Inside this information a table shows how much was improved Windows Server 2012 against Windows Server 2008 R2:

The number of physical processors and memory, besides the clustered node numbers.

The second table is the comparison between the boundaries of RC with ESXi and vSphere Enterprise Plus: 5.0

Featured double the RAM and processors, both on the host and VMs.

To download Windows Server 2012 Release Candidate and Windows 8 Release Preview please visit the TechNet downloads website at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/bb403698

If you want a list of all MCSAs and MCSEs updated, use the links:

• MCSA: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcsa.aspx
• MCSE: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcse.aspx

In the case of certifications MCSA and MCSE Windows 2012 it is interesting that the migration will not be possible for those who already is MCITP. In practice it doesn’t matter if you’re a Windows or MCITP MCTS in 2012 because the upgrade exam is the same:

Curiosity: why SharePoint and Lync, enter Exchange as eligible for the upgrade? Because for these certifications AD server expertise and is an integral part, though not the singular focus.

Only after the examination is possible continue to 417 the other Desktop and Server Infrastrucutre certifications MCSE:

Are already available (at the time I wrote this post) the content of the examinations for the MCSA 411 and 412: 2012 and the release Windows is planned for September this year. The rest of the exams will be released and update this post:

• MCSA: Windows Server 2012
  • 70-411: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exam.aspx?ID = 70-411
    Covers networking services, and Active Directory
  • 70-412: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exam.aspx?ID = 70-412
    Covers cluster, NLB, forest authentication services and identity

This is a major breakthrough for two reasons:

1. The storage has a superior performance in the snapshot because it is native to and occurring in the level of the bits to be copied and not in the file system as happens with snapshots created by Windows VSS
2. With the snapshot being held by storage, do not encounter Redirect Access in the cluster and not the CSV errors being accessed simultaneously as with parallel backups of different VMs. With the hardware snapshot for backup you can create jobs for VMs running paralell

However, in most arrays are not left to allocations, which will generate snapshots in the Event Viewer of the host on which the backup was made a mistake of lack of enough space to generate a snapshot.

In these cases the ideal would be to reformulate the space of allocating LUNs to snapshot sufficient space for the copy of the largest existing backups, since the snapshot is deleted by DPM after the copy. It is also necessary to allow the hosts to perform snapshots, as the image below shows an EqualLogic configuration:

On the other hand, if there is no free space to the snapshot but this is a feature that exists on the storage you are using, the option is to disable the snapshot service integration kit, as seen below in the HIT Kit of EqualLogic:

If you need more information, please visit the link http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh758090.aspx

Normally it will create a paging file with the same size of memory, which hosts with 128 GB will leave a server (which typically has 160 GB disks) with the OS disk almost full.

It’s simple to change the Page File by using the script below which you can copy to a cmd file and run.

wmic pagefile list /format:list
pause
wmic computersystem where name=”%computername%” set AutomaticManagedPagefile=False
wmic pagefileset where name=”C:\\pagefile.sys” set InitialSize=16384,MaximumSize=16384
pause
shutdown -r -t 0

Line-by-line explanation follows:

1. Lists the current settings, only for the check line 4, note the line parameter Name
2. Pause to cancel and modify the line 4 if necessary
3. Deactivates the Auto mode (default) and manual leaves
4. Changes the paging file to 16 GB, so you can use other size that may be deemed necessary
5. Pause before the shutdown to check if there are error messages
6. Restart the server immediately

An event of this size really deserves to be highlighted.

Over the next days I will talk about some interesting items that I saw on MMS with detailed posts, but it’s worth a few highlights:

• Official launch of the final versions of the suite System Center 2012
• Official release of MDOP 2012 with the new version of App-V 5.0 and a new feature called EU-V that allows you to virtualize the application profile, which is a very useful in VDI environments
• Official release of new MDT 2012, including now Windows 2012 migrating support
• Official release of new ADK (previous name WAIK), including new ACT, MAP and assessment tools to migrating for Windows 2012
• Windows “8″ which is now called Windows 2012, whether on the Client or Server version, which is very interesting considering that all new products already released as System Center and SQL Server use the same nomenclature
• Several case studies and problem solving with SCCM, SCOM, SCDPM, Hyper-V and especially Windows XP migration and VDI for Windows 7, where I highlight the lecture “How we migrated 90 thousand desktops in 18 months”

I would like to attend the lectures of the MMS?

