Jeff's Connected Corner

June 2006 - Posts

• Be Careful with WSUS SP1

  While most users have been unaffected by the upgrade to WSUS SP1, there are a number of scenarios where problems may occur.  Microsoft just released an updated WSUS SP1 Readme file that details all current known issues.  I’ve seen a couple of these first hand, and helped others with them via the WSUS public newsgroup.  I even had a guy approach me at Tech-Ed with a failed upgrade (he renamed his server after installing WSUS, but before upgrading to SP1). Even though WSUS SP1 is a ‘true’ service pack (meaning no new features) it’s still wise to look before you leap.  If you find any additional issues with WSUS SP1, please post them to the public newsgroup ‘microsoft.public.windows.server.update_services’ and the product team and MVPs will do our best to help. Posted Jun 21 2006, 11:52 PM by Jeff with no comments Filed under: WSUS

• Finally... Cisco VPN Client for Vista Beta 2

  After months/years of waiting, Cisco has finally published a Vista-compatible VPN client.  The version number is 4.8.01.0410, and the download is approximately 11MB.  I haven’t had a chance to install and test this yet since I’m on my way to another Tech-Ed 2006 session.  However, I wanted to get the info out to the community as soon as possible.  I’ll post some screen shots and a brief review as soon as possible. Note: You need a valid Cisco CCO login to access the VPN client software.  However, there are no specific requirements to be on Cisco’s beta program or anything.  The Vista VPN client appears at the top of the list of Windows VPN client downloads. Update: The new VPN client works like a champ under Vista Beta 2.  Check my photo gallery for screen shots of the install and runtime experience. Update 2: I've had several requests, but unfortunately I can't share this software via e-mail or any other mechanism.  Thanks. Posted Jun 15 2006, 03:21 PM by Jeff with 12 comment(s) Filed under: Windows-General

• Ready or Not - Here's the June IE Security Update

  In a previous blog post I discussed the April IE security update and its ramifications for Siebel and other 3rd party applications.  Well, the 60–day reprieve patch originally offered to mitigate these issues is no longer valid once you install MS06–021 (released today).  I’ve heard rumors that some large Microsoft customers have access to a custom hotfix that extends the 60–day reprieve.  Unfortunately I can’t verify this information – so please contact your PSS TAM or Microsoft Account Rep regarding this patch if you haven’t already. For what it’s worth, my own company recently updated our Siebel servers to be compatible with the IE ActiveX changes (Siebel update number 7.7.2.6 MR).  There are many other versions of Siebel out there (7.0, 7.5, 7.8, etc.) so your mileage may vary. Note: While you’re patching MS06–021, be sure to install MS06–023 as well.  It’s important to apply both updates, otherwise IE is still vulnerable. Happy Patching! Posted Jun 13 2006, 01:04 PM by Jeff with 3 comment(s) Filed under: WSUS, Security

• SMS 2003 R2 Released to Manufacturing

  It appears that Systems Management Server 2003 R2 has released to manufacturing.  Continuing the ‘R2’ strategy, SMS 2003 R2 adds functionality on top of an existing product in an evolutionary way (unlike revolutionary upgrades, such as the eventual upgrade from SMS 2003 to System Center Configuration Manager 2007). Here’s a brief overview of the new features in this release: Inventory Tool for Custom Updates – Allows you to scan for and deploy 3rd party software updates. Scan Tool for Vulnerability Assessment – Uses the MBSA 2.0 engine to scan for common misconfiguration scenarios, such as a blank administrator password. Find out more about the SMS 2003 R2 update, and register for the free download here. Posted Jun 12 2006, 03:06 PM by Jeff with no comments Filed under: System Center

• Badges... We Don't Need No Stinkin Badges

  Trying to make sense of ‘who’s who’ at Tech-Ed?  Here’s a tip – check their badge color: Blue – Staff (Both Microsoft and External Vendors) Black – Crew (sort of an ‘Uber-Staff’ badge – don’t mess with these people) Green – Attendee Grey – Trade Show Only Orange – Exhibitor Purple – Tech-Ed Sponsor and Exhibitor Booth Staff Red – Media/Analyst Yellow – Speaker   Posted Jun 12 2006, 08:02 AM by Jeff with no comments

• TechEd 2006 Keynote & Virtual TechEd

  We’re here at TechEd 2006 in Boston waiting for the keynote to begin.  If you’re not able to watch it in person – check out the following web streams: View at your preferred bit rate: 300 Kbps 100 Kbps 56 Kbps In addition to the above keynote links, Microsoft is making other streaming content available throughout the week.  Check out the TechEd 2006 Webcast Series page where you can find 100+ live and pre-recorded sessions. One more thing before I sign off – Microsoft has posted a site called Virtual TechEd with all kinds of useful blog links.  Enjoy! Posted Jun 11 2006, 04:34 PM by Jeff with no comments