08/01/2003
August 2003 - 2003 Salary Survey
Plus, software updating tools, Microsoft Licensing 6.0, more.
In-Depth
If you were scared off by Microsoft’s licensing program announcements last year, it may be time to take another look.
Patch management is no longer a luxury to have a secure network—it’s a necessity. We test six solutions to the problem of knowing whether or not your servers and desktops are up to date.
Salary Surveys
Many people, many stories.
Data not published within this year's salary survey points to modest raises expected in the coming year and plans for new jobs.
Seeking a higher salary? The company you keep can make a bit of difference.
Book Reviews
Sorting out the story from Redmond
Exam Reviews
This exam requires you to show expertise with TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, RRAS and ISA Server-as well as a few services not mentioned on the objectives list.
Been through exam 70-218? This exam covers a familiar mix of security, permissions, and backup topics, with a heaping scoop of Windows 2003-specific features thrown in.
Product Reviews
Stay alert with MKS AlertCentre 2.0.
Turn Outlook for Web Access into an offline mail reader.
Policy Auditing with FullArmor’s Fazam Auditing 1.0.
A familiar tool gets a facelift and new functions.
Configuring permissions with ESRA 2.0.
Boswell's Q&A
Some Group Policy tool tricks for implementing an enterprise-wide screen saver.
Four forests or one? Four domains or one? The best AD design strives for simple and secure administration.
Windows 2000 continually updates offline file folders by design—Group Policy plays no part.
Another look at offline folders that comes with a workaround.
Call Me Certifiable
How much can you handle to get secure?
Certified Mail
Mr. Script
This month, Chris takes you through a handy script that discovers and enumerates what networking protocols are installed on a host.
Security Advisor
Windows Server 2003 installs fewer services by default, and installs others in a disabled state. Here’s a guide to what they do, and whether you might need them or not.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips for keeping disk consuption to a minimum and improving server performance.
Windows Foundation
You're responsible for soup-to-nuts implementation of a new system. Before you start, here are a few suggestions to make the project run smoothly.
Windows Insider
Windows Server 2003 has a number of differences from Windows 2000 in how it handles DNS queries. They can speed up domain construction and troubleshooting, helping you squeeze more power out of your network.
News
This year and next will see a major boost in the number of companies trying out Windows Server 2003, especially among those enterprises where MCPs are employed.
It's that time of year when those who maintain the hum of the network should stand up and be recognized.
Microsoft consolidates training, Microsoft Press and Technet development under umbrella of new group headed by Lutz Ziob.
Microsoft to release key core exams for MCSA/MCSE on Windows Server 2003 track on Thursday.
Based on customer feedback, Microsoft will provide graphical reports to examinees.
New exams slated for release this year to feature many new testing innovations and improved security.
Testing centers will begin accepting registrations Wednesday for 70-292: Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSA Certified on Windows 2000.
Microsoft is reportedly planning to add a new certification title to its stable, this one for desktop support personnel.