Shortly after TechEd 2008, Microsoft announced the availability of Release Candidate 0 (RC0) to TechNet and MSDN subscribers at the following links:
Download SQL Server 2008 RC0 (MSDN subscribers)
Download SQL Server 2008 RC0 (TechNet Plus subscribers)
SQL Server 2008 Release Candidate 0 (RC0) will automatically expire after 180 days. To read more about the new features offered with the new release of SQL Server go to http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/default.aspx.
For some of the highlight articles, check out the following links:
Record Performance Benchmarks
Virtual Launch Experience
SQL Server Data Services
Brochure
Overview Demo
Product Overview
Virtual Labs
Monday, June 9, 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Cleveland Sharepoint User Group Launch
Today marks the initial launch of the Cleveland Sharepoint User Group. The event is scheduled from 4:30-6:30 at the Microsoft office in Independence, OH. Tonight's speaker is Paul Stork, a Sharepoint instructor at Mindsharp.
Future meetings will occur every 4th Wednesday at the same location. For more information, go to http://www.sharepointcleveland.com/default.aspx.
Future meetings will occur every 4th Wednesday at the same location. For more information, go to http://www.sharepointcleveland.com/default.aspx.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Cool Cam
If you're in the market for a new web cam, check out the Logitech Orbit Cam. The software that comes with it allows you to do some really amazing and fun affects. You can view a demo on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7Gn2TyEyHw&feature=related. The camera retails for about $129. For more info, check out http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/webcam_communications/webcams/devices/3480&cl=us,en
Friday, February 29, 2008
Day of .Net
Many of you may have heard of the Day of .Net events that have occured in the region (http://www.dayofdotnet.org/). On Saturday, April 19th, The Cincinnati .Net Users Group, Central Ohio .NET Developers Group and the Dayton .Net Developers Group will be hosting this year's "Central Ohio Day of .NET". This is a day long conference of various .Net topics, held by developers for developers and is free of charge.
The event will be held at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, OH (off exit 50 on I-71). You can sign up online via the MSDN Events site. For more information, go to http://cinnug.org/cododn/.
In addition, I recently got involved with a dedicated team of .Net developers in the Cleveland area and we are planning a Cleveland Day of .Net in mid May. The details are still being finalized, but it should be a great event. The web site is http://www.clevelanddodn.org/. More details will be posted as they become available. In the meantime, if there's something you would like to see happen at this event, I'm all ears! Simply post a reply to this blog or e-mail me directly at sam@ClevelandDotNet.info.
The event will be held at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, OH (off exit 50 on I-71). You can sign up online via the MSDN Events site. For more information, go to http://cinnug.org/cododn/.
In addition, I recently got involved with a dedicated team of .Net developers in the Cleveland area and we are planning a Cleveland Day of .Net in mid May. The details are still being finalized, but it should be a great event. The web site is http://www.clevelanddodn.org/. More details will be posted as they become available. In the meantime, if there's something you would like to see happen at this event, I'm all ears! Simply post a reply to this blog or e-mail me directly at sam@ClevelandDotNet.info.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
"Second Shot" Promotion Extended
Microsoft recently announced the 2007 Second Shot promotion deadline has been extended from January 31st to June 30th, 2008. Register for this offer before your next exam and receive a free exam retake if you don't pass on your first try.
• Sign up now.
• Read frequently asked questions about this offer.
Customers who have already registered for the offer will receive a separate e-mail with more information about the extension.If you don't already have a certification strategy, consider one of the new Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications--many requiring just one exam each--to demonstrate your skills on the newest technologies from Microsoft.
•Learn more about MCTS certifications.
In addition, certification exams for Visual Studio 2008 will soon be released as well.
There will be six MCTS certifications providing options on the key .NET Framework 3.5 technologies from Microsoft:
• Sign up now.
• Read frequently asked questions about this offer.
Customers who have already registered for the offer will receive a separate e-mail with more information about the extension.If you don't already have a certification strategy, consider one of the new Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications--many requiring just one exam each--to demonstrate your skills on the newest technologies from Microsoft.
•Learn more about MCTS certifications.
In addition, certification exams for Visual Studio 2008 will soon be released as well.
