Windows 8 Enterprise: RTM Preview

Summary: Windows 8 isn't just a consumer operating system. What does the Enterprise version, which is available to companies with Software Assurance subscriptions, have to offer?

By Simon Bisson | August 22, 2012 -- 12:24 GMT (05:24 PDT)

83Comments

1 Vote

inShare

more +

Much of the attention on Windows 8 has, quite rightly, been focused on its role as a consumer-oriented operating system. But that's not the whole story — not by a long way. Although the majority of home users still run Microsoft's OS, its real heartland is the enterprise, where desktop and server operating systems work together in very different ways from in the home.
Windows 8 brings a simplification of the product range, with fewer editions and fewer ways of buying them. Now there are only three main editions: Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro and Windows 8 Enterprise, plus a fourth Windows RT edition for ARM devices. Pro and Enterprise can join Active Directory domains, so they'll be the most likely versions for business users — and as Enterprise is reserved for companies with Software Assurance subscriptions, it's the version that will eventually arrive on most business desktops.
Upgrade issues
Upgrading to Windows 8 Enterprise from Windows 7 isn't as easy as it could be because licensing restrictions mean you can only upgrade from Windows 7 Pro and Windows 7 Enterprise. We expect most Windows 8 installs to be clean system refreshes, which will simplify things, but IT departments will need to have the infrastructure in place to handle volume licensing keys (test installs may need to use a command-line tool to install licences).
As part of our tests we installed Windows 8 Enterprise on a range of devices, including a recent desktop PC with multiple monitors, a pair of older laptops and a recent slate tablet. All ran the OS easily, using the 64-bit version to take full advantage of modern PC hardware.

Launch Windows 8 Enterprise, and you're into the new Start screen. If you put the desktop tile on the top left of the screen, it's easy to click and run your everyday desktop applications, just like in Windows XP or Windows 7. (See our gallery for more Windows 8 Enterprise screenshots.)

Booting up into Windows 8, you're dropped into the new Start screen. Microsoft's new UI is clean and fast, and easy to use with mouse and keyboard as well as on a touchscreen device. There's an underlying simplicity to the new UI that's possible to confuse with 'dumbing down', but it does make complex tasks easy once you learn that the whole screen is a search UI, and can be navigated by typing. The bundled PowerShell 3.0 also makes it easier for administrators to work with users' PCs wherever they may be.
The Windows Store is starting to fill with new applications designed for the new UI, but for now most of your time will be spent on the familiar desktop — with the new Start screen functioning as a search tool and program launcher. Some user training may be necessary, especially around the use of keyboard shortcuts, but the differences from earlier versions of Windows are unlikely to cause disruption — if only because line-of-business applications are likely to remain on the desktop.

Windows 8 sees the end of the Aero transparent UI introduced with Vista. A new theme arrived with the final builds of Windows 8, bringing the Start menu and modern-style applications' flat look-and-feel to the desktop. The new, flatter, UI removes Aero's transparent window borders, making it easier to switch between traditional desktop applications and WinRT apps.

In the desktop, Windows 8 is like Windows 7 — just faster and more power-efficient (our test laptops have gained an extra hour of battery life on average after updating with Windows 8). In nearly a year of testing Windows 8 we've only found a couple of applications that didn't work with the OS — and those that didn't had dependencies on specific hardware APIs that have been deprecated.
Businesses investing in next-generation applications using Microsoft's new WinRT (Windows Runtime) programming model will be able to deliver prepackaged applications to Windows 8 Enterprise systems without going through the Windows Store, as long as they are certified. Administrators can also use group policy to control access to the Store, at an individual, role or group level. The Applocker application whitelisting tool can also be used to control which applications are installed from the Store, although there's no way to control how application updates are applied — you can only control the initial installation.
While the consumer versions of Windows 8 use Microsoft's SkyDrive to handle file and settings synchronisation across all a user's PCs, you'll be able to set group policies to stop this, and to use the file synchronisation features in the upcoming SharePoint 2013 release. Windows Server 2012's Dynamic Access Control file and folder protection features will also help stop users from transferring data to home PCs via SkyDrive.
Enterprise-specific features
Much of what's in Windows 8 Enterprise is in the Pro release — and that includes important features like Hyper-V virtualisation, BitLocker disk encryption and the new File History (which can be configured to work with network shares as well as with local disk storage). However, Enterprise does include features that make it simpler to use Windows 8 on a corporate network.
If you want to take advantage of the newly simplified Direct Access tools in Windows Server 2012, which make it easier to connect directly and securely to corporate resources without requiring a VPN, then you're going to need Windows 8 Enterprise. The same is true of the Branch Cache features that turn remote office downloads of files and updates into a peer-to-peer network for faster access to data. If you're looking at using VDI, Windows 8 Enterprise supports RemoteFX for desktop-like graphics and for improved device integration — including touch support.
Windows To Go
Windows 8 Enterprise also includes the tools needed to make a Windows To Go USB drive. A fully-managed portable version of Windows, Windows To Go uses standard Windows image files to create a bootable version of Windows 8 — so if you're allowing your users to use Windows To Go, you'll need to create the appropriate image files and make them available for use. Users will also need USB 3.0 drives (which work in USB 2.0 ports), as these have faster flash memory chips with better random access performance than USB 2.0 drives. We'd also recommend using a drive with at least 32GB of space.

