Download Pick: IT Showcase: Windows Terminal Services 2008 and TS Gateway

The MSIT pilot project of Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services was so successful that Microsoft IT went on to test the scalability and performance into the production environment. The environment acts as a SSL-based remote access solution and MSIT was able to create a scalable remote access solution that is accessible by using HTTPS connections from any location worldwide. Here is a document recently posted on MS that gives the results:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=F7AF4775-2755-4F73-9275-975EC815A78E&displaylang=en

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Download Pick: Windows Server 2008 GPO Accelerator

Hi all
For those of you with Vista workstations or testing Windows server 2008 due to be released officially next month in March (the bits are now available on Technet Plus as is SP1 for Vista) Microsoft has released a tool called GPO Accelerator that creates all the Group Policy objects (GPOs) that you need to deploy recommended security settings for your environment to save you hours of work that you would otherwise need to configure these settings. This Solution Accelerator includes guidance to assist you with this tool.
Get it at:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=a46f1dbe-760c-4807-a82f-4f02ae3c97b0&displaylang=en

There is also a 2008 Server Security guide now available in Technet at:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc264463.aspx

This one is definitely worth checking out!

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KB: Download Pick: CTX111344 Citrix License path utility

Citrix has released a new utility to help LMpath locate your license file properly.
See:
http://support.citrix.com/article/CTX111344

Citrix License Path Utility

Direct dowload at: http://support.citrix.com/servlet/KbServlet/download/15613-102-17888/CtxLicPath.zip

Description

CtxLicPath is a graphical user interface (GUI) utility that checks the Citrix license file path on Citrix license servers.

Background

When attempting to run lmstat.exe to obtain current license usage from a Citrix license server, you may receive the following error message:

"Error getting status: Cannot find license file (-1,359:2 "No such file or directory")"

CtxLicPath can be used to resolve this problem by configuring a valid license file path for lmstat.exe to read.

Note: Lmpath.exe can also be used to correct this problem; it is a command line utility.

How to use CtxLicPath

1. Launch the CtxLicPath utility (ctxlicpath.exe).

2. It displays the current license file path under the Current License File Path section.

This is the path lmstat.exe will try to use.

3. If this path is invalid for whatever reason, click the Browse Path button to browse for the proper directory that contains the Citrix license files.

-Or-

Copy and paste a valid path into the New Path field.

4. Once the proper path is selected, click the Apply button to apply the new path.

5. If you manually edited the registry to use a new path, click the Refresh button to reflect the updated path.

Note: Editing the registry manually is not necessary, as this utility configures the path for you.

Disclaimer

This software application is provided to you "as is" with no representations, warranties or conditions of any kind. You may use and distribute it at your own risk. CITRIX DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, WRITTEN, ORAL OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, you acknowledge and agree that (a) the software application may exhibit errors, design flaws or other problems, possibly resulting in loss of data or damage to property; (b) it may not be possible to make the software application fully functional; and (c) Citrix may, without notice or liability to you, cease to make available the current version and/or any future versions of the software application. In no event should the code be used to support of ultra-hazardous activities, including but not limited to life support or blasting activities. NEITHER CITRIX NOR ITS AFFILIATES OR AGENTS WILL BE LIABLE, UNDER BREACH OF CONTRACT OR ANY OTHER THEORY OF LIABILITY, FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER ARISING FROM USE OF THE SOFTWARE APPLICATION, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. You agree to indemnify and defend Citrix against any and all claims arising from your use, modification or distribution of the code.

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Download Pick: TSbackdrop

Our friends at CTRL-ALT-Del have a new utility called TSBackdrop that lets you display session information in a bitmap on the users desktop.
TSBackdrop is a command-line tool to automatically display relevant information about a Terminal Server or Citrix Session on the user's desktop background. Items such as the Client Computer Name, Client IP address, Username and the Server which the Client is logged on to, are all displayed in a neat little bitmap that is positioned in the middle of the user's desktop. This is particularly useful for helpdesk calls where the user can quickly provide the details of their session to the helpdesk operator.

