In-Depth Features


A Virtual Machine Primer

Virtual PC software can ease migration and give any robust machine multiple personalities. Here’s what you need to know to take full advantage.

Books: Master C# Database Programming

Database Programming with C# explains the essentials of database programming to those familiar already with C#. Learn to exploit the VS.NET IDE to access data, and more.

Securing Your Handhelds

Deploying handhelds requires understanding the sensitivity of your data, the strengths & weaknesses of your infrastructure, & the needs of your IT team. There are no easy answers.

Put Your Finger on Proper Security

A roundup of five biometric products that go the extra security mile—for when passwords alone aren't enough.

Hosted Exchange: Can it Work for You?

If you don't have the time, money or manpower to run your own messaging environment, it may be time to consider hosted Exchange.

You Ask, Ballmer Answers

MCP Magazine readers get a crack at the Microsoft CEO.

Reviews Are in: SMS 2003 Is a Hit

Microsoft's latest version of Systems Management Server includes a bevy of new features that early users say save them time and money.

Build Real-Time Web Images

Use Microsoft's TerraService and MapPoint Web Services to start your own VS.NET-based mapping projects.

A Virtual Shootout

EMC's virtual machine software edges out Microsoft's in overall features.

The Battle to Provision

The convergence of directory management and provisioning, and how organizations can leverage their directory management investments to meet their provisioning needs.

Protection Through Isolation

This admin got a shock when he discovered that usernames and passwords for his new employer's sensitive documents were being sent in cleartext. Fortunately, he was able to see the forest for the trees.

Books: Debug VB.NET Apps

Debugging software systems is a necessary step to creating stable, low-defect software. Comprehensive VB.NET Debugging provides a roadmap that helps you avoid common traps and achieve your software goals.

Simplify Updates With Templates

ASP.NET developers often use a base class inherited from the root class Page as a template to make their Web sites look consistent. However, the HTML is often embedded in the base class, preventing the template from being previewed or edited. Learn to work around this problem by separating the template and the base class.

XML and Web Services: Are We Secure Yet?

From confidentiality, integrity, and availability to authentication, authorization, and audit, find out how you can employ best practices to make Web services secure.

Integration at the Edge

We can learn lessons from trading hubs and apply the data to IT integration. See how the ESB removes the distinction among internal and external networks for supply-chain apps.

Patching Windows Security

Get the scoop on Microsoft's series of releases and updates that will tighten security on both the latest Windows operating systems as well as most other Microsoft products.

Taming Kerberos

If you’re using Windows 2000 Server or above, chances are you’re also using Kerberos authentication. It’s time to get to know this three-pronged protocol and learn how to troubleshoot it.

Store Large Lookup Tables in DataSets

When mobile users need to look up and edit data without direct network connections, persist DataSets of lookup information as local XML files to preserve offline updates.

Pack ‘Em Up, Move ‘Em Out

Migrating applications is far from easy—that’s why choosing the right tool is imperative.

Books: SQL Server for Gurus

The Guru's Guide to SQL Server Architecture and Internals helps SQL Server power users manage their complex enterprise systems. This valuable reference manual goes far beyond the product's base documentation.

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