Be aware that it is possible to attend all lectures by DigitalMMS at address http://bit.ly/I2ibM5 to create a account and free access all the contents, including the option of ppts download in PDF format.

Some I had commented before when the new track to SQL Server 2012 http://msincic.wordpress.com/2011/11/19/treinamentos-oficiais-e-certificacao-para-sql-server-2012/

We go to a summary:

• Return the old names, with the change in the ultimate acronym: MCSE = Microsoft Certified Solution Expert, MCSA = Microsoft Certified Solution Associate, MCSD = Microsoft Certified Solution Developer
• At the basic level, MCSA is not necessary, but Expert levels (MCSE/MCSD) recertification is required every 3 years, Microsoft product lifecycle
• The MCSA turns a base with common to different specialisations, exams being easier to get upgrade

Advantages of the new model:

• Returns terms known market are clear hierarchy. The current term MCTS and MCITP (specialist) (Professional) don’t leave unclear what was greater among them
• The MCSA becomes common basis, which is not the case with many current MCTS that are the basis for only one or at most 2 MCITP requiring the candidate has to do many examinations
• Unlike the numerous MCTS today, MCSA is low numbers of titles. According to Microsoft will reduce in 85% the number of certifications

Follows the example of the MCSE certification, already in the new Private Cloud model:

To ensure that the current tests do not suffer a fall of demand Microsoft is creating a promotion where the candidate will be one of the current exams and earn a new equivalent examinations automatically called 2 x https://www.bsf01.com/creatives/prometric/Microsoft_TwoForOne/TwoForOne_Home.aspx

Update on 4/22/2012:

Starting with the release of new certifications is already being viewed in the transcripts in the case who was equivalencia MCITP Server Administrator is to have MCSA Windows 2008:

Remembering that the validity or expiration of a certificate is only valid for the "Experts" or MCSE.

Now it was announced and released the official trails for certification on SQL Server 2012 http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-sql-server.aspx#tab2.

It is very interesting to know how it is done the process of developing a certification exam.

In Microsoft Connect website, used for product testing, there are groups of SME (Subject Matter Expert) on products and issues, on which I sit and others can subscribe and filling out a questionnaire for qualification in https://connect.microsoft.com/site862

When a new survey is planned to receive an email with a survey about what previous examination and asking for improvement in these examinations questions. For example, in the case of SQL Server 2012 received an email with the search and was able to indicate which parts of the examination I found that could be altered and suggest new items or to a new format.

Having already been part of one of the groups I can tell you that the process is very rigorous and involves a market research where it is endorsed to facilitate a hiring process and allocation of a professional.

For example, in Windows Server 2008 that examination has been updated to version R2 shortly, SMEs were an example of how would the Simulator and topics that would be discussed. All needed to assume a commitment to non-disclosure (NDA) which reflects the concern of Microsoft not to leak the information.

So be sure to do an exam you will be tested on which companies seek and the international market is demanding that a professional learn to do. The presence of people outside Microsoft chosen by profile as SME is the assurance that an examination reflects the real world.

Still have questions, please read the post on Born to Learn http://borntolearn.mslearn.net/btl/b/weblog/archive/2012/02/29/subject-matter-experts-we-want-to-hear-what-you-think.aspx

Now with the release of the Beta versions of Windows 8 Client and Server Microsoft has created the new WAIK that takes its name from Microsoft ADK or Assessment and Deployment Kit.

As the name itself says the main change was the unification of tools in a single Setup Manager, which was divided into 3 different downloads needed (ACT, WAIK and SQL Server Express).