Check it out along with their other utilities at:
http://www.ctrl-alt-del.com.au/CAD_TSUtils.htm

Direct download link is:
http://www.ctrl-alt-del.com.au/files/TSBackdrop.zip

Here is the readme file:

TSBackdrop is a command-line tool to automatically display relevant information about a Terminal Server or Citrix Session on the  user's desktop background. Items such as the Client Computer Name, Client IP address, Username and the Server which the Client is logged on to, are all displayed in a neat little bitmap that is positioned in the middle of the user's desktop. This is particularly useful for helpdesk calls where the user can quickly provide the details of their session to the helpdesk operator.  When placed in the Startup folder of a user's profile, or in a logon script specifically for Terminal Server or Citrix sessions, TSBackdrop simply writes a new desktop bitmap (TSBKDRP.BMP which is around 75 kb  in size) to the user's 'My Documents' or 'Personal Folder' and then sets it as the default wallpaper for that session. Each time the user logs on to a Terminal Server or Citrix Session, the information on the bitmap will be updated. The bitmap is purposely small is size to reduce impact on session screen refresh.  This utility is FREEWARE and was written by Warren Simondson of Ctrl-Alt-Del IT Consultancy, Australia. www.ctrl-alt-del.com.au  Thankyou to the WINDOWS SDK available from http://msdn.microsoft.com/downloads  Usage: TSBackdrop [/?]    /?                  -  This help information.  TSBackdrop will function on all versions of Terminal Server and Citrix platforms. It will not function on non-Terminal Server Operating Systems.  Please note: Windows 2003 Terminal Server versions and above disable the desktop wallpaper in Terminal Server sessions by default. Due to this setting TSBackdrop will not function as stated. To ensure TSBackdrop will  operate in these environments, please complete the following  modifications to each Terminal Server or Citrix Server. Administrative rights are required to complete these tasks:  WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. CTRL-ALT-DEL IT CONSULTANCY cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.  Terminal Server: - Group Policy: Set the Group Policy for the Local Computer. Open Local   Group Policy on the Terminal Server and navigate to Computer   Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Terminal   Services. Double-click the Enforce Removal of Remote Desktop Wallpaper   setting. Click Disabled, and then click OK.  - Registry: Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe) on the Terminal Server   and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\   Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp\UserOverride\Control Panel\   Desktop. Delete the entire key named 'Wallpaper'.  Citrix: (Use above settings and the following) - Registry: Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe) on the Terminal Server   and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\   Terminal Server\WinStations\ICA-Tcp\UserOverride\Control Panel\   Desktop. Delete the entire key named 'Wallpaper'.  The freeware version is offered AS IS. Ctrl-Alt-Del IT Consultancy has made every effort possible to ensure that TSBackdrop is free of any bugs or errors, however in no way is TSBackdrop to be considered error or bug free. You assume all responsibility for any damages or lost data that may result from any errors or bugs in TSBackdrop.  IN NO EVENT WILL CTRL-ALT-DEL IT CONSULTANCY BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY GENERAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF  THIS PRODUCT. 

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Article: IT Workers battle to keep up with technology

Hmm just got done reading the article at http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,2179110,00.asp in PC week magazine, saying how stressed IT workers are in trying to keep up with technology.

I am surprised it has taken them this long to figure this out...I am also surprised more of us don't go postal.. ; ) LOL

Having been in IT for 25+ years I've gone from learning machine language, dos, os2, VMS, Windows 3, Windows 95, ME, XP, 2000, 2003, and Vista over the years to name a few. This doesn't include all the software packages and computer type iteratations throughout the years. Does it ever stop? Do we really need a supercomputer on our desktop? My favorite OS is Windows 2000, I've never had it blue screen on me, and been using my little 600 mhz compaq m300 laptop for years to get me by. I don't need anything more powerful since Terminal Services RDP and ICA came along. ; ) I can connect to a more powerful machine if I need to and work like I am on it.

All the bells and whistles of Vista are great, but you need a new PC to do it. I've tried upgrades on about 10 different machines with little success and I'm supposed to be a pro. Can you image the common man trying to install on his home PC? I already have been inundated with several horror stories about people trying to upgrade. Many have given up. So how are we to cope... we have to keep up at work and AT home because we end up being the resident/family computer guru whom everyone including family, friends and neighbors, comes to and are expected to help them for no compensation of our time. How are we not going to be stressed?

