Windows & .NET Magazine UPDATE--Windows Update Services Delayed Until Early 2005--July 20, 2004

Make sure your copy of Windows & .NET Magazine UPDATE doesn't get mistakenly blocked by antispam software! Be sure to add [email protected] to your list of allowed senders and contacts.

This Issue Sponsored By

Web Seminar: Best Practices for Managing Software Packaging and Pre-Deployment Preparation
http://www.winnetmag.com/seminars/softwaredeployment/index.cfm?code=0720W2Kprimary

Download: Be Proactive with Real-Time Monitoring!
http://www.tntsoftware.com/winmothersec072004

===============

1. Commentary: Windows Update Services Delayed Until Early 2005 2. Hot Off the Press
- Apple Launches Fourth-Generation iPod 3. Resources
- Internet Explorer Suddenly Forbidden from Outlook Web Access
- Tip: How can I use the name domain.com for a domain when that name is hosted on a DNS server that doesn't support service records? 4. New and Improved
- Monitor Environmental Conditions
- Monitor Applications
- Tell Us About a Hot Product and Get a T-Shirt! ==== Sponsor: Web Seminar: Best Practices for Managing Software Packaging and Pre-Deployment Preparation ====
Even though most organizations deploy dozens -- even hundreds -- of new applications each year, most fail to properly prepare these applications to ensure their successful distribution and long-term reliability. The key is to implement a structured, proven approach to preparing every application for enterprise distribution -- an approach that involves software packaging and thorough pre-deployment testing. This web seminar examines the entire pre-deployment application preparation process, from the submission of an application request to IT to its eventual deployment to the organization, and offer best practices for each step of the way. It also presents ways for IT managers to more efficiently manage the entire process. Register today!
http://www.winnetmag.com/seminars/softwaredeployment/index.cfm?code=0720W2Kprimary

==========

==== 1. Commentary: Windows Update Services Delayed Until Early 2005 ====
by Paul Thurrott, News Editor, [email protected] As I do every week before sitting down to write this commentary, I opened up the folder containing articles I've written this year and it's easy to see a theme developing: By a wide margin, Microsoft security topics have dominated this year's editorials--and it's not something I planned. Like so much else I write, Windows & .NET Magazine UPDATE's content is dictated by recent events. And as I write this commentary in mid-2004, security is very much the number-one topic. We just can't escape it. The most recent security-related news is that Microsoft is delaying its eagerly anticipated Windows Update Services (WUS)--the successor to Microsoft Software Update Services (SUS)--from late 2004 until the first half of 2005. I first wrote about WUS in Windows & .NET Magazine UPDATE in March ( http://www.winnetmag.com/article/articleid/42119/42119.html ), and if the beta is any indication, the implementation details haven't changed since then. But WUS, like Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) and other products, is waiting on an update to Microsoft's patch-downloading infrastructure, Windows Update. Windows Update 5, also in beta, will contain important changes, including an update to Microsoft's trickle download technology, Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), that will help the company better distribute massive updates such as SP2. So why does Microsoft have to push back the WUS release? Microsoft tells me that changes to the new Automatic Updates agent in XP SP2 are responsible for the delay. But one side effect of this delay is that the company is also delaying the promised summer public beta of WUS, this time until late 2004. This beta is the preview release that Microsoft intends to distribute publicly, and it will likely represent the first time that most UPDATE readers will have a chance to obtain the WUS code. Although I still expect many of you to excitedly check out this release, Microsoft's inability to ship even beta code on time is a bit disheartening. For small and midsized businesses, the news is more than disheartening. Now, more than ever, Microsoft shops need an automated way to distribute critical updates and other patches to desktops, and not all businesses have the resources or technical acumen to install Microsoft's enterprise-oriented Systems Management Server (SMS). That said, SUS is a fine, if somewhat limited solution for the short term. Asking businesses to hold on to that infrequently updated product for up to another year, however, is problematic. For example, SUS distributes only Windows patches, but WUS will add support for various Microsoft Office versions, Exchange Server 2003, SQL Server 2000, and the Microsoft Data Engine (MSDE). WUS isn't the only security-oriented Microsoft product facing delays these days. Here's a partial rundown of the products Microsoft has recently delayed:

* XP SP2--Originally due in late 2003, SP2 was revamped and set on course for a release in the first half of 2004. But Microsoft delayed it until July, then August. Currently, it looks like SP2 could ship around the second week of August. If you're not already evaluating SP2 Release Candidate 2 (RC2), publicly available from the Microsoft Web site, I beseech you to do so now. SP2 is going to break things, and you need to be ready.

* Various known Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) vulnerabilities-- The world's most-attacked Web browser is an open target for intruders, and the recent release of an interim configuration change doesn't solve the most glaring problems with this product. I discussed IE in detail last week ( http://www.winnetmag.com/article/articleid/43276/windows_43276.html ), and several readers noted that, because you can't permanently remove IE from Windows, replacing it with a third-party browser won't help. This idea isn't entirely true: Simply ceasing to use IE will reduce your "attack surface," if you'll excuse my using a Microsoft term. But yes, it's true that any IE-based attacks can still succeed if you've hidden IE and manage to download the appropriate attack to your system. But hiding IE is safer than continuing to use it and a step along the road to better security. No, it's not the complete solution.

* Windows Server 2003 SP1--This release will feature an intriguing new roles-based Security Configuration Wizard, but like most other Windows-oriented products, SP1 is waiting on XP SP2. After the SP2 release to manufacturing (RTM), Microsoft can begin work on Windows 2003 SP1 in earnest. But promises of a late 2004 release now seem unrealistic. Don't expect this update until the first half of 2005.

* SQL Server 2005 and Visual Studio (VS) 2005--The next versions of SQL Server and VS will include various functional enhancements, but the most notable aspect of these products is how often they've been delayed. SQL Server 2005, previously code-named Yukon, was originally due in late 2003. It will now ship almost 3 years later. And I don't have the space to discuss the Software Assurance (SA) concerns that arose in the wake of SQL Server's delays.

* Longhorn--Does anyone else remember when Longhorn was a minor, interim release on the way to Blackcomb? Today, Longhorn's everything-but-the-kitchen-sink philosophy appears poised to make this release the next Windows NT Cairo. And although I'm one of those rare proponents of Longhorn's optional and misunderstood Palladium security technologies, I have to wonder what benefit these features can have if they never ship. Originally expected in 2003, and recently delayed until 2006, Longhorn might never ship. Again, it's disheartening. I've groused a lot recently about Microsoft's security problems, but even more disturbing, perhaps, is the company's apparent inability to ship product. As rivals such as Linux, Apple Computer, and Mozilla make huge gains on both the server and the desktop, it's hard to understand how a company with Microsoft's resources can stand still for so long. But is it possible that Microsoft's security problems are really to blame for its sudden inability to release new products?

==========

==== Sponsor: Download: Be Proactive with Real-Time Monitoring! ====

There are two ways to manage your critical systems: Reactive and Proactive. TNT Software's ELM Enterprise Manager supports the latter. ELM Enterprise Manager is the affordable solution that monitors the health and status of your systems in real-time, provides easy to access Views, and alerts you in time to take prompt corrective action. Be proactive, download you FREE 30 day full featured trial copy of ELM Enterprise Manager NOW and start experiencing the benefits of real-time monitoring.
http://www.tntsoftware.com/winmothersec072004

