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

Download link: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=7826

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

Download link: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=41193

Windows Server 2012 R2 Test Lab Guide

Version 1.0

Date Published: 12/09/2013

Download link: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=39638

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

Download link: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=41182

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

,

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:

• What’s New in Hyper-V in Windows Server 2012 R2 
• What’s New in Hyper-V Network Virtualization in Windows Server 2012 R2
• What’s New in Hyper-V Virtual Switch in Windows Server 2012 R2
• What’s New in IPAM in Windows Server 2012 R2
• What’s New in Networking in Windows Server 2012 R2
• What’s New in Print and Document Services in Windows Server 2012 R2
• What’s New in Remote Access in Windows Server 2012 R2
• What’s New in Remote Desktop Services in Windows Server 2012 R2
• New and changed functionality in security and protection in Windows Server 2012 R2
• What’s New in Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials                      
• What's New in iSCSI Target Server in Windows Server 2012 R2
• What’s New in BitLocker in Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2      
• What’s New for SMB in Windows Server 2012 R2 
• What’s New in DHCP in Windows Server 2012 R2      
• What’s New for Windows Deployment Services in Windows Server 2012 R2
• What’s New in Failover Clustering in Windows Server 2012 R2      
• What’s New in Active Directory in Windows Server 2012 R2 
• What’s New in DFS Replication in Windows Server 2012 R2 
• What’s New in DNS Server in Windows Server 2012 R2
• New and changed functionality in File and Storage Services 
• What’s New in File Server Resource Manager in Windows Server 2012 R2
• What’s New in Windows PowerShell
• What’s New in Group Policy in Windows Server 2012 R2

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

• Windows Storage Server 2012 R2 – What’s New for SMB and the iSCSI Target Server
• Windows Storage Server 2012 R2 — Improved DFS Replication
• Windows Storage Server 2012 R2 — Work Folders
• Storage Spaces, JBODs, and Failover Clustering – A Recipe for Cost-Effective, Highly Available Storage
• Shared VHDX Files - My Favorite New Feature in Windows Server 2012 R2
• High Availability is Now Easier than Ever – Improvements to Failover Clustering and Hyper-V in Windows Storage Server 2012 R2

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:

• (01) Standards-based Management
• (02) Simplify Your Routine Tasks
• (03) Deployment
• (04) Multiserver Management

Windows Server 2012 R2 Server Networking on Channel 9 by JeffKoch

Full course outline:

• (01) Re-Think Networking Fundamentals
• (02) Re-Think What Networking Can Do for You

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

Full course outline:

• (01) End-User Experience
• (02) Feature Implementation

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

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 Virtual Machines - Part 1 John Howard
• Part 2: Management, Networking and Boot Order
• Part 3: Management and Storage
• Part 4: The keyboard 
• Part 5: Debugging nuances
• Part 6: Secure Boot
• Part 7: FAQ
• Part 8: Changing an existing VMs generation
• Part 9: Installing from ISO
• Part 10: Utility for converting generation 1 virtual machines to generation 2 (Convert-VMGeneration)

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

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:

• Automation & Self-Service with System Center 2012 R2

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.

• IT Service Management with System Center 2012 R2

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.

• Windows Server2012 R2 Storage Jump Start: New Choices

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.

• Infrastructure Provisioning and Management with System Center 2012 R2

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.

• Infrastructure Monitoring with System Center 2012 R2

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:

• Implementing a Data Warehouse with SQL Server Jump Start
• Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Jump Start
• Core Solutions of Exchange Server 2013 Jump Start
• Windows Application Compatibility and Migration
• Big Data Analytics
• Getting Started with Microsoft Big Data

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:

• Microsoft Deployment Toolkit Team Blog
• Windows 8 Deployment Guide
• Microsoft System Center
• List of 36 Known Issues with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit MDT 2013 Anoop's Blog
• Free eBook About Windows 8.1 Deployment via MDT 2013 ConfigMgr 2012 R2 Anoop's Blog
• A Geeks Guide for upgrading to ConfigMgr 2012 R2 and MDT 2013
• Installing and Configuring Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2013 on Windows Server 2012 R2 ITVCE
• MDT 2013 Support Clarification Windows IT Pro
• Quick guide to installing MDT 2013 WMUG
• The Hydration Kit for ConfigMgr 2012 R2 based on MDT 2013 deploymentresearch
• MDT 2013 - New features and issues  4sysops
• MDT Overview ronnipedersen.com
• MDT TechNet
• Microsoft Deployment Toolkit Support Lifecyle

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

How to Turn Your Windows 8.1 Lock Screen into a Slideshow  LAPTOP

 

Windows 8.1 Tips and Tutorials  LAPTOP

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

Tech Net Virtual Labs Windows Server 2012 R2

Virtual hands-on labs that you can complete in 90 minutes or less. MSDN and TechNet virtual labs are hosted using a hybrid cloud consisting of Windows Server Hyper-V and Windows Azure.   

