W2Knews[tm] (the original NTools E-News) Electronic Newsletter
Vol. 5, #12- March 13, 2000
Published by sunbelt-software.com since 1996 - ISSN: 1527-3407
'Immediate Notification Of Important Windows NT/2000 Events'
******************* over 600,000 SUBSCRIBERS*****************
This Issue of W2Knews contains:
1. EDITORS CORNER:
2. TECH BRIEFING:
* EXCITING NEW MICROSOFT GAME CONSOLE RUNS ON... WIN2K!!
3. NT RELATED NEWS:
* SHOULD I DO MY CCNA CERTIFICATION BEFORE MY W2K MCSE?
* INTERESTING WINDOWS 2000 CONFERENCE IN PHOENIX, AZ
4. NT THIRD PARTY NEWS:
* NOVELL RELEASES NDS EDIRECTORY FOR W2K
* NEW EXCHANGE SERVER PORTAL LAUNCHED
* BOOK OF THE MONTH: 'HACKING EXPOSED' IS A M U S T.
* WHAT IS SUNBELT'S NUMBER ONE SELLING TOOL?
5. HINTS AND TIPS: GOOD WINDOWS 2000 BOOKS
6. THE NT STOCK WATCH - March 10, 2000
7. HOW TO USE THE MAILING LIST
Instructions on how to subscribe, sign off or change your address.
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**********************WHAT IS W2Knews?***************************
Sunbelt W2Knews (the original NTools E-News) is the World's first
and largest E-Newsletter designed for NT/2000 System Managers that
have the job to get and keep NT up & running in a production
environment. Sunbelt launched this electronic newsletter early 1996.
Every week we keep the Windows NT/2000 community informed and aware
of new developments of NT and 3-rd party System Management Tools.
You get hints and tips that will enable you to better utilize and
understand Win NT/2000 and help to pass your Certification Exams.
Info and Stu's bio: http://www.sunbelt-software.com/w2knews.htm
Via (separate) NTools E-NewsFlashes we will send you important
breaking news like new service packs, killer viruses, etc. Sunbelt
Software is the first and largest provider worldwide of Third
Party System Management Tools for Windows NT. Tell Your Friends!
All back issues are here, searchable and indexed on key words:
http://lyris.sunbelt-software.com/scripts/lyris.pl?enter=nt-list&text_mode=0
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1. "EDITORS CORNER"
Hi NT/2000 Pro's,
I'm keeping this Editor's Corner real short, as there is a big
amount of interesting news waiting for you, not in the least
that MS has announced a new game box that runs on Win2K. Let's
get busy!
Warm regards,
Stu.
Email me with feedback at:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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2. TECH BRIEFING:
* EXCITING NEW MICROSOFT GAME CONSOLE RUNS ON... WIN2K!!
Bill Gates last Friday at the annual Game Developers Conference
in San Jose said that Microsoft will enter the video game world
and intro a future-generation dedicated video game console, named
X-Box. It promises to deliver intense, action-packed games. It
will be an Intel processor that will drive this thing, it's a
PC stripped to the bone with some add-ons and it runs Win2K.
You can call it either:
a) a high-end game box that can also operate as a PC, OR
b) a low-end sub-$300 PC optimized to play games.
This will make future games positively s c r e a m if you look at:
- High performance of Intel Pentium III processor technology with
Streaming SIMD Extensions.
- More than three times the graphics performance of the newest-
generation game consoles will be offered. Co-developed with
experts at NVIDIA, the custom-designed graphics chip will deliver
more than 200 million polygons per second.
- Fast-action and realistic experiences will be enabled by the
X-Box hard drive.
- Broadband Internet connectivity will extend the game experience.
This will give game designers some cool hardware to develop on.
X-Box is slated to launch in fall 2001, and numerous developers and
publishers have already expressed their enthusiasm for it,
including industry leaders Electronic Arts and Eidos Interactive.
Microsoft is NOT going to have an easy time here. The competition
is murder. Market leader Sony, number 2 Nintendo and No. 3 Sega
are not going to sit still. The electronic games industry is now
mature and makes $6.9 Billion per year, (compare to the Movie box-
office receipts of $7.3B per year).