==========

==== 2. Hot Off the Press ====
by Paul Thurrott, [email protected] Apple Launches Fourth-Generation iPod Yesterday, Apple Computer launched its fourth-generation iPod, a much-improved portable digital audio player that finally adds much-needed functionality to a product that was already destroying the competition. But "Newsweek" mistakenly revealed the existence of Apple's new iPod (which had been covered in a veil of secrecy like all Apple products) 2 days early when the magazine posted its electronic version Saturday. Apple CEO Steve Jobs, holding a new iPod, graces the magazine's front cover. To read the complete story, visit the following URL:
http://www.winnetmag.com/article/articleid/43286/43286.html ==== Announcements ====
(from Windows & .NET Magazine and its partners) Get Subscriber Access to Everything in the Windows & .NET Magazine Network!
Our VIP Web site/Super CD subscribers are used to getting online access to all of our publications, plus a print subscription to Windows & .NET Magazine and exclusive access to our banner-free VIP Web site. Now we've added even more content from the archives of SQL Server Magazine! You won't find a more complete and comprehensive resource anywhere--check it out!
http://www.winnetmag.com/rd.cfm?code=edep274xup Get Equipped to Fight Against Spammers With Our Latest Email Security Toolkit II--Includes a White Paper, Web Seminar, and eBook
Take the next steps against the "silent killer" and learn how to prepare for directory harvest attacks. Plus, find out how to eliminate spam and viruses by learning spammers' new covert tactics designed to get past conventional spam content filters. Get the latest Email Security Toolkit now!
http://www.winnetmag.com/techxtraining/postini/index.cfm?code=0719emailannc Free eBook--"The Expert's Guide for Exchange 2003: Preparing for, Moving to, and Supporting Exchange Server 2003"
This eBook will educate Exchange administrators and systems managers about how to best approach the migration and overall management of an Exchange 2003 environment. The book will focus on core issues such as configuration management, accounting, and monitoring performance with an eye toward migration, consolidation, security, and management.
http://www.WindowsITlibrary.com/ebooks/exchangeserver2003/index.cfm?code=0705emailannc ~~~~ Hot Release: (Advertisement) Business Finance ~~~~ Does IT Matter?
One of the liveliest debates in executive circles and at leading business schools today stems from the article "IT Doesn't Matter" by Nicholas Carr. Join the discussion with the author and SAS Senior VP Jim Davis in a video-streamed webcast sponsored by SAS on 8/25. Register today.
http://bfmag.com/webcasts/8-25-04/index.html?ref=winnews ==== Instant Poll ==== Results of Previous Poll: Web Browsers
The voting has closed in Windows & .NET Magazine's nonscientific Instant Poll for the question, "Which Web browser does your organization use?" Here are the results from the 667 votes:
- 79% Internet Explorer
- 13% Mozilla
- 3% Netscape
- 4% Opera
- 2% Other (Deviations from 100 percent are due to rounding error.) New Instant Poll: Switching to Another Web Browser
The next Instant Poll question is, "Is your organization considering moving from Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) to another Web browser?" Go to the Windows & .NET Magazine home page and submit your vote for a) We've already moved to another Web browser, b) Yes, we're considering moving to another Web browser, or c) No, we'll stick with IE.
http://www.winnetmag.com/magazine ==== 3. Resources ==== Featured Thread: Internet Explorer Suddenly Forbidden from Outlook Web Access
Forum user mcyrhul is suddenly having problems accessing Microsoft Outlook Web Access (OWA); he gets a "Not Authorized" error. He is running Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 1 (SP1) and Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) 6.0 SP1. Read more about his problem and offer your advice at the following URL:
http://www.winnetmag.com/forums/rd.cfm?cid=1745&tid=123534 Tip: How can I use the name domain.com for a domain when that name is hosted on a DNS server that doesn't support service records?
by John Savill, http://www.windows2000faq.com Ideally, you'd migrate the DNS zone to a new Windows-based DNS server. If that isn't possible, don't use domain.com for your Active Directory (AD) domain. Instead, use either ads.domain.com or, if ads.domain.com isn't practical, domain.net.
