Microsoft Drawbridge Research Project

Drawbridge is an application-virtualization project developed by Microsoft researchers which can "show up inside a future Windows version -- or maybe even as underlying technology enabling Microsoft to better run existing Windows apps (virtually) on mobile devices" (as described by Mary Jo Folley : http://www.zdnet.com/blog/microsoft/microsoft-goes-public-with-its-drawbridge-operating-system-research-project/11009 )
 
Drawbridge combines two core technologies:
First, a picoprocess, which is a process-based isolation container with a minimal kernel API surface.
Second, a library OS, which is a version of Windows enlightened to run efficiently within a picoprocess. http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/projects/drawbridge/

Additional Information:

Drawbridge: A new form of virtualization for application sandboxing (Video Ch9) :
 http://channel9.msdn.com/Shows/Going+Deep/Drawbridge-An-Experimental-Library-Operating-System

Microsoft Drawbridge: OS Modularity : http://jaggiz.wordpress.com/2011/05/06/microsoft-drawbridge-os-modularity/

Windows 'Drawbridge' Container Tech Sets Stage for Docker Battle -- Redmondmag.com

Midori, Drawbridge, Singularity: What Microsoft learns from operating system research  ZDNet

Are Containers the Beginning of the End of Virtual Machines? Virtualization Review

Windows Blue

According to rumors, Windows Blue is an upgrade for Windows 8 and Windows RT.  It will see improvements to the NT kernel and support for smaller and larger screens.

Windows Blue is the successor to Windows 8. It is not Windows 9; it is an updated version of Windows 8.

Windows Blue will be a free upgrade for Windows 8 and Windows RT users.

Windows Blue is expected to launch in August of this year.

There is going to be Windows Client ,Windows Phone and Windows Server Blue Release ( it will be on the same ship pace as Windows client Blue: annually, instead of once every three years).

Microsoft is working with Intel to make sure ultrabooks and hybrids that will run on Intel's next generation processor will have longer battery life with Windows Blue.
The final result should allow ultrabooks  to have the performance of a PC with the power efficiency of a tablet or smartphone.

Update: Microsoft has publically acknowledged 'Blue'

Additional Information:

Windows 8.1 Blue release date, news and rumors : http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/windows-blue-update-to-build-on-and-improve-windows-8-1131737?src=rss&attr=all

Windows Blue: Here's What We Know So Far http://bit.ly/11HzDOM

Microsoft's Windows Blue looks to be named Windows 8.1 http://zd.net/XV30KH

Microsoft has publically acknowledged 'Blue', announces its next BUILD conference (June 26-28 in San Francisco ) - http://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-has-publically-acknowledge-039blue039-announces-its-next-build-conference?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter …

Rumor: Windows Blue will help battery life on Intel Haswell PCs? http://www.neowin.net/news/rumor-windows-blue-will-help-battery-life-on-intel-haswell-pcs?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Blue clues: Microsoft's Windows Server Blue mentions materialize : http://www.zdnet.com/blue-clues-microsofts-windows-server-blue-mentions-materialize-7000012947/

Windows Blue: How it could reinvent Windows (or sink Windows 8) : http://www.pcworld.com/article/2017470/windows-blue-how-it-could-reinvent-windows-or-sink-windows-8.html 

Microsoft looking to 'extend touch' in 'dramatic' ways for Windows Blue, leaked video reveals : http://www.theverge.com/2013/3/21/4130764/leaked-video-windows-blue-fresh-paint-improvements

"Windows Blue" Could Be Microsoft's Way To Create Cheap, 7-Inch Tablets : http://www.businessinsider.com/windows-blue-for-cheap-7-inch-tablets-2013-3?nr_email_referer=1&utm_source=Triggermail&utm_medium=email&utm_term=SAI%20Select&utm_campaign=SAI%20Select%20Weekend%202013-03-17&utm_content=emailshare

Windows 9 improvements and possible arrival discussed : http://www.product-reviews.net/2013/03/18/windows-9-improvements-and-possible-arrival-discussed/

