Kurt Shintaku's Blog

The screen capture of the WPF application below is pretty much all you need to know.  Graphic.ly is a Windows 7 application that allows you to download digital graphic novels (the grown up word for comics) and view them in all their glory on your desktop, laptop, or touch-enabled Windows tablet.

SELECT & DOWNLOAD FROM THOUSANDS OF TITLES
What makes it special is that it provides you with a rich catalog of comics – including many of those from Marvel for you mainstreamers – that you can purchase for .99- $1.99 each.  Delivery is rapid and you can even collaborate with other readers by leaving behind comments in the comic which get rolled up to Graphic.ly.

(For those of you interested, there’s also a Windows Phone 7 client coming too!)

I’m really impressed with the selection – but I think that has a little to do with the fact that I didn’t expect much.  For example, here’s a few of the titles available:

• Kick Ass
• Daredevil
• Wanted
• Star Trek
• Irredeemable
• Avengers
• Amazing Spiderman
• Astonishing X-Men
• Captain America
• Incognito
• Ironman
• …

WHAT IF I’M CHEAP & I LIKE “FREE”
And yes, there’s lots of free content.  Take “Berserker” for instance:  The person behind is its Milo Ventimiglia, of NBC’s “Heroes” fame.  The series appears to be available entirely for free and the artistry is tremendous… although the story seems a bit dark for my tastes.

NO ADOBE AIR REQUIRED
To be clear – there’s an Adobe Air version of this app.  Adobe Air is a semi-new cross platform application development platform similar to Flash or Silverlight that requires the installation of Adobe Air’s engine in addition to the Graphic.ly applications.

If you have Windows Vista or Windows 7, YOU DO NOT NEED TO INSTALL ADOBE AIR.

Simply download the Windows WPF version of the app, which is not only faster, has less overhead, uses less CPU, memory, and storage, and simply looks great.

• DOWNLOAD: Graphic.ly Graphic Novel Client/Viewer for Windows 7
  http://graphic.ly/win7/setup.exe

The Microsoft Deployment Toolkit team is working on a new solution incorporating Sysinternals Disk2VHD into the desktop migration process: P2V Migration for Software Assurance, and we’d like your feedback on it!

CLARIFICATION: 
The “…for Software Assurance” part of the title is specifically because P2V’ing a Windows desktop & using that virtualized image requires Software Assurance for that license in corporate usage.  To quote the original Connect source mail I got:

“Physical-to-virtual hard drive migration of a Windows installation is a valid operation for customers with Software Assurance and full retail copies of Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. Software Assurance provides users valuable benefits. Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 installed by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) using OEM versions of these products may not be transferred to a virtual hard drive in accordance with Microsoft licensing terms.”

Even the most skilled IT shops, with resources to work through application compatibility challenges, often find a few users blocking roll-outs to entire sites or larger numbers of users due to:

• Compatibility of specialized, region or user-specific applications, browser customizations or USB device drivers.
• Missing installation files or media to install applications or drivers for testing or redelivery.
• Critical users who cannot risk losing any functionality of their current desktop environments and require a working backup before moving to Windows 7.

These types of issues make it difficult to completely replace existing systems with Windows 7 without causing user disruption. Allowing users to retain their current desktop environments while moving to Windows 7 can smooth the transition while mitigating or delaying investments required for making applications and hardware natively compatible with Windows 7. 

P2V Migration for Software Assurance automates the delivery of an updated and personalized Windows 7 operating system while backing up and converting legacy Windows XP or newer desktop and its applications for seamless use within Windows 7.

Key benefits:

• Reduces Windows 7 deployment time, by helping unblock targeted users
• Extends the timeframe to mitigate application compatibility
• Users can access their legacy applications and customized Web browsers

While P2V Migration can help in targeted cases, by design it is not scalable to large percentages of users in an organization. The best practice is to ensure native compatibility with applications, Web sites and hardware devices for Windows 7 and Internet Explorer 8. Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization scales to deliver and manage more compact and standardized Windows XP virtual machines to more users requiring a managed set of Windows XP-dependent applications. P2V Migration is recommended in cases where the user requires specific components from their current PC and those components cannot run in Windows 7 and do not warrant being part of a standardized and managed virtual machine environment for broad use. Licensing for P2V Migration requires that the converted Windows XP desktop and Windows 7 environment were installed by Volume License media and covered by Software Assurance.

Download the beta now. This is your opportunity to have a direct influence on an important new Solution Accelerator from Microsoft. Please submit your feedback through Connect and direct any support questions you may have to satfdbk@microsoft.com. This will help us improve product feature and functions, benefitting your organizations in the future. Your time and assistance is much appreciated.

