The Road to Know Where: Training / Education

Sep 26th Support WebCast: Microsoft Office 2003 Service Pack 3

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 03:22:24 GMT

Doug Jessen from the Microsoft Office Support Team will be hosting a Support WebCast on Wednesday, September 26, 2007: 10:00 AM Pacific time.

This Support WebCast will address the following topics about Office 2003 Service Pack 3:

What is in Microsoft Office 2003 Service Pack 3 (SP3)
System requirements for SP3
Improvements for Microsoft Office 2003 programs
Installation and delivery methods
Deployment best practices
Known issues with SP3

--> Register Online Here

NOTE: Virtual seating for this event will open 30 minutes before the scheduled broadcast time.

Microsoft Announces "Beginner Developer Learning Center"

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 13:04:53 GMT

Beginner Developer Learning Center is specifically targeted to beginning programmers (No experience or programming knowledge required).

All lessons are organized into two development tracks:

Web Development for those interested in creating dynamic web sites, or building online applications and services.
Windows Development teaches customizing the desktop with cool utilities and building fun Windows applications and PC games.

There's even a special Kid's Corner section for parents, teachers and (of course) kids!

Hacker High School: Security Awareness for Students

Thu, 08 Feb 2007 04:14:17 GMT

The Hacker Highschool project is the development of license-free, security and privacy awareness teaching materials and back-end support for teachers of elementary, junior high, and high school students.

Today's kids and teens are in a world with major communication and productivity channels open to them and they don't have the knowledge to defend themselves against the fraud, identity theft, privacy leaks and other attacks made against them just for using the Internet. This is the reason for Hacker Highschool.

In HHS, you will find lessons on utilizing Internet resources safely such as web privacy, chat protection, viruses and trojans (malware), and the over-all focus on how to recognize security problems on your computer. All lessons work with a free "live linux" CD which will boot off any PC with a CD-rom drive to perform the lessons. HHS is a great supplement to student course work or as part of after-school and club activities.

LESSON PLAN

Lesson 01 - Being a Hacker

Lesson 02 - Windows and Linux

Lesson 03 - Ports and Protocols

Lesson 04 - Services and Connections

Lesson 05 - System Identification

Lesson 06 - Malware (Viruses, Trojans, etc.)

Lesson 07 - Attack Analysis

Lesson 08 - Digital Forensics

Lesson 09 - E-mail Security and Privacy

Lesson 10 - Web Security and Privacy

Lesson 11 - Passwords

Lesson 12 - Internet Legalities and Ethics

Thanks Alfred!

Five Free Microsoft Expressions Web Tutorials

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 15:00:30 GMT

Introduction to Microsoft Expression Web "A 5 part, beginner level, free video tutorial series intended for people who are new to web programming or are looking to have Microsoft Expression Web handle the HTML and CSS coding for them. In this series we will use Expression Web to build a one page website for Core Snowboards."

Laying a Foundation (19:27) you will get accustomed to Microsoft Expression Web and begin by laying the foundation for a CSS based website. This video tutorial will help you understand DIVs and Layers as Microsoft Expression Web treats them.
Understanding CSS (15:30) introduces you to formatting your site using CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) and how Microsoft Expression Web can handle creating CSS for you.
Bringing in the Content (29:39) focuses on bringing in the content for a the website, and understanding more layout techniques commonly used on CSS based websites.
Formatting and Styling (35:32) using Microsoft Expression Web to apply CSS styles to our text. This video tutorial will finish off the web page visually.
Cleaning-Up and Getting Online (10:14) final touches, and how to use Microswoft Expression Web's reporting tools, to check your site for errors before putting it online. In the final step, we'll actually set up an FTP connection and upload the site.