Windows Blue Leak Reveals Snap View Side-by-Side Apps, Different Live Tile Sizes, IE 11:
http://gizmodo.com/5992157/windows-blue-leak-reveals-snap-view-side+by+side-apps-different-live-tile-sizes-ie-11?utm_campaign=socialflow_gizmodo_twitter&utm_source=gizmodo_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

New alleged Windows Blue build shows off coming interface tweaks : http://www.zdnet.com/new-alleged-windows-blue-build-shows-off-coming-interface-tweaks-7000013035/

(Virtual) Hands-On with Windows 8 “Blue” Build 9364 : http://bit.ly/Zih17K

Microsoft Releases Windows Embedded 8

"Windows Embedded 8 is a componentized version of Windows 8 with additional technologies that adapt Windows for use in and on specialized devices."

Windows Embedded site: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded/en-us/evaluate/windows-embedded-8.aspx

Windows Embedded 8 Standard is available from Microsoft's Download Center.

Windows Embedded 8 Pro is available for OEMs on http://www.getwindowsembedded8.com.

Update: Windows Embedded 8 Industry  http://bit.ly/11jboYL

Additional Information:

Dell, Microsoft ink deal for Windows Embedded distribution :
http://www.zdnet.com/dell-microsoft-ink-deal-for-windows-embedded-distribution-7000013886/

Microsoft makes first of its Windows Embedded 8 releases generally available : http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-makes-first-of-its-windows-embedded-8-releases-generally-available-7000012897/

Windows Embedded 8 Generally Available :
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/Press/2013/mar13/03-20Embedded8PR.aspx

Windows Embedded 8: A Developer’s Perspective : http://blogs.msdn.com/b/windows-embedded/archive/2013/03/20/windows-embedded-8-ga.aspx

Microsoft officially launches Windows Embedded 8

Microsoft ends support for Windows XP

 Microsoft ends support for Windows XP on 8th April 2014.
 Here's the WHY, WHAT & HOW of migration http://spr.ly/6010noRK

"Windows XP SP3 and Office 2003 will go out of support on April 8, 2014. If your organization has not started the migration to a modern desktop, you are late. Based on historical customer deployment data, the average enterprise deployment can take 18 to 32 months from business case through full deployment. To ensure you remain on supported versions of Windows and Office, you should begin your planning and application testing immediately to ensure you deploy before end of support.

It means you should take action. After April 8, 2014, there will be no new security updates, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options or online technical content updates.
Running Windows XP SP3 and Office 2003 in your environment after their end of support date may expose your company to potential risks.


Enterprise Customers: Microsoft offers large organizations in-depth technical resources, tools, and expert guidance to ease the deployment and management of Windows, Office and Internet Explorer products and technologies. To learn more about migration and deployment programs, please contact your Microsoft sales representative or Certified Microsoft Partner. Learn how to pilot and deploy a modern desktop yourself, download the free Microsoft Deployment Toolkit and begin your deployment today.
Small to Medium Business: There are many options for small and medium businesses considering moving to a modern PC with the latest productivity and collaboration tools. Small to mid-size organizations should locate a Microsoft Certified Partner to understand the best options to meet their business needs. If your current PC meets the system requirements for Windows 7 or Windows 8, you can buy Windows 7 Professional or Windows 8 Pro from a local retailer or Microsoft Certified Partner. If your PC does not meet system requirements, consider purchasing a new business PC with Windows 8 Pro."

Additional Information:

It's time to loosen your cold, dead grip on Windows XP : http://www.infoworld.com/d/microsoft-windows/its-time-loosen-your-cold-dead-grip-windows-xp-213543#

How (Not) to Install Windows XP in 2012 : http://www.lockergnome.com/windows/2012/03/02/how-not-to-install-windows-xp-in-2012/

Windows 8 overtakes Windows XP adoption on Steam, while OS X drops and Linux passes the 2% mark

Aged Windows XP costs 5x more to manage than Windows 7 : http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9227490/Aged_Windows_XP_costs_5x_more_to_manage_than_Windows_7?taxonomyId=125&pageNumber=1

Windows 8 Client for Hyper-V

Windows 8 Client for Hyper-V Download: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=36188

Overview

"Client Hyper-V is the virtualization technology built into Windows 8. Client Hyper-V is the same virtualization technology previously available only in Windows Server. A similar functionality in Windows 7 is called Windows XP Mode.

