New Downloads: MAP Toolkit 9.0 Beta , Microsoft Security Essentials 4.4.304.0, Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer 2.3 and MDOP 2013 R2

Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Toolkit 9.0 Beta

Date Published: 11/11/2013

From Jeff Alexander's Weblog:
This version has been enhanced in the following areas:

• New Server and Cloud Enrollment scenario helps to simplify adoption
• New Remote Desktop Services Licensing Usage Tracking scenario creates a single view for enterprise wide licensing.
• Support for software inventory via Software ID tags now available.
• Improved Usage Tracking data collection for SQL Server Usage Tracking scenario

Download MAP  Toolkit 9.0 Beta and supporting materials

Use the following link to register for the MAP Toolkit beta program (requires a Microsoft Live ID):
https://connect.microsoft.com/site297/InvitationUse.aspx?ProgramID=1668&InvitationID=MAP-B8H8-KMJ2

Additional Information:

MAP Toolkit Team Blog

MAP Toolkit Best Practices  CANITPRO

MAP Toolkit: The Server and Cloud Enrollment Feature MAP Toolkit Team Blog

Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit Best Practices  CANITPRO

Microsoft Security Essentials 4.4.304.0

Date Published: 11/10/2013

Microsoft Security Essentials is free fully functional antimalware software which provides real-time protection for your home or small business PC that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. Your Microsoft Windows should be genuine to run Security Essential on your PC.

Download Link: Microsoft Security Essentials

Additional Information:

Microsoft Security Essentials Website

Microsoft Security Essentials 4.4.304.0 Now Available for Download  The Windows Administrator Center

Microsoft Security Essentials Updated  WindowsObserver

Microsoft Security Baseline Analyzer 2.3

Date Published: 11/12/2013

The Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer provides a streamlined method to identify missing security updates and common security misconfigurations. MBSA 2.3 release adds support for Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012 R2, and Windows Server 2012. Windows 2000 will no longer be supported with this release.

Download link: Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer 2.3

To easily assess the security state of Windows machines, Microsoft offers the free Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) scan tool. MBSA includes a graphical and command line interface that can perform local or remote scans of Microsoft Windows systems.

Additional Information:

Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer 2.3 Adds Support for Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2012 R2  WindowsITPro

Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack 2013 R2 (MDOP)

Dare Published: 12/02/2013

MDOP is a suite of technologies available as a subscription for Software Assurance customers. MDOP virtualization technologies help personalize the user experience, simplify application deployment, and improve application compatibility with the Windows operating system.
Additionally, MDOP helps you manage and secure your device, enabling monitoring, and deployment of key Windows features.

Download link: MDOP

Additional Information:

Announcing MDOP 2013 R2  Springboard Series Blog

Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack 2013 R2 now available ZDNet

Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack Administrative Templates v2.0