Thanks Leon

Microsoft Releases Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) Technical Resources

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 05:26:56 GMT

Microsoft Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) Technical Resources:

Introduction to Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) provides a foundation of Internet standards-based IPv6 concepts and is intended for network engineers and support professionals who are already familiar with basic networking concepts and TCP/IP.
Updates to Understanding IPv6 contains updates to the Microsoft Press book titled "Understanding IPv6," by Joseph Davies (Amazon ISBN 0-7356-1245-5) for changes in Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) standards and their implementation in Microsoft Windows XP and the Windows Server 2003 family.
IPv6 Transition Technologies describes IPv6 transition technologies and how these technologies are supported by the IPv6 protocol for the Windows Server 2003 family, and Windows XP. This is intended for network engineers and support professionals who are already familiar with basic networking concepts, TCP/IP, and IPv6. This article contains sections on transition mechanisms, tunneling configurations, ISATAP, 6to4, Teredo, PortProxy, and migrating to IPv6.
Understanding Mobile Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) allows an IPv6 node to be mobile—to arbitrarily change its location on the IPv6 Internet—and still maintain existing connections. Connection maintenance for mobile nodes is not done by modifying connection-oriented protocols such as TCP, but by handling the change of addresses at the Internet layer using Mobile IPv6 messages and options and processes that ensure the correct delivery of data regardless of the mobile node's location.

MORE INFORMATION:

THE BASICS: TCP/IP Fundamentals for Microsoft Windows is a structured, introductory approach to the basic concepts and principles of the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocol suite, how the most important protocols function, and their basic configuration in the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP operating systems. This is a discussion of concepts and principles to lay a conceptual foundation for the TCP/IP protocol suite and provides an integrated discussion of both Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) and Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6).

Microsoft IPv6 Website

Microsoft Launches Trial Office 2007 Podcasts

Mon, 15 Jan 2007 04:57:03 GMT

The Office Online Team has announced -- Podcasts from Office Online

"It's a trial project running only in the US for the next three months. If folks take to them, then we will expand the project and clean it up a bit. For now, the process of getting these audio gems from us to your portable audio device of choice is a little cumbersome, and we are not offering an RSS feed to receive them. Of particular interest are Shawn Murray's series of 'Prodcasts' (great name!), where Shawn interviews a host of folks about Office 2007."

--> Click Here to Listen to Office 2007 Podcasts <--

Try Virtualized Microsoft Server Software for Free

Sun, 12 Nov 2006 20:52:12 GMT

Microsoft continues to provide IT Professionals methods to evaluate their software for free! In addition to free TechNet Virtual Lab Versions of:

Virtual Lab: Windows Server 2003
Virtual Lab: SQL Server 2005
Virtual Lab: Exchange Server
Virtual Lab: ISA Server

Well now you can download and test Microsoft Server technologies using their free virtualization software (PC & Server)

You simply mount these preloaded virtual image files (.VHD) -- and you'll be test driving powerful Microsoft Server software on your own computer, with or without a Server!

Exchange Server 2007 VHD This download enables you evaluate how Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 and Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005 together can help create an optimized messaging system for your organization. Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 is designed to reduce the growing cost and complexity of managing a corporate messaging system by providing more control for IT administrators, more value and expanded inbox access for end users, and increased security and compliance for the organization as a whole. (Support Documents: FAQ & Help)

SQL Server 2005 VHD This download helps you discover some of the new features and functionality in SQL Server 2005, the next-generation data management and analysis solution from Microsoft. SQL Server 2005 provides benefits across your organization in three key areas:

Enterprise data management
Developer productivity
Business intelligence

Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2006 VHD This download helps you test and evaluate how ISA Server 2006 can help you with your concerns about the security, performance, manageability, or reduced cost of network operations. ISA Server 2006 is an integrated edge security gateway that helps protect your IT environment from Internet-based threats while providing your users fast and secure remote access to applications and data. ISA Server 2006 can help you securely publish content for remote access, Connect and secure branch offices, and defend against external and internal web-based threats. (Support: Evaluation Guide & Walkthroughs & ISA Best Practices Analyzer Tool)

Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition VHD This download helps you evaluate the new features of Windows Server 2003 R2, the most productive infrastructure platform for powering connected applications, networks, and Web services from the workgroup to the data center. Windows Server 2003 R2 simplifies branch server management, improves identity and access management, reduces storage management costs, provides a rich Web platform.

