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Friday, September 27, 2013

Useful Links for Windows Server 2012 R2 / Hyper-V Server 2012 R2

Windows Server 2012 R2 offers new features and enhancements across enterprise-class virtualization, multi-tenant-aware storage, networking, virtual desktop infrastructure, access and information protection, and more.

Download Windows Server 2012 R2

Download Free Hyper-V Server 2012 R2

Microsoft Download Center


Windows Server 2012 R2 NIC Teaming (LBFO) Deployment and Management Guide
NIC teaming, also known as Load Balancing/Failover (LBFO), allows multiple network adapters to be placed into a team for the purposes of bandwidth aggregation, and/or traffic failover to maintain connectivity in the event of a network component failure. This guide describes how to deploy and manage NIC Teaming with Windows Server 2012 R2.

Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview Test Lab Guide
Microsoft test lab guide for setting up a base configuration using Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview.

TLG: Windows Server 2012 R2 Hyper-V Network Virtualization with System Center  2012 R2 VMM  Provides instructions to create the Windows Server 2012 R2 Network Virtualization with System Center 2012 R2 Virtual Machine Manager (VMM) test lab, using computers running Windows Server 2012 R2.

Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2012 TechNet Library Documentation This download is an Adobe® PDF of the entire contents of the Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2012 section of the Microsoft TechNet Library, for the convenience of Windows Server users who have limited Internet access, or require a portable version of the Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2012 documentation. The PDF is 116 MB, and 7,970 pages in length. Highlights of the PDF include the following. Date Published: 11/27/2013

 

TechNet Series


In The Cloud. What's new in 2012 R2 Cloud Insights from Brad Anderson



VMware or Microsoft? – The Complete Series by Microsoft Evangelists Kevin Remde, Chris Avis, Keith Mayer, Brian Lewis, Matt Hester, Tommy Patterson, Jennelle Crothers, Yung Chou, Dan Stolts    

Windows Server Launch Blog Series - The Complete Series by Microsoft Evangelists Kevin Remde, Chris Avis, Keith Mayer, Brian Lewis, Matt Hester, Tommy Patterson, Jennelle Crothers, Yung Chou, Dan Stolts, Robert Borges, Rob McShinsky

Windows 8.1 / Windows Server 2012 R2 Mini-Blog Series

 Server 2012 R 2 Lab Guide - Step by Step by Tommy Patterson


Lab Ops by Andrew Fryer


Windows/Hyper-V Server 2012 R2

Quick Reference for Upgrading to Windows Server 2012 R2  TechNet

Windows Server 2012 R2 Portal  Wiki

Windows Server 2012 R2: Exploring Storage Tiering via Redmond Magazine

Windows Server 2012 R2: a godsend for grumpware  via PC Pro

What's New in Windows Server 2012 R2 Hyper-V Live Migration 







Windows Server 2012 R2 Virtual Machine Recovery from Network Disconnects  TechNet

Import Windows 2008 R2 VM into Windows Server 2012 R2 Hyper-V  WindowsITPro

Windows Server 2012 R2 Failover Clustering  WindowsITPro

PC and Mac Client Support for Windows Server 2012 R2 with Windows Server Essentials

What’s New, R2? – Networking: 802.1X Authentication  via Chris E. Avis

What’s New, R2? – BitLocker: New updates and Why would I use it on a Server? via Chris E. Avis

Performing an in place upgrade of Server 2008 R2 to Server 2012 R2  via Chris E. Avis

Multi-tenant Site-to-Site (S2S) VPN Gateway with Windows Server 2012 R2

Step-by-step for Storage Spaces Tiering in Windows Server 2012 R2  via Jose Barreto

Updated Links on Windows Server 2012 R2 File Server and SMB 3.02  via Jose Barreto

Windows Server 2012 R2: Which version of SMB protocol (SMB 1.0, SMB 2.0, SMB 2.1, SMB 3.0, SMB 3.02) you are using?  via Jose Barreto

Automatic SMB Scale-Out Rebalancing in Windows Server 2012 R2  Jose Barreto

Networking configurations for Hyper-V over SMB in Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2  via Jose Barreto

Selecting the number of nodes for your Scale-Out File Server Cluster  Jose Barreto

Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview Hyper-V Shared Virtual Hard Disk and Storage QoS  via Tamer Sherif Mahmoud