Windows To Go is a full Windows install, just running from a flash drive. It gets access to all of a host PC's processing power and memory — but not its disk drives or other storage. Everything you do stays on the flash drive, ready to move to another PC. (See our gallery for more Windows To Go screenshots)

Building a Windows To Go image is straightforward, with a simple wizard handling the process. Plug in an appropriate USB flash drive, find a deployment share, and click 'go' (remembering to turn on the built-in disk encryption). It takes about fifteen minutes to apply the installation image to a drive. You'll need to use the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit solution accelerator to make custom images if you want to bundle apps in a Windows To Go install. Users are blocked from using the Windows Store on Windows To Go installs, although there is the option to use Group Policy to enable access — for individuals or for an entire organisation.
One big difference between the Pro and Enterprise editions is support for Media Centre. Microsoft has made Media Centre a separate download, but it's not supported on Windows 8 Enterprise — and any DVD or Blu-ray playback will require third-party tools. It's unlikely to be an issue for enterprise installs, but businesses that use Windows PCs as media-authoring and playback tools may find it easier to use Windows 8 Pro for systems in those roles.
With RTM code for Windows 8 Enterprise currently available on both TechNet and MSDN, IT professionals wanting to evaluate how the new Windows will work in their networks can download it and give it a try. With improved enterprise features, it's an operating system upgrade that, alongside Windows Server 2012, will help get your business architectures ready for the next generation of hardware and software — especially the cloud

Nokia dead phone USB flashing with Phoenix Service Software

Dead Nokia phone flashing procedure 

1. Remove phone from cable. Make sure it is turned off. If it is neccessary, remove and insert battery.

2. Run Phoenix Service Software as administrator. (Windows Vista, 7: right click -> run as administrator; XP: login with administrator privileges). Select "NO CONNECTION" as connection type.


3. Select "Open Product" option in "File" menu.


4. A window will appear, select the mobile phone. The product code of the mobile phone is on the sticker under the battery. (Usually RM-xxx)


5. Select "Firmware Update" option in "Flashing" menu.


6. Press "..." button on the top-right corner of the window to select the language pack / product code You want to flash on phone.


7. Now select the product code / language pack You want to flash on phone, and press OK button.


8. Tick Dead phone USB flashing.


9. Press "Update Software" to start the firmware update procedure.
If phone does not turn on after software update, try again the procedure, and press "Refurbish" instead of "Firmware Update"!


10. Follow the instructions: (if that method doesn't work, press OK, then press power on button on phone and right after connect the usb cable)


11. Phone firmware update process should start.


12. When the update process finished, a window will appear: "Firmware updating succeded."


13. Remove phone from cable, and try to turn it on. It may happen that the phone doesn't turn on. Hardware error, firmware downgrade or bad certificate could cause that problem.

 

How To Update Samsung S5570 Galaxy Mini Firmware

Here is the Procedure for the firmware update for Samsung S5570 Galaxy Mini.

• Run Samsung S5570 Galaxy Mini Down-loader. (click here to download)
• Select OPS file: TASS_v1.0.ops
• Click BOOT button and select: APBOOT_S5570xxxxx_xxx…_user_mid_false.tar.md5
• Click Phone button and select: MODEM_S5570xxxxx_xxx…._REV02.tar.md5
• Click PDA button and select: CODE_S5570xxxxx_xxx…_REV02_user_mid_false.tar.md5
• Click CSC button and select: CSC_S5570xxxxxx_xxx…_REV02_user_mid_false.tar.md5
<="" li="">
• Connect USB cable to your phone and the program must read the Com number it takes.
• Click Start button and the update process will start.
• Do not touch or remove anything till the device rebooted and you can see PASS word on the program.

Samsung Galaxy Mini S5570XXKPK Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread Firmware (Official KIES Update Stock ROM )

Here's the Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread Stock ROM for Samsung Galaxy Mini S5570 with build number S5570XXKPK with CSC_SERKPK and build July 21st 2011. This is an update firmware for Europe version of Galaxy Mini and recently officially released from Samsung KIES server over Russia users.

 If you want to try it out on your Galaxy Mini and see what features and improvements or bug fixes that has it might be, you can grab a copy of it at samfirmware.com, for they have managed to ripped it and packed as stock and can be flash by using ODIN.


Here's a guide on how to manually flash it via ODIN multi-downloader tool.

1) Download the file from the above page including the OPS file and ODIN downloader tool.
2) Extract to a folder using the password provided by samfirmware.com. Don't rename it or extract again.

