10/01/2004
October 2004 - Bill 2.0: 5-Year Performance Review
Gates gets mixed reviews in his tenure as chief software architect. Plus disaster recovery planning, readers review SPS 2003, following Microsoft's money and more.
In-Depth
Disaster recovery planning can be worth a lot more than a pound of cure when your network goes down.
Once clear of the administrative learning curve, users give SPS 2003 high marks for ease of use and integration features.
Changes to campaign finance laws mean a larger percentage of Microsoft political contributions now go to Democrats, but the company remains a force in both parties.
Internet Explorer is a hacker's dream. Can you (and should you) drop it right now?
Microsoft watchers give Bill Gates mixed reviews for his performance since relinquishing the CEO title to become Chief Software Architect.
Server consolidation may be a necessary evil, but either Virtual Server 2005 or GSX Server can ease the pain.
Exam Reviews
You'll need experience with PKI, permissions, patch management, and troubleshooting under Windows 2003 before tackling this security exam.
Product Reviews
AppAnalyzer helps you keep an eye on server performance.
PerfectDisk is an industrial-strength defragmentation solution.
Barney's Rubble
Even with the launch of Redmond, MCP Magazine is alive and well via MCPMag.com.
Beta Man
Make way for WUS! Don Jones takes an early look at this SUS upgrade, with its expanded grouping, security and control features.
Letters to Redmond
Readers share their take on our recent salary survey and more.
Mr. Script
Three scripts that will make creating and populating your databases a breeze.
Security Advisor
Whether you decide to build your own PKI for security or use a third party, planning is paramount.
Ten
From executive-distracting ROI calculators to a naked Windows, here's our dream to-do list for Microsoft's developers. (Be sure to post yours at the end of this article!)
Tips and Tricks
Using GPOs to control local groups on any computer in the AD domain.
Windows Insider
Using the Windows GUI is fine—if you want to go slow. Learn to use the command line and move into the administration fast lane.
News
From the business wires this week: authentication solutions, enterprise-class switches and other tools to smoothen infrastructure management.
New program provides for free training for those deploying Microsoft software from Microsoft Gold Partners for Learning Solutions participants.
Discounted exam vouchers can be used only at Pearson VUE testing centers.
From the business wires this week: a security appliance for SMBs, e-mail storage upgrades and a security data management tool.
From the business wires this week: enterprise security management software, a USB fingerprint reader and upgraded switches.
Looking for experts for advice on how to get the security certification.
Does Windows Future Storage really have a future?
From the business wires this week: storage and backup solutions, e-mail security, network management, more.
From the business wires this week: Active Directory tools, storage solutions and more.
Treading softly with SP2 makes for sound security policy.
Hand-on lab provides online access to security skills lab available for limited time.