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After lots new coding and refactoring, dotNetTips.Utility 3.5 R2 is finally released! This assembly is much of the common code I have been writing for the past 9+ years all wrapped up in a nice package and easy to use. Here is just some of what is in the new version:

New Classes

• EmailTraceListener - Send emails when trace events happen (I suggest using filters here)!
• WebServiceTraceListener - Send trace events to a web service. I use this for logging events to a central back-end database!
• Lots of new Extension methods and classes:
• Color
• DateTime
• Decimal
• Entity Framework
• Image
• Nullable
• Xlement
• And more!
• GeoInfoHelper - Get geo location info based on IP address.
• And lots more!
  

The documentation, binary and source code can be downloaded from CodePlex.

Coming soon... .NET 4.0 version!

 

The Windows® API Code Pack for Microsoft® .NET Framework provides a source code library that can be used to access some new Windows 7 features (and some existing features of older versions of Windows operating system) from managed code. These Windows features are not available to developers today in the .NET Framework.

Click here to download.

 

The Windows® API Code Pack for Microsoft® .NET Framework provides a source code library that can be used to access some new Windows 7 features (and some existing features of older versions of Windows operating system) from managed code. These Windows features are not available to developers today in the .NET Framework.

The individual features supported in this version (v1.0) of the library are:

• Windows 7 Taskbar Jump Lists, Icon Overlay, Progress Bar, Tabbed Thumbnails, and Thumbnail Toolbars.
• Windows 7 Libraries, Known Folders, non-file system containers.
• Windows Shell Search API support, a hierarchy of Shell Namespace entities, and Drag and Drop functionality for Shell Objects.
• Explorer Browser Control.
• Shell property system.
• Windows Vista and Windows 7 Common File Dialogs, including custom controls.
• Windows Vista and Windows 7 Task Dialogs.
• Direct3D 11.0, Direct3D 10.1/10.0, DXGI 1.0/1.1, Direct2D 1.0, DirectWrite, Windows Imaging Component (WIC) APIs. (DirectWrite and WIC have partial support)
• Sensor Platform APIs
• Extended Linguistic Services APIs
• Power Management APIs
• Application Restart and Recovery APIs
• Network List Manager APIs
• Command Link control and System defined Shell icons.

Click here for more information and to download.

 

Developers with MSDN Subscriptions will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English on August 6th and remaining languages by October 1st.

To help developers who are developing applications for Windows 7 or updating existing applications to take advantage of new Windows 7 features, check out the Windows 7 for Developers Blog. Also, be sure to check out the Windows 7 Developers Guide on MSDN. Oh and there are also some fantastic videos on Channel 9 too!

 

Microsoft has finally release pricing for the October 22nd release of Windows 7. Prices range from $119 to $319. From now until July 11th you can order Windows 7 for a 50% discount. See blog link below for more info.

Click here for more information.


 

Want to make your friends or co-workers call for support on their computer for no reason? Secretly install this cool screen saver that fakes the Windows blue screen and reboot sequence. Loads of fun!

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/Utilities/BlueScreen.mspx

 

http://www.windowsecurity.com/articles/Customizing-Windows-Firewall.html
 

Windows SharePoint Services with Service Pack 1 is the Windows Server 2003 component that helps organizations increase individual and team productivity by enabling them to create Web sites for information sharing and document collaboration.

Important This download is an updated version of Windows SharePoint Services and contains all updates included in Windows SharePoint Services Service Pack 1 (SP1). After installing this software you do not need to install the SP1 update. If you previously installed Windows SharePoint Services and only need SP1, you can download Windows SharePoint Services SP1 separately.

Sites based on Windows SharePoint Services technology take file storage to a new level, providing communities for team collaboration that make it possible for users to collaborate on documents, tasks, and events, and make it easier for them to share contacts and other information. Windows SharePoint Services enables managers of teams and sites to manage site content and user activity easily. The environment is designed for easier and more flexible deployment, administration, and application development.

 

Click here to download

 

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=1b6acf93-147a-4481-9346-f93a4081eea8&displaylang=en

 

 

To download, go to: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=428d5727-43ab-4f24-90b7-a94784af71a4&displaylang=en
 

To download the 32-bit version go to: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=85796ed7-112d-4b41-a052-de917bd2b93d

 

To download the 64-bit version go to: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=8720b192-bcd7-4217-852f-64d959d21937

 

REDMOND, Wash. -- Aug. 27, 2004 -- Microsoft Corp. today announced it will target broad availability of the Windows® client operating system code-named "Longhorn" in 2006, and make key elements of the Windows WinFXTM developer platform in "Longhorn" available for Windows XP and Windows ServerTM 2003.

"Longhorn" will deliver major improvements in user productivity, important new capabilities for software developers, and significant advancements in security, deployment and reliability.

"Getting 'Longhorn' to customers in 2006 will provide important advances in performance, security and reliability, and will help accelerate the creation of exciting new applications by developers across the industry," said Bill Gates, chairman and chief software

Microsoft will deliver a Windows storage subsystem, code-named "WinFS," after the "Longhorn" release. The new storage system provides advanced data organization and management capabilities and will be in beta testing when the "Longhorn" client becomes available.