There will be six MCTS certifications providing options on the key .NET Framework 3.5 technologies from Microsoft:
- ADO.NET
- ASP.NET
- Windows Forms
- Windows Communication Foundation
- Windows Presentation Foundation
- Windows Workflow Foundation
For more info, go to http://blogs.msdn.com/trika/archive/2008/01/24/visual-studio-2008-certifications.aspx
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
.Net Source Code Released
On January 16th, Scott Guthrie, General Manager within the Microsoft Developer Division, announced the release of the source code for .Net Framework 3.5 for the following libraries:
Base Class Libraries
System
System.CodeDom
System.Collections
System.ComponentModel
System.Diagnostics
System.Drawing
System.Globalization
System.IO
System.Net
System.Reflection
System.Runtime
System.Security
System.Text
System.Threading
ASP.Net
System.Web
System.Web.Extensions
Windows Forms
System.Windows.Forms
Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF)
System.Windows
ADO.NET
System.Data
XML
System.Xml
Developers can now step through the code in Debug mode. However the code is for viewing purposes only and cannot be changed. This feature is relatively simple to setup in Visual Studio 2008 and only takes a few minutes to setup. Shawn Burke has a detailed blog post that covers the exact steps here.
To read more about this, go to http://weblogs.asp.net/scottgu/archive/2008/01/16/net-framework-library-source-code-now-available.aspx
Base Class Libraries
System
System.CodeDom
System.Collections
System.ComponentModel
System.Diagnostics
System.Drawing
System.Globalization
System.IO
System.Net
System.Reflection
System.Runtime
System.Security
System.Text
System.Threading
ASP.Net
System.Web
System.Web.Extensions
Windows Forms
System.Windows.Forms
Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF)
System.Windows
ADO.NET
System.Data
XML
System.Xml
Developers can now step through the code in Debug mode. However the code is for viewing purposes only and cannot be changed. This feature is relatively simple to setup in Visual Studio 2008 and only takes a few minutes to setup. Shawn Burke has a detailed blog post that covers the exact steps here.
To read more about this, go to http://weblogs.asp.net/scottgu/archive/2008/01/16/net-framework-library-source-code-now-available.aspx
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
MS Exams not recognized from Pearson Vue
Microsoft has long been a partner with Pearson Vue and Prometric, certifying them both as Microsoft Exam Centers. However, this has changed and Pearson Vue is no longer a test provider.
Recently I logged on to Microsoft's MCP site to check the status of my account. I realized that my test transcripts did not show 2 exams that I have previously taken and passed. These exams were taken through Pearson Vue. After some additional digging, I discovered that Microsoft has dropped Pearson Vue as a testing provider. Effective January 1st, 2008, Vue patrons could no longer access their Microsoft exam records through vue.com. To resolve the problem, I contacted Microsoft Support and e-mailed them the results of the exams in question.
After this experience, I strongly urge all MCPs to log on to the MCP site to ensure all information is recent and accurate. If you have any questions about exams, please use the following info to contact customer service.
Vue Customer Service
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. CT; closed on local holidays.
United States/Canada: 800-TEST-REG (800-837-8734)
Americas Region (Toll): +1-952-681-3951
Prometric Customer Service
Monday - Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time; closed on local holidays.
For Microsoft related information: 800-617-3926
General questions/comments: 800-853-6769
Microsoft Regional Service Centers (http://www.microsoft.com/learning/support/northamerica.mspx)
General E-Learning Support
(800) 636-7544
(888) 456-7077
Microsoft Certified Professional
Telephone: (800) 636-7544
Fax: (661) 793-6555
E-mail: MCPHelp@microsoft.com
Address:Microsoft Certification Programs
P.O. Box 911Santa Clarita, CA 91380-9011
Microsoft Certified Trainer
Telephone: (888) 456-7077
E-mail: MCT@microsoft.com
As a side note, Prometric is now offering free 2nd shot exams until January 31, 2008. To register, go to http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/offers/secondshot/default.mspx
Recently I logged on to Microsoft's MCP site to check the status of my account. I realized that my test transcripts did not show 2 exams that I have previously taken and passed. These exams were taken through Pearson Vue. After some additional digging, I discovered that Microsoft has dropped Pearson Vue as a testing provider. Effective January 1st, 2008, Vue patrons could no longer access their Microsoft exam records through vue.com. To resolve the problem, I contacted Microsoft Support and e-mailed them the results of the exams in question.
After this experience, I strongly urge all MCPs to log on to the MCP site to ensure all information is recent and accurate. If you have any questions about exams, please use the following info to contact customer service.
Vue Customer Service
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. CT; closed on local holidays.