Client Hyper-V enables you to run more than one 32-bit or 64-bit x86 operating system at the same time on the same host computer. But instead of working directly with the computer’s hardware, the operating systems run inside a virtual machine (VM).

Hyper-V enables developers and IT professionals to easily maintain multiple test environments and provides a simple mechanism to quickly switch between these environments."

Additional Information :

Windows 8 Feature Focus : Client Hyper-V : http://winsupersite.com/article/windows8/windows-8-feature-focus-client-hyperv-142889?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Windows 8: Client  Hyper-V and Why It Matters (Channel 9) : http://channel9.msdn.com/Series/Reimagining-Windows-An-In-Depth-Look-at-Windows-8-for-the-Enterprise/Episode-6-Windows-8-Client-Hyper-V-and-Why-It-Matters

New Build

VT Technology Management Utilities for Hyper-V build 3.0.0.85

This release includes bug fixes, updated functionality for managed hosts discovery and persistence as well Guest Console View mouse support for virtual machines without integration services installed.
Release Notes :  http://vtutilities.com/Products/vtUtilities/ReleaseNotes 

Managed Hosts Discovery and Persistence

• A list of the managed Hyper-V hosts is currently saved between sessions.
• Managed hosts can be added by typing host name or address directly into Guest List View drop down box. Multiple hosts can be added as a semicolon separated list via 'Define View' dialog ('View|Select...'). 'Define View' dialog also supports discovery of all currently running Hyper-V hosts via Active Directory.
• Managed hosts can be removed by using 'Define View' dialog.

Guest Console View Enhancements

• This build includes fixes for mouse functionality in Guest Console View for virtual machines that have integration services installed as well as mouse support for virtual machines without integration services. In later case mouse will be captured in Guest Console View and can be released using a hot key configured via Options (Tools|Options) dialog.
• Mouse support for virtual machines without integration services works only for interactive console sessions and does not work via RDP.
• vtUtilities new build

Windows Server & Hyper-V Resources List

                      Hyper-V

Hyper-V Portal: http://blogs.technet.com/b/malaysia/archive/2012/08/29/hyper-v-portal.aspx
and http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/120.hyper-v-portal.aspx

What's New in Windows 8 for Hyper-V series : http://www.virtualizationadmin.com/articles-tutorials/microsoft-hyper-v-articles/general/whats-new-windows-8-hyper-v-based-cloud-computing-part11.html

10 Post-Installation Tweaks to Hyper-V : http://virtualizationreview.com/blogs/everyday-virtualization/2013/01/10-hyper-v-post-install-tweaks.aspx

Hyper-V Network Virtualization and Virtual Switch - Great Community Content Available : http://blogs.technet.com/b/wsnetdoc/archive/2013/02/06/hyper-v-network-virtualization-and-virtual-switch-great-community-content-available.aspx

Hyper-V Comparison - WinServ 2008 R2 vs WinServ 2012 : http://blogs.technet.com/b/ieitpro/archive/2013/01/29/hyper-v-comparison-windows-server-2008-r2-vs-windows-server-2012.aspx

Hyper-V 3 Deep Dive: Network Virtualization : http://virtualizationreview.com/articles/2012/12/17/hyper-v-deep-dive-2.aspx
Find Microsoft Limits for Hyper-V : http://windowsitpro.com/windows-server-2012/find-microsoft-limits-hyper-v

Crash Course : http://searchservervirtualization.techtarget.com/feature/Crash-course-Windows-Server-2012-Hyper-V-introduction