The installation can be done in two ways with the installer, available on the link http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=28997

1. Online installation where we downloaded the installer, choose the tools and the download is done on an as-needed basis or
2. Offline installation where we all installers for a specific directory and we can do the installation without the need for internet connection.

Online Installation

This installation is good for environments where we will install a single time with less use of internet link because the download and installation of the selected features only occurs, as shown in the image below:

Note that although we use of 3.8 GB this is not to say that the download is complete, since they are downloaded the installers that are expanded and then generated data from each, but the use of link is considerable.

Offline Installation

The offline Installer is much better for those who will make a download nightly to proceed with the installation at a later time and for those who will use the package at other times.

The donwload is selected on the first screen of the ADK where we choose the offline option and then select the directory where you copied the files downloaded, as the image below:

Note that in this case the required space represents the total downloads, since we are downloading the installation files.

In this case was selected all tools as the image shown above, but features can choose only those that you want.

Will create the following file structure, where the adksetup.exe is the installer of funcionalides, as shown in image below:

When calling the offline installation executable will prompt the directory where Setup should be done, acceptance of the contract and the selection of features to be installed, and will already have previously selected the packages that have been previously downloaded.

In the next few days will be testing the tools in AIK and posting here the new functionalities and usages of this important tool for migrating Windows XP to Windows 7.

I noticed that when entering the website a legitimate software company, Java icon appeared and installed a fake antivirus that does not let me open or the command prompt, Task Manager, or other applications.

Additionally he has disabled the McAfee and did not allow access for updating Dat for having policies and disabled the services, as shown in the NAP Manager connection my corporate network (Figure 2).

And the worst is that the McAffee saw only the trojan (Figure 1) after I manually did the DAT update (Daily DAT Update) and already had found the virus in safe mode, which is a file with the name VWTFRZIUZ.exe in the TEMP directory within the user’s profile.

The reason is that the JRE is the Java 6.0.31 vulnerable, but does not update Firefox which continues with the old version (Figure 3) because the JRE Installer 6.0.31 doesn’t remove the JRE 6.0.30 which is vulnerable and with the two installed the vulnerability remains active (Figure 4).

I recommend you to do what I had to do after already infected:

• Check which JRE that Firefox you are using
• If it is earlier than JRE manually remove the JRE by 6.0.31 Windows Control Panel
• Install the JRE 6.0.31 by link: http://java.com/en/download/inc/windows_new_xpi.jsp if you need Java
• Disable the Java plugin in browsers and enable only the sites that really need

Figure 1 – Trojan installed using the vulnerability in JRE 6.0.1

Figure 2 – Antivirus disabled by trojan

Figure 3 – Firefox’s Warning that the JRE 6.0.3 was still installed

Figure 4 – Coexistance of JREs, 6.0.3 is the vulnerable

It is true that the presence of professionals who use BrainDumps to take the exams has created a certain mistrust with those who just take scripts or has the transcript in hand, without being able to prove competence.

But we should not leave aside the professional certifications add value to our knowledge. Speaking for myself, I can tell you that many issues just spent to understand and explore when I noticed that the list of topics for particular examination of a product required specific knowledge.

I found a very interesting post where the certification team shows some changes between the original program 20 years ago and the current: http://borntolearn.mslearn.net/btl/b/weblog/archive/2012/02/14/20-years-of-certification-exams-grow-up.aspx

With that in mind, let’s explore some of the new certifications that Microsoft has released and updated in recent weeks.

The first and already commented at the end of the month are step exams SQL Server MCT Summit 2012 as reported in and I discussed in the post http://www.marcelosincic.com.br/blog/post/Treinamentos-Oficiais-e-Certificacao-para-SQL-Server-2012.aspx

Were also upgraded Windows 2008 exams, which now include the knowledge of Windows 2008 R2 and SP1. The previous created some difficulty, exams because the professionals already familiar with what’s new in R2 + SP1 experienced outdated questions. For details about the updated certification and courses that are now in version "B" also upgraded to R2 + SP1, click http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-windowsserver.aspx

More recently we have received information about the new certifications for System Center, and now with the new integrated product family, a certification for Cloud Computing. These examinations are still under development and will be open beta during MMS 2012 in Las Vegas in April.

