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  • SBS 2008 systems limitations and functions are the same as Windows Server 2008

    With SBS 2003 R2, some of the Windows Server 2003 R2 features were not included. I asked today where we were with SBS 2008 and the CPU, Memory and feature lists are, so I am told, the same. On the page http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/compare-specs.aspx it talks about the max number of procs, memory etc for Windows Server 2008 Standard. You should use these to represent SBS 2008, however, note SBS 2008 has it’s own minimum requirements. See below for the important points KEY: = Not Available = Available Specification Standard Enterprise X64 Sockets 4 8 X64 RAM 32 GB 2 TB Failover Cluster Nodes (Nodes) 16 Fault Tolerant Memory Sync Cross-File Replication (DFS-R) Network Access Connections (RRAS) 250 Unlimited Network Access Connections (IAS) 50 Unlimited Terminal Services Gateway 250 Unlimited Virtual Image Use Rights 1 4 The features of Windows Server 2008 that are in Standard Edition can be found here - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/differentiated-features.aspx which should...
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Thu, Jun 19 2008

  • Performance monitoring tools to go with Windows Vista Magazine article

    In my latest article for Windows Vista Magazine I spoke about performance tuning a system and more importantly how to diagnose performance issues. One of the tools I recommend using to do this is the Windows Performance Tools kit. This can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/system/sysperf/perftools.mspx . It includes a getting started document. The tools are described as: The Windows Performance Tools (WPT) Kit contains performance analysis tools that are new to the Windows SDK for Windows Server 2008 and .NET Framework 3.5. The WPT Kit is useful to a broad audience, including system builders, hardware manufacturers, driver developers, and general application developers. These tools are designed for measuring and analyzing system and application performance on Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and later. The tools currently include an xperf trace capture tool, an xperfview visualization tool (also known as Performance Analyzer), and an xbootmgr boot trace capture tool. The tools are designed for the analysis...
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Tue, Jun 24 2008

  • SBS 2008 & EBS 2008 – Virtualisation Webcast

    You can access the webcast at https://training.partner.microsoft.com/plc/details.aspx?publisher=12&delivery=249912# As a quick recap, Microsoft see’s virtualisation as more than than just machine virtualisation.  In the Microsoft, virtualisation is split into: Presentation Virtualisation – What would have previously been known as Terminal Services Application Virtualisation (App-V) – Where applications are “streamed” to your desktop or terminal services presentation without being installed Machine Virtualisation (Desktop aka VDI or Server) – what most people think of as “Virtualisation” Virtualisation will be supported in for a set of scenarios with SBS 2008 and EBS 2008.  The first thing to understand is that the primary node has a large load on it and is not an ideal candidate to act as a host for virtual machines.  You also need to understand that the host can’t really be part of the domain if the primary node of SBS is virtualised on it as there are all sorts of nasty issues around dependency...
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Thu, Sep 11 2008

  • Perpetually Connecting = PC = latest US Bill Gates and Seinfeld Windows (Vista, Live, Mobile) Adverts

    I see the latest Windows advert is up on http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ .  These are the US adverts and the UK adverts are coming so I’m told.  It is nice Microsoft beginning to emphasize the value of it’s products … I just wish I could see the how the whole series will play out. The latest tag line is Perpetually Connecting which becomes PC. Talking about videos, the same site now has a stack of videos at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/possibilities/products/default.aspx .  Go have a look, you might just surprise yourself!! ttfn David Technorati Tags: Microsoft , Vista , Live , Mobile , Windows , Adverts , Bill Gates , Seinfeld
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Fri, Sep 12 2008

  • Puzzle of the week......

    Why does it take so long to prepare the desktop on a Windows 2008 Core server when you RDP to it? I mean it's only a command prompt.....