FREE Microsoft Launch Event: Office 2007, Windows Vista & Exchange Server 2007

Sun, 12 Nov 2006 02:39:20 GMT

Join Microsoft as they launch their newest offerings for (EVO) Exchange Server 2007, Windows Vista, and Microsoft Office 2007. Be among the first to learn about the latest in Microsoft solutions, by attending launch events in major cities across the United States.

These should be very informative, and a great deal of fun - so sign-up now! I look forward to seeing you in Los Angeles! (^_^)

--> Sign-Up For the Free Microsoft EVO Launch Event Here <--

Planning for Windows 2003 Server Active Directory Forest Recovery

Fri, 20 Oct 2006 14:00:11 GMT

Planning for Windows 2003 Server Active Directory Forest Recovery - This whitepaper is a best-practice recommendation for recovering an Active Directory directory service forest, if forest-wide failure has rendered all domain controllers in the forest incapable of functioning normally." Be prepared! (^_^)

Microsoft "The Voice of Support" PodCasts

Wed, 13 Sep 2006 18:53:49 GMT

Microsoft "The Voice of Support" PodCasts - From support professionals, to MVPs, to Microsoft's own online internal support content team, tune in to "The Voice of Support" for timely, informative conversations about how to support Microsoft products.

Show 001: The Introduction - Jen Hough and Otto Cate from Global Service Automation (the team behind Microsoft's Support) cover their ideas and concepts around what type of content to expect from this new communication medium.

Show 002: Search @ support.microsoft.com - Ken Crawbuck and Beth Phillips from Global Service Automation (the team behind Microsoft's Support) cover Search on the Support site - info on usage, tips and tricks, some background on algorithms, as well as what to expect in future versions of search, which are making their way to the Support site very soon.

Show 003: Project & Sharepoint usage - We travelled to the Charlotte, NC support site to sit down and talk about Project Server and Sharepoint with Ben Reich, a producer here in Global Service Automation Content Delivery. Ben has been involved with many different sides of the content business, including work with our live support sites, the Microsoft Support WebCast program, MVP’s, and most recently managing internal operational efficiency tools projects.

Show 004: Support Channels @ Xbox.com - We travelled to the Millenium building to sit down and talk about Xbox.com with Peter Orullian, the Site Manager of Xbox.com, and Patrick King, the Writing Lead for Xbox User Assistance. This is Part 1 of a several part series where we will focus on the world of Xbox and Xbox 360.

Show 005: Support for Xbox Games and Xbox Live - We sat down with Steve Kastner, Support Program Manager for Xbox Games and Scott Hirnle, Support Program Manager for Xbox Live. This is Part 2 of a several part series where we will focus on the world of Xbox and Xbox 360.

Show 006: Security Support @ Microsoft - We sat down with Eddie Bowers, a Security Support Engineer in the Las Colinas, TX office at Microsoft. He talks about his day-to-day activities, information on recent security bulletins, and a beloved childhood toy - the Viewmaster!

Contact "Ask for it" and let them know what you think!

How To YouTube with Microsoft's Windows Movie Maker

Sun, 27 Aug 2006 01:13:44 GMT

A quick YouTube video, explaining how to make a quick YouTube video using Windows Movie Maker, using Windows Movie Maker.

NOTE: Ignore that the video uses the Spanish version of the software -- the training is in English and easy to follow.

--> Watch the How To YouTube Video Here <--

--> Download Windows Movie Maker Here <--

Additional Windows Movie Maker Resources:

Winter Fun Packs: 2002 & 2003

Creative Fun Packs: Audio, Titles, & Custom Effects and Transitions

Tip Talk (Support) Blog Posting

Windows Movie Maker Home Page

Thanks Alex!

