For those of you who use the Windows Service Pack Blocker Tool, we want to let you know that the Windows Vista SP2 and Windows Server 2008 SP2 blockers will expire on August 24th 2010. After the expiration date, Windows Vista SP2 and Windows Server 2008 SP2 will be offered through Windows Update on computers that had previously installed the block.
All posts tagged 2008
SQL Server 2008 R2 Released to Manufacturing!
We are very excited to share that today, Microsoft released SQL Server 2008 R2 to manufacturing! Customers can expect availability in the next few weeks through Microsoft’s distribution channels. For more information, visit www.sqlserverlaunch.com.
SQL Server 2008 R2 enhancements continue to support mission-critical workloads providing a trusted, scalable platform, increased developer and IT efficiency and managed self-service business intelligence reporting and analytics. It is for these very reasons that SQL Server 2008 R2 is setting records for performance and price/performance on industry standard benchmarks.
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 RTM – Management Studio Express
The Microsoft® SQL Server® 2008 R2 RTM – Express is a powerful and reliable data management system that delivers a rich set of features, data protection, and performance for embedded applications, lightweight Web applications, and local data stores. Designed for easy deployment and rapid prototyping, this download includes support for Sysprep, Microsoft’s System Preparation Utility for Microsoft Windows operating system deployment.
SQL Server 2008 RTM Support Ends April 13, 2010. Time for SP1
SQL Server 2008 RTM finally reaches it’s end of support tomorrow i.e. April 13, 2010. Here’s snippet from SQL Release Services team blog:
Product: SQL Server 2008 RTM
Mainstream Support End Date: 4/13/2010
Extended Support End Date: Not Applicable
So, you should be making plans to upgrade to SQL Server 2008 SP1 soon.
Link – Microsoft Product Support Lifecycle Page
SQL Server 2008 R2 gets an official due date
Speaking of roadmaps, Microsoft (either “by design†or by mistake) has provided a due date for SQL Server 2008 R2, the next version of its database.
Up until recently, the Softies have been saying SQL Server 2008 R2 would be a “first half†2010 product. But in a new benchmark report, that date gets more specific.
How to run Sysprep on Windows Server 2008 R2
Sysprep is a tool, that allows you to prepare a computer that is going to be imaged. This is useful if you have several computers of identical hardware, each needing the same OS + Applications installed.
Sysprep can also be used by PC Manufactures, to prepare the computers for shipping to an end user. Once run the end user will only have to enter, the computer name, admin password, Product key, instead of running setup from starch.
With the increase in virtualization cloning virtual machines, will speed up deploying new servers.
How to install Active Directory on Windows Server 2008 R2
Active Directory is the backbone of most networks. It stores all the setting, user accounts, and computer information. The following guide will show you how to install it onto Windows Server 2008 R2.
Prerequisites
There are a few prerequisites that you must first sort out, before starting the installation.
– Windows must be running on an NTFS volume.
– Have a NIC installed, and connected to the network.
– Be logged on as the local administrator.
– Have decided on a Domain Name to use.
– Performed the basic server configuration, such as Server Name, etc.
Once you have sorted out these requirements, you can move onto step 1.
Backup Windows Server 2008
Backing up a server a a common task, which many fail to do. You may have created a backup job that backs up the data on the server, but what about the system configuration. In the unlikely event of a server crash, you will want to get it up and running as quick as possible.
The following guide shows how to backup a Windows Server 2008 Machine, this includes; User Data, System Settings, Active Directory, and just about and settings you have made.
Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2
Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 is a stand-alone product that provides a reliable and optimized virtualization solution enabling organizations to improve server utilization and reduce costs. With the addition of new features such as live migration and expanded processor and memory support for host systems, it allows organizations to consolidate workloads onto a single physical server and is a good solution for organizations who are consolidating servers as well as for development and test environments.
Windows Server 2008 R2 Now Available
In approximately 9 hours, the next version of Windows Server will be published on MSDN + TechNet, and possible available for a free 180 day evaluation from the download centre.
Keep checking the following link for more information –
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/default.aspx
http://www.msdn.microsoft.com/
Update – This now available to download.
SQL Server 2008 R2 August CTP Available Today
Today we are excited to announce the availability of the first community technology preview (CTP) of Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 for MSDN and TechNet subscribers, with the CTP generally available on Wednesday, August 12th.
Building on the momentum of SQL Server 2008, “R2†improves IT efficiency by reducing the time and cost of developing and managing applications; empowers end users to make better decisions through Self-Service Business Intelligence and enables organizations to scale with confidence by providing high levels of reliability, security and scalability for business critical applications.