United States/Canada: 800-TEST-REG (800-837-8734)
Americas Region (Toll): +1-952-681-3951
Prometric Customer Service
Monday - Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time; closed on local holidays.
For Microsoft related information: 800-617-3926
General questions/comments: 800-853-6769
Microsoft Regional Service Centers (http://www.microsoft.com/learning/support/northamerica.mspx)
General E-Learning Support
(800) 636-7544
(888) 456-7077
Microsoft Certified Professional
Telephone: (800) 636-7544
Fax: (661) 793-6555
E-mail: MCPHelp@microsoft.com
Address:Microsoft Certification Programs
P.O. Box 911Santa Clarita, CA 91380-9011
Microsoft Certified Trainer
Telephone: (888) 456-7077
E-mail: MCT@microsoft.com
As a side note, Prometric is now offering free 2nd shot exams until January 31, 2008. To register, go to http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/offers/secondshot/default.mspx
January .Net Events
Listed below is a summary of the .Net events scheduled for January 2008 in the Clevetland area. Attend a few and increase your .Net knowledge!
Jan 8th: .Net User Group Meeting - Silverlight (6:30-8:30 PM). To register, please click here .
Jan 10th: ONSQL User Group Meeting - Automating SQL Server Administrative tasks with PowerShell (5:00-7:30 PM). Please reserve your seat but walk-ins are always welcome.
Jan 12th: Greater Cleveland PC Users Group - PC Security Software (9:30 AM - Noon). For more info, please visit http://www.gcpcug.org/
Jan 17th: Berbee/CDW - Enabling Information Workers with Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 (8:30 AM - Noon). For questions or to register, contact Laura Benisek at 440.746.7208 or laura.benisek@berbee.com.
Jan 22nd: C#/VB.Net User Group Meeting - "Visual Basic 2008" (6:30-8:30 PM) by Mark Harr, MCSD. For more info, please visit http://www.clevelanddotnet.info/
Jan 8th: .Net User Group Meeting - Silverlight (6:30-8:30 PM). To register, please click here .
Jan 10th: ONSQL User Group Meeting - Automating SQL Server Administrative tasks with PowerShell (5:00-7:30 PM). Please reserve your seat but walk-ins are always welcome.
Jan 12th: Greater Cleveland PC Users Group - PC Security Software (9:30 AM - Noon). For more info, please visit http://www.gcpcug.org/
Jan 17th: Berbee/CDW - Enabling Information Workers with Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 (8:30 AM - Noon). For questions or to register, contact Laura Benisek at 440.746.7208 or laura.benisek@berbee.com.
Jan 22nd: C#/VB.Net User Group Meeting - "Visual Basic 2008" (6:30-8:30 PM) by Mark Harr, MCSD. For more info, please visit http://www.clevelanddotnet.info/
Monday, December 24, 2007
Silverlight Christmas Cards
Keeping in the spirit of the Holiday, here are some Christmas wishes with a silverlight twist.
Online Spotlight, Norway
Happy Holidays from ObjectSharp
FranksWorld Special Presentation
If you have any cool Silverlight Christmas greetings, please email them to sam@clevelanddotnet.info.
Merry Christmas everyone and Happy New Year!
Online Spotlight, Norway
Happy Holidays from ObjectSharp
FranksWorld Special Presentation
If you have any cool Silverlight Christmas greetings, please email them to sam@clevelanddotnet.info.
Merry Christmas everyone and Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
.Net Framework 3.5 Source Code to be released soon
Now that VS2008 is released, one of its accompanying features is the ability to debug and step-into the actual source code used in .Net Framework 3.5. They will begin by offering the source code for the following Base Class Libraries
System,
System.IO,
System.Collections,
System.Configuration,
System.Threading,
System.Net,
System.Security,
System.Runtime,
System.Text
System.Web (ASP.Net)
System.Windows.Forms (Windows Forms)
System.Data (ADO.NET)
System.Xml (XML)
System.Windows (WPF)
The source code will be released under the Microsoft Reference License (MS-RL). The final release of VS 2008 will support the ability to configure the debugger to dynamically download the .NET Framework debugger symbols (and corresponding source code) from a web server hosted by Microsoft. You'll be able to configure the .NET Framework symbols to be downloaded all in one shot, or manually retrieved on demand. Although this capability is not yet available, it soon will be. Microsoft developers have had some issues with the packaging and distribution, but so far no indication that won't happen. It's just a matter of time at this point.