Download Hyper-V Server 2012 for free, here:  http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/hyper-v-server/default.aspx

What's New in Hyper-V in Windows Server 2012 : http://blogs.technet.com/b/kensim/archive/2012/11/17/what-s-new-in-hyper-v-in-windows-server-2012.aspx

Hyper-V installation and management features guide : http://searchservervirtualization.techtarget.com/tip/Hyper-V-installation-and-management-features-guide

Microsoft Hyper-V Technical Information and Resources :
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/dd565807.aspx

                           Windows Server

WinServ Versions : http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/13714.windows-server-versions.aspx

WinServ Portal: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/2591.windows-server.aspx

WinServ 2012 JumpStart Videos : http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/video/windows-server-2012-jump-start-01-core-hyper-v

MVA WinServ 2012 Courses : http://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com/colleges/windowsserver2012

Download WinServ 2012 : http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/evalcenter/hh670538.aspx

WinServ 2012 Resources on TechNet : http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/windowsserver/hh534429

PC Pro content hub for WinServ 2012 : http://windowsserver2012.pcpro.co.uk/

Installing WinServ 8 Step-by-step : http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/7883.installing-windows-server-8-step-by-step.aspx

Test Lab Guides (TLG) : http://blogs.technet.com/b/tlgs/archive/2012/08/27/over-100-test-lab-guides-and-counting.aspx

WinServ Emergency Management Resources : http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/2469.windows-server-emergency-management-resources.aspx

Understanding WinServ 2012 Licensing and Virtualization : http://www.hpmicrosoftprivatecloud.com/articles/understanding-windows-server-2012-licensing-and-virtualization

All About Windows Server 2012 : http://blogs.technet.com/b/mghazai/archive/2013/02/15/all-about-windows-server-2012.aspx

Windows Server 2012 on TechNet : http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh801901.aspx

Windows Server 2012 (Server and Cloud Platform) : http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/windows-server/default.aspx

Windows Server 2012 brings high-availability file shares : http://www.infoworld.com/d/microsoft-windows/windows-server-2012-brings-high-availability-file-shares-214851

Administrative Templates (.admx) for Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 : http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=36991

Is NIC Teaming in Windows Server 2012 supported for iSCSI, or not supported for iSCSI? That is the question…  http://blogs.technet.com/b/askpfeplat/archive/2013/03/18/is-nic-teaming-in-windows-server-2012-supported-for-iscsi-or-not-supported-for-iscsi-that-is-the-question.aspx

Windows Server 2012 Virtual Labs http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/hh968267.aspx … 

                      Hyper-V vs VMware.

Why Recommend Hyper-V over VMware? http://searchitchannel.techtarget.com/answer/Why-recommend-Hyper-V-vs-VMware

A Guide to Hyper-V features for the VMware administrator : http://searchservervirtualization.techtarget.com/tip/A-guide-to-Hyper-V-features-for-the-VMware-administrator

Hyper-V , XenServer, vSphere Comparison : Scalability, Performance; Density by Alessandro Cardoso : http://virtualisationandmanagement.wordpress.com/2012/11/12/hyper-v-xenserver-vsphere-comparison-scalabilityperformance-density/

Microsoft VDI vs. VMware View: Freedom of Choice :
http://blogs.technet.com/b/server-cloud/archive/2013/03/06/microsoft-vdi-vs-vmware-view-freedom-of-choice.aspx?CommentPosted=true

 Step-By-Step: Migrating From VMware to Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2012 : http://blogs.technet.com/b/canitpro/archive/2013/03/25/step-by-step-migrating-from-vmware-to-microsoft-hyper-v-server-2012.aspx …

 Virtualization showdown: Microsoft Hyper-V 2012 vs. VMware vSphere 5.1 http://shar.es/JFD5t 

Blogs List.

