Windows Deployment Services has a long-standing tradition of being part of the Windows Server Operating System. What used to be Remote Installation Services (RIS), became Windows Deployment Services (WDS) in Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2. Windows Deployment Services (WDS) has ties to Active Directory, as I’ve blogged about earlier. In ...

Being on the Windows Phone bandwagon since Windows Phone 7 and enjoying my Generation 1 chassis (the Samsung Omnia 7) every day, It wasn’t hard deciding what Phone Operating System I wanted on my next phone. Enticed by its build quality, its 8.7 megapixel photo camera with superb night view, its super sensitive 1280x768 4.5 inch diagonal screen ...

Two years ago, my boss decided to outfit me with the tools I needed to give presentations and demo features in Windows and Windows Server. Back then, the tool of choice was a Dell Latitude E6500. The full specifications of the work horse I used the past two years can be found here. Today, I received a new device to use as both my day-to-day ...

A lot of servers and clients, nowadays, are no longer equipped with an optical drive. While this leaves room for extra drives and allows for smaller form factors, it can be a hurdle when you try and install the Operating Systems of your dreams (in this case: Windows 8) to the device of your dreams.  Tip! This procedure can be used ...

I’m a Directory Services MVP. Have been for the last three years, too. This expertise is part of the Identity and Access area together with the ForeFront, ForeFront Identity Manager (FIM) and Enterprise Security MVPs. These latter guys and girl are really great. One of my favorite Enterprise Security MVPs is Paula Januszkiewicz. I’ve had the ...

Last week, while I was in Redmond for the 2010 MVP Summit, I also had the chance to visit some computer stores in the neighborhood. After visiting both the Best Buy and RadioShack in Bellevue, I decided to take the advice a couple of fellow-MVPs and Softies gave me and visit Fry’s in Renton on Saturday. While I intended to  look for a ...

I’ve used a Dell Latitude D630 laptop for the past 13 months. It’s been my loyal companion on two Tech·Eds, a MVP Summit, at least a dozen demos and presentations and has been with me to work with various customers. This device is equipped with an Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 processor, 4GB RAM, a 14,1” 1440x900 screen, Dell integrated WiFi and ...

Not everyone likes the chilly climate of the server room or the mesmerizing humming of racks, stuffed with server hardware. For these pseudo-admins, Microsoft releases remote management tools. (They work wonders for managing Server Core installations, too!) The latest incarnation was released two weeks ago and works with Windows 7. History of ...

Looking for a complete resource on remotely managing your Server Core box? Look no further! I've done research on the topic the last year and have come up with the following remote management methods: Remotely managing your Server Core using Compmgmt.msc  Remotely managing your Server Core using RSAT  Remotely managing your Server ...

I just realized I like Smart-X CoreConfigurator a lot. This is not just due to the improving quality of the tool, but also the way Smart-X copes with feedback and is able to provide feedback on my feedback. (Not a lot of companies know how to do the latter.) After testing previous versions of CoreConfigurator I emailed feedback to Smart-X. ...