Welcome to Hyper-V 2012 R2 (Part 1) via VirtualizationAdmin

Windows Storage Server 2012 R2 — Improved DFS Replication

All the new Windows Server 2012 R2 features into a single pptx  vNext.be

Windows Server 2012 R2 Storage: Elden Christensen Interview  Petri

Multi-Tenant VPN with Windows Server 2012 R2

Understanding Networking with Hyper-V

Monitoring Windows Server 2012 R2 Work Folders Deployments

Recovering Virtual Machines in Hyper-V Server 2012 R2: Part 3  Hey, Scripting Guy! Blog

Step-by-Step: Spin-up a Windows Server 2012 R2 Lab in the Cloud - Faster than you can download the bits!  Keith Mayer

Configuring Faster Live Migration in Windows Server 2012 R2  Ben Armstrong

Faster Live Migration in Windows Server 2012 R2  Ben Armstrong

Faster Live Migration with Compression in Windows Server 2012 R2  Ben Armstrong

How to Publish Lync Server 2013 Web Services with Windows Server 2012 R2 Web Application Proxy  Sign in  Doug Deitterick

Lync Server 2013 Now Supported on Windows Server 2012 R2 Doug Deitterick

Windows Server 2012 R2 Hyper-V Best Practices (In Easy Checklist Form) Server & Tools Blogs

Top 8 Improvements Found in Windows Server 2012 R2 Hyper-V Replica  CANITPRO

Step-By-Step: Enabling Hyper-V for use on Windows 8.1  CANITPRO

What's changed in Windows 2012 R2 on RDS  VanBragt.net

Windows Server 2012 R2 Work Folders–The On-Premise Solution for Controlling Sensitive Data TechNet
    

Videos



 

Virtual Labs


TechNet Virtual Labs

Books


 Free ebook: Introducing Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview Release


Free ebook: Introducing Windows Server 2012 R2 Technical Overview


Radio


TechNet Radio: (Part 3) What’s New in 2012 R2: Enabling Modern Business Applications


RSAT


Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) for Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 Preview, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview

Posters

Windows Server 2012 R2 Hyper-V Component Architecture Poster and Hyper-V Mini Posters

What's New in Windows/Hyper-V Server 2012 R2

Generation 2 Virtual Machines  VT Technology Blog

New Features in Windows Server 2012 R2 Hyper-V  VT Technology Blog

 

Monday, September 23, 2013

Windows Azure Pack

 Microsoft announced Windows Azure Pack during TechEd 2013 NA conference in June, replacing "Windows Azure Services for Windows Server" technology , which was made available in January 2013.
According to the company's Windows Azure Pack Overview:
The Windows Azure Pack delivers Windows Azure technologies for you to run inside your datacenter, enabling you to offer rich, self-service, multi-tenant services that are consistent with Windows Azure.

 The Windows Azure Pack is a collection of Windows Azure technologies available to Microsoft customers at no additional cost. Once installed in your datacenter, the Windows Azure Pack integrates with System Center and Windows Server to help provide the following capabilities: 
  • Management portal for tenants
  • Management portal for administrators
  • Service management API
  • Virtual Machines
  • Service Bus
  • Automation and extensibility 


Additional Information:


Windows Azure Pack for Windows Server

Windows Azure Pack (#WAPack) and Related Blogs, Videos and TechNet Articles

Windows Azure Pack - Installing & Configuring Series.

Cmdlet Reference Download for Windows Azure Pack for Windows Server

Technical Documentation for Windows Azure Pack for Windows Server Download Center

Windows azure Pack: Cloud app convenience meets in-house hosting

Microsoft finds a new way to deliver a private cloud in a box

Windows Azure Pack High Availability

Enabling On-demand Infrastructure Services In Your Datacenter with Windows Azure Pack

Enabling Modern Apps with the Windows Azure Pack

IaaS Usage and Service Reporting using System Center 2012 R2 and Windows Azure Pack

WAP: Service Bus 1.1 (preview) for Windows Server - Your private Service Bus Installation using Hyper-V

Configuring SPF and Windows Azure Pack for IaaS usage and metering

Windows Azure Pack (#WAPack) and Related Blogs, Videos and TechNet Articles

Windows Azure Pack blog posts on Building Clouds & TechNet

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Windows 8 powered hardware 2.0

Over the past few weeks, hardware companies uncovered plans for making next generation of Windows-based products. We'll take a look at them in this part 2 of the Series covering Windows 8 powered hardware. (Part 1: http://blog.vttechnology.com/2013/06/windows-8-powered-hardware-news-and.html )

Microsoft is set to announce a new Surface on September 23.