Join the Beta Program
To participate in P2V Migration for Software Assurance Beta program, download and test the tool in your environment then provide timely feedback and suggestions to our development team. This is an open beta download. If you are not already a member of the MDT Beta Program and would like to join, follow these steps:

1. Go here to join the beta program: http://connect.microsoft.com/site14/InvitationUse.aspx?ProgramID=1646&InvitationID=P2VM-C49K-PQHR. If the link does not work for you, copy and paste it into the Web browser address bar.
2. Sign in using a valid Windows Live ID.
3. Enter your registration information.
4. Continue to the P2V Migration for Software Assurance Beta page.

Already a member of the MDT beta programs? Go here to get the latest beta downloads:
https://connect.microsoft.com/site14/Downloads/DownloadDetails.aspx?DownloadID=30989

One of our MCS deployment guys in the UK – Jonathan Bennett (you may know Jonathan as the author of the autoit tools and GImageX) has developed a tool for configuring Windows 7/Windows Vista/Server 2008 images for use in a VDI environment. The tool called VDI Optimizer outputs a VBScript (based on the selections you make in the GUI interface), which can then be used to apply performance and configuration settings to images that will be deployed via VDI platforms – this is particularly useful if you are using MDT 2010 for your image engineering process as the VBScript can bolted into the task sequence using a Run Command Line task.

You can make machine based selections for turning off services and functions that may not be required when the operating system is running in a VDI environment such as hibernation, system restore, and background defrag, as well as adjusting some user based settings such as visual effects, font smoothing and off-screen composition for Internet Explorer.

The beta of this tool is available from http://www.autoitscript.com/files/tools/VDIOptimizer.zip but please remember The tool is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, confers no rights, and is not supported by the authors or Microsoft Corporation.

This post was contributed by Richard Smith, a Senior Consultant with Microsoft Services UK

Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, confers no rights, and is not supported by the authors or Microsoft Corporation. Use of included script samples are subject to the terms specified in the Terms of Use.

[taken from http://blogs.technet.com/b/deploymentguys/archive/2010/08/31/optimising-windows-7-images-for-use-in-vdi.aspx]

We have posted two new Virtual Labs for you to complete!

• Monitoring SharePoint 2010
• Monitoring Exchange 2010

Learn how to use Operations Manager 2010 to monitor Sharepoint Server 2010 and Exchange Server 2010!

“But we’re not running Sharepoint 2010 or Exchange 2010!”

So? Like you’re not gonna pick some ideas up? This lab is running for a limited time and isn’t going to be available forever so jump on it while it’s there!

————

• TechNet Virtual Lab: Monitoring SharePoint 2010
  The objective of this lab is to provide a basic introduction to using Service Level Monitoring to monitor services provided by SharePoint Server 2010. By the end of this lab you will be better able to create a Service Level Object, generate a Report of SharePoint Services Availability, and configure a Service Level Dashboard.
  https://cmg.vlabcenter.com/default.aspx?moduleid=c4997f2a-30ad-4ce4-8d01-292654af4f36
• TechNet Virtual Lab: Monitoring Exchange 2010
  After completing this lab, you will be better able to create a distributed application model, define a Service Level Objective against an Exchange Server, generate a Service Level Tracking Summary Report, and configure and verify a dashboard.
  https://cmg.vlabcenter.com/default.aspx?moduleid=85b3088b-172e-4c91-9801-3e92169b235b

Woohoo!  The Family Pack… is BACK!

Family Pack Returns in time for the Anniversary of Windows 7

All summer long we’ve given you some great reasons to purchase a new PC and make the move to Windows 7, an operating system loved by a whopping 94% of folks who use it! Here’s one more: starting October 3 in the U.S., Windows 7 Family Pack will be available for purchase at participating retailers and online at the Microsoft Store. Purchasing the Windows 7 Family Pack gives you three upgrade licenses of Windows 7 Home Premium for the low price of $149.99. To take advantage of Family Pack, you’ll need a PC running a genuine copy of either Windows Vista or Windows XP that is capable of running Windows 7. The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor can tell you which features and editions of Windows 7 will run on your computer(s).

For those of you who don’t live in the U.S., Family Pack may be coming your way too. It goes on sale in Canada, UK, Germany, France, Australia and many other markets on or after Oct. 22 (Windows 7’s 1 year anniversary!)

According to IDC’s Consumerscape 360 data, there are 2.1 PCs per household in the U.S., but, as we all know, networking isn’t easy. Windows 7 has built in features – like HomeGroup– that make it easy and quick to get all of your home PCs connected and sharing files, music, photos and printers.