 

TechNet Virtual Labs

• Desired State Configuration with Windows Server 2012 R2
• Enhancements with Windows Server 2012 R2 Hyper-v Replica
• Windows Server 2012 R2 - Enabling Windows Server Work Folders
• Windows Server 2012 R2: Implementing Claims-Aware Applications
• Exploring Hyper-V Server 2012 R2
• Network Automation using IP Address Management (IPAM)
• Windows Server 2012 R2 – Storage Infrastructure
• Introduction to Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials
• Windows Server 2012 R2 – Configuring and Managing Servers
• Windows Server 2012 R2 – Windows PowerShell Desired State Configuration
• Windows Server 2012 R2 - Windows PowerShell Fundamentals
• Windows Server 2012 R2– RemoteApp and Remote Desktops
• Windows Server 2012 R2 - Windows Server Update Services
• Configuring Networking with System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012 R2
• Storage Management with System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012 R2
• Managing Linux Servers with System Center 2012 R2
• Managing your Datacenter devices with Windows Server and System Center 2012 R2

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

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 

• Windows Server 2012 R2
• Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials
• Hyper-V Server 2012 R2
• Windows server 2012 R2 Storage Server and Foundation

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.

• Windows Server 2012 R2
• Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials
• Hyper-V Server 2012 R2
• Windows Server 2012 R2 Storage Server and Foundation

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  

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 2013	10/14/2013
File name:	File size:
Generation 2 Virtual Machines GA.pdf	216 KB
Hyper-V and Failover Clustering GA.pdf	219 KB
Hyper-V Storage GA.pdf	222 KB
Hyper-V Virtual Hard Disk Sharing GA.pdf	206 KB
Live Migration GA.pdf	238 KB
Session Modes GA.pdf	181 KB
Upgrading Your Private Cloud GA.pdf	224 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 Windows Server 2012 R2 Hyper-V Component Architecture Poster and Hyper-V Mini Posters Windows Server 2008 R2 with SP1 Hyper-V Component Architecture Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V Component Architecture Poster and Companion References Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V Component Architecture Windows Server 2008 R2 Feature Component Poster

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

•  Beginning and Ending with Customer-specific Scenarios
•  Making Device Users Productive and Protecting Corporate Information
•  People-centric IT in Action - End-to-end Scenarios Across Products
•  Enabling Open Source Software
•  IaaS Innovations
•  Service Provider & Tenant IaaS Experience
•  Identity Management for Hybrid IT
•  Hybrid Networking
•  Cloud-integrated Disaster Recovery
•  Enabling Modern Apps with the Windows Azure Pack
•  PaaS for the Modern Web

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    

• What is a “Purpose-Built Hypervisor?
• Simplified Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2012 Host Patching = Greater Security and More Uptime
• Reducing VMware Storage Costs WITH Windows Server 2012 Storage Spaces
• Does size really matter?
• Let’s talk certifications!
• Virtual Processor Scheduling
• FREE Zero Downtime Patch Management
• Agentless Protection
• Site to Site Disaster Recovery with HRM
• Destination: VMWorld
• Get the “Scoop” on Hyper-V during VMworld
• VMWorld: Key Keynote Notes
• VMWorld: Did you know that there is no extra charge?
• VMWorld: A Memo to IT Leadership
• Moving Live Virtual Machines, Same But Different
• Not All Memory Management is Equal
• Can I get an app with that?
• Deploying Naked Servers
• Automated Server Workload Balancing
• Thoughts on VMWorld
• Shopping for Private Clouds
• Dynamic Storage Management in Private Clouds
• Replaceable? or Extensible? What kind of virtual switch do you want?
• Offloading your Storage
• VDI: A Look at Supportability and More!
• Agentless Backup for Virtual Environments
• How robust is your availability?
• VM Guest Operating System Support
• How to license Windows Server VMs
• Comparing vSphere 5.5 and Windows Server 2012 R2 Hyper-V At-A-Glance
• Evaluating Hyper-V Network Virtualization as an alternative to VMware NSX
• VMware or Microsoft? What does Availability mean in YOUR Cloud?
• Comparing Microsoft’s Public Cloud to VMware’s Public Cloud  via Blain Barton
• Community Follow-up to Comparing vSphere 5.5 and Windows Server 2012 R2