This new certification of Private Cloud is interesting and proves knowledge of a variety of products because it involves the VMM, DPM, SCOM, Orchestrator, App Controller, WSUS and APP-V. But because it is so comprehensive?

The reason is that the management of a virtualized datacenter is much more complex than just knowing the Hyper-V and Virtual Machine concepts. This new certification is very well aligned with the expectations of the market and makes it clear that Microsoft is investing a lot in this area with the new release of System Center.

Also we already have noticiais System Center 2012 exams, with the announcement of 70-243 (http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exam.aspx?id=70-243) System Center Configuration Manager 2012 and 70-242 (http://borntolearn.mslearn.net/btl/b/weblog/archive/2011/03/24/system-center-folks-we-need-your-input.aspx) for System Center Operations Manager, 2012 for the SCOM 2012 still no detailed content.

Enjoy the release of Release Candidate versions of System Center 2012 http://www.marcelosincic.com.br/blog/post/Download-de-Betas-e-RCs-da-familia-System-Center-2012.aspx, as well as the Virtual Labs that already have several modules with System Center 2012 http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/systemcenter/bb539977

Some factors and questions always arise and are important to be seconded to speech in this matter:

1. Windows XP Service Pack 3 support ends April 8, 2014
2. Some question that is worth waiting for the release of Windows 8, currently in Consumer Preview equivalent to Beta
3. Other question that even long ago, are 2 years until end of support
4. Finally, the most innocent people believe is a simple task and will do in due course

Let’s talk about each of these points and draw a conclusion?

End of support for Windows XP in 4/8/2014

Despite official end in a bracket 2 years does not mean that everything will be updated. New product releases will not be supported soon, for example, a new version of Office or any application as a new browser.

The greatest impact is felt today in question of drivers, new machines do not have more drivers for Windows XP for component manufacturers. I am not referring only to computer manufacturers, but also manufacturers of drivers for video cards, printers and others. As an example, a recent launch of wireless printers are supported only on Windows 7 and the same goes for video adapters and 3D-based recent games.

Conclusion:The assurance that Microsoft will still support the XP does not mean that we do not have other items that are already being discarded application development and, above all, drivers.

Expect Windows 8

Let’s assume that the release of Windows 8 is in January 2013, stressing that is a guess.

See the sample project starting in January 2013 and the term that we would have to mgrar 1000 machines taking into account make 10 engraving per day, which is a reasonable number taking into account the migration job profiles and applications:

So terminariamos migration in July, but put some important factors that need to be taken into account:

• Even if Windows 8 was released today, it would take a few weeks to stay available for sale and contracts being closed
• The migration job is much more complicated because shortly after the release a few software vendors have already assessed the systems, which does not occur with large as Adobe but will happen for sure with minors
• We’re assuming do 10 machines per day, what do we do with Windows 7 today easily, but with Windows 8 we may not achieve the same net migration rate
• Migrating from Windows 7 is widely documented and known, so easy to get support. For example, the Springboard migration portal is complete and with English version http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/dd641427
• The new interface will require adaptation on the part of the user and migration can be a fiasco, as Windows 7 is consolidated and known users
• The landmark “Service Pack 1″ may not be a reality technically, anyway a manufacturer doesn’t make one SO full of problems then fix, but companies think so and no use wanting to discuss

Conclusion:The features that Windows 7 has Windows are very similar to 8 and the future migration can be done by Software Assurance (SA) agreement with migration more transparent in the future of WIndows 7 to Windows 8, or who knows by then already Windows “9″   ;-)

We still have 2 Years ahead

In the diagram above we simulated the situation if the migration was performed starting in January 2013, which would give us about 8 months off.

However there are very serious problems in migration that is relative to the compatibility of applications that do not get along well with the UAC (User Account Control).

In the work I do migration study, called Assessments, I come across very serious problems with applications that only run in administrator mode and complexity to resolve this is an important factor, taking into account that one of the goals of the companies is to put an end to the local administrator.