So, don’t delay. The Windows 7 Family Pack will be available soon while supplies last.

[taken from http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/windowsexperience/archive/2010/09/01/family-pack-returns-in-time-for-the-anniversary-of-windows-7.aspx]

The System Center team is pleased to announce the Opalis Community Evaluation Program (CEP).  The goal of this program is to provide customers with a streamlined approach to evaluating Opalis. 

For customers and partners who want to efficiently manage implementation, test scenarios, discover and contribute to Best Practices, the CEP provides a structured approach for connecting with the product group and a community of peers.  Members of the CEP community will be asked to participate through the sharing of learning’s, questions and experiences.

Program Participation

Here’s what you can expect from the program:

From Microsoft

• Provide guided learning activities
• Product installation media and eval licenses
• Ready-built evaluation VHD (Hyper-V)
• Product group access via virtual chalk talks
• CEP community access

From Customers

• Participation in theme activities
• Implementation of products in test environment*
• Sharing of Best Practices
• Review of readiness materials
• Willingness to share experiences

*Please note:  Microsoft will not provide CEP participants with additional support for those wishing to deploy the product in production or upgrade subsequent product releases.  As an in-market product, Opalis is supported through the standard Microsoft support structures.  If customers wish to deploy or upgrade Opalis into production during the CEP, they should feel welcome to do so and are encouraged to share their experiences with the community.

Want to be involved?

Visit the Opalis Microsoft Connect site and fill out the CEP application.**

**All applications received by September 10, 2010, will be informed of their acceptance through receipt of an invitation email to their Windows Live ID account by September 13.  Late applications will be reviewed, but accepted members will be asked to review any missed activities and materials independently.

[taken from http://blogs.technet.com/b/systemcenter/archive/2010/08/28/announcing-the-opalis-customer-evaluation-program.aspx]

The Office 2010 Resource Kit released to the web in a variety of forms:

• Office 2010 Resource Kit
  http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc303401.aspx
• Office 2010 Resource Kit Technical Library in Compiled Help format
  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=e6dcc787-4653-49da-aeef-564a64dd4ac5&displaylang=en
• Downloadable Content from the Office 2010 Resource Kit
  http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc178979.aspx

Everything you need to know about deployment, maintenance, planning, etc. for Office 2010.

I know at least one of you is in full deployment mode around Office 2010.  With that in mind, here are some poignant resources for educating the end user community around how to use Office 2010 relative to the previous Office. (XP?!?  Yecch.)

• Office Desktop Deployment Knowledge Center:
  http://www.microsoft.com/click/deployoffice/train.aspx
• The Enterprise Learning Framework is slated to be updated for Office 2010 by 8/30.
  http://www.microsoft.com/technet/desktopdeployment/
  bdd/elf/Products.aspx
• Office 2010 Ribbon Hero
  http://www.officelabs.com/ribbonhero
• Sharepoint Productivity Hub w/ Expansion for Office 2010 (Intranet-based Training Resources/Tips & Tricks for Office 2010)
  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=277fefca-d62f-41bc-943d-79002254cfee
• Office 2010 Interactive Guide for End Users
  • http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook-help/learn-where-menu-and-toolbar-commands-are-in-office-2010-and-related-products-HA101794130.aspx#_Toc268688374
  • http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/results.aspx?freetext=2010%20Interactive%20menu%20to%20ribbon%20guide&displaylang=en&stype=s%5Fbasic
• Office 2010 Menu-to-Ribbon Reference Workbooks
  http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/CL101817133.aspx?CTT=5
• Office 2010 Training Online (Videos – downloadable w/ Quick Reference Cards)
  • http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/support/training-FX101782702.aspx?CTT=97
  • http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/support/download-office-2010-training-HA101901726.aspx (DOWNLOADABLE VERSION)

NOTE:  Each lesson has its own Silverlight-based video training & Quick Reference Card – for example:  “Word”

• VIDEO: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/acquaint-yourself-with-the-ribbon-RZ101816356.aspx?section=2
• QUICK REFERENCE: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/quick-reference-card-RZ101816356.aspx?section=11&mode=print

• Quick Start Cards & Videos (QuickStart cards are for purchase)
  http://www.brainstorminc.com/landing/product-integration/microsoft/microsoft-office-online-help.aspx
• Office 2010 First Look eBook
  http://blogs.msdn.com/b/microsoft_press/archive/2010/01/20/free-ebook-first-look-microsoft-office-2010.aspx
• Microsoft Office-branded Merchandise
  http://www.co-store.com/iwbrandedmerchandise/

THE TRAINING PACKAGES
There’s a couple packages of content that are designed to be all-inclusive training material packages.  The first item is a 65MB collection of professionally done “leave-behinds”, “quick reference sheets”, etc. … for EVERY Office 2010 product. The second item is targeted at getting the IT dept to better understand Office 2010 and includes evangelism materials like posters, placards, email templates, etc.

