Using network access protection (aka NAP) is critical for keeping networks secure — not only do users need to be authenticated properly, but client machines need to have the latest security updates and policies in place.

Threats from malware and viruses are not only increasing they are also becoming more sophisticated.

Enterprise networks also have a larger mix of global users accessing the companies’ intranet, Internet and databases; these global users include customers, contractors, consultants, suppliers, partners, and internal employees.

More users are also connecting using Wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, and 3G which creates the need for ever increasing enforcement of security policies.

Windows Server 2008 has a built in core security feature called Network Access Protection. NAP requires a client computer to be compliant with system health policies before it can connect to other computers within the network.

Once NAP is set up properly the system administrator should be able to rest easier.

In this article I’ll give you an overview of how NAP can protect your network from malware and other threats and talk about the required services and configurations you’ll need to run and setup NAP.

Click to continue…

The Server 2008 R2 Haiku contest that began last November is coming to a close. I hope you got a chance to express yourself and submit an entry!

The nine finalists have been selected from over 2,200 entries by a panel of judges based on the following criteria:

• 50% Accurately capturing the benefits of Windows Server 2008 R2
• 25% Originality
• 15% Community feedback on haikus
• 10% Strict Haiku Format (5-7-5 syllables)

Now it’s up to you to choose the winner.

Just visit this page to vote for your favorite Server 2008 R2 Haiku:

Hurry! Voting ends on Friday, January 29th, 2010.

The official contest rules for are listed here https://www.r2haiku.com/Home/Rules.

Free Server 2008 R2 Book Download — Still Available

The Server 2008 R2 Haiku contest might be over, but you can still get your hands on a free copy of the Server 2008 R2 book from Microsoft.

The book, written by Charlie Russel and Craig Zacker, is an introductory resource for learning about what’s new in Server 2008 R2 in terms of virtualization, management, the Web application platform, scalability and reliability, and interoperability with Windows 7.

 

Free Intro to Server 2008 R2 Video Training — Still Available

Our Intro to Server 2008 Training is still available for free with any training purchase.

This 6 hour course will help you master the new AD management tools, learn how to build an ASP.Net application server on Server Core, see what’s new in Group Policy and much more.

You can learn more about this course and how to get it free here.

The release of Server 2008 R2 was largely overshadowed by the more consumer friendly release of Microsoft’s next desktop operating system, Windows 7.

However, Windows Server 2008 R2 provides many new features and upgrades, including several that go hand in hand with new features found in Windows 7.

That means there are more new reasons to upgrade both the desktop operating system and the server operating system at many companies.

If that doesn’t sound like major undertaking, I don’t know what is.

What is an R2 Release Anyway?

Many businesses have been plugging along comfortably with older combinations of Windows XP and either Server 2003 or Windows Server 2000, and installing only those service packs and features designed to keep those systems running securely and stably.

Therefore, the question that has to be asked is what is an R2 release and exactly what does the R2 version of Sever 2008 have to offer?

Click to continue…

Windows 7 has been released to considerable acclaim.

Most reviewers claim to see not only improvements in speed and functionality, but better usability as well.

Some reviewers are going so far as to proclaim that Windows 7 is as user friendly as the latest Mac OS Snow Leopard.

Even more important for business users and Information Technology Professionals is the list of impressive new features that come with Windows 7. Many of these new Windows 7 technologies allow for IT Departments to better manage, support, and configure Windows 7 machines throughout the enterprise.

It is not surprising then that these Windows 7 features are at the top of the list of reasons IT groups are ready to initiate the massive undertaking of upgrading desktop computers throughout the company.

Server 2008 R2 Required for Windows 7 Functions

But, did you know that some of the best new Windows 7 features only work with Windows Server 2008? In fact, some features actually require the latest Windows Server release, Server 2008 R2.

And, a handful of functions not only require Windows Server 2008 R2, but they require that all domain controllers be Windows Server 2008!

This isn’t a trivial point when evaluating upgrading to Windows 7 in a large environment. Let’s take a look at some of the features of Windows 7 that require Server 2008 R2.

Click to continue…

Microsoft is doing something really cool and creative to promote the new Server 2008 R2 release.

A Server 2008 R2 haiku writing contest!

The winning prize is an Xbox 360 Elite and a home theatre system that’s valued at $3,675.

 
According to ars technica here’s what’s included:

• One Sony Bravia XBR 52″ LCD HDTV ($1999.99)
• One Sony Bravia 1000W 5.1 Home Theater system with Blu-ray disc player BDV-300 ($599.99)
• One Whalen 3-in-1 TV Stand BBXLF50GB ($314.99)
• One Xbox 360 Elite Video Game Entertainment System ($299.99)
• Installation services-advanced home theater setup from Best Buy Geek Squad ($449.99)

All you have to do to enter to win is write a haiku that talks about the benefits of Server 2008 R2.

A haiku is a three line poem with a format of 5 – 7 – 5 syllables on each line — however the syllable count isn’t required for this contest. Just make sure you fit under 140 characters, so your haiku can be posted on Twitter.

The contest is open to all residents of the US 18+ years old.

Here’s the Server 2008 R2 haiku I came up with, based on our recent Server 2008 R2 articles:

Click to continue…