"We’ve heard loud and clear from customers that they want improved productivity, easier deployment, increased reliability and enhanced security, as well as the many innovations we’ve been working on. We’ve had to make some trade-offs to deliver the features corporate customers, consumers and OEMs are asking for in a reasonable time frame," said Jim Allchin, group vice president of the Platforms Group at Microsoft. "Our long-term vision for the Windows platform remains the same."

"The announcements Microsoft is making today will accelerate our adoption of 'Longhorn.' We expect to see significant business benefits from improving productivity, higher security and the overall focus on fundamentals," said Jeff Truax, director of IT for Frontier Airlines Inc.

At a meeting today with several hundred of the company’s top developer evangelists from around the world, Microsoft also announced that the Windows WinFX developer technologies, including the new presentation subsystem code-named "Avalon" and the new communication subsystem code-named Indigo, will be made available for Microsoft® Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 in 2006. This availability will expand the scope of opportunity for developers by enabling them to write applications that can run on hundreds of millions of PCs, resulting in enhanced experiences for users of those operating systems.

"'Avalon' and 'Indigo' will allow us to build some exciting applications for our design and life-cycle management customers. Making 'Avalon' and 'Indigo' available on Windows XP as well as 'Longhorn' will allow us to think about exploiting these technologies sooner," said Scott Borduin, chief technology officer of Autodesk Inc.

"Bringing the core of the new WinFX platform down to Windows XP and Windows 2003 will allow WinFX applications to target a much larger installed base, making it a much more attractive platform for our education software," said Leslie House, vice president of Vivendi Universal Games’ Knowledge Adventure Studio.

"Avalon" is the graphics subsystem that will enable developers to build applications that provide breakthrough user experiences.

"Indigo" is a new approach to building and running connected systems built from the ground up around a Web services-oriented architecture. The advanced Web services support in "Indigo" will enable more secure, reliable and transacted messaging and greater interoperability.

Today’s announcements relate only to the "Longhorn" client operating system. Anticipated availability for the Windows "Longhorn" Server operating system continues to be 2007.

 

http://www.microsoft.com/msdownload/platformsdk/sdkupdate/default.htm?p=/msdownload/platformsdk/sdkupdate/psdkredist.htm
 

REDMOND, Wash. - Aug. 6, 2004 -- Microsoft Corp. today announced the release to manufacturing of Windows® XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced Security Technologies. This free service pack delivers the latest security updates and innovations from Microsoft, establishes strong default security settings, and adds new proactive protection features that will help better safeguard computers from hackers, viruses and other security risks.

"Service Pack 2 is a significant step in delivering on our goal to help customers make their PCs better isolated and more resilient in the face of increasingly sophisticated attacks," said Bill Gates, chairman and chief software architect at Microsoft. "It is the result of sustained investments in innovation and extensive industry collaboration. It also reflects a broad recognition that as the security environment changes, the industry needs to work together to respond."

During the worldwide rollout of Service Pack 2, Microsoft will localize the software in 25 languages over the next two months and distribute it to computer manufacturers, enterprise customers and consumers through downloads, retail installation, free CDs and on new PCs. The easiest way for current Windows XP users to ensure they receive Service Pack 2 when it releases in their language is to simply turn on the Automatic Updates feature in Windows XP. Customers with Automatic Updates enabled will receive the latest security updates for Windows XP, along with updated installation software that will optimize the download experience of Service Pack 2 and all future updates to Windows XP. The timing for customers to receive the Service Pack 2 download through Automatic Updates depends on a number of factors, including the customer's Internet usage, location, language and the level of Internet demand for Service Pack 2. Automatic Updates uses spare Internet capacity to progressively download updates without interfering with daily PC use. Microsoft expects to distribute Service Pack 2 to approximately 100 million PCs through Automatic Updates over the next two months. Automatic Updates is easy to turn on in Windows XP, and details are available at http://www.microsoft.com/protect/.

Customers without reliable Internet connections who wish to obtain Service Pack 2 on CD can order a free disc from the Microsoft® Web site as Service Pack 2 is rolled out worldwide. Microsoft also is working with computer manufacturers to ensure they can make Windows XP-based PCs preloaded with Service Pack 2 available as soon as possible.

Businesses of all sizes should be evaluating Service Pack 2 now, if they have not begun doing so already. Business customers using Windows XP should deploy the service pack on their most important systems, especially notebooks and computers for home workers, as soon as is practical.

"With the proliferation of viruses and other broad threats on business and consumer desktops, I can think of no higher priority than trying to ensure the security of personal computers," said Rob Enderle, principal analyst for the Enderle Group. "Whether the customer is a large enterprise, a small business or an individual, Windows XP Service Pack 2 is critical because it addresses today's exposures in a comprehensive fashion. For anyone currently using Windows XP, my advice is to apply it at your earliest opportunity."