  • Virtualisation Adoption Survey - if you are using virtualisation (from anyone), tell Virtualisation.info

    A Quick note - there has been lots of comments recently on who's virtualisation has what share of the market. I've just installed Microsoft Hyper-V server up and running with 3 VMs inside it (HomeServer, SBS 2008 and Windows Server 2003) and I expect a couple of small desktops too before long. Anyway, rather than just guessing, why not fill in Virtualization.info's survey? It took me about 45 seconds to complete at virtualization.info's Virtualization Adoption Surveys . I'll post on how I got everything working after I've got the next chapter of the book done. Should be 4 chapters done by the end of this weekend, although I'm behind a few pictures :-) ttfn David Technorati Tags: Hyper-V , Virtualisation , Virtualization , SBS 2008 , Survey , virtualization.info
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Sat, Nov 15 2008

  • I’m a PC and I’m a school governor

    Microsoft’s campaign now has David (UKSBSGUY) in it!! I love PC’s, I love freedom to choose between a PC, a MAC or anything else, but I CHOSE PC’s. I love SBS 2008 and I love small businesses that make the world go round. I also love my family and I’m amazed by the people at my local infants school, so I give back by being a school governor. If you want to know more about the school, go to http://www.yateley-inf.hants.sch.uk/index.html . David Technorati Tags: imapc , Personal , Microsoft , uksbsguy , Windows
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Sun, Nov 23 2008

  • Christmas season arrives at the Overton Home, except Yipp Productions for Channel 4 TV were there!

    This year, like all others for the last 10 years we’ve decorated our house with Christmas lights.  We have at least 3 different religious views in our house, which is amazing considering there are two adults and two children, aged 8 and 2, however we love the smiles the lights bring to ours and others' faces, so each year it gets a little grander (or kitch or tacky!). The pictures from this year can be found at http://davidoverton.com/media/g/doverton/tags/Christmas/Personal/default.aspx .  Below is what the outside of my study looks like! So, why Yipp for Channel 4 this year?  The house is “well lit up”, but not enough to make the news, however being a working dad who has had some trials and tribulations, and very much being in the right place at the right time meant I was asked if I would mind being filmed and having a chat about life.  Yipp recruited Martin Hampton to come along, ably assisted by Katie.  You should be able to hear about my life in a very short film clip next year...
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Mon, Dec 8 2008
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  • SBS 2008 backup under Hyper-V R2 gets dynamically swappable drives and what else is coming in Hyper-V 2008 R2

    I saw this and thought I would share it. Hyper-V R2, which is in beta already supports hot add/remove of drives, so native SBS 2008 Backup will work as youcan now dynamically add and remove those USB drives and they can be configured as pass-through disks so you will not have to create VHDs on them. Other interesting features for me were the live migration and huge memory support , all in the free version along with the management console! Hyper-V R2 BETA is available to test here . There is also an overview document that can be found here . In the overview document is the summary of Hyper-V as shipping today and the products as of tomorrow: Capabilities Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 Windows Server 2008 R2 EE, DC Processor Architecture x64 only Yes Yes Yes Hypervisor-based Yes Yes Yes Product Type Standalone product Standalone product Operating System Number of Sockets (Licensing) Up to 4 Up to 8 Up to 8 = EE | Up to 64 = DC Number of cores supported by the hypervisor 24 (with...
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Wed, Jan 21 2009

  • Citrix Access Essentials, SBS 2008, EBS 2008 and you - Birmingham, 10th Feb

    As many of you know I work with Citrix in the UK. While their product is not appropriate for 100% of the SBS & EBS market, if you would like to know more about the opportunity when you are a Citrix Partner and specifically about Access Essentials for SBS and EBS, you should attend this event. There is also a great prize too :-) If you want to see a blog all about Citrix then look at their official blog here and if you want to see someone in the community talking about his area then look at Brian Madden's info here. www.citrixpartneraccelerator.co.uk Find out how your business could join the fast lane in 2009 by becoming a Citrix partner. It's an exciting time to be part of the Citrix Partner Network™: in the last year we launched new virtualisation solutions, expanded our partnerships with the world's top hardware and software vendors and added new incentives to channel programmes. At our Citrix Partner Accelerator event, you'll learn how these investments could help you develop your...
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Wed, Jan 21 2009