Another very common problem are unsigned ActiveX used in many applications of time of late ActiveX Document qu ese created with Visual Basic 6 or even Click Once .NET applications, since Windows 7 cannot run unsigned ActiveX components without having to leave him more insecure than XP.

Thinking about it and looking at the above project, again will a month will be enough to resolve the compatibility issues? Care, in many cases the only solution is to redesign the software!!!!

We need not even say that the hardware is also important because it leave a requirement of 512 MB from Windows XP to 1GB for Windows 7, taking into account a success just acceptable. No company will update the machines in just a few short months.

Conclusion: We have no way to know how long after we start the testing phase, the schedule may be easy to migrate, but the initial phase of compatibility and hardware upgrade can be the biggest problem.

Migrating is easy, do when the time comes

At the beginning of my professional career, 22 years (I’m getting old hehehe), was optimistic. Always said “this is easy” or other phrases as well, but the truth is that in the last years can’t talk like that. The parks of engraving much of the time they grew I managed network with 100-500 computers with programs in Clipper and Visual FoxPro.

The diversity of applications and the web have become our very complex environments and the number of stations that a company has is 3 times greater than the 10 years ago.

As professionals our function is to make the work environment without pain (no pain) and for this we have no room for optimism inconsequential and unfortunately often irresponsible.

Conclusion: Start early to not have to run after and see the term flowing through the hands.

Final Recommendation

After this discussion that this quickly start the process?

Follows the same project earlier starting today:

Terminariamos 1 year and a half migration before the deadline, already with visibility of Windows 8 released (hopefully) and with enough time to handle any deviation or difficulty. And once we launch the Service Pack 1 for Windows 8 you can begin the upgrade process no pain.

The market prediction is that in the middle of next year there will be a desperate move, migration mainly in countries like Brazil that leaves everything to the last minute. Avoid falling into the migration at this time, because the cost could double.

Anything to add? Leave your comment.

For Windows 8 Client is already ready a complete series on Springboard Series for Windows 8 on TechNet

For Windows Server 8 Beta http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/windows-server/v8-default.aspx

I’ve read about many who couldn’t make VM in VMWare Workstation or VirtualBox, but the error generally consist of do not enable 3D which is mandatory for Windows 8.

Below is the configuration that must be enabled to the Windows 8 VM for running VirtualBox 8 WK

To do the same with VirtualBox activate the configuration of 2D, 3D and put 128 MB of memory for video:

Download new releases and take advantage of this new opportunity to meet what will come shortly.

Of course, these tools are not the only feature that should be used in a sizing, but give a very good idea of possible technologies and different configurations. Particularly liked the virtualization tool where after choosing the number of servers that will be in the environment, its functions, the type of storage and the prediction of the hosts he gives not only a list of data but also recommended environment diagrams.

Have fun with these tools and understand how the solution involving environments need to be planned very well with the tips that the "Virtual Advisor" Dell can give you.

Now the videos have been added of SCCM 2012, SCOM 2012 and VMM 2012. It is excellent for those who have no knowledge or hardware to utilize virtualization available for download trials.

Of course over time will be added new videos and virtual laboratories of other System Center 2012 products.

Just remember that they are in English, but easy to understand for those who have technical knowledge. It is worth!!!