Microsoft Announces "StaySafe" Safety Website

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 19:13:35 GMT

Microsoft and Partners announced today their co-developed StaySafe.Org safety website. Additionally, StaySafe will be visiting the Los Angeles area on November 14, 15 & 16 (other cities and dates available)

STAY-SAFE RESOURCES

Kids - Safety Games, Virtual Community & Interactive Activities
Teens -

What's Hot - This is where you will find the latest issues affecting you and your friends in the Cyber World. The Internet, just like staysafe.org, changes everyday and you can't afford to be left behind. Stay up to date with the latest information, problems, and solutions - get your 411 right here on staysafe.org.
Give & Take is a series of articles that seeks to examine an issue from multiple different points of view. Nothing in life is ever black and white and neither is the online world. Take a moment and examine the issue whether you are a teen, parent, or teacher and examine a different point of view.
The 411 - The Internet is great. You can use it to keep up with your friends and family, share pictures and video almost instantly around the world, find music, movies and funny stuff, to learn about things you want to buy, places you want to go and, occasionally, for homework.
At the same time, the Internet is a mirror image of our community. And in this case the community is really big, not just your neighborhood. But not everything out there is good and some of it is just plain bad. There are several things that you should know about.

Student Spotlight - Think you can't make a difference?? Think again! Every day, students across the country are changing their school, their community, and themselves by helping others learn about Internet safety. Got an idea?? Make it happen. Let us know, and you too can take over the student spotlight.

Parents - The Internet has evolved and is now commonly referred to as Web 2.0. Kids and teens are now accessing the Internet and pulling multimedia from multiple devices and from multiple locations - using it to network, gossip, and keep in touch. Unfortunately, Web 2.0 is also being used to spread malware, bully, and groom kids for predators.
50 + Seniors online now represent a significant portion of the population. Seniors need to be aware of the same issues that affect Internet users: scams, fraud, and malware. Take some simple precautions to ensure a safe and fun Internet experience.

Toolbox

Keep Up-To-Date - Give your computer the workout it needs. Take a few routine steps to optimize performance while avoiding data loss, new viruses, and other potential risks.
Defend Yourself - Anti-virus and spyware protection, firewalls and other online threats. Take an in-depth look at minimizing the risks of your online experience.
Use Parental Controls - Kids love to surf the net, visit chat rooms and use instant messaging. Find tips to keep your kids safe while visiting the World Wide Web.
Backup Your Files - There are lots of ways you can lose information on a computer. You can protect your files - and yourself - by regularly making backup copies and storing them in a separate place.
Block Unwanted Email and Instant Messages - Learn how to keep your instant messaging and e-mail safe and spim/spam-free.
Protect Your Wireless Network Use these simple tips to keep your wireless network safe from “accidental guests” and malicious intruders.

THE ROAD TO KNOW WHERE RESOURCES

Microsoft Office 2007 Developer ScreenCasts

Mon, 24 Jul 2006 05:56:35 GMT

The Microsoft Office System Developers Conference 2006 featured many breakout sessions organized into technical tracks.

"How Do I?" Developer-oriented videos demonstrating the new features in Office 2007.

Building ASP.NET Web Parts for Windows SharePoint Services 3.0

Creating and Customizing Site Pages with SharePoint Designer 2007

Creating and Testing Features with Windows SharePoint Services 3.0

Creating and Using Content Types in Windows SharePoint Services 3.0

Creating and Using Event Handlers in Windows SharePoint Services 3.0

Creating and Using Site Columns in Windows SharePoint Services 3.0

Creating and Customizing Document Information Panels with InfoPath 2007

Creating Custom Workflows with SharePoint Designer 2007

Custom Task Panes in Microsoft Visual Studio Tools for Office "v3" June CTP

Customizing the Ribbon with Microsoft Visual Studio Tools for Office "v3" June CTP

Extending the Office 2007 User Interface with a Custom Ribbon

Extending the Office 2007 User Interface with a Custom Task Pane

Getting Up and Running with Excel Services

Generating Office Documents using Office Open XML File Formats

Enterprise Project Management - In this track, Project 2007 introduces a new, rich server-based interface built upon the common Windows SharePoint Services platform.

PJ301 - Building Project Server 2007 Reporting Applications

PJ302 - Programming with Project Server 2007

PJ303 - Project Server 2007: Architecture Overview

PJ304 - Project Server 2007: Adding Project Management Smarts to Your Applications by using Project Server

Client Development - In this track, you'll learn how the 2007 Office System client programs allow developers to create more powerful and integrated solutions using new infrastructure capabilities and features, such as managed add-ins, application task panes and new task-oriented user interface.

