Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Tuesday







The following is some notes I took today during the an IT Conference in Orlando, Florida.

What's New for VISTA?

  • Windows Search feature - The ability to search throughout your Vista machine and start a application with one click.


  • Offline Files (pretends to let you work online)


  • 802.3 Wired Ethernet (updated 802.11) – It’s ready and waiting for the Microsoft Longhorn Server. It’s also ready for NAP (Network Access Point). That means if you setup your network as to only allow certain connections on wireless or wired – (Example: unhwireless is our SSID and VISTA can be setup to always allow connection to unhwireless since the SSID never changes, however you can also set Vista up to not allow other SSIDs like hhonors (Hilton) or tmobile (Starbucks).


  • Printers can now be used via wireless networks and setup from anywhere in the world to reach a printer wherever it may be located.


  • Group Policy and Vista Management
    Group Policy is a client driven technology and it is not yet available for Microsoft Longhorn Servers. It can still be used on Active Directories (AD) or personal computers. Administrators need to manage other Vista machines from a Vista machine, otherwise the compatibility is lost. GPO=Group Policy Object - Administrators can create and deploy various GPOs for certain groups of users (i.e. – faculty, staff, students)
    GPMC (Group Policy Management) is pre-loaded in Windows Vista. Vista is your personal management station. Each user has the power to have administrator rights. Windows Vista Management = User sees all settings. There are 18 Group Policy Functions and some are RegEdit, Disk quotas, Internet Explorer Settings, and Security. Overall, there are 2400 Group Policy Settings in Microsoft Windows Vista. Everything from Hide the “Add programs from Microsoft” option to Prevent access to 16-bit applications.


  • During the GPO demonstration, the instructor’s machine froze and then blue screened. The clock was 1 hour behind and upon executing the demo, the machine could not comprehend the actions and simply quit – Instructor had to reboot. Afterwards, I asked if there were any differences in the DST patch for Vista as opposed to Windows XP, like the patch released a few weeks back.

    Also new, but not CSE (Client Side Extensions):


  • Windows Firewall w/ Advanced Security (WFAS)


  • User Account Control (UAC) for Microsoft Windows VISTA.


  • Hardware Control – Prevent iPods, USB Sticks, external HD, etc. from connecting. If you go to Group Policy Management in Vista, you can choose how specific to get. From not allowing any USB stick, to not allowing a certain size, model, or brand.


  • Internet Explorer 7.0 – Bundled with Windows Vista. It has more controls, tabs, more secure (see URL address bar change color when involved with an SSL web site.) The IE 6 proxy settings are no longer available.


  • Note: Vista Enterprise is the only version separate. All other versions are on the same DVD, no matter what version you buy – It is all separated by a different key code. If you buy Home Basic, Home Premium, Ultimate, or Business – they’re all on the same DVD, but you’re license only opens up what version you paid to receive.


    Vista Installation and Deployment: (Vista and Longhorn Server will use WDS)
    WDS = Windows Deployment Services
    This used to be called RIS (Remote Installation Service) and is now called WDS (Windows Deployment Service).
    To start installation, go naked. That means just have the O/S and any Service Packs available. WDS loads the O/S and applications with just one disc, almost like a photocopy of a machine. The install will put .WIM files (Windows Installation) on your machine.
    WDS Install:
    1. Tap F12 twice
    2. Select WIM Vista Boot with Network Drivers
    3. The package IDs appear…
    4. Q. Where do you want to Install?
    5. Choose partition
    6. Next… (takes almost 25 minutes)
    RIS Install:
    1. Insert Disc
    2. Tap F12 twice
    3. Automatic Setup – Select: Vista Boot w/ Network Drivers
    4. Select WinXP SP 2 to remove…
    5. “Windows is configuring” message appears…
    6. Blue Screen shows setup.
    7. Click Next – It will install and it takes 25 minutes or more, but it removes and replaces the O/S.
    If networked you will need to copy WinXP and local images over.


    * I'll talk more tomorrow about the Expo and Windows Vista BitLocker technology.