System Center 2012

• TechNet Radio: Virtual Lab Insider: Infrastructure and Application Performance Monitoring with System Center 2012 Video!
• TechNet Virtual Lab: System Center Operations Manager 2012: Infrastructure and Application Performance Monitoring
• TechNet Radio: Virtual Lab Insider: Building Your Cloud Infrastructure with Virtual Machine Manager 2012 Video!
• TechNet Virtual Lab: System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012: Building Your Cloud Infrastructure
• TechNet Radio: Virtual Lab Insider: Building a Service Template in Virtual Machine Manager 2012 Video!
• TechNet Virtual Lab: System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012: Building a Service Template
• TechNet Radio: Virtual Lab Insider-An Introduction to System Center Configuration Manager 2012 Video!
• TechNet Virtual Lab: Introduction to System Center Configuration Manager 2012
• TechNet Virtual Lab: System Center Configuration Manager 2012: Role Based Administration
• TechNet Virtual Lab: System Center Configuration Manager Hierarchy Install 2012:
• TechNet Virtual Lab: System Center Configuration Manager 2012: Settings Management
• TechNet Virtual Lab: System Center Configuration Manager 2012: Application Management
• TechNet Virtual Lab: System Center Configuration Manager 2012: Content Management
• TechNet Virtual Lab: System Center Configuration Manager 2012: Managing Clients
• TechNet Virtual Lab: System Center Configuration Manager OSD 2012: Bare Metal
• TechNet Virtual Lab: System Center Configuration Manager 2012: Advanced Software Distribution
• TechNet Virtual Lab: System Center Configuration Manager 2012: Basic Software Distribution
• TechNet Virtual Lab: System Center Configuration Manager 2012: Software Updates
• TechNet Virtual Lab: System Center Configuration Manager 2012: Endpoint Protection RC
• TechNet Virtual Lab: Migrating from Configuration Manager 2007 to Configuration Manager 2012
• TechNet Virtual Lab: System Center Operations Manager 2012: Infrastructure and Application Performance Monitoring
• TechNet Virtual Lab: System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012: Building Your Cloud Infrastructure
• TechNet Virtual Lab: System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012: Building a Service Template
• TechNet Radio: Virtual Lab Insider-An Introduction to System Center Configuration Manager 2012 Video!
• TechNet Virtual Lab: Introduction to System Center Configuration Manager 2012

1. The current System Center already had a licensing Suite Enterprise call involving all products
2. Client licensing still continues to exist, being an important cost in the final calculation, but also possessed the Enterprise CAL Suite option

For System Center current did some calculations to demonstrate how much some implementations (http://msincic.wordpress.com/2010/12/06/licenses-in-the-system-center-family-types-and-prices/) in and it is good to clarify how to get the same data now, including the license of customers, and make the comparison.

License for Servers

Now the licensing can be Standard or Enterprise:

• Standard is for physical or virtual machines and covers only two processors and 2 virtual machines at a cost of $ 1,323
• Enteprise does not limit the number of servers to the ecosystem, but limits the number of physical processors on the host at a cost of $ 3,607

It may seem confusing, but it is actually simple, imagining the scenario where a server (host) with 4 physical processors:

• If you are implementing a VM for each feature, so 8 VMs, the ideal would be to buy 2 (two) Enterprise license since each license cover 2 processors and wouldn’t “count” the number of VMs
• If you are going to implement up to 4 VMs grouping roles ideally buy 2 (two) Standard licenses since each license covers 2 processors and 2 VMs

Note: in the first example above the cost of having two Enterprise licenses is $ 7,214 while with the Standard is $ 5,292. It seems that the decision should be thought out carefully!!!

License for Customers

We have a table of different, because customers licensing are 3 licenses depending on the product that will be used:

The licenses are not cumulative, but travellers. So if you want to use the SCCM, SCOM, VMM and DPM on a given server will need to purchase the license of CMC and to CMSL at a cost of $ 183. On the old template would be necessary to spend $ 354 ($ 157 SCCM Server License and SCOM and $ 70 by VMM and license Suite DPM that are).

Note: In current package licenses for servers are different from those of stations, with cost and higher.

Simulation

See the System Center 2012 cost simulation with the same parameters of the simulation with the previous version, 1000 customers and 10 servers:

Note we have a higher cost, but note that in the simulation with current products was not quoted the SCSM nor the Orchestrator, which would increase and the final value of $ 113,863

References

Follow the links to the documents containing the data mentioned in this post:

http://download.microsoft.com/download/0/D/9/0D9DDF52-A855-487B-9B74-5A09A9389551/Windows%20Server%20System%20Center%20and%20Forefront%20Pricing%20and%20Licensing%20Guide.pdf

http://myitforum.com/myitforumwp/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/System-Center-2012-Licensing-Datasheet.pdf