Microsoft Windows Server 2008 has finally launched. This week, Greg Shields, MCSE, calls in to talk about the new features that will prove most important to admins, as well as why Windows 2008 adoption will likely be quicker than with Windows Vista.

Highlights:

Other news this week:

Microsoft server chief weighs in on key IT trends
Deployment tools ready as new Windows server arrives

 

 We have lift off! Microsoft launches Windows Server 2008 [9:56m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (134)

After a relatively quiet January offering, February’s Patch Tuesday saw the release of 11 new bulletins from Microsoft. Of the six critical updates, hear which ones experts say are most important, plus why System Center Service Manager has been delayed yet again.

Highlights:

Other news this week:
Network visibility helps IT catch performance problems
TS Web Access simplifies application process in Windows 2008

 

 Microsoft issues largest patch bundle since August [7:18m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (149)

Microsoft is focusing on the launch of Windows Server 2008 while at the same time dismissing rumors that Windows 7 is coming sooner rather than later. This week, learn the real status of Windows 7, plus the latest on Vista SP1 and Office 2003 SP3.

Highlights:

Other news this week:
Finding solutions to application incompatibility in Windows Vista

 

 Windows 2008 on its way in, Windows 7 rumors on their way out [6:59m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (139)

Just days after making it available to only a select group of testers, Microsoft released the Windows Vista SP1 RC refresh to the public. Learn about the steps users must take to install it, plus the latest on a new zero-day flaw affecting Microsoft Excel in this week’s podcast.

Highlights:

Other news this week:
Windows Server 2008’s Group Policy has faster searching and filtering
Nagging Windows NT or Win2K problems? Use Sysinternals’ PsTools
Debugging Userenv issues using Windows new event viewer

 

 Vista could be on the rise as SP1 refresh goes public [6:26m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (141)

A new rootkit made its presence felt this week, overwriting the master boot records of Windows XP machines. In this week’s podcast, learn about the dangers this rootkit poses, and which mistake Microsoft has admitted to regarding Office 2003.

Highlights:

Other news this week:
Terminal Services in Windows Server 2008 offers new capabilities
Microsoft to sell software license subscriptions through partners
Exchange downtime barely a blip for midsized insurer

Transcript

 

 XP users plagued by rootkit to open 2008 [7:33m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (137)

Just in time for the holidays, Microsoft made the release candidate for Windows XP Service Pack 3 available to everyone this week. In our last of podcast 2007, hear what people are saying about the SP, and why Microsoft is being so quiet about it.

Highlights:

Other news this week:
2007: These buzzwords made our eyes and ears burn
Storage virtualization, server virtualization shake hands
What to buy a geek for the holidays

 

 Windows XP SP3 beta goes public [5:48m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (123)

Originally scheduled for an early 2008 release, Microsoft made the first public trial of its hypervisor technology available this week. But while the Hyper-V beta got an early release, System Center Service Manager has been delayed until the end of the year. Listen to all the details, plus learn what’s new with Microsoft Office 2007 SP1 in this week’s podcast.

Highlights:

Other news this week:
Windows shops set sights on encryption, antivirus in 2008
Get up to speed on service-level agreements for IT

 

 Hyper-V beta comes early [7:25m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (113)

Microsoft will release service packs for Windows XP and Vista early next year, and both are currently available to private testers. This week, learn which update is receiving the most buzz and why, plus the latest on that “other” upcoming release from Microsoft — Windows Server 2008. .

Highlights:

Other news this week:
Software management consoles proliferate, but will they all get along?
Server Manager: A closer look at its role in Windows Server 2008

 

 Microsoft's dueling desktops [7:15m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (103)

The first service pack for Exchange Server 2007 was released this week, exactly one year after the original. In today’s podcast, learn what’s new with SP1, plus why Windows Vista can’t seem to catch a break.

Highlights:

Other news this week:
One MVP discusses the ins and outs of SQL Server 2008
Disaster recovery for Windows: Four critical success factors

 

 Say hello to Exchange Server 2007 SP1 [7:25m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (84)

What would the holiday season be without a wishlist? As we head closer to December, a list has been leaked online displaying what users are looking for in Microsoft’s next desktop OS — Windows 7. Hear what they had to say, and leave a comment telling us which features you’d like to see in the next operating system. Also, listen to the latest on Microsoft’s standalone hypervisor and Exchange Server 2007 SP1.

Highlights:

Other news this week:
Under the hood: Microsoft’s desktop and server manager
Use Microsoft password settings to enforce IT policy
Under the hood: Microsoft’s desktop and server manager
Survey finds thousands of database servers open to attack

 

 Users weigh in on Windows 7 [9:16m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (85)