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Monday, December 16, 2013

New Downloads: MAP 9.0, Administrative Templates for Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012 R2 Test Lab Guide, Hyper-V Management Pack Extensions 2012 / 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2012 TechNet Library Documentation.

New downloads become available from the Microsoft Download Center: MAP 9.0, Administrative Templates for Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012 R2 Test Lab Guide, Hyper-V Management Pack Extensions 2012 / 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2012 TechNet Library Documentation.

Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit (MAP) 9.0

Version 9.0 
Date Published : 12/13/2013
More Info:
Announcing the MAP Toolkit 9.0!

Administrative Templates (.admx) for Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2

Version 1.0
Date Published: 12/04/2013

Windows Server 2012 R2 Test Lab Guide

Version 1.0
Date Published: 12/09/2013

Hyper-V Management Pack Extensions 2012 / 2012 R2

Date Published: 12/08/2013
Download available from the CodePlex: http://hypervmpe2012.codeplex.com/

Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2012 TechNet Library Documentation

PDF.
Version 1.0
Date Published: 11/27/ 2013






Monday, December 2, 2013

The Next Wave of Windows Updates: Threshold / Windows 9

Microsoft is on track to deliver an update to Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 in 2014,
known as Windows 8.1 Update 1

The next wave of Windows updates, codenamed "Threshold" expected around Spring 2015, reported  ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley.

Threshold will include updates to all three OS platforms: Xbox One, Windows (client and server), and Windows Phone, confirming Microsoft's plan for further integration between all of its platforms, in terms of sharing a common code base.

VB's reporter Devindra Hardawar wrote in his article 
Xbox One may be the Microsoft's boldest attempt to unify all of its services, and after spending countless hours with the console since its launch, I’ve found it to be an even more telling view of Microsoft’s future. The Xbox One searches and browses the web just as well as any PC, and you can even multitask (on your television!) by “snapping” apps to the sides of the screen (a feature very familiar to Windows 8 users). With the Threshold wave of releases, we can expect the Xbox One to even act more like a PC.
Update: A year-off release codenamed "Threshold" will most likely be called Windows 9, according to Paul Thurrott:
Windows 8 is tanking harder than Microsoft is comfortable discussing in public, and the latest release, Windows 8.1, which is a substantial and free upgrade with major improvements over the original release, is in use on less than 25 million PCs at the moment. That's a disaster, and Threshold needs to strike a better balance between meeting the needs of over a billion traditional PC users while enticing users to adopt this new Windows on new types of personal computing devices. In short, it needs to be everything that Windows 8 is not.
 To distance itself from the Windows 8 debacle, Microsoft is currently planning to drop the Windows 8 name and brand this next release as Windows 9.
 In some ways, the most interesting thing about Threshold is how it recasts Windows 8 as the next Vista. It's an acknowledgment that what came before didn't work, and didn't resonate with customers. And though Microsoft will always be able to claim that Windows 9 wouldn't have been possible without the important foundational work they had done first with Windows 8—just as was the case with Windows 7 and Windows Vista—there's no way to sugarcoat this. Windows 8 has set back Microsoft, and Windows, by years, and possibly for good.

 Additional Information:

"Threshold" to be Called Windows 9, Ship in April 2015  Thurrott

Microsoft reportedly planning Windows 9 release in April 2015 The Verge

Mark your calendars: April 2015 is when Windows 9 is expected  WPC

Microsoft's Windows future: One core, many SKUs  ZDNet

Deignser's concept for Windows 8.2 brings Modern UI to the Desktop Neowin

Microsoft on 'Threshold' of Windows Phone Growth  CIO

Predicting Windows' future: one core, many versions  CNET

Windows 8.2 release date, news and rumors techradar

Microsoft skips 'too good' Windows 9, jumps to Windows 10 InfoWorld

Speculation Swirls Around Windows 9 and 10 sci-tech today

Alleged Windows 9, Windows 10, Windows RT and Windows Phone details emerge (rumor) WinBeta

Further Changes Coming in Windows "Threshold"  Thurrott

More on Microsoft's SKU-morphic Window  ZDNet

Windows 8.2 Will Reportedly See The Return Of The Start Menu  Redmond Pie





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Monday, November 25, 2013

What's New in Windows Server 2012 R2

Windows Server 2012 R2 brings a host of new features that greatly enhance the functionality of the operating system.

According to the NetworkWorld Windows Server 2012 R2 is "generally easier to use than Windows 2012 - fewer sharp edges - and 2012 R2 contains stronger networking, storage, and hypervisor skills." Check out the excellent review Microsoft takes off the gloves with Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows 8.1  and 10 things we love about Windows Server 2012 R2.

