets you virtualize your servers and run your applications in virtual machines in a matter of minutes. vSphere Hypervisor 5 is based on VMware ESXi, the hypervisor architecture that sets the industry standard for reliability, performance, and ecosystem support. Consolidate your applications onto fewer servers and start saving money through reduced hardware, power, cooling, and administration costs.

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Windows 8 chkdsk utility plans detailed

Microsoft has revealed how Windows 8 will handle disk corruption problems with its revamped chkdsk utility and how the company plans to change the health model of NTFS. Read more…

Microsoft Security Essentials Version:4.0.1526.0

Today saw Microsoft release an upgrade to Security Essentials, its virus and spyware protection software.

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Microsoft Infrastructure Planning and Design

The Infrastructure Planning and Design (IPD) guides are the next version of Windows Server System Reference Architecture. The guides in this series help clarify and streamline design processes for Microsoft infrastructure technologies, with each guide addressing a unique infrastructure technology or scenario.

The guides are available as individual downloads or as a single all-in-one package.
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End of support information for Windows XP

On April 8, 2014, security patches and hotfixes for all versions of Windows XP will no longer be available.
Security patches and hotfixes for all versions of Windows XP will no longer be available. So bottom line, PC’s running Windows XP will be vulnerable to security threats. Furthermore, many third party software providers are not planning to extend support for their applications running on Windows XP.

The good news is there is a great alternative Operating System System Windows 7

Network Access Protection (NAP)

Roaming  laptops - Users are always a health threat for any network. While laptops are away from the company, they might not receive the most recent software updates, antivirus updates, or configuration changes. Laptops might also be infected while exposed to unsecured networks, such as the Internet Cafe, Airports Networks e.t.c.  When this laptops that these "Roaming Users use" bring back to Company might not meet network requirements and can present health risks.

The Network Access Protection (NAP) feature in Windows Server 2008 platform, provides an integrated way of detecting the state of a network client that is attempting to connect to a network. When Roaming Laptops connect to Company local area network (LAN), they must meet specific health requirements, such as having recent updates installed. If they can’t meet those health requirements, they can be quarantined to a network where they can download updates, install antivirus software, and obtain more information about how to meet the requirements of the LAN.  When this process finish NAP provides a mechanism to automatically bring the client back into compliance and  allowing full access to Company Network.

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