This is basically the beginning of the Battle For The Living Room
that will last at least 10 years because it will start with games
and then go off to other forms of entertainment, movies on demand,
Intelligent Agents, SmartBots, house automation, you name it: BIG
MONEY.
A fun background point is that this thing was built by a small
renegade group of MS engineers in their spare time. They spent
months to lobby their bosses to be allowed to build this thing.
Only when Sony introduced their PlayStation 2 that turned into a
much larger threat than MS had expected, the X-Box project was
discovered by MS-management and lots of resources were thrown in.
The new Sony machine was perceived as a Trojan Horse because it
was a game machine but also a DVD movie player, an Internet access
device and could be turned into more easily. When the original
programmer that wrote the 'Internet-memo' (that woke up Bill Gates
to go for blood regarding the Net) decided to join the X-Box team,
MS management got alerted. He said: "the X-Box is going to change
the world".
The box is running a bare-bones Win2K flavor fortified by DirectX
software and will be built by a specialized manufacturer that sticks
the Microsoft name plate on it. One of the major features is the
new Nvidia chip that runs at a trillion operations per second.
That is three times as much as the Sony Playstation. Gonna be fun
testing one of THOSE puppies! Perhaps MS can get me a beta <grin>.
Want to be kept up to date on the development of X-BOX?
Check out this site and subscribe: http://www.xbox.com
********************************************************************
3. "NT RELATED NEWS"
* SHOULD I DO MY CCNA CERTIFICATION BEFORE MY WIN2000 MCSE?
Hi All, a question was asked to me, I sent it to Certification Guru
Ed Tittel, and this was his answer. Very useful data to think with.
"Dear Larry:
Stu Sjouwerman forwarded me an e-mail inquiry from you recently,
which included the following request for information:
<begin quote>
I have continually put back taking the Network Essentials
test because I don't feel prepared for it and I hate taking tests.
I have considered working on my CCNA first then getting MCSE for
Win 2000.
I am looking for advice on this issue. I have been working with
NT40 but not to the extent that I am ready to take any tests.
As far as career wise I believe the CCNA would help me best in
my current situation.
<end quote>
There is some truth to what you say, in that Cisco certifications
are believed to be more valuable in today's marketplace than MS
certifications. But an entry-level cert like the CCNA is only
marginally more valuable than an MCP, both being base-level vendor
certifications.
If you visit the Windows 2000 MCSE Resource Center at the Coriolis
Web site at http://www.coriolis.com/w2k/w2k.html, and check the
list of "Commonly Asked Questions" there, you'll be able to read my
copious writings on the subject of when, how, and why to pursue NT
4.0 MCSE versus Windows 2000 MCSE. Go ahead, take a look, and then
send me any other questions you might have.
I can't disagree with your desire to pursue CCNA first, especially
if you work with and around Cisco routers or switches. But I see no
point in putting off the MCSE to wait for Windows 2000, for a whole
bunch of reasons that you'll find documented in the Win2K Resource
Center cited in the preceding paragraph. Good luck as you pursue
your certifications, whatever they might be!
--- On upgrading your MCSE from NT4 to 2000 --
A total of up to 4 exams may be necessary to upgrade from a Windows
NT 4.0 MCSE (also, only those who have passed 70-067, 70-068, and
70-073 are eligible to take 70-240 instead of the four core exams).
In addition, individuals must also take one of 70-219, 70-220, or
70-221.
Finally, any electives announced for retirement must be replaced as
well. For a typical NT 4.0 MCSE, who's taken 70-059 TCP/IP and
70-087 IIS 4.0, this means taking two newer electives to replace
both of these exams, which retire on 12/31/00.
--Ed--
MS's page with more data on the steps required can be found at:
http://www.microsoft.com/mcp/certstep/mcse.htm#w2k
-------------------------
* INTERESTING WINDOWS 2000 CONFERENCE IN PHOENIX, AZ
Windows 2000 Connections is the most powerful and progressive
conference in the industry on Microsoft Windows technology.
Windows 2000 Connections will be held in Phoenix, at the Pointe
Hilton Resort South Mountain from April 30th through May 4th.
It will include over 40 sessions on Windows 2000 and Windows
NT topics such as security, Active Directory Services, Windows
Scripting Host, the Windows Registry, Plug and Play, Group
Policies, Encryption, and more. Each attendee will receive
the Microsoft Agent Software Development Kit.