To read more about this, visit the following links:
http://weblogs.asp.net/scottgu/archive/2007/10/03/releasing-the-source-code-for-the-net-framework-libraries.aspx
http://weblogs.asp.net/scottgu/archive/2007/11/29/net-web-product-roadmap-asp-net-silverlight-iis7.aspx
System,
System.IO,
System.Collections,
System.Configuration,
System.Threading,
System.Net,
System.Security,
System.Runtime,
System.Text
System.Web (ASP.Net)
System.Windows.Forms (Windows Forms)
System.Data (ADO.NET)
System.Xml (XML)
System.Windows (WPF)
The source code will be released under the Microsoft Reference License (MS-RL). The final release of VS 2008 will support the ability to configure the debugger to dynamically download the .NET Framework debugger symbols (and corresponding source code) from a web server hosted by Microsoft. You'll be able to configure the .NET Framework symbols to be downloaded all in one shot, or manually retrieved on demand. Although this capability is not yet available, it soon will be. Microsoft developers have had some issues with the packaging and distribution, but so far no indication that won't happen. It's just a matter of time at this point.
To read more about this, visit the following links:
http://weblogs.asp.net/scottgu/archive/2007/10/03/releasing-the-source-code-for-the-net-framework-libraries.aspx
http://weblogs.asp.net/scottgu/archive/2007/11/29/net-web-product-roadmap-asp-net-silverlight-iis7.aspx
Thursday, December 6, 2007
MCTS Study Resources
The MOSS MCTS track consists of 4 exams, each providing a level of certification:
Transcender Practice Exams - Transcender has long been a reputable source for providing accurate exams in Microsoft certification. The tradition continues as they offer practice exams for 70-630 and 70-631 (released earlier today). With each question, it offers an explanation of why that choice is correct and why the others are wrong. It also offers references to help expand your knowledge in that area. These practice exams are highly recommended and have proven very useful. Unfortunately, a company representative stated they will not be publishing practice exams for 70-541 or 70-542.
MeasureUp Practice Exams - MeasureUP offers exams similar to Transcender at a lower price, but has not been as widely used. Each question contains an explanation on both correct and incorrect choices. A 6 question demo is available online for free. Unfortunately they only offer practice exams for 70-630 and 70-631.
ExamInside - ExamInside also offers similar exams at a much lower price but with only 50+ questions. Besides offering practice exams for 70-630 and 70-631, they also offer an exam for 70-542. Exam 70-541 is currently not available.
When you're ready to take the exam, be sure to register for a free second shot at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/offers/secondshot/default.mspx
Best of luck studying!
- Exam 70-630: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 – Configuration
- Exam 70-631: Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 – Configuration
- Exam 70-541: Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 – Application Development
- Exam 70-542: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 ― Application Development
Transcender Practice Exams - Transcender has long been a reputable source for providing accurate exams in Microsoft certification. The tradition continues as they offer practice exams for 70-630 and 70-631 (released earlier today). With each question, it offers an explanation of why that choice is correct and why the others are wrong. It also offers references to help expand your knowledge in that area. These practice exams are highly recommended and have proven very useful. Unfortunately, a company representative stated they will not be publishing practice exams for 70-541 or 70-542.
MeasureUp Practice Exams - MeasureUP offers exams similar to Transcender at a lower price, but has not been as widely used. Each question contains an explanation on both correct and incorrect choices. A 6 question demo is available online for free. Unfortunately they only offer practice exams for 70-630 and 70-631.
ExamInside - ExamInside also offers similar exams at a much lower price but with only 50+ questions. Besides offering practice exams for 70-630 and 70-631, they also offer an exam for 70-542. Exam 70-541 is currently not available.
When you're ready to take the exam, be sure to register for a free second shot at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/offers/secondshot/default.mspx
Best of luck studying!
December .Net Events
Listed below is a summary of the .Net events scheduled for this month. Attend a few and increase your .Net knowledge!
Dec 11th:
Dec 13th:
Dec 18th:
Dec 11th:
- ONSQL User Group Meeting - This will be a "No content" meeting intended to celebrate the holiday season via high tech entertainment.
Dec 13th:
- TechNet Event - Windows Deployment Services, VoIP
- MSDN Event - VS2008, Web Based Data Services, Silverlight
- .Net User Group Meeting - This will be a "No content" meeting intended to celebrate the holiday season via high tech entertainment
Dec 18th:
- C#/VB.Net User Group Meeting - "Visual Studio 2008" by Mark Harr, MCSD
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