Maintain a dynamic, reliable, and secure Windows Server 2008 environment Exploit the powerful management, networking, and security tools in Windows Server 2008 using the comprehensive information contained in this real-world resource. Written by a seasoned Windows systems engineer, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Administration lays out each feature alongside clear explanations, practical examples, and hands-on exercises. Inside, you'll learn how to deploy Windows Server 2008, use the new, integrated Server Manager tool, handle Internet services and remote access, and fine-tune performance. You'll also learn how to automate administrative tasks, create reliable system backups, and harden your server's defenses. Perform typical and Server Core installations of Windows Server 2008 Modify system and component settings using the new Server Manager Administer users, groups, and computers with Active Directory Deliver robust web and FTP hosting using IIS 7.0 and SP.NET Monitor stability and performance with Windows System Resource Manager Manage security using NAP, IPSec, 802.1x, and DHCP enforcement Encrypt data with Active Directory Certification Services and PKI Provide secure remote access using Terminal Services and RRAS Handle Windows DNS, BitLocker Drive Encryption, and Itanium support build Windows PowerShell scripts to perform repetitive management jobs.

This book will show administrators how to manage and administer the advanced functions and security features in Windows Vista. The recommendations, tips, tricks, and best practices are based on years of early-adopter implementations of Windows Vista in large corporate and private environments. The authors highlight the functions of Windows Vista that both large and small environments have found to be the most useful, including all-new features such as Complete PC Backup, BitLocker, and the powerful Group Policy options that are only available in Windows Vista.

Understand how to…

• Integrate Windows Vista into an Active Directory domain
• Properly protect information for local and remote users
• Utilize BitLocker to encrypt all the data on a disk
• Properly secure a Windows Vista system
• Enable self-service recovery with Shadow Copy
• Deploy Windows Vista systems without having to touch them
• Deploy powerful new Group Policy settings
• Pick the version of Vista that is right for your users
• Optimize Vista performance
• Securely access corporate information while offline
• Perform image-level backup and restore of Vista workstations

Andrew Abbate is a consultant in and best-selling author on various Microsoft technologies and security and operational practices.

The Windows Presentation Foundation is a key component of .NET Framework 3.0, which is a part of Windows Vista and available for Windows XP. With the Windows Presentation Foundation, 3D images can be displayed regardless of the video-display hardware on the users machine. Focusing on developing user interface objects or simple animations, this book builds on a readers knowledge of Windows Presentation Foundation essentials to demonstrate how to effectively create 3D graphics for Windows. You get the fundamental information for using the Windows Presentation Foundation 3D application programming interface (API), as well as in-depth coverage of mesh geometries.

If you are a support professional who sets up, maintains, and troubleshoots desktop applications on Windows Vista, now you can build your skills and prepare for exam 70-623, MCITP: Supporting and Troubleshooting Applications on a Windows Vista Client for Consumer Support Technicians, the required exam for achieving certification as an MCITP: Consumer Support Technician. Inside this comprehensive study guide you'll find:

• Full coverage of all exam objectives in a systematic approach, so you can be confident you're getting the instruction you need for the exam

• Practical hands-on exercises to reinforce critical skills

• Real-world scenarios that put what you've learned in the context of actual job roles

• Challenging review questions in each chapter to prepare you for exam day

• Exam Essentials, a key feature in each chapter that identifies critical areas you must become proficient in before taking the exam

• A handy tear card that maps every official exam objective to the corresponding chapter in the book, so you can track your exam prep, objective by objective

Secure and share your digital f iles at home. Access them from virtually anywhere.

Windows Home Server makes automatic backups and easy access the norm. If you see the word "server" and think "difficult," stay with us. This book shows you how simple using Windows Home Server can be.

• Define your needs and choose the Windows Home Server product that best meets them

• Install Windows Home Server and get it running properly

• Create and use accounts and permissions for shared resources

• Manage automatic backups appropriately for your needs

• Set up a system to facilitate data storage on Windows Home Server

• Learn how to recover lost data

• Monitor the health of your network and enhance your security

• Explore the enhanced functionality of add-ins

"Securing Windows begins with reading this book." –James Costello (CISSP) IT Security Specialist, Honeywell

Meet the challenges of Windows security with the exclusive Hacking Exposed "attack-countermeasure" approach. Learn how real-world malicious hackers conduct reconnaissance of targets and then exploit common misconfigurations and software flaws on both clients and servers. See leading-edge exploitation techniques demonstrated, and learn how the latest countermeasures in Windows XP, Vista, and Server 2003/2008 can mitigate these attacks. Get practical advice based on the authors' and contributors' many years as security professionals hired to break into the world's largest IT infrastructures.

