Kurt Shintaku's Blog

SmartJournal archives your Windows Mobile cell phone’s call history—including incoming, outgoing, and missed calls—with Outlook’s Journal, a lesser-known feature of the popular email client.

After you’ve installed SmartJournal (which is in German—though that shouldn’t affect any operation, since its actions are all behind the scenes), the program runs alongside ActiveSync and writes the phone number, the type of call (incoming, outgoing, missed), date, duration, and name of contact (when available) to the Outlook Journal.

SmartJournal is freeware, Windows only, requires a Windows Mobile phone.

DOWNLOAD:  http://maniac.fschreiner.de/component/option,com_docman/task,cat_view/gid,6/Itemid,3/

(taken from LifeHacker – http://lifehacker.com/software/featured-windows-download/archive-all-your-cell-phone-calls-with-smartjournal-313834.php)

This is so awesome it’s sick.  The best next generation console on the market for only $279, and it comes with 5 hit Xbox Live Arcade games out of the box:

Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) is now Microsoft Deployment!

We are pleased to announce the RC1 release and new name for the fourth generation deployment Solution Accelerator, Microsoft Deployment.  The current generation of automated deployment tools from Microsoft is increasingly unified; the same tools, utilities and products in many cases offer support and functionality for desktop and server deployment tasks. Following the trend of unified tools, the Business Desktop Deployment team has incorporated new functionality and guidance to support automated server deployment in addition to desktop deployment capabilities. This expanded feature set, with its guidance and ability to automate installation of Windows client and server operating systems – as well as applications – has effectively outgrown the current name, Business Desktop Deployment. Previous Beta releases have been using the code name “Deployment 4” to refer to Microsoft Deployment before the name was finalized.

Microsoft Deployment is the next version of Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) 2007. It unifies the tools and processes required for desktop and server deployment into a common deployment console and collection of guidance. Microsoft Deployment adds integration with current Microsoft deployment technologies – System Center Configuration Manager 2007, Windows Deployment Services, and the Windows Automated Installation Kit – to  create a single path for image creation and automated installation. Microsoft Deployment adds integration with recently released Microsoft deployment technologies to create a single path for image creation and deployment, including:

• System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Operating System Deployment
• Windows Automated Installation Kit
• Windows Deployment Services with new multicast technology
• Application Compatibility Toolkit 5.0
• User State Migration Tool 3.0.1
• 2007 Office system
• Windows Server 2008 Server Manager for automated server role definition

Enhanced Program on Microsoft Connect

This release candidate also offers an enhanced Microsoft Connect portal including technical frequently asked questions, deployment tips and tricks, a recommended 10-step program for new users to quickly get acquainted with deployment accelerators, customer-ready Solution Accelerator informational materials, and deployment-related conference presentations.

Accelerator Description

Microsoft Deployment combines the guidance and toolset from previous releases of Business Desktop Deployment and Beta releases of Windows Server Deployment. This release continues to support Zero Touch Installation (ZTI) of desktop operating systems using Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003 with the Operating System Deployment Feature Pack and adds new deployment and task sequencing capabilities for desktops and servers using System Center Configuration Manager 2007. Microsoft Deployment also continues to provide Lite Touch Installation (LTI) support without infrastructure requirements and adds capabilities for Windows Server 2003 and pre-release versions of Windows Server 2008.

New Features in Microsoft Deployment

Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 support, with the following features:

• Full support for Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 deployments with Microsoft Deployment and Configuration Manager 2007.
• Complete integration into the Configuration Manager 2007 admin console and task sequencing capabilities.
  o Quick start Configuration Manager 2007 operating system deployments using one wizard to create needed task sequences and packages.
  o Extension of the Configuration Manager 2007 task sequencing capabilities with new actions.
• Feature parity with BDD 2007 and SMS 2003, including dynamic package installation, automatic determination of state store location, computer backup, and database settings.
• Installation support for computers unknown to the Configuration Manager 2007 database
• Added support for offline patching
• Support for offline and online language pack installation
• Deployment monitoring:
  o Updated Management Pack for System Center Operations Manager 2007

Lite Touch Installation (LTI) support for Windows Server 2008:

• Support for deploying Windows Server 2008 Beta 3 and potentially RC1 (to be verified after RC1 release), including support for Server Core installation options. 
• Automated server role definition using Server Manager

Lite Touch Installation (LTI) enhancements:

• Enhanced disk and network interface cards (NICs) configuration options, including support for static TCP/IP configuration.
• Design changes to ease the migration from LTI to Configuration Manager 2007.
• Support for multiple task sequence templates. New sample templates include:
  o Client template: Windows Vista, Windows XP
  o Server template: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008
  o Replace scenario template
• Ability to invoke web service calls
  o Support for web service calls from rules
  o Web services can be invoked as part of the rules processing performed by Microsoft Deployment, using new rules that can be defined in CustomSettings.ini.
• Support for BDD 2007 upgrade or side-by-side installation with Microsoft Deployment.