  • Outlook Anywhere (RPC over HTTP) not working or slow with SBS 2008

    I’ve been working with the Microsoft support teams to diagnose non-connection and very slow syncing for someone who uses SBS. The team came up with a fix and while there is no KB article on this yet, below is a link to a workaround that made logging on go to a few seconds from what was about 5 hours :-) Slow Connectivity for Outlook Anywhere and Sites that use the SBS Web Applications App Pool [Today's post comes to us courtesy of Wayne McIntyre, Justin Crosby, and Damian Leibaschoff] We are currently investigating an issue where connections to Outlook Anywhere are extremely slow or fail completely. This issue also affects other sites that use the SBS Web Applications app pool. If you notice these symptoms and wish to verify you are experiencing this problem, open IIS management console and check the worker process queue for the SBS Web Applications app pool as shown below. The Official SBS Blog : Slow Connectivity for Outlook Anywhere and Sites that use the SBS Web Applications App Pool ttfn David Technorati...
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Thu, Jan 29 2009

  • SBS 2008, Installation, Migration and Configuration – Chapter 1 - Introductions

    Introductions This chapter introduces the book and explains how I’ve acquired my knowledge. It sets out to explain the book goals and the importance of using qualified Microsoft Small Business Specialists to deploy solutions if you are not qualified or confident with SBS 2008. In writing this book I wanted you to be able to achieve a simple set of goals: Install or migrate to SBS 2008 without any emergencies Understand the decisions behind your actions Enable your users to interact and gain benefit from SBS 2008 Enable SBS 2008 to be supported and reliable after the installation The book is split into sections that roughly cover the following topics: Installation and migration Configuration of SBS 2008 User enablement of the user Ongoing server management While you can dip in and out of the various chapters, if you are performing a clean install then you can skip the migration chapters as shown below. To order the book, go to http://davidoverton.com/r.ashx?1M . To find out more about my SBS 2008 BOOK - SBS...
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Tue, Apr 7 2009
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  • SBS 2008, Installation, Migration and Configuration – Chapter 4 - Installing SBS 2008

    Installing SBS 2008 This chapter covers the installation of SBS 2008 on a new system, either as a first server in an organisation or as a new server into an organisation with SBS 2003.We will: Install the operating system Install the SBS components Configure basic IP network settings Get system updates Confirm your company information Create an administration account for new systems Name the server Install anti-malware tools Resolving installation issues This starts from the most basic piece of installing the server itself. To order the book, go to http://davidoverton.com/r.ashx?1M . To find out more about my SBS 2008 BOOK - SBS 2008, Installation, Migration and Configuration click here thanks David
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Fri, Apr 10 2009
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  • SBS 2008, Installation, Migration and Configuration – Chapter 5 - Migrating systems and settings from SBS 2003

    Migrating systems and settings from SBS 2003 This chapter covers the migration of the configuration settings from the SBS 2003 system to SBS 2008. This will require activity on both servers. We will cover the following items in this chapter: Starting the Migration Wizard Initially configuring the SBS 2008 network Configure Internet Access Migrate the SBS 2003 network settings across Cleaning up the group policy settings There are a number of checks in the migration process which if they throw up an error the recommendation is to stop and fix the problem. If the problem is particularly severe or points to a flaw in the original SBS 2003 system then most likely way to avoid further issues later in the migration would be to follow this process to repair the damage and re-start again. To order the book, go to http://davidoverton.com/r.ashx?1M . To find out more about my SBS 2008 BOOK - SBS 2008, Installation, Migration and Configuration click here thanks David Technorati Tags: SBS 2008 , Book , Microsoft , Migration...
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Sat, Apr 11 2009
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  • SBS 2008, Installation, Migration and Configuration – Chapter 6 - Migrating e-mail from Exchange 2003 to Exchange 2007

    Migrating e-mail from Exchange 2003 to Exchange 2007 This chapter covers the migration of e-mail in Exchange 2003 on the SBS 2003 server to Exchange 2007 on SBS 2008. This will again require activities on both servers to complete this task. Migrating e-mail is a lengthy process and one you need to plan for in terms of cleaning up e-mail before migration to shorten the process. I walk you through all the activities until the migration is complete. To order the book, go to http://davidoverton.com/r.ashx?1M . To find out more about my SBS 2008 BOOK - SBS 2008, Installation, Migration and Configuration click here thanks David Technorati Tags: SBS 2008 , Book , Microsoft , Migration , Installation , Configuration
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Sun, Apr 12 2009
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  • SBS 2008, Installation, Migration and Configuration – Chapter 8 - Migrating users and data from SBS 2003