Windows Live is the collective name for a group of Microsoft tools whose services and user data are available anywhere–without ever having to install an application Windows Live currently consists of: Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Safety Center, Windows Live Favorites, Windows Live OneCare, Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Search, and Windows Live Local Certified Microsoft Software Developer Jon Arking shares his experience in developing for Windows Live, and teaches readers how to build applications that embrace the Windows Live platform Packed with examples, this hands-on guide offers an insightful look at the tools and technologies behind Windows Live, using the MSN Activities APIs, building mapping applications with Virtual Earth APIs, and developing Gadgets for both online and Windows Vista Also examines integrating MSN Search capabilities as well as Live services into existing sites with Live custom domains.

Professional Windows Vista Gadgets Programming covers sidebar and sideshow gadget development each in their own part of the book. Part 1 will cover Sidebar gadgets while Part 2 covers SideShow gadgets. In each part, the book first explains the motivation behind each technology and its features. Then, the reader is taken on a quick walkthrough of how to develop a simple gadget, using the traditional "Hello World" approach to quickly introduce the key concepts. After the quick walkthrough, subsequent chapters will then dive into each specific API that is relevant to enhancing the gadget. Finally, when the reader has mastered all the important APIs, each part will end with a chapter covering two or more projects, detailing step-by-step how each is built. Some of the specific topics covered include: * Sidebar gadgets architecture and components including XML manifest * Debugging gadgets in Visual Studio 2005 * Deploying gadgets * The Gadget system APIs * Localizing gadgets and sidebar security * sidebar projects * Sideshow devices, UI components, and SDK * Sideshow architecture, managed code, and classes * Sideshow simple content format (SCF) * Interacting with sideshow devices and handling sideshow device events * SideShow projects

"Who says you can't bottle experience? Between these covers is a wealth of information: a clear, logical approach to finding and eliminating bugs. This is an absolute must-have book for anyone who develops, tests, or supports software for Microsoft Windows." "– Bob Wilton, Escalation Engineer, Critical Problem Resolution Team, Microsoft" "An excellent reference for both intermediate and advanced debuggers: highly practical, and filled with tricks and strategies. This book stands out from all other Win32 debugging literature, thanks to its in-depth examples–including resolving intricate problems like stack and heap corruptions." "– Kinshuman, Development Lead, Windows Core OS Division, Microsoft" The First In-Depth, Real-World, Insider's Guide to Powerful Windows Debugging For Windows developers, few tasks are more challenging than debugging—or more crucial. Reliable and realistic information about Windows debugging has always been scarce. Now, with over 15 years of experience two of Microsoft's system-level developers present a thorough and practical guide to Windows debugging ever written. Mario Hewardt and Daniel Pravat cover debugging throughout the entire application lifecycle and show how to make the most of the tools currently available—including Microsoft's powerful native debuggers and third-party solutions.

Your Hands-On Microsoft Windows Vista Administration Guide

Set up and manage Windows Vista in the enterprise using the detailed information contained in this authoritative resource. Microsoft Windows Vista Administration shows you how to leverage Vista's powerful new productivity, security, and management tools to give your business the competitive edge. Inside, you'll learn to design and implement Windows Vista installation and migration plans, create network connections, configure Internet services, and utilize Vista's remote access features. You'll also learn to secure your Windows Vista environment, proactively prevent performance problems, and tune Vista PCs.

• Plan and execute enterprise Windows Vista installations and migrations
• Implement Vista's next-generation TCP/IP and DNS features
• Connect to and navigate wired and wireless networks
• Enable enterprise-wide collaboration and communication
• Configure Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop
• Create and manage users, accounts, privileges, rights, and permissions
• Secure Vista PCs and networks
• Customize and use Internet Explorer 7 and Internet Information Server 7
• Set up and configure Vista on mobile devices, laptops, and tablet PCs
• Monitor, tune, and troubleshoot Vista machines