3) Run ODIN multi downloader, and load up the TASS.OPS file for your phone.
4) Select "One file package" from ODIN and in look way down, there's the one package selector, click it and browse to the S5570XXKPK_S5570XXKPK_S5570SERKPK_HOME.Tar file you got earlier, and click it.

5) Connect your Phone to PC in "Download" Mode (By turning off the phone, clicking the Power Button + Home button + Volume down button).

6) Once all set and everything is in place, click "START" button and it should take no longer than 3-5 minutes and you're done
7) When the flashing successfully completes, the phone will restart and may take a while to start up, this is normal. Then go to settings, change the default language which is in Russian to your Region.

8) Boot into recovery mode, clear the cache partition. To have a clean and fresh firmware installed.

That's it! and your done, enjoy..

Installing and reinstalling Windows

In this article you will find instructions for:

• Upgrading to Windows 7. Choose Upgrade to keep your files, settings, and programs from your current version of Windows, and if your current version of Windows can be upgraded. If your version of Windows can't be upgraded, you need to choose Custom.
• Installing a custom version of Windows. Choose Custom to completely replace your current operating system, or to install Windows on a specific drive or partition that you select. You can also use Custom if your computer does not have an operating system, or if you want to set up a multiboot system on your computer. For more information about setting up a multiboot system, see Install more than one operating system (multiboot).
• Reinstalling Windows 7. Choose this option if you want to restore default Windows settings or if you are having trouble with Windows and need to reinstall it by performing a custom installation.
  

What's new in Windows 7

Here's a look at some of the new features in Windows 7. For more information about new features, go to What's new in Windows 7 on the Windows website.

How to Remove a Trojan Virus From Your PC

A Trojan horse is somewhat different than other viruses. Rather than infecting files on your computer with malevolent code, a Trojan is an independent file, usually pretending to be a harmless application until it is opened. Symptoms vary, depending on its purpose. It may hijack your Web browser or slow down your computer as it runs in the background. When at all possible, use reliable and updated anti-virus software to remove a Trojan. Trying to manually delete it should be used only as a last resort. Some Trojans may interfere with your your Internet connection, preventing you from

Computer Freezing:Ways To Fix It

Most "freezes" are just software lockups, often limited to just one program, although they can cause the entire system seemingly to hang. The remainder are caused by hardware. Failing power supplies can cause all sorts of trouble, for example, including freezes. Memory is also a frequent culprit. Reseating the memory module fixes memory-related problems one-third of

How to Protect Your Smartphone From Viruses

All smartphone owners should be aware of and concerned about viruses that affect smartphones, but most aren't. Only 4 percent of mobile phones use virus protection software, according to Juniper Network Global Threat Center's Malicious Mobile Threats Report 2010/2011. Personal and identity information such as financial passwords and contact lists -- once stored on protected personal computers -- now appear on unprotected smartphones. Phones infected with malware, Trojan horses and other viruses leave your phone unusable, send the virus to your contacts or worse: Perpetrators steal usernames and passwords that can lead to identity theft. Protecting your phone is a twofold process; avoid potential viruses and download legitimate virus protection on your phone.

How to Get BlackBerry Internet Access without Data Plan

I read may be a dozen
felt like millions
articles about BlackBerry Internet access in China and all suggested to get a BlackBerry data plan in Hong Kong SAR and use the free roaming to get Internet access in China mainland. This guide does not need such a plan. You just need a GPRS enabled SIM card for your BlackBerry.
Finally I figured out how to get access to the Internet on my BlackBerry without a data plan. This howto is based on the following configuration:

• Device: BlackBerry Pearl (T-Mobile UK branded)
• BlackBerry OS: 4.2.0.67
• Provider: China Mobile

Microsoft Office Word 2007

Overview of Microsoft Office Word 2007
Welcome to Microsoft® Office Word 2007, included in the 2007 release of the Microsoft Office system. Office Word 2007 is a powerful authoring program that gives you the ability to create and share professional-looking documents by combining a comprehensive set of writing tools with an easy-to-use interface.
Office Word 2007 helps information workers create professional-looking content more quickly than ever before. With a host of new tools, you can quickly construct documents from predefined parts and styles, as well as compose and publish blogs directly from within Word. Advanced integration with Microsoft Office SharePoint® Server 2007 and a new XML-based file format make Office Word 2007 the ideal choice for building integrated document management solutions.

Earning Money With Google AdSense?

What is AdSense?

Google.com earns most of its revenue by allowing other website owners to advertise on their search result pages. All this is managed through a program they call AdWords.

Now you can earn a share of the revenue that Google earns from AdWords by displaying these same text ads on your site. In other words, you're helping Google advertise and they pay you a percentage of what they earn.

IT IN LEARNING

Computers can be used as tools and aids of teaching in place of the traditional way of chalk and board.
The students need to appreciate the computers as a modern & better way of learning.
Both the teacher & the students are supposed to appreciate the various ways of learning; E-learning, or Digital Learning.