The very special keynote speaker will be Mark Minasi, Windows NT
authority and author of The Software Conspiracy. There also will
be a product expo hall, Windows NT Magazine’s Best of Show Awards,
and discounted MS Certification Testing. Early bird registrants
can save $100 and will receive a free pass to attend any sessions
at the concurrently run ASP Connections conference. Check out:
www.winconnections.com See you there, I'll be presenting!
*****************************************************************
4. NT THIRD PARTY NEWS
* NOVELL RELEASES NDS EDIRECTORY FOR W2K
As expected, Novell did release their W2K version of NDS.
You can get your hands on a free 100-user license until May 18 if
you have bought W2K. This is obviously a strategy to move in before
MS has the chance to penetrate with Active Directory. And if you
already use AD or another competitive product, you can trade in
these tools for an equal number of Novell's eDirectory licenses
for free.
If you do not have a trade-in, Novell just charges $2 per user
license so that is basically close to giving it away. They also
released a beta that contains a kit allowing you to use Novell's
eDirectory to manage AD sites. The full development kit that is
expected later in Q3, includes eDirectory-Active Directory pass-
word synchronization and presents a single interface for common
directory tasks.
--------------------------
* NEW EXCHANGE SERVER PORTAL LAUNCHED
A new comprehensive resources site for Exchange users was
re-launched in London the 8-th of this month. The site aims to
be the top site for Exchange users, is the result of a recent
merger between a number of principal Exchange resources sites
including www.exchangestuff.com, www.exchangefaq.com and
www.exchangesoftware.com.
The new Exchange portal incorporates a comprehensive collection
of email software and contains helpful information for people
running Microsoft Exchange Server. It includes FAQs, tips and
recommendations, making it a valuable resource for Microsoft
Exchange Server users and prospects.
New features include a bi-monthly newsletter containing the latest
on Exchange Server and Exchange-compatible tools. As an added
highlight, www.msexchange.org will give out a free quality
software program per month to offer its visitors extra value.
The site's Exchange Server categories include fax connectors,
anti virus, anti spam, autoresponders, document management and
workflow, email automation, email management, reporting, security,
encryption and others.
Additionally, www.msexchange.org hosts a section of Microsoft
Outlook tools, add-ons and stationary, as well as other tools.
Check out: http://www.msexchange.org/
--------------------------
* BOOK OF THE MONTH: 'HACKING EXPOSED' IS A M U S T.
During my recent trip to Paris and Amsterdam I had some time
to kill during the flights. Took along a copy of 'HACKING EXPOSED'
by Stuart McClure and Joel Scambray (that write a security column
in my fave magazine InfoWorld) and George Kurz. These guys have
done an _excellent_ job. I have to recommend this book as a total
and absolute M U S T for anyone running a commercial WinNT
operation. It covers the ways hackers get in, the tools they
use, how they cover their tracks and how to stop them.
More over, it's written in a clear, understandable, fun style, and
they give plenty of examples and resources where tools and other
solutions are available. It covers Windows 2000 too. If you only
buy _one_ computer book this quarter. THIS SHOULD BE THE ONE.
Check out: http://www.hackingexposed.com/
--------------------------
* WHAT IS SUNBELT'S NUMBER ONE SELLING TOOL?
It's not the most downloaded one, it's not the one highest in
volume, but it's the tool that all companies buy that have a
mission-critical server in production and need to saveguard their
data. In dollars, Double-Take is by far the best-selling tool.
What can you do with it? Decide what the data is you want
replicated from a 'source' server to a (remote) 'target' server
and configure your replication set. Then do a one-time 'mirror-
operation' and from that point on, your valuable data gets
replicated in real time from your source to your target machine
where ever that box may be. Benefit? Get DOWNTIME reduced to
an absolute MINIMUM.
When your source server goes down, the target server (having all
the up-to-date data) takes over and your users might not even
notice that the source server failed. Double-Take supports SQL,
Exchange, is BackOffice Certified and also Microsoft approved
for MS-clusters. We have a web-seminar on the Double-Take page
that you can play to see how that works. They will come out with
a version supporting W2K very soon, the beta's are running well.