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 Server 2012 R2 Launch Blog Series #WhyWin2012R2 – Introduction
• Why Windows Server 2012 R2 Rocks!
• Where Are All The Resources For Windows Server 2012 R2?
• Implementing Windows Server 2012 R2 Active Directory Certificate Services Part 1
• Implementing Windows Server 2012 R2 Active Directory Certificate Services Part 2 
• Step-by-Step: Automated Tiered Storage with Storage Spaces in R2
• iSCSI Target Server – Super Fast Mass Server Deployment
• Why Windows Server 2012 R2: Reducing the Storage Cost for your VDI Deployments with VHD De-duplication for VDI
• Importing & Exporting Hyper-V VMs in Windows Server 2012 R2
• What’s New in Windows Server 2012 R2 Lessons Learned Week 1
• “Replica Replica”
• Fast Migrations (on compression and RDMA)
• What’s New in Active Directory
• Scale-out File Server in Windows Server 2012 R2
• Workplace Join
• What’s New in R2 - The Executive Interviews
• Get Mobile With Windows Server 2012 R2 Using Work Folders
• Storage Quality of Service
• What’s New in Windows Server 2012 R2–Lessons Learned Week 2 
• Backup Windows Server 2012 R2 to Windows Azure
• Why R2? Automated Server Self-Provisioning and Remediation with Desired State Configuration (DSC) in PowerShell 4.0
• What’s New in Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials
• Why Move To R2Configuring Hyper-V for multiple subnets with only one NIC Step-By-StepSoftware Defined Networking in Windows Server 2012 R2
• Building certificates for Windows Server 2012 R2/Windows Azure Backups
• Windows Server 2012 & Windows Azure Hyper-V Recovery Manager
• Windows Server 2012 R2 Brings Improvements to DNS and DHCP Management
• Why Server 2012 R2? – Remote Desktop Sessions and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
• Step-by-Step: Extending Server Manager in Windows Server 2012 R2 with custom PowerShell tools
• Hyper-V Integration Services
• Gen 2 Virtual Machines / not available
• Shared Virtual Hard Disk / not available
• Automatic Virtual Machine Activation / not available

Windows 8.1 / Windows Server 2012 R2 Mini-Blog Series

• VMConnect Enhanced Mode - RDP over VMBUS
• NFC “tap to connect” Printer Connections
• RDS Shadowing is back!
• Printer Roaming
• In-box Scan App
• Updated Shell UI changes
• Assigned Access
• Wrap up

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

•  Including Dual Boot Instructions - Part 1 
•  Storage - Part 2 
•  Continuously Available File Server -Part 3 
•  Hyper-V Over SMB - Part 4

Lab Ops by Andrew Fryer

• Lab Ops – part 1 Introduction
• Lab Ops 2–The Lee-Robinson Script
• Lab Ops part 3 – Storage in Windows Server 2012R2
• Lab Ops 4–Using PowerShell with Storage
• Lab Ops 5 - Access Rights in PowerShell
• Lab Ops 6 – Setup VDI in Windows Server 2012R2
• Lab Ops 7 – Setting up a pooled VDI collection in Windows Server 2012 R2
• Lab Ops 8 –Tidying up
• Lab Ops 9 - an Introduction to Failover Clustering
• Lab Ops10 - Scale Out File Servers
• Lab Ops11 - Server Core
• Lab Ops12 - A crude but effective Domain Controller
• SQL Server Advent Calendar 13 – Grouping Sets
• Lab Ops14 - Putting Applications into the VDI Template with MDT
• Lab Ops15 - Combining MDT with Windows Update Services
• Lab Ops16- System Center setup
• System Center: Use the right tool for the right job
• Lab Ops part17 - Getting Started with Virtual Machine Manager
• Lab Ops18 - Getting started with Software Defined Networking
• Lab Ops 19 – Software Defined Networking - where’s my stuff

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   

A First Look at Windows Server 2012 R2 Storage (Part 1)
Part2

How to Design Converged Networks via Aidan Finn

Windows Server 2012 R2 Licensing  via Aidan Finn

WS2012 R2 Hyper-V Virtual Receive Side Scaling (vRSS) In Action  via Aidan Finn

Comparing TCPIP , Compressed, and SMB WS2012 R2 Hyper-V Live Migration Speeds
 via Aidan Finn

The Effects of WS2012 R2 Storage Spaces Write-Back Cache via Aidan Finn

Windows Server 2012 R2 Hyper-V Feature List Glossary via Aidan Finn

Configuring Cluster-Aware Updating in Windows Server 2012 via Aidan Finn

Configuring Jumbo Frames in WS2012R2 Hyper-V VMs  via Aidan Finn

Windows Server 2008 R2: Overlooked Features  via Aidan Finn

Windows Server 2012 R2 and Azure Pack work better together  via InfoWorld

Download Windows Server 2012 or 2012 R2 (includes Hyper-V) Free  via Dan Stolts

Step-by-Step: Setup the Online Backup Service for Windows Server 2012  via Pierre Roman

Windows Server 2012 R2 is coming what does this add to RDS – VDI

Windows/Hyper-V Server 2012 R2: First Impressions  via Altaro Hyper-V

How to Migrate a Cluster from Hyper-V 2012 to Hyper-V R2 via Altaro Hyper-V

How to Relocate a Paging file on a SCSI Controller in Hyper-V 2012 R2 via Altaro Hyper-V

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

Top Picks from TechEd 2013: A Virtualization Medley   Sessions on virtualization

Edge Show 74 – Virtualize Enterprise Workloads with Windows Server 2012 R2 Hyper-V

New features of Hyper-V  via John Savill

TechNet Live!: Windows Server 2012 R2 Overview Recording!

Jump Starts: Recorded sessions on Windows Server 2012 R2, System Center and PowerShell

Edge Show 81 – What’s New in Windows Server 2012 R2 Failover Clustering Ch9

 

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