Intel is launching “Bay Trail” (Atom) processors at IDF in San Francisco (  http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/intel-developer-forum-idf/san-francisco/2013/idf-2013-san-francisco.html  ). "Bay Trail” is Intel’s first 22nm system-on-a-chip for 2-in-1 devices and small tablets and will offer high performance with longer battery life ( ).  Some of these devices were announced at IFA ( http://blogs.windows.com/tags/IFA+2013/default.aspx )

Windows 8.1 tablets with 64-bit Atom chips not coming until Q1 http://www.infoworld.com/d/computer-hardware/windows-81-tablets-64-bit-atom-chips-not-coming-until-q1-226686 / InfoWorld

From smartwatches to shifty hybrids, intriguing hardware flooded IFA 2013. We name the most interesting gizmos.
Windows 8.1 Tablets and PCs Unveiled @ IFA
A peek inside IFA’s technology spectacular: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/features/2013/sep13/09-05IFA.aspx
The best laptops, desktops, and Windows tablets of IFA 2013 (pictures)
Microsoft to launch new Surfaces on September 23
Windows at Intel Developer Forum 2013
Fall 2013 Windows Tablet Preview   /Windows IT Pro
The cheap Windows 8 tablet has arrived |

New Windows Phone 8.1 screenshot shows multi-select tiles, Siri-like "Cortana" voice assistant coming
Microsoft to add Siri-like Cortana to Windows devices, shows off Windows Phone 8.1

Microsoft's transition from the desktop to touch devices by Paul Thurrott: http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/transitions

 

Panasonic



Panasonic launches its first 4K TV, teases arrival of 20-in. 4K tablet : http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9242099/Panasonic_launches_its_first_4K_TV_teases_arrival_of_20_in._4K_tablet
Panasonic launches the world’s first 20-inch, 4K tablet: http://blogs.technet.com/b/firehose/archive/2013/09/05/panasonic-launches-the-world-s-first-20-inch-4k-tablet.aspx

 

Asus



Asus announces new Windows 8.1 Zenbook UX301 Ultrabook
ASUS announces new devices for the fall
Asus announces the T100: Windows 8.1 device with 11 hours of battery life just for $349
ASUS reveals Transformer Book T100 with Windows 8.1 for $349 we go hands-on -
Asus Transformer Book Trio combines Windows 8, Android, laptop, tablet and desktop in one. So, a laplet-top?

Surface 2

Windows 8.1 tablets vs. Amazon's Kindle Fire HD: Enterprise face-off
Surface 2 by the Numbers
Hands On With the Microsoft Surface Pro 2
Surface 2 vs Surface Pro 2- Comparison and Price
Microsoft introduces the Surface 2, Surface Pro 2 and Surface accessories -
Surface Pro 2 Details Emerge
Surface 2 will support new Power Cover keyboard with built-in battery
Microsoft's Haswell-based Surface Pro 2: The leaks begin http://www.zdnet.com/microsofts-haswell-based-surface-pro-2-the-leaks-begin-7000020232/
Surface 2 may debut in white and black with a 1080p screen and Tegra 4 processor
Surface 2 rumors: What next for Surface RT
Surface RT 2: Tegra 4, 1080P screen, and more
Microsoft announcing new Surface on September 23, but is it DOA?
Don't dismiss the Surface RT as a Windows weakling! How to unlock its hidden superpowers.


Nokia



Nokia sales exec confirms plans to unify the Windows Phone and Lumia branding
Report: Nokia will release the 6-inch Lumia 1520, a new smartphone that could dwarf the vast majority of handsets
Nokia Lumia 1520 rumored to launch September 26
Nokia announces new lightweight and portable chargers for your Windows Phones
Lumia 1020 + Wireless Charging Cover
Nokia's upcoming Windows RT tablet http://www.theverge.com/2013/9/12/4722584/nokias-windows-rt-tablet-pictured-new-hardware-dell-lenovo  The Verge

 

Lenovo



Windows 8 Hardware 2.0 from Lenovo
Lenovo’s new Yoga 2 Pro has the same flexible hinge, 3200×1800 display
Lenovo takes the wraps off new Flex line of devices at IFA 2013: http://blogs.technet.com/b/firehose/archive/2013/09/05/lenovo-takes-the-wraps-off-new-flex-line-of-devices-at-ifa-2013.aspx

Sony



Sony Expands Vaio Line of Notebooks Running Windows 8: Available in 13-inch, 14-inch and 15-inch models.
Sony offers a magnetic solution to the Windows 8 hybrid problem