Service Pack 2 Provides Proactive Protection for Windows XP Customers

Windows XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced Security Technologies was designed by Microsoft explicitly to provide proactive protection for Windows XP. The updates and enhancements in Service Pack 2 focus on three main areas:

• Stronger security settings. Service Pack 2 establishes stronger default security settings and includes updates with new features and tools designed to help customers better defend their systems and information from hackers, viruses and other security threats. This means safer browsing and communications for consumers plus an improved security infrastructure for businesses.
• Increased manageability and control. Service Pack 2 makes it easier to configure and manage security resources with new functionality, more accessible and intuitive security tools, and the new Windows Security Center.
• Improved and more-secure experiences. Service Pack 2 includes updates for key drivers, updated support for new technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® - especially around security - and security updates for other key features, all of which provide a safer end-user experience and thus enable more productive and enjoyable computing.

Microsoft Joins With Customers and Industry Partners to Deliver Latest Enhancements

Service Pack 2 incorporates the results of significant customer testing. Microsoft has hosted more than 1 million downloads of test versions of Service Pack 2 through its technical preview, technical beta and MSDN® programs, making it one of the largest test programs in the company's history. In addition, Microsoft has tested thousands of applications and Windows XP-based devices for compatibility with Service Pack 2 and highly recommends the enhancements Service Pack 2 provides for all types of users.

Developing Service Pack 2 required close collaboration between Microsoft and other industry leaders, including software vendors, chip makers and PC manufacturers. Examples of the industry collaboration on Service Pack 2 include the following:

• Windows Security Center. Windows Security Center monitors the status of software Internet firewalls, Automatic Updates services and anti-virus software. It allows customers to see at a glance whether these essential security capabilities are turned on and up to date, or if additional actions need to be taken to better secure their PCs. Microsoft worked closely with ISVs to build the Windows Security Center customer experience.
  "Now, more than ever, users need to be more hands-on in safeguarding their computers. Symantec supports Microsoft's efforts to raise security awareness among Windows users worldwide with the release of Windows XP Service Pack 2," said Stephen Cullen, senior vice president, Security Products and Solutions at Symantec. "Symantec's current line of industry-leading consumer and enterprise antivirus, firewall and intrusion prevention security solutions are compatible with Service Pack 2 and allow the mutual customers of Symantec and Microsoft to defend against today's blended security threats as well as the unknown threats of tomorrow."
• Data execution prevention. Service Pack 2 works with processor technologies to reduce the risk of the most common means of virus penetration into computer systems - exploiting "buffer overrun" vulnerabilities. Microsoft worked closely with processor manufacturers, including Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) and Intel Corporation to extend its Data Execution Prevention technology through new processor functionality.
  "Intel and Microsoft have worked closely together to improve the overall security of the PC platform by bringing Execute Disable Bit and Microsoft's Data Execution Prevention to mainstream desktops and workstations. These are the first components of a broad security effort by our two companies," said Louis Burns, vice president and general manager of the Desktop Platforms Group at Intel. "These new technologies will be available in PCs this fall and are an excellent choice for businesses that are looking to improve the security of their infrastructure."
  "With today's release of Microsoft's Windows XP Service Pack 2, the millions of users who have purchased AMD Athlon 64 desktop and mobile processors can rest assured they have the industry's most formidable protection against certain computer viruses," said Hector Ruiz, chairman of the board, president and CEO of AMD. "Our longstanding collaboration with Microsoft enables AMD's industry-leading Enhanced Virus Protection technology to put the computer user back in control."
• Preloaded PCs. Microsoft is working with computer manufacturers such as Dell, HP and IBM Corp. to ensure the manufacturers are able to ship machines preloaded with Windows XP Service Pack 2 beginning in September and October.

"The security enhancements in Windows XP Service Pack 2 represent a significant improvement for customers in helping them make their computers more secure and giving them more control," said Will Poole, senior vice president at Microsoft. "We encourage Windows XP users to spend five minutes today and visit http://www.microsoft.com/protect/ to turn on Automatic Updates, thus ensuring they will receive Service Pack 2 as it becomes available on a global basis."

 

 

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windowsserver2003/technologies/webapp/iis/iis6perf.mspx
 

http://www.alwaysuseprotection.com/
 

Most of these changes revolve around e-mail and network security. To download the SP2 preview and read about more information on these changes, go to: http://msdn.microsoft.com/security/productinfo/xpsp2/default.aspx
 

The Tweakomatic is a nifty new utility that writes scripts that allow you to retrieve and/or configure Windows and Internet Explorer settings. So what, you might ask. Well, think about it. Because these are WMI scripts, they can be used to configure settings on remote computers. Need to change something on a remote machine? Then haul out the Tweakomatic. And think about this: because the Tweakomatic writes scripts, you could do something like run these scripts as logon or logoff scripts. In other words, you could quickly, easily, and automatically configure settings on any or all the computers in your organization.

 

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=bd328d1e-6c01-4447-bd7c-c09646d722c8&displaylang=en

 

http://home.triad.rr.com/faq/WNS2003%20FAQ.htm