Hyper-V & WinServ Blogs

TechNet : http://blogs.technet.com/b/default.aspx?PageIndex=1

Server & Management Blogs : http://blogs.technet.com/b/server-management/

MSDN Blogs : http://blogs.msdn.com/

BlogsMS (Official MS Team Blogs) : http://blogs.technet.com/b/blogms/archive/2010/01/19/directory-of-microsoft-team-blogs.aspx

WinServ Microsoft BlogRoll : http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/154.windows-server-microsoft-blogroll.aspx

Blogs about Hyper-V : http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/125.hyper-v-survival-guide.aspx#Blogs

Windows Free Core Server 2012 Hyper-V 3.0 /  James Stephan : http://stephanco.blogspot.com/2013/06/building-hyper-v-vhost-without-buying.html#comment-form

IT Administration Blogs

Admin troubles by Romeo Mlinar http://rmlinar.net/blog/2013/06/

4sysops http://4sysops.com/

Petri IT Knowledgebase

WindowsNetworking.com

The Lonely Administrator

The things that are better left unspoken

Tell IT as IT is

Group Policy Y’all

SMTP Port 25

DeployHappiness http://deployhappiness.com/
Complete RSS Collection by DeployHappiness : http://deployhappiness.com/resources/complete-rss-feed-list/

Forums List

MSDN : http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/categories

MSDN Windows Server/Hyper-V forum

SpiceWorks : http://community.spiceworks.com/virtualization

ServerFault : http://serverfault.com/

ArsTechnica : http://arstechnica.com/civis/viewforum.php?f=13

HardForum : http://hardforum.com/

Experts Exchange: http://www.experts-exchange.com/searchResults.jsp?searchTerms=core+hyper-v&searchSubmit

EDUGEEK: http://www.edugeek.net/forums/windows-server-2008-r2/128504-hyper-v-host-problems.html?utm_source=Edugeek.net&utm_medium=twitter

MDL (My Digital Life): http://forums.mydigitallife.info/forums/42-Windows-8

SuperUser: http://superuser.com/questions/tagged/hyper-v?page=4&sort=newest&pagesize=15


Reddit

Windows Server

Hyper-V

Virtualization

Sysadmin

VT Technology Management Utilities for Hyper-V (vtUtilities).

Products Page: http://vtutilities.com/

TechNet article: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/8951.vt-technology-management-utilities-for-hyper-v-vtutilities.aspx

Windows Server Marketplace: http://windowsserver.pinpoint.microsoft.com/en-us/home

Windows Server Catalog: http://www.windowsservercatalog.com/item.aspx?idItem=fb5cfdc6-3e74-9f07-dd9a-aa926537fccc&bCatID=1282

Book Guide for Windows Administrators

List will be updated as new books become available.

Free eBooks from Microsoft Press 
From technical overviews to drilldowns on special topics, these free ebooks are available in PDF, EPUB, and/or Mobi for Kindle formats, ready for you to download.

Almost 150 FREE Microsoft eBooks 

Eric Ligman list on MSDN:
Almost 150 FREE Microsoft eBooks, covering Windows 7, Windows 8, Office 2010, Office 2013, Office 365, Office Web Apps, Windows Server 2012, Windows Phone 7, Windows Phone 8, SQL Server 2008, SQL Server 2012, SharePoint Server 2010, SharePoint Server 2013,


Books for IT Professionals

Luigi Bruno list on Wiki.
This page is intended to be an alphabetically ordered list of suggested or recommended books for IT professionals, both mentioned on TechNet Wiki pages and outside.

Hyper-V Books:
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/14739.hyper-v-2012-books.aspx

E-Book Gallery for Microsoft Technolgies

Monica Rush list on TechNet Wiki.
 Download content for ASP.NET, Office, SQL Server, Windows Azure, SharePoint Server and other Microsoft technologies in e-book formats. Reference, guide, and step-by-step information are all available. All books are free. New books will be posted as they become available.


Free e-Books for Windows Administrators

Michael Pietroforte list on 4sysops.
This is a list of free e-books what are useful for Windows Administrators. It will be regularly updated.

PowerShell Book Guide

Windows PowerShell Booklist on PowerShell.org

Free Books from MS Press

Mitch Garvis list.