Dell


Dell XPS 12 review: the laptop / tablet hybrid with the spinning screen gets the battery life it deserves
Dell beefs up its workstation portfolio with new laptops and towers.
Dell shows 8-inch Venue tablet sporting Windows 8.1
Dell introduces Inspiron 11 laptop for $349

 

Toshiba



Toshiba Rolls Out New Tablet, Notebooks at IFA: The Windows 8-based systems include a convertible device 
Meet the Encore – a new 8” tablet from Toshiba: http://blogs.technet.com/b/firehose/archive/2013/09/05/meet-the-encore-a-new-8-tablet-from-toshiba.aspx

HP



New all-in-one PCs from HP announced at IFA: http://blogs.technet.com/b/firehose/archive/2013/09/05/new-all-in-one-pcs-from-hp-announced-at-ifa.aspx


Monday, September 9, 2013

Windows 8.1 RTM / Windows Server 2012 R2 RTM available via MSDN and TechNet subscriptions now.

According to The Official Microsoft Blog:
Starting Sept. 9, Microsoft is extending availability of the current Windows 8.1, Windows 8.1 Pro and Windows Server 2012 R2 release to manufacturing (RTM) builds to the developer and IT professional communities via MSDN and TechNet subscriptions. The Windows 8.1 RTM Enterprise edition will be available through MSDN and TechNet for businesses later this month.

Download links: 

Windows Server 2012: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/hh670538.aspx


Windows Server 2012 R2 Developer Preview: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/dn205302.aspx

Additional Resources:

Microsoft reveals pricing and packaging for Windows 8.1 http://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-reveals-pricing-and-packaging-for-windows-81?utm_source=msanywhere&utm_medium=twitter

Windows 8.1 brings back full retail versions as Windows SKUs change again

Windows 8.1 Enterprise RTM released on TechNet and MSDN

What's changed in the Windows 8.1 RTM release?

Windows 8.1 RTM: What's new, what's next?

Windows 8.1 review: The great compromise http://www.pcworld.com/article/2048508/windows-8-1-review-the-great-compromise.html#tk.twt_pcworld

Windows 8.1 is out for both MSDN and Technet Subscribers, here are the best ways to try it out.

Windows Server 2012 R2 and 8.1 RTM on MSDN/TechNet  by Tim Barrett http://www.nogeekleftbehind.com/2013/09/09/windows-server-2012-r2-and-8-1-rtm-on-msdntechnet/

Live Migrate VM from Windows 2012 to Windows 2012 R2 RTM | vNiklas Virtualization blog

Upgrade Windows 8.1 preview to 8.1 RTM with some quirks  | vNiklas Virtualization Blog

Upgrading from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 Experience   / Adam Fowler - I.T. from Australia

How To Install Windows 8.1 Without Microsoft Account http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-install-windows-8-1-without-microsoft-account/  / Into Windows 

How To Upgrade Windows 8.1 Preview To RTM ( Final ) http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-upgrade-windows-8-1-preview-to-rtm-final/  / Into Windows

Download Windows 8.1 RTM, Visual Studio 2013 RC and Windows Server 2012 R2 RTM Today: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/stevengu/archive/2013/09/09/download-windows-8-1-rtm-visual-studio-2013-rc-and-windows-server-2012-r2-rtm-today.aspx

Microsoft reverses course; releases Windows 8.1 RTM to developers: http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-reverses-course-releases-windows-8-1-rtm-to-developers-7000020402/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+zdnet%2Fmicrosoft+%28ZDNet+All+About+Microsoft%29

Windows Server 2012 RTM now available for MSDN and TechNet subscribers.

Windows 8.1 now available on MSDN and TechNet following developer complaints

Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2 Now Available on MSDN, TechNet: http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-windows-server-2012-r2-now-available-msdn-TechNet

System Requirements and Installation Information for Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn303418.aspx

 Windows Server 2012 R2 and 8.1 RTM on MSDN/TechNet via Microsoft MVP Tim Barrett  

Windows Server 2012 R2 available to MSDN subscribers:

Windows 8.1 Enterprise: 3 features admins should know

Microsoft "Blue" Product Availability

RTM builds of Windows Embedded 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2 for Embedded Systems -

Windows 8.1 says, “Forget all that Design Stuff from Windows 8.0” :

Windows 8.1: How and when can volume licensees get the RTM bits?

 Microsoft's reluctant upgrade has a split-screen personality:    The Register