CD201 - Information Protection Overview

CD211 - Access 2007: Rich Client Solutions

CD212 - Access 2007: A Rich Client for Windows SharePoint Services V3

CD303 - The New Microsoft Office System: Developer Model for the New User Interface

CD304 - Word 2007 Structured Solution Authoring: Rich User Interface and Robust Editing Behavior

CD305 - Word 2007 XML Programmability: Data/View Separation and Rich Eventing for Custom XML Solutions

CD307 - Outlook 2007: Developing Solutions Using the Consolidated Outlook Object Model

CD308 - Visual Studio 2005 Tools for Office Technical Preview for the 2007 Office System: Overview and Application-Level Add-ins

CD309 - Visual Studio 2005 Tools for Office Technical Preview for the 2007 Office System: XML File Formats and Document-Level Customizations

CD310 - OneNote 2007: Introducing OneNote Programmability and How To Develop Solutions and Extensions

CD401 - Visual Studio 2005 Tools for Office: Creating a Multi-Tier Application

CD402 - Visual Studio 2005 Tools for Office: Building and Deploying a Server Application

FF301 - New Office XML File Formats

FF302 - New Office XML File Formats (Schemas)

FF303 - New Office XML File Formats (Solution Development)

Business Intelligence - In this track, you'll learn how the 2007 Microsoft Office system helps developers build smart client and browser-based BI solutions leveraging a wide array of extensible capabilities, including key performance indicators, PivotTables, Web parts and spreadsheet-based Web services.

BI201 - Visio 2007: New Data Visualization Capabilities and Solutions

BI301 - Excel 2007: Programming Business Intelligence Features

BI302 - Excel 2007: Building Business Intelligence Solutions Using Excel and SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services

BI303 - Developing User Defined Functions for Excel 2007 and Excel Services

BI304 - SharePoint Server 2007: Building Data-Rich BI Site Solutions

BI305 - Business Scorecard Manager 2005: Extensibility and Advanced Solutions

BI306 - SharePoint Server 2007: Building Custom Solutions with Excel Services

Collaboration - In this track, you'll learn how developers can use the 2007 Microsoft Office system to create powerful collaboration tools that help individuals work together.

CB301 - Windows SharePoint Services V3: Email, Directory, Tracking, and Other Collaboration Applications

CB302 - Office Groove 2007: Developing Applications

CB303 - Office Groove 2007: Web Services, Data Bridge and Systems Integration

CB304 - Office Groove 2007: Building Forms-Based Workgroup Applications

CB405 - Integration and Customization with the New Real Time Collaboration (RTC) Platform

CB406 - Presence and Instant Messaging with the Real Time Collaboration (RTC) Platform and AJAX

Microsoft Releases Free Windows XP Video Tutorials

Sat, 15 Jul 2006 02:21:04 GMT

Video Tutorials: Using Windows XP -- Want to learn how to customize your desktop, better organize your picture files, or make a virtual private network (VPN) connection? Take these video tutorials and learn how to customize and be more productive with Microsoft Windows XP. This series of 13 short videos was designed to help you quickly accomplish a variety of new tasks.

Using Windows XP Video Tutorials Series:

How to Customize your Desktop Background

How to Choose a Screensaver

How to Change Screen Resolution

How to Customize the Start Menu

How to make a VPN connection

How to Rename Pictures

How to Categorize Pictures

How to Change the File Name of a Single Picture

How to Print Your Pictures

How to Turn on the Firewall

How to Add Support for Additional Languages

How to Add a Keyboard or Input Method Editor

How to Change Language for Non-Unicode Programs

Free Microsoft “Everyday Productivity” Training

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 14:55:28 GMT

UPDATED! Everyday Productivity Education (EPE) guides are designed to make your work life simpler by providing a selection of training guides:

GUIDE TYPES:

Get Started Guides – Introduction to the fundamental procedures of a tool or service.

Learn More About – Intermediate and advanced procedural information that teaches users how to better use a tool or service.

Best Practices – Collection of established, required, and/or recommended methods or policies for using a tool or service.

Selection Guide – Overview of a group of tools or services that helps users choose from multiple options.