In our previous blog article New Features in Windows Server 2012 R2 Hyper-V we covered Microsoft's announcements of the new features and improvements to Windows Server 2012 at TechEd  Conference in New Orleans.
Below, you will find some more information about Windows Server 2012 R2 new features.

TechNet Library:


My Top 10 New Features in Windows Server 2012 R2 Series by Scott M. Johnson



Free MVA Courses For Windows Server 2012 R2:

What's New in Windows Server 2012 R2 Jump Start

View this demo-rich Jump Start showing IT pros the new capabilities and features of Windows Server 2012 R2. Microsoft Senior Technical Evangelist Rick Claus and Lead Architect and President of holSystems Corey Hynes demonstrate these new capabilities via numerous scenarios and demos.


Windows Server 2012 R2: Networking

This course discusses what is new in the world of networking and how System Center 2012 R2 can help manage Windows Server 2012 R2. The course also provides insight into industry trends, performance levels, and network performance.

Windows Server 2012 R2: Server Management & Automation

This course contains four modules that provide an overview of Server Manager and Automation, as well as detailing new management capabilities, updates to Windows PowerShell, deployment options and methods, and MultiServer Management capabilities. This course provides education that will assist in getting started with Windows Server 2012 R2

Windows Server 2012 R2 Management and Automation on Channel 9 by JeffKoch

Full course outline:


Windows Server 2012 R2 Server Networking on Channel 9 by JeffKoch

Full course outline:



Windows Server 2012 R2 Access and Information Protection on Channel 9 by JeffKoch

Full course outline:

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

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






Friday, November 8, 2013

Generation 2 Virtual Machines

Tommy Gunn wrote in his article:
In previous versions of Hyper-V there is only one type of virtual machine type. Starting with Hyper-V on Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview there are two types of virtual machines generations that can be selected when a new virtual machine is created.
  • Generation 1 – This virtual machine generation provides the same virtual hardware to the virtual machine as in previous versions of Hyper-V.
  • Generation 2 – This Virtual machine generation provides the following new functionality to a virtual machine:
      • Secure Boot (enabled by default)
      • Boot from a SCSI virtual hard drive
      • Boot from a SCSI virtual DVD drive
      • PXE boot using a standard network adapter
      • UEFI firmware support
      • IDE drives and legacy network adapter support has been removed

John Howard :
The main reason for introducing generation 2 VMs is a strategic bet by the Hyper-V team to have a platform upon which we can build upon in future releases, while introducing a number of improvements in this release as well.
Hyper-V generation 2 VM conversion utility (Convert-VMGeneration) John Howard
Convert-VMGeneration converts a Hyper-V generation 1 virtual machine running on Windows Server 2012 R2 or Windows 8.1 to generation 2.



Generation 2 Virtual Machines In Windows 8.1 Hyper-V Mark O'Shea

Windows Server 2012 R2 Hyper-V - Generation 2 VMs  Aidan Finn

Introducing Generation 2 virtual machines VirtualizationAdmin

Generation 2 VMs - The new type of virtual machine CroftComputers

What impact will the new Hyper-V Generation 2 VMs have on data storage  SearchVirtualStorage

Hyper-V 2012 R2: Pros and Cons of Generation 1 vs. Generation 2 VMs ServerWatch

Generation 2 Virtual Machines on Windows 8.1 and Server 2012 R2 plus other nice new features  When Software Attacks!

Comparison of Generation 1 and 2 VMs in Windows Server 2012 R2 System Center Central

Debugging a Generation 2 Virtual Machine  Ntdebugging Blog

Convert to generation 2 on a VM in Hyper-V 2012 R2 with Powershell vNiklas Virtualization Blog

Windows Server 2012 R2 Hyper-V MDT 2013 Deployment Comparing Gen 1 to Gen 2 Legacy/Synthetic Network Boot  ITVCE

How to create a GEN2 VM with SCVMM 2012 R2  Kristian Nese

Generation 2 Virtual Machines in Hyper-V  Samuel Betts


Thursday, November 7, 2013

New Free MVA Courses

New free courses available at Microsoft Virtual Academy
Check out free MVA Courses on Virtualization

Windows Server and System Center Courses:


This course covers Automation and Self service in the Datacenter and looks into the primary components of Service Manager and Orchestrator and the capabilities that are used to build out the infrastructure within the environment. This course specifically addresses the R2 updates, including the new integration stack for SharePoint, and provides patch solutions from Service Manager.
In this course you will learn about the role Service Manager plays in the broader story of Microsoft’s management solution on top of Windows Server 2012 R2. This course dives into topics such as SLA Insights and Analysis, Standardize Service Delivery, Manage Multiple Processes, and OLA Insights and Analysis.
Learn more about Automated Tiering, Data Deduplication, Scale-Out File Server, shared VHDX files and Hyper-V live migration over the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol (SMB Direct and SMB Multichannel). This Jump Start assumes a familiarity with Windows Server 2012 storage concepts; take the Windows Server 2012: Storage course to learn more. And you’ll get the most out of the Jump Start if you’ve already taken this one: What’s New in Windows Server 2012 R2 Jump Start.
This course will address deployment of compute, storage, and networking resources, and how to construct all of the different resources that we have and construct them together into a private cloud. Finally the course will delve into day-to-day operations to keep the infrastructure up and running, and deploying services to the end users as well as the architecture behind it all.
This course covers new monitoring capabilities and opportunities offered in Systems Center 2012 R2. Moving away from physical boxes being monitored only by individual teams, this course goes over all monitoring opportunities, including Private Cloud Monitoring, Public Cloud Monitoring, Hybrid Cloud Monitoring, OS and Workload Monitoring. Also included in this course is information about proactive monitoring integrated through System Center Advisor, and an overview of the new customized widget dashboard

Other new free courses:



Saturday, November 2, 2013

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2013

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2013 is a Solution Accelerator for operating system and application deployment. MDT 2013 supports deployment of Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2008 R2.

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2013  Date Published: 10 / 16 / 2013

MDT 2013 requires the use of the Windows ADK for Windows 8.1 which is also available for download.

What's New in MDT 2012 (download)
MDT includes several improvements that add new features and improve user experience with MDT, including support deployment of Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2.

 
MDT Quick Start Guides (download)


Feature Summary
Deploy Windows and Office with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2013. MDT is the recommended process and toolset for automating desktop and server deployment. MDT provides you with the following benefits:
 
  • Unified tools and processes, including a set of guidance, for deploying desktops and servers in a common deployment console.
  • Reduced deployment time and standardized desktop and server images.
Some of the key changes in MDT 2013 are:
 
  • Support for the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) for Windows 8.1.
  • Support for deployment of Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2.
  • Support for System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager.
  • Improved support x86-based Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) systems.

Additional Resources:



Friday, November 1, 2013

What's New in Windows 8.1: New Features, Tweaks and How To's

With Windows 8, Microsoft has tried to do something that hasn't been done before - create hybrid system software that works for desktop, mobile and everything in between.

Windows 8.1 adds many useful tweaks and fixes to the OS, including Start button, better searching, Lock Screen, multitasking, the ability to boot directly to the desktop, and a much-improved app store.

The New Windows



 25 hidden features and little extras buried deep in Windows 8.1  PCWorld

Windows 8 and 8.1 Hidden Secret Features and Useful Hotkeys  ASKVG

 

Tips on upgrading to Windows 8.1  USA Today

A New Windows 8.1 Enterprise feature: Start screen Control  Springboard Series Blog

Improved Windows still torn between tablet future and PC past  CNET

Work Folders in Windows 8.1 The Windows Club

How to Sync Any Folder With SkyDrive on Windows 8.1  How-To Geek

How to Enable Hibernation on Windows 8.1 Start Button Menu  Techken

Windows 8.1 Tips and Tricks: How to boot to desktop Ed Glogowski

Windows 8.1 Enterprise Now Allows Admins To Control Start Screen Layout  Microsoft - News.com

Configure the Default Location of a User Profile in Windows 8.1  Petri

Download Microsoft Office, Windows 8.1 Pro, and more for free - if you're a student  IT World

How to setup Assigned Access in Windows 8.1 (Kiosk Mode!)  Server & Tools Blogs

5 Tips for Using Windows 8.1 Like a Boss  PCmag

The Metro hater's guide to Windows 8.1 ZDNet

What's new in Windows 8.1  ZDNet

Free ebook: Introducing Windows 8.1 for IT Professionals Microsoft Press Blog

Windows 8.1: What a difference a year makes ars technica

Windows 8.1 Review: Little Changes Make a Big Difference  Gizmodo

How to Upgrade to Windows 8.1  TechHelpMadeEasy

Quick Tip: Change Microsoft live to a local account in Windows 8.1  TechRepublic

 Step-by-step: Update to Windows 8.1 through the Windows Store  TechRepublic

 Pro tip: Track down the Create a System Image tool in Windows 8.1  TechRepublic

Windows 8.1: 8 Essential Tips, Tricks  InformationWeek

Step-By-Step: Installing Windows 8.1 From A USB Key CANITPRO

Who really knows Windows 8.1? TechNet

Friday, October 25, 2013

Server Posterpedia

An updated version of the  Posterpedia app available
Server Posterpedia is an interactive app that uses technical posters as a reference for understanding Microsoft technologies.