The cost is only just under $2,000 per server (including support)
and this is probably the very best investment you can make to keep
your NT environment floating and PREVENT DOWNTIME. You should really
check out: http://www.sunbelt-software.com/product.cfm?id=111
********************************************************************
5. HINTS AND TIPS : GOOD WINDOWS 2000 BOOKS
Looking for law references related to the privacy of company email
and the monitoring of it? Thinking about implementing one of these
tools? Here is a website that give a LOT of interesting data about
this topic: http://www.rbs2.com/email.htm
----
Well, the floodgates have broken loose regarding W2K related books.
I have a stack on my desk here! First things first. A relatively
new publisher called Syngress came out with a set that I think will
help you get through your MCSE for 2000 tests. I read through some
of it and it _is_ good. Partly because they promise free monthly
technology updates, a one-year vendor product protection upgrade
plan and free membership to their Access.Globalknowledge website.
Check out: http://www.syngress.com
- CONFIGURING WINDOWS 2000 SECURITY: ISBN 1-928994-02-4
- WINDOWS 2000 SERVER ADMIN HANDBOOK: ISBN 1-928994-09-1
- WINDOWS 2000 NETWORK SERVICES: ISBN 1-928994-06-7
- MANAGING ACTIVE DIRECTORY FOR W2K SERVER: ISBN 1-928994-07-5
I'll talk about more W2K Books in coming issues!
********************************************************************
6. THE NT STOCK WATCH Closing Date Friday MARCH 10, 2000
52 WK 52 WK P/E WEEK
SECURITY CLOSE HIGH LOW RATIO CHNG
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Advanced Micro Devices... 53 60 14 9/16 +26.4%
BMC Software............. 51 15/16 86 5/8 30 52 +8.2%
BindView Development Corp 41 11/16 42 3/4 8 7/8 +29.2%
Citrix Systems Inc....... 107 1/2 122 5/16 13 1/4 +1.1%
Compaq Computer.......... 28 1/2 34 18 1/4 84 +2.4%
Computer Associates...... 66 1/2 79 7/16 32 1/8 52 +2.0%
Data Return Corporation.. 85 3/4 94 1/4 13 3/4 +23.8%
Dell Computer............ 51 1/4 53 31/32 31 3/8 84 +10.8%
Electronic Data Systems C 61 1/2 76 11/16 46 73 -5.7%
Gateway Inc.............. 62 1/2 84 28 3/8 47 -10.2%
Hewlett Packard Co....... 146 15/16 153 13/16 26 1/2 46 +5.9%
Intel Corp............... 120 3/16 120 50 1/8 57 +0.7%
Intergraph Corp.......... 7 1/16 10 1/4 3 3/16 +17.7%
International Business Ma 105 1/4 139 3/16 81 1/2 26 -3.4%
Legato Systems Inc....... 35 15/16 82 1/2 15 1/8 -8.2%
Micron Electronics Inc... 19 1/4 18 31/32 9 47 +32.7%
Microsoft Corp........... 101 119 15/16 75 1/2 62 +5.0%
Mission Critical Software 69 7/8 77 5/8 16 +12.2%
NCR Corp................. 41 7/16 54 9/16 26 11/16 12 +10.8%
NetIQ Corporation........ 75 1/4 81 1/2 14 3/4 +8.0%
Network Associates Inc... 31 3/16 51 10 1/16 +9.1%
Novell Inc............... 31 3/8 44 9/16 16 1/16 52 -2.3%
Oracle Corp.............. 81 5/8 85 10 1/2 +8.8%
Qualcomm Incorporated.... 136 1/8 200 9 1/2 +3.2%
Seagate Technology....... 64 1/2 59 5/8 25 1/8 16 +17.5%
Silicon Graphics......... 12 5/16 18 7/8 6 7/8 +30.4%
Sun Microsystems Inc..... 94 3/16 101 15/16 24 7/8 -4.2%
Sybase Inc............... 28 1/8 31 5 5/16 38 -5.4%
Symantec Corp............ 80 13/16 81 5/8 12 1/2 29 +11.4%
Unisys Corp.............. 26 15/16 49 11/16 20 15/16 17 -3.7%
Veritas Software Corp.... 168 11/16 166 3/4 13 5/8 +13.7%
Dow Jones 30 Industrials. 9,928.82 -4.2%
********************************************************************
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