Posted by: kurtsh | January 17, 2011

RELEASE: Microsoft Forefront Protection Server Management Console (FPSMC) 2010

The Microsoft® Forefront Protection Server Management Console (FPSMC) 2010 provides multi-server management for Forefront Protection 2010 for Exchange Server and Forefront Protection 2010 for SharePoint. The management console delivers a easy to use graphical interface for server discovery, configuration deployment, reporting, quarantine management and integration with Forefront Online Protection for Exchange.

The Microsoft® Forefront Protection Server Management Console (FPSMC) 2010 is available as a free download.

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Posted by: kurtsh | January 17, 2011

WHITEPAPER: Unified Approach to Desktop Security & Client Management

Did you ever notice that antivirus products do virus def distribution using their own distribution mechanism, requiring a completely different software distribution agent from the deployed desktop management system, such as SCCM?

Technet Flash Editor, Mitch Irsfeld, wrote a column that I felt was important enough to reprint, with apologies to Technet.

imageIf you’ve spent any time protecting your organization’s desktop environment, you’ve no doubt grown weary of the artificial demarcation between the tasks and tools used for desktop security and client management. Treated as separate disciplines for years, security and management evolved into two separate infrastructures, each with its own processes and procedures.

With Forefront Endpoint Protection (FEP) 2010, Microsoft has ended this siloed approach by building FEP into System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R2 and R3. For insight on the advantages of this merged approach, read the white paper Convergence of Desktop Security and Management: Forefront Endpoint Protection and System Center Configuration Manager. Also view the on-demand webcast Forefront Endpoint Protection 2010 and System Center Configuration Manager (Level 200).

Aligning those work streams is also the focus of the Gartner Webcast Security and Management Convergence on the Desktop (Level 100). In this webcast, Gartner analyst Terry Cosgrove discusses the changing landscape of client security and management and the key questions organizations should think about when seeking efficiencies from the combined disciplines.

Centralized Antimalware Management
Then get Microsoft’s perspective on this integration in the Edge video Understanding the Convergence of Security and Management. Adwait Joshi, aka "AJ", a technical product manager on the Security & Management Marketing team, provides a demo showing how Configuration Manager can be used to deploy and manage Forefront Endpoint Protection 2010. And a new case study in the TechNet Library shows how Microsoft IT was able to use its existing infrastructure to implement a centralized antimalware management and reporting solution that provides a holistic view of more than 100,000 clients’ malware status. Using Forefront Endpoint Protection, Microsoft IT improved their SLA for antimalware policy deployment from more than a day to four hours.

Let’s not forget that FEP 2010 also provides new levels of threat protection. Check out the TechNet Webcast Forefront Endpoint Protection 2010: Features and Protection Technologies (Level 300) for a deeper dive into the new features. Or for a quicker take, see the Edge videos:

TechNet Magazine is also featuring Forefront this month. Brien Posey shows how to use the Microsoft Forefront Threat Management Gateway in a number of different topologies in his article Protecting Workgroups with Forefront. William Stanek writes about the recent changes in the Forefront product suite to deliver multilayered protection. In Achieving Defense in Depth with Forefront, he describes how the key Forefront solutions work together to provide defense in depth for endpoint computers, communication and collaboration servers, and enterprise networks.

Finally, see for yourself how to take advantage of the natural efficiencies that can be gained in combining the management of security and clients in FEP. Download the Forefront Endpoint Protection 2010 trial and you will also have access to the Forefront Endpoint Protection Security Management Pack, which provides real-time monitoring of the security of your server operating systems from System Center Operations Manager.

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Posted by: kurtsh | January 16, 2011

INFO: Samsung Sliding PC 7: Convertible, 9-hr Tablet PC

One of the nice surprises of the CES 2011 was the announcement and demonstration of the upcoming Samsung Slider PC 7: Convertible Tablet PC.  With a significant booth presence, the Samsung Slider PC 7 was well represented in the Samsung booth with 6+ people actively demonstrating it, with a presentation kiosk that was packed with onlookers.
image

What so special about this model?  A number of differentiators. 