There's no reason to use domain.com. However, if you must use it and can't move the domain to another DNS server, you can delegate the four core subdomains that AD uses to a Windows DNS server. These subdomains are - _msdcs.domain.com - _sites.domain.com - _tcp.domain.com - _udp.domain.com You'd create subdomains as new zones on your Windows DNS server and enable dynamic update. These zones would then contain all the service records that AD needs. However, you'd still need to manually add a host (A) record in the main DNS zone for domain.com for each domain controller's (DC's) IP address (e.g., domain.com IN A 128.10.20.12) and one host record per DC. Adding these records is easy, although you must remember to update the A record if your IP addressing changes. ==== Events Central ====
(A complete Web and live events directory brought to you by Windows & .NET Magazine: http://www.winnetmag.com/events ) Going Beyond Blade Server Basics
In this free Web seminar, attendees will learn about the scalability of blade servers and how the HP BL series of servers work. And, we'll look at support for remote management, Integrated Lights Out (ILO) management, automated configuration, and server provisioning, as well as specialized server designations within a blade enclosure and more. Register now!
http://www.winnetmag.com/seminars/bladeserverbasics/index.cfm?code=0719emailannc ==== 4. New and Improved ====
by Angie Brew, [email protected] Monitor Environmental Conditions
Avocent released the Avocent EVR1500, an appliance that monitors environmental conditions in the area surrounding servers and other network devices and alerts systems administrators when adverse conditions occur. The EVR1500 has four preset internal sensors: airflow, audio, humidity, and temperature. The device also has eight external configurable analog sensors, six digital input sensors, and two digital output sensors. For pricing, contact Avocent at 866-286-2368 or [email protected].
http://www.avocent.com Monitor Applications
Compuware released Compuware Vantage 9.1, an application service management solution that monitors applications from an end-user perspective. The software features reports and can analyze bandwidth consumption by application and user. Other features include a detailed view of server traffic and continuous monitoring of performance from the client, network, and server perspectives. The Application Scorecard lets you see how an application performs at a particular business location, and the Transaction Scorecard shows you how the application performs at several business locations. Vantage's Performance Summary reports show which applications and locations experience the most problems, and the Heat Chart report shows which particular transactions have been affected by problems and for how long. For pricing, contact Compuware at 313-227-7300 or 800-521-9353.
http://www.compuware.com Tell Us About a Hot Product and Get a T-Shirt!
Have you used a product that changed your IT experience by saving you time or easing your daily burden? Tell us about the product, and we'll send you a Windows & .NET Magazine T-shirt if we write about the product in a future Windows & .NET Magazine What's Hot column. Send your product suggestions with information about how the product has helped you to [email protected]. ==== Sponsored Links ==== Argent
Comparison Paper: The Argent Guardian Easily Beats Out MOM
http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;6480843;8214395;q?http://www.argent.com/products/download_whitepaper.cgi?product=mom&&Source=WNTTextLink CrossTec
Free Download--New - Launch NetOp Remote Control from a USB Drive
http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;9571671;8214395;t?http://www.crossteccorp.com/html_ad/winnetmag.htm

==========

==== Contact Us ==== About the newsletter -- [email protected] About technical questions -- http://www.winnetmag.com/forums About product news -- [email protected] About your subscription -- [email protected] About sponsoring UPDATE -- [email protected]

==========

==== Contact Our Sponsors ==== Primary Sponsor:
InstallShield -- http://www.installshield.com Secondary Sponsor:
TNT Software -- http://www.tntsoftware.com -- 1-360-546-0878

=========================

This email newsletter is brought to you by Windows & .NET Magazine, the leading publication for IT professionals deploying Windows and related technologies. Subscribe today.
http://www.winnetmag.com/sub.cfm?code=wswi201x1z

Manage Your Account
You are subscribed as #EmailAddr#.

You received this email message because you requested to receive additional information about products and services from the Windows & .NET Magazine Network. To unsubscribe, send an email message to mailto:[email protected]. Thank you!

View the Windows & .NET Magazine Privacy policy at
http://www.winnetmag.com/aboutus/index.cfm?action=privacy Windows & .NET Magazine a division of Penton Media, Inc. 221 East 29th Street, Loveland, CO 80538, Attention: Customer Service Department Copyright 2004, Penton Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.