    Migrating users and data from SBS 2003 This chapter covers the finalising of the migration tasks with the migration of the users and the remaining data from the SBS 2003 system to SBS 2008. This chapter covers: Migrating file shares Migrating the Fax data Migrate users and Groups Migrate LOB applications Finish the Migration I’m a firm believer in scripts and this chapter provides some scripts to simplify the task ahead. To order the book, go to http://davidoverton.com/r.ashx?1M . To find out more about my SBS 2008 BOOK - SBS 2008, Installation, Migration and Configuration click here thanks David Technorati Tags: SBS 2008 , Book , Microsoft , Migration , Installation , Configuration
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Tue, Apr 14 2009
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  • SBS 2008, Installation, Migration and Configuration – Chapter 9 - Configuring your services

    Configuring your services This chapter covers the process of finalising the network setup moving all network services to be served from the SBS 2008 server. In this chapter we will carry out the following tasks, some of which are optional: Accept the customer feedback option (as it is in this section of the console) Configure your internet domain name for remote access and e-mail Check your internet network settings Enable e-mail routing via your ISP (smart hosts) if required Installing a paid for SSL certificate (optional) Configure OfficeLive for Small Business for SBS 2008 (optional) Configure a VPN (also known as RAS) for external access (optional) The configuration and purchasing of a Domain Name and setting up for Office Live Small Business is a key benefit of SBS 2008 for those who don’t use this already today. To order the book, go to http://davidoverton.com/r.ashx?1M . To find out more about my SBS 2008 BOOK - SBS 2008, Installation, Migration and Configuration click here thanks David Technorati...
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Wed, Apr 15 2009
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  • SBS 2008, Installation, Migration and Configuration – Chapter 10 - Securing the server

    Securing the server This chapter covers the process of finishing the network protection and routing setup and configuring the protection of the data on the server. I cover Configuring the firewall ports Configuring and testing the backups Configuring anti-malware As the anti-malware solution of One-Care is to be discontinued by Microsoft, I also include information about the configuration of tools by other vendors so as to not interfere with SBS 2008’s normal running. To order the book, go to http://davidoverton.com/r.ashx?1M . To find out more about my SBS 2008 BOOK - SBS 2008, Installation, Migration and Configuration click here thanks David Technorati Tags: SBS 2008 , Book , Microsoft , Migration , Installation , Configuration
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Thu, Apr 16 2009
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  • SBS 2008, Installation, Migration and Configuration – Chapter 11 - Managing users and their computers

    Managing users and their computers In this chapter we will cover the tasks required to add and manage users as well as the tasks to add and manage their desktop and notebook computers. This is done using the standard SBS 2008 tools, but discussing the customising of settings to give you a solution that meets both the administrator’s and the user’s needs. This includes: Managing roles Adding Users Managing users storage Adding computers to the network Ensuring computers are up to date with updates To order the book, go to http://davidoverton.com/r.ashx?1M . To find out more about my SBS 2008 BOOK - SBS 2008, Installation, Migration and Configuration click here thanks David Technorati Tags: SBS 2008 , Book , Microsoft , Migration , Installation , Configuration
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Fri, Apr 17 2009
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  • SBS 2008, Installation, Migration and Configuration – Chapter 12 - Working with SBS Services as user

    Working with SBS Services as user To get the business benefit from SBS 2008 you will need to embed the use of the services and facilities use into the users psyche to enable them to benefit from it and use it. In this chapter we will cover the following areas: E-mail, Calendar and Contacts File Management Remote access to the server, network and services Many people believe the above are simple and well known, but taking Outlook as an example, learning how to do the tasks below in Outlook on a PC and via Outlook Web Access is often a real productivity tool. Viewing yours and other people’s calendar Scheduling a meeting for multiple people and ensure their diaries are all free for the time period Telling people when you are going to be away or unavailable Finding e-mails that have been filed Recovering e-mails that have been deleted and removed from the deleted items folder To order the book, go to http://davidoverton.com/r.ashx?1M . To find out more about my SBS 2008 BOOK - SBS 2008, Installation, Migration...
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Sat, Apr 18 2009
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  • SBS 2008, Installation, Migration and Configuration – Chapter 13 - Introduction to SBS 2008 management