CONCEALED KEYBOARD
For one, the device has a capacitive touch display that provides a lightweight tablet form factor… however when required, the display ‘slides upward’ to reveal a keyboard on the base permitting full ‘laptop like’ usage.  based on the

LONG BATTERY LIFE
Additionally, the Slider PC is based on the Intel 1.66 Z670 Oak Trail processor & chipset providing faster, more power efficient mobile graphics.  The device not only inherently provides rich graphics & media display, it’s also ultra-battery conservative, running at a 9 hour-per-charge through it’s onboard 6-cell LiPolymer battery.

RICH DISPLAY
One of the most beautiful displays available, the Samsung Slider PC 7 sports a 340 nit vivid display unlike virtually any tablet on the market – especially compared to the Apple iPad.  The 1366×768 10.1” touchscreen makes for an eye candy like experience on every use – without killing battery life.

  • CPU: Intel® ATOMTM Oak Trail Z670 @ 1.66GHz
  • Operating System:
    • Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium
    • Samsung Touch Launcher
  • Memory: 2GB DDR2
  • Hard Drive (max): 32GB or 64GB (mSATA SSD)
  • Screen: 10.1-inch touchscreen HD LCD display (340 nit)
  • Resolution: 1366 x 768
  • Graphics: Intel Integrated Graphics
  • Audio Technology: Integrated speaker (0.8W x 2)
  • I/O:
    • USB 2.0
    • 4-in-1 memory card reader
    • HDMI out
  • Webcam: 1.3MP
  • Battery: Lithium Polymer; up to 9 hours; 6-cell
  • Wireless: 802.11b/g/n; WiMax; 3G
  • Dimensions: 10.47 x 6.88 x 0.78 inches (W x D x H)
  • Weight: Starting at 2.18 lbs.
  • $699

Again, the obvious killer features of this model is the availability of the keyboard, the display richness, and the ridiculous battery life, rarely seen on a fully Windows 7 capable system – much less one with a capacitive touch display.

With the rich ecosystem of Windows, and the seamless integration it will have with corporate networks – VPN, Internet Explorer 7/8 compatibility, Antivirus, corporate management/security policy enabled, line-of-business application compatible – folks looking to operate without the availability of AC power are going to seriously want to look at this model.

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Posted by: kurtsh | January 14, 2011

INFO: HP Slate 500: Ultra-portable Tablet PC

HP quietly released the HP Slate 500, an ultraportable Tablet PC targeted specifically toward the Enterprise.  At CES 2011, this device was available at the Intel Tablet kiosk and it was so heavily requested, it ran out of power and had to be taken away to be charged.  I only got one snapshot of it while I was there.

image

Running Windows 7 Professional, this tablet provides full application compatibility for business users on the move while not attempting to replace the user’s production machine.  A companion device, the HP Slate 500 delivers all the capabilities needed as a “creation” device on the road through digital ink/handwriting recognition and on-screen & bluetooth keyboard input.  It’s so small – it’s easy to hold in a single hand without fatigue.

  • Intel Atom Z540 1.86Ghz
  • 2GB DDR2
  • 64GB SSD
  • Front-facing VGA Webcam, back-facing 3Mp cam
  • USB 2.0
  • SDFlash
  • Bluetooth 2.1
  • Rotational accelerometers
  • 8.9” Capacitive Multi-touch display
  • Active Screen Digitizer w/ stylus & palm rejection
  • Portable dock for HDMI out & additional USB 2.0 ports
  • Optional keyboard (available from Amazon at http://amzn.to/ezAGyr)
  • $799

Arguably the ultimate meeting warrior device, the HP Slate 500 allows the worker to take notes using a stylus in virtually every context – over lunch, while drinking coffee, on the golf course, in a meeting room.  It lacks 3G wireless expandability however it has both USB ports for cellular modems OR Bluetooth connectivity for wireless tethering to cellphones for data networking.

This is the device I bought for myself and my wife.