Lite Touch Installation (LTI) multicast support:

• Deployment Workbench supports multicast transmission of operating system images when performing LTI deployments from Windows Server 2008 servers that are running Windows Deployment Services.

Where to Find Microsoft Deployment

Microsoft Deployment is available as an open beta download.

Join the Microsoft Deployment Connection program on Microsoft Connect.

If you are already registered for the program, click here.

If you have not previously registered with Microsoft Connect, you might be required to register before you continue with the invitation process.

Related Resources

Desktop Deployment Center on Microsoft TechNet

System Center Configuration Manager on Microsoft TechNet

System Center Configuration Manager evaluation software on Microsoft TechNet

Windows Server 2008 on Microsoft TechNet

Please send your comments and feedback to satfdbk@microsoft.com.

HYPE
Talk about commoditized parallel computing. See attached document detailing the usage of GPU to “crack” NTLM password hashes in a SAM database.

Elcomsoft turns your PC into a password cracking supercomputer
You know all that talk about GPUs being the new CPUs? Well it’s not just a lot of hot, ventilated air. Thanks in large part to the launch of development kits like nVidia’s CUDA, Russian outfit Elcomsoft has just filed for a US patent which leverages GPUs to crack passwords. Their approach harnesses the massively parallel processing capabilities of modern graphics cards to make minced-meat of corporate-strength password protection. An NTLM-hashed Microsoft Vista password, for example, can now be cracked in 3 to 5 days (instead of two months) using a simple, off-the-shelf, $150 graphics card — less complicated passwords can take just minutes…
…
http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/24/elcomsoft-turns-your-pc-into-a-password-cracking-supercomputer/

REALITY CHECK
Before everyone starts screaming that the sky is falling, there’s numerous reasons why while this might be fascinating, it doesn’t impact most people in the corporate world.

1. DOESN’T APPLY TO DOMAIN ACCOUNTS
   If your machine belongs to an Active Directory domain, and you’re using your machine with a domain user account, this isn’t usable against your account.  Your domain credentials do not have stored password hashes in the SAM but rather used a cached credential verifiers from your domain authentication that is not applicable to the brute force hash hacking techniques applied above. 

   This technology only works if the person running this password recovery tool is trying to get at a local machine account like the Local Administrator account.  This account will not have access to EFS encrypted documents, not will it compromise your domain account on the network.

2. REQUIRES PHYSICAL ACCESS TO THE MACHINE
   In order to use this tool, you need to provide direct access to the SAM database file, which implies that you have physical possession of the machine in question with access to the system either by removing the hard drive or by booting up the computer in another operating system via USB Boot key or via CDROM.  If all of these scenarios are prevented, this tool is not usable.
3. NOT USABLE AGAINST BITLOCKER ENABLED HARD DRIVES
   The technology implies that no user is using volume-level encryption.  Bitlocker within Windows Vista encrypts the disc top to bottom and is unlocked at boot through the usage of a USB key or the TPM chip onboard the computer.

Having problems installing the Windows Vista Ultimate language packs?

The problem of not being able to install Language Packs in Windows Vista Ultimate results in “Error 2” at the conclusion of an attempted installation. There’s a new Language Pack installer for Windows Vista Ultimate that fixes this problem. I know I had the problem and this installer fixes it. This is not a Windows Update patch that’s available even though the Language Packs are.

Installation of Windows Vista language pack from Windows Update fails
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/942903

Update for Windows Vista (KB942903)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=F0BE8280-505F-415D-AF32-D0BBEF870A2A&displaylang=en

Looking for a cool way to be more productive on a daily basis?  Download the new Office system Tips & Tricks Windows Vista sidebar gadget from the Windows Live Gallery today.   By clicking on the gadget itself this convenient new tool delivers a new Office system productivity tip seven days a week, 365 Days a year!    

Want to really take your productivity to the next level?   You can also click on the Tips & Tricks logo in the top right corner of the gadget and you will visit our website loaded with in-depth timesaving resources like webcasts, podcasts and more!

Click here to download now. 

Are you an outstanding software engineer?  Do you work well in close quarters with others?  Are looking for a position in a very dynamic workplace, with great benefits in a great location?

Well, we just opened a new office…

Microsoft hopes to tap local talent
The software center in Honolulu is small and ‘unique’
http://starbulletin.com/2007/09/01/news/story03.html

<taken from the LiveSearch blog>

On Monday we announced a new service that brings the power of local search to any phone-and lets you access it just by speaking. 

Think about all the times you need to find quick local information: you’re driving home from work and need make reservations at your favorite restaurant.  Or maybe you’re already downtown, and want to get movie times for theaters nearby along with a map and directions. Or perhaps you’re traveling and want to call the car rental agency to avoid the lines at the airport counter. 

Live Search 411 enables you to do this for free, from any phone in the US.  Just call 1-800-CALL-411 (1-800-225-5411) and say where you are and what you’re looking for.  You can also get text messages, maps, traffic maps, and text-based driving directions sent to your mobile phone (with a service plan that supports text messages or data access, of course!).