Reference Guide – Collection of organized, non-procedural information in one concise resource.

Overview – Frame of reference for a tool or service.

AVAILABLE GUIDES:

Remote Productivity
Remote Connection Options

Collaboration
Windows SharePoint Sites
Groove
Live Meeting 2005
Other Collaboration Tools

Devices
Mobile Devices
Printers and Faxes

Everyday Work
E-mail
Time and Task Management
Other

Managing Your Computer
Configuration and Maintenance
Tablet PC

New Microsoft Expression Web Designer Free Online Training

Fri, 23 Jun 2006 00:09:48 GMT

NEW! Microsoft Expression Web Designer Online Training:

Standards-Based Web Sites (0:07:57)
Modern CSS Page Layout (0:18:42)
Rich Data Integration (0:05:37)
ASP.NET 2.0 for Designers (0:03:47)
Reporting and Deployment (0:04:50)

Click here: Additional Resources for Microsoft's Expression Web Designer

Free Microsoft Security Training Modules for Programmers

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 01:11:06 GMT

Microsoft Security Training Modules are self-paced, modular training resources for "Patterns & Practices" Security Guidance. The labs and videos are focused and short in length. The labs are designed to run in your development scenario, but include production considerations where appropriate.

ASP.NET Validation Controls [Lab & Video]

Objectives – after completing this lab, you should be able to:

Use validation controls to constrain user input and help prevent security holes.
Design your validation in a user friendly way

Cookies and Tamper Detection [Lab & Video]

Objectives – after completing this lab, you should be able to:

View and edit cookies for your own web application to test for security flaws
Detect cookie tampering at runtime using a cryptographic keyed hash

Cross Site Scripting (XSS) [Lab & Video]

Objectives – after completing this lab, you should be able to:

Recognize XSS vulnerabilities
Encode untrusted output with HtmlEncode
Validate input with a regular expression
Use ASP.NET’s built-in XSS protection mechanism


Paths, URLs, and Canonicalization [Lab & Video]

Objectives – after completing this lab, you should be able to:

Use Access Control Lists (ACLs) and impersonation to control access to resources, instead of kludgy pathname comparisons
Use HttpRequest.MapPath to restrict physical file paths to the current virtual directory


Regular Expressions [Lab & Video]

Objectives – after completing this lab, you should be able to:

Use an interactive tool to develop regular expression patterns for validation
Use the .NET Framework’s Regex class to validate user input strings
Discover guidance at the Microsoft Patterns & Practices website


SQL Injection [Lab & Video]

Objectives – after completing this lab, you should be able to:

Exploit a SQL injection vulnerability
Defend against SQL injection by filtering and sandboxing input with a parameterized query

Live Meeting: Virtual Earth Madness

Sun, 26 Feb 2006 05:23:04 GMT

Virtual Earth is a new map and search system. It brings together a number components that allow the user to find out “what is here?” and “Where are the nearest things to here?” The components of Virtual Earth consist of maps, aerial imagery, photos, business directories, ratings and reviews. The Virtual Earth Standard control includes the capability to choose a map style, add pushpins, zoom in or out on the map with the mouse wheel, zoom in by double-clicking a location, move the map by dragging it, and more. In this session we will learn how to build applications that take advantage of these new components.

Wednesday, March 01, 2006 9:00 AM - Wednesday, March 01, 2006 12:00 PM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time
Welcome Time: 8:30 AM

FREE XBOX 360? Stay to the end of the session to hear how you could win a chance at a new XBOX 360 by putting your coding skills to the test with the First East Region Virtual Earth Mashup!

Click here for Free Microsoft Virtual Earth Resources

Microsoft Presents a Security Video - "Breaking Into Las Vegas"

Fri, 24 Feb 2006 07:41:14 GMT

Microsoft’s “The Code Room” goes to Las Vegas to take a look at the high stakes world of application security where one mistake can means millions of dollars. In this episode of The Code Room as the White Hats and the Black Hats battle for the security of Las Vegas, Nevada.