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Posted by: kurtsh | January 14, 2011

INFO: Asus Eee Slate EP121: ‘Desktop’ Tablet PC

At CES 2011, Asus announced the Asus Eee Slate EP121, a Tablet PC that is essentially a Windows desktop replacement.image

So powerful yet so thin, the EP121 has all the horsepower of a traditional production laptop or even desktop, while in the portable form factor of an iPad.  Here’s the stats:

  • Intel Dual Core i5-470um Processor 1.33Ghz
  • 4GB/2GB DDR3 RAM, 64/32GB SSD ($999/$1099)
  • 12.1” Capacitive Multitouch Display
  • Wacom Screen Digitizer & dockable stylus & palm rejection technology
  • 2Mp front-facing Webcam
  • 2 USB 2.0 ports
  • Bluetooth 3.0
  • SDFlash slot
  • 36WH (3-cell) 3.5hr battery
  • Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard

An impressive workhorse machine, the EP121 provides essentially, 100% compatibility with traditional Windows-based business applications such as EPM, ERP, and CRM tools, Outlook / Word / Excel / Powerpoint / OneNote, and Internet/Intranet sites – that may or may not include Adobe Flash.

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Posted by: kurtsh | January 11, 2011

INFO: CES 2011 – A day 3 summary of the South Hall 1, 2, 3, and part of 4

South Hall is the home automation stuff along with computer peripherals and the infamous massage chairs and junk like that.  I spent less time in this hall than Central Hall since Central is where the meat and potatoes are at.

image

  • Keytec MagicTouch. Uses lasers to target enemies on games. Optir touch screen overlays TVs or displays. $500. http://twitpic.com/3o87vl
  • MagicTouch.com for all of Keytec’s products. Laser or touch. Good technology, horrible marketing. http://twitpic.com/3o89iw
  • Sleek Audio. Wow. Custom headsets single/dual driver. 3 swappable bass/treble modules. $80-$275. http://twitpic.com/3o8bro
  • Sleek Audio cont. SaPRO model custom fit/design for your ear. 3wk turnaround. Custom levels for hearing levels. http://twitpic.com/3o8c99
  • Sleek Audio cont. Custom cable for phone microphone avail in 3 months. Optimze speakers and fit, swap cable for the source. COOL!
  • iPONT 3D TV. Without glasses. Concept only. 100% compatible with all 3D content. http://twitpic.com/3o8dsw http://twitpic.com/3o8dzc
  • Video EFx 2D to 3D converter box. Takes live 2D signals, interprets them as 3D. Works but is it worth $399? http://twitpic.com/3o8ews
  • Verizon 4G LTE capable smartphone. "HTC Thunderbolt" w/ DLNA, Mobile Hotspot, Skype, Video calling, Android 2.2. http://twitpic.com/3o8z4e
  • HTC Thunderbolt cont. LED backlight 8GB eMmC, 768MB RAM, 32GM MicSD, Qualcomm MSM8655 1GHZ, CDMA, 1400mAh LiIon, 8Mp cam & 1.3Mp front cam.
  • BTW: HTC Thunderbolt coming in March. No price announced.
  • Blackberry. Big crowd. Guess why? "Playbook". 1st public viewing. http://twitpic.com/3o92kk
  • Blackberry TI OMAP dual core. Very smooth. Only WiFi, no commitment of tethering. (Depending on carriers, swdev) http://twitpic.com/3o930z

image

  • Blackberry Playbook. Based on QNX… not BlackberryOS. No replaceable battery. 3Mp front cam, 5Mp back cam. http://twitpic.com/3o95hf
  • Commentary: No compat w/ existing BB apps, totally new OS w/out dev community, no cellular transceiver, NO INTL RELEASE = Blackberry’s done.
  • Playbook cont. Will have exclusive contract with Sprint. That doesn’t change things tho. Ppl are http://shortText.com/wew51dbq7n
  • Plantronics Voyager PRO UC… Multipoint UC/Desktop & Cell phone headset. PROplus provides A2DP merged stereo. http://twitpic.com/3o9abd

image

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Posted by: kurtsh | January 8, 2011

INFO: CES 2011 – A day 2 summary of the Innovation Showcase &… the other half of Central Hall (without Sony)

This is a summary of what I could get to at the Innovations Showcase (kinda like a best of CES) in Central Hall on Day 2.  I should clarify however… this summary doesn’t include Sony since I didn’t reach it.  I’ll go back tomorrow.

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Posted by: kurtsh | January 8, 2011

INFO: CES 2011– A day 1 summary of half of the Central Hall

I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep this up but here’s a quick summary of what I thought was impressive at CES 2011 today.