    Introduction to SBS 2008 management All computers, like cars, need regular maintenance, but unlike cars where this can be a once a year exercise and perhaps even once every two years, this needs to be done more frequently with SBS 2008. In this chapter we will cover the daily checks and what to consider if they are not all green on the reports. I start by covering the basic tools available before I cover off the steps to be worked on. Windows SBS Console Windows SBS Console (Advanced Mode) Windows SBS Native Tools Management Exchange Management Shell Command Prompt run as Administrator I also work through the following checks: Daily maintenance check via reports Maintenance areas Security Backup and Recovery Forefront Updates Storage Event Log Messages Troubleshooting common problems External Network Internal Network Spam Poor Performance The Windows SBS Console Advanced mode Native Tools Management Exchange Management Shell How to do a full, bare metal backup To order the book, go to http://davidoverton.com/r...
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Sun, Apr 19 2009
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  • It has been a while on the blog

    Well hello again, I've been away for quite some time - work has been very time consuming and two members of my family have required some dedicated attention while they have not been feeling well (and no, no swine flu). I'm hoping to start finding more time to "do" the blog and potentially a "tips and tricks" section for SBS 2008 based on my learning's to date. I do still have quite some work backlog, but I'll try to post some of the blog backlog too - I have hundreds of items to post!! See you soon - and keep the questions coming. David
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Wed, Jul 22 2009

  • Windows and other products coming End of Support information

    Microsoft has an industry leading support lifecycle for it's products with business software generally getting 10 years support and consumer products 5 years, but even then the end of support surprises some individuals and you need to be aware to ensure you are not caught out.  Our support also requires people to adopt service packs within 12-24 months of them being released, depending on the products. here along with all the obsolete products here. Why do I mention all this now, after all, this is not new information, well, we have some significant Windows End of Support (EoS) dates coming up.  With these date looming reminding your customers that moving to Windows 7 and utilizing the many features built into the product can help you achieve simplier support and them a more secure and compliant platform for your users, reduce your help desk costs, and increase performance and reliability for your end users. Remember that a Windows 7 user can record the steps of a problem and send them through to...
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Thu, Feb 4 2010

  • Using Windows Intune with Autotask and ConnectWise

    Having spoken to several partners yesterday at the SMB MVT Tour I mentioned MS CRM’s integration with Windows Intune, but I thought it was worth sharing information on integration with Autotask and ConnectWise. Training and whitepapers can be found here: ConnectWise Windows Intune and Professional Services Automation: ConnectWise Learn about the integration between Windows Intune and business operation system ConnectWise, which offers customer relationship management, service request tracking, sales force automation, and more. (Online, 1 hour) Whitepaper - https://partner.microsoft.com/40165832 Autotask Windows Intune PSA Tools: Autotask This professional services automation (PSA) presentation showcases how to connect Windows Intune and Autotask to help manage customer relationships in a single system. Covers customer relationship management, service requests, contracts, billing management, and reporting. (Online, 1 hour) Whitepaper - https://partner.microsoft.com/40165830 Thanks David
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Thu, Nov 17 2011

  • Understanding more about Desktop Virtualisation–VDI and RHSD and how to pick between them

    I am frequently asked questions about Microsoft, what our VDI, DV or RHSD solution looks like and how to license it as I look after the relationship between Citrix and Microsoft in the UK. Having seen the article at Computer Weekly I decided I would share some thoughts on what it is and how to license it (licensing in a blog later in the week). On the licensing front, I should say, while I have a lots of experience, always talk to a Microsoft Licensing Specialist . Always! Microsoft licensing moves forward to enable more customer scenarios all the time, so by the time I hit send, it could be out of date already. Sad but true. To quote from the article above, which is very good (except for the licensing sidebar which is confusing IMHO) “But one research firm that has looked at Microsoft’s new EA, has found that Microsoft has, in fact, simplified client access licensing. “ What is DV, VDI and RHSD First off, I’m assuming everyone is clear on the difference between DV and VDI. Ok, maybe not...
    Posted to David Overton's Blog by David Overton on Wed, Jan 4 2012
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