• Office 2010 End User Resources (65MB – Word DOCX format)
  End user resources that can help learn Office 2010 products.  Documents related Office 2010, including an overview, product guide, getting started, and new features.
  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=9c45bba7-c08e-416c-8dcf-3a1b14bf1750
  (There is also a PDF version of these documents if you prefer for sending to external parties to reproduce professionally however they are not editable private use purposes i.e. you can’t personalize the docs & put your company’s logo into any of them or make them unique to the business.)
• Office 2010 IT Professional User Readiness Resources (40MB – Mixture of PDFs, .DOCX files, EMLs, etc.)
  Readiness materials that help prepare the business for the deployment of Office 2010. Help get users in your company excited about Office 2010. Use these posters, flyers, and weekly e-mail templates to get people excited.
  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=730978c2-432e-4496-a40e-59bd6ab1a37d

MSDN events presents:  Entity Framework 4
You are not going to want to miss this half-day event where Rob Bagby will be illustrating how to take advantage of the Entity Framework 4 in your applications.  The event will be split across 3 sections and will be demo-driven.

Part I: Modeling, Mapping and Relationships
In part I, Rob will start with an overview of Entity Framework 4.  He will then delve into modeling and mapping with the EF.  He will cover how you can create a “conceptual” or “application-centric” model within the framework to meet the needs of your application.  He will also cover relationships in the Entity Framework, including the new Foreign Key relationships in Entity Framework 4.

Part II: Querying the Model
In part II, Rob will provide an overview of your querying options in the Entity Framework.  He will discuss your querying options in Entity Framework 4, including the following:

• Entity SQL – What, how and why you might choose to use it
• Query Builder Methods – What they are
• LINQ to Entities – LINQ to Entities Overview; Method-Based Syntax vs. Query-Based Syntax
• Stored Procedures – Read and Write
• Views, Defining Queries – Composable items

Part III: Updating the model and Real-world functionality (given time)
In Part III, Rob will discuss working with Object Services to track changes and perform persistence.  This section will include a discussion of the new templates in Entity Framework 4 aimed at working in disconnected environments: the POCO template and the Self-Tracking Entities template.  Given time, Rob will illustrate how the EF supports functionality that real-world applications require such as concurrency, validation and transactions.

Date/Time:
Tuesday, September 21, 2010 1:00 PM – Tuesday, September 21, 2010 5:00 PM
Welcome Time: 12:30 PM

Location:
Microsoft Los Angeles Office 
333 S Grand Ave Suite 3300
Los Angeles California 90071

Parking in Los Angeles:
Parking will not be hosted for this event. Discounted parking is available at Joe’s Auto Parks (Lots 220 and 240) located on the corner of Hope and Gen Thaddeus Kosciuszko Way (lot address: 220 S. Hope Los Angeles CA 90071). Fees are $12.00 (cash only) for the full day.

Please note that Joe’s Auto Park is an unaffiliated, independent vendor and that Microsoft is in no way liable for any negligence or any damage that may be incurred by attendees who utilize this parking facility.

Registration:
If you are a customer of mine, please contact me for registration details.

Can We Bust This Myth? “It’s impossible to upgrade a Windows XP computer to Windows 7”
In this fun and interactive session we’ll look at different ways to move your Windows XP machine to Windows 7, keeping user data and settings in place, and ensuring the required applications are installed in the process.  We’ll look at the different methods available to help with this daunting task.  Will the MYTH be busted?  Can it be done in under 75 minutes?  Of course it can, that’s why we’re having this session!

Automate your Windows 7 deployment using the MDT 2010
You don’t just have a handful of machines to deploy, you have hundreds.  And, you want to be able to automate your Windows 7 deployment.  The Microsoft Deployment Toolkit offers a configuration database that allows methodological automation of deployment configurations based on a number of criteria, allowing you to configure the automatic assignment of properties based on the target computer location, make and model, and computer values. You can also assign Roles to those methods that contain further configurations.  In this session we’ll take a deeper look that how we can use this capability in the MDT 2010 and simplify your organizations deployments.

Date/Time:
Tuesday, September 21, 2010 8:00 AM – Tuesday, September 21, 2010 12:00 PM
Welcome Time: 7:30 AM

Location:
Microsoft Los Angeles Office 
333 S Grand Ave Suite 3300
Los Angeles California 90071

Registration:
Please contact me if you are a customer for registration details.