Couple of Hyper-V Books for Virtualization Administrators

Mark Ghazai list on TechNet.


Top 10 Free Microsoft eBooks

Michael Otey list on WindowsITPro.
These ebooks cover IT topics such as Windows Server 2012, SQL Server, SharePoint, Exchange Server, Office, and development. Most of these ebooks are available in PDF, and some are also available in EPUB and MOBI formats. Here are 10 of the top (free) Microsoft ebooks.

New and recent titles from Microsoft Press

Windows Server 2012 lineup of books and ebooks

Windows Server 2012 Training Lineup, starting with a FREE eBook

The lineup of Windows Server titles from Microsoft Press. They offer reference and training for core skills as well as exam preparation.

Sysadmins of the North List

"The best books on Windows Server 2012 and IIS 8.0 web server, books for IT professionals, system administrators and DevOps. Topics include installing and configuring Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2, exam 70-410, 70-411, IIS 8.0, IPv6, PowerShell, deployment and Active Directory."

How to Use vtUtilities to Manage Microsoft Hyper-V on Windows Server 2008 R2 , Windows Server 2012, Hyper-V Server 2008 R2, Hyper-V Server 2012 .

Manage all versions of Hyper-V using Windows 7, Windows 8 and by running vtUtilities locally on GUI-less Hyper-V Server 2012

 

New build is available.

 

This release includes bug fixes and a new User Interface to manage advanced Hyper-V Virtual Switch features.

Support for Multiple Parent Virtual NICs

• Virtual Network Manager GUI was enhanced to support multiple virtual switch ports bound to the management operating system virtual NICs. This functionality is available only for hosts running Hyper-V 3.0 and can be accessed via the Virtual Network Manager ‘Ports’ button on each Virtual Network Properties view.
• Parent Virtual NICs can be created for any virtual network (switch) using the ‘Add’ button on its Port dialog box. This operation can effectively change the type of the virtual network, i.e. parent Virtual NIC added to the Private network will change it to Internal etc.
• Virtual switch ports, corresponding to parent Virtual NICs ports, can be deleted using the Port’s dialog box ‘Delete’ button. This operation can also change the type of the underlying virtual network, i.e. Internal virtual network can become Private, or External virtual network can stop sharing its physical adapter with the management operating system.
• When ‘Access host through VLAN’ is checked in Virtual Network Properties all parent Virtual NIC ports will use the same VLAN ID defined in the Virtual Network Properties view.

Support for Hyper-V Virtual Switch New Security Features

• Port Access Control Lists (ACLs) can be defined for Virtual Switch ports bound to virtual machines and the management operating system virtual NICs. This functionality is available only for hosts running Hyper-V 3.0 and can be accessed via the Virtual Network Manager ‘Ports’ dialog for each Virtual Network Properties view (use ACL button to edit port’s Access Control List).
• ACL entries specifying which packets are allowed or denied on the way into or out of the VM or the management operating system can be added, edited or deleted for each applicable port. Multiple ACL rules can be configured per virtual switch port. IPv4, IPv6 addresses or ranges as well as MAC addresses can be used to designate endpoint addresses on local or remote interfaces along with actions ‘Allow’, ‘Deny’ or ‘Meter’. Meter action can be used only with IP addresses.

Refer to TechNet Library for more information about the new Hyper-V Virtual Switch functionality.New build.

 

 

vtUtilities Features.
 http://vttechnology.com/Products/vtUtilities

•Local GUI to Manage Hyper-V on Server Core and Free Hyper-V Server.

•Manage Hyper-V on Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2008 from a Single Environment.

•Virtual Network Management.

•Maximize Virtualization Infrastructure Performance.

•Support for Multiple Parent Virtual NICs.

•Support for Hyper-V Virtual Switch New Security Features.

•Real Time Monitoring of Hyper-V Host and Guests.

•Diagnostic and Troubleshooting.

•File System View.

VT Technology Management Utilities