You can see Ser
You can see Server Posterpedia in action here:


Additional Information:


An update to the Posterpedia app with new and updated solutions posters is now available

Posterpedia
Server Posterpedia is an interactive app that uses technical posters as a reference for understanding Microsoft technologies.


You can obtain Server Posterpedia from the 
Windows Store: 

http://aka.ms/sposterpedia

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Windows Server 2012 R2 and Hyper-V Server 2012 R2 GA

Microsoft announced today the GA of Windows Server 2012 R2 and Hyper-V Server 2012 R2.
Windows Server 2012 R2 and Hyper-V Server 2012 R2 can be downloaded through the
MSDN  or TechNet subscriptions.
 
There is an update available upon installing the Windows Server 2012 R2.
Microsoft says
This update rollup package provides a set of reliability, performance, and finishing touch improvements to Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2. We recommend that you apply this update rollup as part of your regular maintenance routines.
MSDN subscriptions 
TechNet subscriptions
Microsoft is retiring the TechNet Subscriptions service and discontinued sales on August 31, 2013. Subscribers with active accounts may continue to access program benefits until their current subscription period concludes.

Additional Information


Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 update rollup

Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 GA update rollup

What's new in Windows Server 2012 R2

Update Your KMS Service Key To Activate Windows Server 2012 R2 And Windows 8.1 
Working Hard In IT

How to change from Evaluation to the real stuff in Windows Server 2012 R2 The Deployment Bunny

Migrate DHCP from WS 2012 to WS 2012 R2 The Deployment Bunny

Windows 8.1 now available

If you have a Windows 8 device, you can download the free update to Windows 8.1  through the Windows Store. If you have a device running Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP or the Windows 8.1 Preview, visit Windows.com, which will detect your OS and provide you with the information you need to get Windows 8.1 on your device.
Starting Friday October 18th, Windows 8.1 will also be available on new devices and as a  DVD product



Windows 8.1 now available! TechNet

Getting started tutorials for Windows TechNet

Exploring Windows 8.1 Start Screen and Start Button Options and Configurations TechNet

Windows 8.1: One Vision, One Platform for everything you do at work

Windows 8.1 support forums

Microsoft starts rolling out Windows 8.1  ZDNet

What's new in Windows 8.1  ZDNet

Windows 8.1 includes seamless, automatic disk encryption—if your PC supports it   arstechnica

What's new in Windows 8.1 (pictures)  CNET

Windows 8.1 Tutorials nirmaltv

Windows 8.1 brought a buddy to the Windows Store: An official Facebook app PCWorld

The 'start' button is back: 16 features of Windows 8.1 cbcnews

Windows 8.1 review The Verge

Review: In Windows 8.1, Mail is finally usable on tablets and desktops  arstechnica

How to prep your business for Windows 8.1  PCWorld

Windows 8.1 review: The great compromise  PCWorld

Windows 8.1 is here: What you need to know  PCWorld

Upgrading to Windows 8.1: Your new OS survival guide  PCWorld

Windows 8.1 released: How to download for free, and a guide to the new features ExtremeTech

Restore Libraries in Windows 8.1  betanews

The five best new features in Windows 8.1  gizmodo  

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

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

A visual reference for understanding key Hyper-V technologies in Windows Server 2012 R2 and focuses on Generation 2 virtual machines, Hyper-V with virtual hard disk sharing, online virtual hard disk resizing, storage quality-of-service, enhanced session mode, live migration, Hyper-V failover clustering, and upgrading your private cloud.

Version:
Date Published:
September 201310/14/2013
File name:
File size:
Generation 2 Virtual Machines GA.pdf216 KB
Hyper-V and Failover Clustering GA.pdf219 KB
Hyper-V Storage GA.pdf222 KB
Hyper-V Virtual Hard Disk Sharing GA.pdf206 KB
Live Migration GA.pdf238 KB
Session Modes GA.pdf181 KB
Upgrading Your Private Cloud GA.pdf224 KB
Windows Server 2012 R2 Hyper-V Component Architecture GA.pdf

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


 Mini-posters:

    Generation 2 Virtual Machines


    Hyper-V with Virtual Hard Disk Sharing
    Online Virtual Hard Disk Resizing
    Storage Quality of Service (QoS)


     

        

            Enhanced Session Mode



             Live Migration


             Failover Clustering


       Upgrading Your Private Cloud

    Windows Server 2012 R2 Hyper-V Component Architecture Poster includes all of the mini posters wrapped into single bundle. 
     


Related Resources


 

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