Truthfully though I love the variety of the job, never a dull day, I love helping people, I love the daily challenges of problem solving and I'd would not want to do anything else. I guess I am not only stressed but maybe a bit crazy? : )

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Download Picks: From MS: GP Diag Best practice, Malware removal kit, Vista Tech center, updated sysinternals utilitilies

Hi All,
I have been notified of several updated utilities of interest to you all from Microsoft so here they are:
Windows Vista Techcenter
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsvista/default.aspx

Group Policy Diagnostic Best Practice Analyzer for Windows Server 2003 (KB940122)
The Microsoft Group Policy Diagnostic Best Practice Analyzer (GPDBPA) for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 is designed to help you identify Group Policy configuration errors or other dependency failures that may prevent settings or features from functioning as expected.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=47f11b02-8ee4-450b-bf13-880b91ba4566&DisplayLang=en

Malware Removal Starter Kit
Many small- and medium-sized organizations use antivirus software, and yet new viruses, worms, and other forms of malicious software (malware) continue to infect large numbers of computers in these organizations. Malware proliferates at alarming speed and in many different ways, which makes it particularly widespread today.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/guidance/disasterrecovery/malware/default.mspx

Tcpview v2.5

This update to Tcpview adds support for Vista, including IPv6, and displays counts of active and connected endpoints in a status bar

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilities/tcpview.mspx

Process Monitor v1.21

This release adds XML as a new export format, includes performance optimizations, and fixes a number of minor bugs

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilities/processmonitor.mspx

PsExec v1.85

PsExec v1.85 adds a new switch that takes advantage of new memory and I/O priorities on Vista, -background, for running processes with low CPU, memory and I/O priority.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilities/psexec.mspx

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Download Pick: AltDesk 1.8 PORTABLE is released!

Hi Guys,
Back at home for a bit till I go back to the hospital for surgery. Here is my download pick of the week, I got this one from Gladiators software whose program Altdesk I absolutely adore. It lets you swap desktops in older OS's ala Vista. They have released a PORTABLE version. This is great for me, put it on the key walk up to a users desktop who has a ton of apps running, plug in the key, run up altdesk and switch to a clean desktop, do your stuff and then switch back to their desktop and stop Altdesk, their apps stay intact and it makes you look like a guru... very cool! Lots of skins available too! See below for info:

Dear Jim Kenzig,

AltDesk 1.8 PORTABLE is released!

Let's say you travel a lot, or you have to work on several computers located in different offices, or just use Internet cafes or kiosks very often, but regardless of that you want your personal registered copy of AltDesk always to be at hand. Impossible? Not at all!

Gladiators Software company has released portable version of AltDesk, which can be stored on any removable data medium (CD, USB flash drive, etc.) and used on any computer you need. Just plug in the removable drive, start AltDesk, work (or play:)) and take your AltDesk with you after you finish.

AltDesk is powerful, flexible and easy to use Virtual Desktop Manager for Windows.

With AltDesk you'll be able to ease your daily work by managing numerous task more efficiently than before. Virtual Desktops technology, implemented in AltDesk, allows you to work with a single display nearly as effective as if you used several monitors at once. Unlike competing products, AltDesk uses icons and thumbnails to represent tasks, which makes task management more effective as you can reach any given task in the shortest time. AltDesk doesn't use a lot of screen space, you can even hide its window and manage Desktops with hotkeys. You can also change program's appearance by applying skins, which can be found on our home page.

Our company is very thankful to Mr. Jason Black aka "Liderc", who suggested this idea and who helped us greatly with the program testing and polishing, for the wonderful job he did.

AltDesk 1.8 PORTABLE can be downloaded here:

http://www.astonshell.com/files/AltDesk_Portable.zip

If you an already registered AltDesk user, you are welcome to download AltDesk 1.8 PORTABLE and register it with your key - no need to purchase another serial number!

This is an automatic message; no response is necessary.
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Best regards,
Gladiators Software
http://www.astonshell.com

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