03/01/2009
March 2009 - Windows 7: Microsoft's Redemption?
After Vista, readers think Windows 7 might be the OS that saves Microsoft. Also in this issue, SQL Server 2008 goes far with just a little code, Microsoft's Virtual Machine Manager and VMware's ThinApp get reviewed, Microsoft pushes enterprise apps during its Convergence conference, Live Mesh's best days are still ahead, and more.
Early versions of Windows Vista's successor could burnish the operating system's tarnished reputation in the desktop market.
SQL Server 2008 has a ton of new DBA features, but if you really want to make this thing go, just crank out a little code.
Redmond's virtualization management tool doesn't have all the bells and whistles that VMware's vCenter has. But it doesn't have the same hefty price tag, either.
The Application Sync and Application Link features combined with an easy-to-follow interface make ThinApp a winner for both VMware and its customers.
Vista isn't a perfect OS, not by a long-shot. But that doesn't mean Microsoft's hold on the desktop is going to weaken any time soon.
Live Mesh is useful today, but it may be a blockbuster in the future.
Memo to Microsoft: New isn't always better.
A performance monitoring solution for your large enterprise doesn't have to be expensive; in fact, thanks to this open source tool, it's possible to implement one for free.
My secret for learning Microsoft's scripting technology? Check out these blogs.
Sans GUI, PowerShell can be made to work interactively. The trick is the Read-Host cmdlet.
Network security isn't always about grand initiatives. Microsoft offers several free utilities that get the job done with less investment.
A reader wants to have ISA Server obtain an IP address from an externally facing DHCP server.
Microsoft's annual Dynamics conference will be all about how companies can benefit from enterprise applications in a down economy.