We’ve built this system in cooperation with Tellme, which we acquired in March of this year.  Tellme has been a leader in voice technology since 1999.  We’re excited about the voice experience and attention to detail they bring to this new service.

We’ve built Live Search 411 to go beyond just finding business information.  Because our goal is to help you complete your task, we’ve included features like:

• Connect to any business listing you find-for free
• Receive SMS links to maps, driving directions and traffic conditions (just say "text me the info")
• Get movie showtimes and even buy tickets over the phone (via our partnership with Fandango)
• Share text messages of business details with friends so they can easily meet you there
• Hear the current weather conditions and the forecast
• Quickly access travel resources like airlines, hotels, and rental cars
• Remember your personalized locations for movie theaters, weather and traffic, and your preferences for receiving text messages.

Try it now
The best way to learn more is to try the service now at 1-800-CALL-411.  These audio demos also give you a taste of what to expect:

• Ice cream search
• Movie showtimes and tickets
• Share listing with friend

More info is also on our website. (http://www.livesearch411.com)

Our local Desktop Deployment Specialist wrote up a list of resources that customers can take advantage of in order to learn how to deploy Windows Vista using Windows Imaging technologies and the Desktop Deployment solutions we’ve made available to automate provisioning, configuration, and imaging such as the Business Desktop Deployment Workbench.

Windows Vista Virtual Lab Express

• Windows Vista Virtual Lab Express: Windows System Image Manager Overview

Windows Vista Virtual Labs

• Deploying Microsoft Windows Vista Operating System Images Using SMS 2003
• Automating Windows Vista Installation with Windows System Image Manager Virtual Lab
• Windows Vista: Offline Servicing of Windows Images Using ImageX and PkgMgr
• Windows Vista: Application Compatibility Toolkit 5.0

Vista Deployment On-Demand Webcasts

• TechNet Webcast: Accelerate Desktop Deployment with the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (Level 200)
• TechNet Webcast: Application Compatibility Considerations with Windows Vista (Level 200)
• TechNet Webcast: Building a Windows Vista Image for Your Corporate Deployment (Level 200)
• TechNet Webcast: Business Desktop Deployment for Windows Vista Using Lite Touch Installation (Level 300)
• TechNet Webcast: Business Desktop Deployment Workbench in Windows Vista (Level 300)
• TechNet Webcast: Deploying Microsoft Windows Vista and the 2007 Office System Using Business Desktop Deployment 2007 (Level 200)
• TechNet Webcast: Deploying Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office System Using BDD 2007 (Level 300)
• TechNet Webcast: Deploying Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office System with Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) Vista (Part 1) (Level 300)
• TechNet Webcast: Deploying Windows Vista and the 2007 Office System Using Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) 2007 (Level 200)
• TechNet Webcast: Deploying Windows Vista Clients with Systems Management Server 2003 (Level 300)
• TechNet Webcast: Deploying Windows Vista Using Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) 2007 (Level 200)
• TechNet Webcast: How Microsoft IT Deployed Windows Vista (Level 300)
• TechNet Webcast: Imaging Windows Vista (Level 200)
• TechNet Webcast: Overview of Windows Deployment Services (Level 200)
• TechNet Webcast: Tools and Techniques for Managing a Windows Vista Desktop Deployment (Level 200)
• TechNet Webcast: Using Windows Vista Hardware Assessment to Determine the Capabilities of Your Organization’s Computer Hardware (Level 200)
• TechNet Webcast: What You Need to Know About Deploying Windows Vista (Level 200)
• TechNet Webcast: Windows Deployment Services Overview (Level 200)
• TechNet Webcast: Windows Deployment Services: Setup and Deployment (Level 200)
• TechNet Webcast: Windows Preinstallation Environment 2.0 for Windows Vista Deployment (Level 200)
• TechNet Webcast: Windows Vista Deployment Overview (Level 200)
• TechNet Webcast: Windows Vista Deployment Tools and Technologies (Level 200)

In addition Enterprise Agreement customers may have as many as 10 days of Desktop Deployment Planning Services (DDPS) as part of their Software Assurance benefits .  This would allow MCS or a partner to come in and perform a customized training/consulting session for you on BDD 2007. 

For details please see the below link:

• http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/sa/benefits/deployment.mspx

UPDATE: (10/19/07)
Another one of my coworkers has commented that all of our evaluation product versions are switching to this “eval-to-production code with only a volume-license key change” model.  On top of that, they are also very actively working on getting this released eval/production software out as as pre-configured VHD format (that is sysprep-ed and ready to go)

How cool is that?

———————–
ORIGINAL POST: (10/19/07)

For those of you with Enterprise Agreements or Select looking at upgrading to the new System Center Configuration Manager 2007, one of my coworkers, just passed this info down to me:

• SCCM 07 bits will be uploaded on MVLS site on Nov 1^st.
• SCCM 07 RTM evaluation bits can easily become production by entering a volume license activation key.