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Posted by: kurtsh | December 31, 2010

HOWTO: Instantly kill all instances of Internet Explorer

imageI’m sure this is a pain for a lot of people.  You have one Internet Explorer window that freezes and as a result, every Internet Explorer windows is locked up & not even right mouse click “CLOSE”ing the Internet Explorer windows in the taskbar will allow you to close the offending instance of IE. 

So now you have to go to Task Manager and kill the IEXPLORE.EXE process that is hosing you but this is a hunt-and-pecking game since you don’t know off the cuff what IEXPLORE.EXE instance represents the frozen window, so you end up randomly killing IEXPLORE.EXE processes until things return to normal.  Ugh.

Here’s a quick script to simply kill every IEXPLORE.EXE process running assuming you have administrative privileges.  Note that since you likely have Internet Explorer 8 and that with site recovery turned on, it’s easy to return back to all those site you were visiting previously:

  1. Start a new text file (i.e. run notepad.exe)
  2. Enter the following batch commands:

    @echo off
    taskkill /f /IM iexplore.exe
    start iexplore.exe
    exit

  3. Save the text file as RESTARTIEXPLORE.BAT.  (Note the extension saved is .BAT and not .TXT.  You’ll need to change the “Save as type” to “All Files (*.*)” to modify the extension)

The next time you run into the dreaded, never-ending Internet Explorer freeze, simply double click the .BAT file and BOOM:  Internet Explorer will VERY QUICKLY end & reappear allowing you to return to the sites you were visiting.  I drag & drop this .BAT file into the QuickLinks tray or the START menu.

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Posted by: kurtsh | December 29, 2010

NEWS: HP Envy: Thinner, lighter, faster, brighter than a MacBook Air… now only $999!

Wanna be the envy of your next staff meeting? 

image
[photo taken from Gizmodo’s review of the HP 13” Envy]

If you’re one of those folks that wants a laptop that’s stylishly thin, light, but want all the power of a supportable & manageable Windows 7 laptop with faster system performance & a brighter screen at a cheaper price… look no further than the HP Envy 13”.

Gizmodo did a very thorough evaluation back when the laptop was priced at $1800.  (http://gizmo.do/dW0aHj) It sports system specs as follows:

  • 2.13GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor SL9600
  • ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4330 Graphics
  • 3GB of RAM
  • 4-cell battery (swappable)
  • Beats audio
  • 250GB hard disk drive
  • External Supermulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW optical drive with double layer support
  • Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit.

The following notable results came up in Gizmodo’s review and in virtually every case, the HP Envy came up the victor… except for the original price ($1800), but with the recent price reduction down to $999, that’s clearly been rectified:

  • Size wise, the HP Envy is .2 inches shorter and thinner than the MacBook Air.
  • Display wise, the HP Envy has a gorgeous 1600×900 LED screen that called the “HP Radiance” that apparently blows anything else in this ultraportable category away.  The 410 nit display (a metric for screen brightness) has an 82% color spectrum (gamut) compared to other displays which traditionally are 40%-60%, including the MacBook Air which makes it, per Gizmodo, more “vivid and crisp”.
  • Processor wise, the HP Envy does numerically have a slightly lower frequency CPU sporting an 2.13GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor versus the MacBook Air’s 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, however Gizmodo reported that there was no performance hit in application execution comparisons.  The real performance difference is noticeable when they looked at the two systems in the next category…
  • Graphics wise, the Envy’s GPU (ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4330) outperformed the MacBook Air’s (Nvidia GeForce 9400M) by 40% in standard 3DMark testing; it also outperformed it by over a 30% better gaming frame rate attaining a full 30fps using Crysis as a benchmark versus the MacBook Air which maxed at 22fps.
  • Battery wise, the HP Envy’s 3.5 hr 4-cell battery is adhoc swappable unlike the MacBook Air’s which is screwed into the chassis; for power users, the HP Envy also has a 10-hour 6-cell battery available as a separate accessory.
    (And despite Apple’s claims of 5-hr battery life, the MacBook Air was found to only realistically deliver about 3.5 hrs of usage, per Anandtech’s evaluation)
  • Price wise, the HP Envy is $999 compared to the MacBook Air’s $1200 price tag.

I’ve got an ancient production laptop right now and I fully intend on buying one once I reorganize some finances.  Along with the HP Slate 500 which is delivering in 5 days.  Dammit.  Too much good hardware to procure.

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