"What do six world-class security experts, the boss of The Plaza hotel and casino, and viewers of The Code Room have in common? Four-and-a-half million dollars! Join us in this episode of The Code Room as the White Hats and the Black Hats battle for the security of Las Vegas, Nevada. Host Jessi Knapp and Microsoft Security Guru Joe Stagner narrate behind-the-scenes as the Hackers try to gain control of The Plaza's online money management system and our Security Team tries to always stay one step ahead in this high-stake race."

Watch the Trailer
Forget the Trailer – Download or Watch the 30 Minute Videeo!

Catch the Previous Two Episodes:

Episode 1 - Inside an intercity warehouse sits a desk, a laptop, and a few partially charged batteries. Three attendees are taken to The Code Room by host Jessi Knapp, following a free developer seminar and asked to complete complex software challenge. With limited battery power, they must achieve the impossible – design and develop an ecommerce website in just a few hours.

Episode 2 - In this second episode of The Code Room, watch the sparks fly, the egos flair, and the light bulbs go off as a solution is produced under pressure using the latest mobile bits from Microsoft including Bluetooth, Visual Studio 2005, the .NET Compact Framework 2.0, and SQL Server CE on the Smartphone.

Don't forget to order your free Developer Security Resource Kit

Free Microsoft Certification Examinations

Mon, 20 Feb 2006 18:36:55 GMT

The Microsoft Partner program wants you to stay a step ahead of the competition and achieve a Microsoft certification. By doing so, you’ll also put your organization on the road to earning Microsoft Competencies and the Small Business Specialist designation. Register today and receive substantial savings on practice tests and certification exam fees. These valuable offers are exclusive to partners and are only available for a limited time.

Sign-up for: New Practice Test and Certification Examinations Savings!

25-30% Discount on Examinations

FREE Examination “Retake” if Failed

Discounted Test Examinations

FREE Test Examinations

Course 70-282 – Designing, Deploying, and Managing a Network Solution for a Small- and Medium-Sized Business

Course 74-134 – Pre-installing Microsoft Products and Technologies

Not a Microsoft Partner?

While not totally free – Microsoft provides a FREE Second Chance to Pass Your Microsoft Certification Exam! For a limited time, you can get a free second shot at any Microsoft IT Professional, Developer, or Microsoft Dynamics (formerly Microsoft Business Solutions) Certification exam. Just register for this offer before your first exam, and you'll get two chances to pass.

Free Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Training

Tue, 14 Feb 2006 15:31:27 GMT

Microsoft is offering FREE ($99.00 value) 90-day subscriptions to SQL Server 2005 Training Courses.

Summary: These courses will provide you with a technically deep learning experience on installing and securing Microsoft SQL Server 2005. These courses provide detailed reference content and in-depth practical and hands-on activities for database administrators with Microsoft SQL Server 2005.

Course 2936: Installing and Securing Microsoft SQL Server 2005

Course 2937: Administering and Monitoring Microsoft SQL Server 2005

Course 2938: Data Availability Features in Microsoft SQL Server 2005

Course 2939: Programming Microsoft SQL Server 2005

Course 2940: Building Services and Notifications Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005

Course 2941: Creating the Data Access Tier Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005

Summary: These courses are technically deep learning experience for architects, systems engineers, systems administrators, solution developers, or application developers. These courses are designed for either the planning/design phase of technology adoption, or on implementation issues specific to the build, deployment and management phases. These courses provide detailed reference content and in-depth practical and hands-on activities.

Course 2942: New Features of Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services

Course 2943: Updating Your Data ETL Skills to Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Integration Services

Course 2944: Updating Your Reporting Skills to Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services

NO MORE EXCUSES!

Not sure which class you need to take? Take the Skills Assessment Test.

Don’t own SQL Server? No problem!

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Enterprise Evaluation Edition delivers greater scalability, availability, and security to enterprise data and analytical applications. (180 day)

SQL Server Virtual Lab – Make use of all SQL Server has to offer. This lab provides walk-throughs that will enable you to take advantage of SQL Server Reporting Services by gaining familiarity with the Report Wizard and Report Designer. In addition, you'll explore the management and delivery of reports generated via SQL Server Reporting Services.

Support: Microsoft SQL Blog