Windows 8 Camp in a Box, Release Preview Edition
This download includes the hands-on-labs, presentations, samples and resources from the Windows 8 camps. The Windows 8 camps are free training events for developers ramping up on Metro style app development.
Recently lots of ‘Get Started Guides’ on various topics have been released by Microsoft and can be downloaded from Microsoft Download center. Here’s the list with their download links -
All these guides and many more are contained in this Single Zip pack It has total of 38 guides.
All these are in .Docx format.
Those using TechNet Library of TechNet must have always wanted to save the docs they wanted in some way. They can save an individual document but a collection of assorted documents they wanted to save is the best thing to happen. Yes, Microsoft has added this feature using ‘Print Multiple Topics Beta’ on TechNet to save the Documents collection either as PDF file or in HTML format.
“… a special mode of the TechNet Library that allows you to select articles, group them in a collection that persists across web sessions, and then print them or export them to a file.”
It requires IE8 or above. I’m using Internet Explorer 9 & it works. I can not say about other browsers but should work in the latest ver of others browsers too. Let us see how to do this -
Browse to TechNet Library http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/default.aspx
Sign-in. This is required to Print and persist the Collection you created across sessions.
Click on ‘Lightweight’
Now goto the topic you want to print. I have chosen Windows 7. And I’ll select many topics from there to add to my Collection.
Click on ‘Print Multiple Topics’ from the Print icon (dropdown arrow) at top right .
Click on ‘Start’. A new toolbar will appear in the web page.
The Toolbar as seen in the webpage. Browse as you normally do, with the toolbar activated.
Now from the list of topics , you can add the topics you want to the collection-
Add articles or topics to your collection by any method -
And as you add topics,this gets reflected in toolbar Collection.
After adding all the topics of your choice, Click on “Collection” in the toolbar. Review and rearrange your collection's content as it makes sense to you and then print or export. You can export to HTML* or PDF. (* If you export to HTML with the intention of accessing the pages offline, make sure you choose "save as Web Archive (.mht)" or "Webpage complete" in your browser when you save the generated document. Note that web browsers work best with small HTML pages, so HTML format is not recommended for large collections. )
Click on Generate.It’ll start generating -
And after sometime . it’ll provide a link to download. Right click on it to download.
That’s all, now you have a single PDF file with all the topics of your choice. Give it a try Now !
General
Q: What is Office 365?
A: Microsoft Office 365 delivers the power of cloud productivity to businesses of all sizes, helping to save time and money and free up valuable resources. Office 365 combines the familiar Microsoft Office desktop suite with online versions of our next-generation communications and collaboration services:Microsoft Exchange Online, Microsoft SharePoint Online, and Microsoft Lync Online. Office 365 services are easy to administer and simple to use—with the robust security, reliability, and control you need to run your business.
Q: Why do I need Office 365?
A: In today’s competitive global market, businesses of all sizes need technology that enables flexibility and cost-effectively adds value to their organization. Cloud-based services provide a way to meet these objectives. They deliver feature-rich productivity tools to users while helping to relieve the burden of managing and maintaining business systems—freeing up IT departments and businesses to focus on initiatives that can deliver true competitive advantage.
Q: What services and tools are included in Office 365?
A: Microsoft Office 365 includes: Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Lync Online and the latest version of Microsoft Office Professional Plus desktop suite.
Office 365 offerings and versions
Q: Do you have a service plan for small businesses and professionals?
A: Yes. Office 365 provides a set of professional web-enabled productivity tools designed specifically for smaller businesses and professionals who do not have large IT needs. That’s why we made it easy to try, simple to learn, and straightforward to use. Designed for organizations with less than 25 people, it’s free for the first 30 days and then just $6 per user per month. Learn more here.
Q: How will Office Live Small Business customers be impacted by Office 365?
A: Office 365 for small businesses will replace Office Live Small Business as the premier productivity service for small businesses. The Office Live Small Business service will continue to run as it does today through at least October 2011. As a valued Office Live Small Business customer, you will be offered 3 months free of the Office 365 service should you choose to transition your account to Office 365. Nothing will change for Office Live Small Business customers now. Please continue to use Office Live Small Business and we will notify you based on your decision to continue usage of our service when your account is ready to be transitioned, likely in the second half of 2011. Click HERE for more information on Office 365 and Office Live Small Business.
Q: What are your Office 365 service plans for enterprises?
A: Office 365 for enterprises is the best solution for organizations that are looking to move to the cloud, while staying in control of their IT services. We have a variety of plans to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes and varying IT needs. Priced from $2 - $28 per month per user, each plan has the same 99.9% uptime guarantee and includes the security and support you expect from Microsoft. Learn more here.
Q: What is the Office 365 for kiosk offering?
A: Many enterprise and medium-sized organizations have employees who spend most of their time away from a computer or in many cases multiple employees sharing a single computer—sometimes called kiosk workers. Getting kiosk workers access to email and helping them stay connected to the broader organization is still important. Office 365 has several subscription plans that offer value and flexibility for companies with kiosk workers, starting at just $4 per month per user. Kiosk plans can be combined with our Office 365 for enterprises plans for greater IT control and efficiency. See Office 365 for enterprises for more information.
Q: Is there a government offering for Office 365?
A: Office 365 for enterprises works well for most federal, state and local governments. However, we recognize that some government organizations have additional regulatory needs. Read more about the current offering for government organizations in the United States.
BPOS customers
Q: As a BPOS customer, what does Office 365 mean for me?
A: Office 365 is the introduction of new productivity online services and capabilities. It provides new online platform capabilities related to the introduction of the latest underlying 2010 server software into Microsoft Online Services datacenters. Please visit the Microsoft Office 365 transition center to learn more about how Office 365 will impact BPOS customers.
Purchase information
Q: When can I purchase Office 365?
A: Office 365 will be available for purchase in early 2011. Enterprise customers can contact a Microsoft sales representative or Microsoft partner directly for purchase details, or click HERE for information about volume licensing.
Office 365 Beta
Q: Why should I sign up for the Office 365 beta program?
A: Microsoft uses a limited beta release to test services with real-world users before releasing them broadly. By signing up to participate in the beta program, it is an excellent unique opportunity to get an early peek into the new service offering, and you can help us build a better product by providing feedback. Because this beta program is limited, not everyone who signs up will be able to participate.
Q: Which countries/regions are able to participate in the Office 365 beta program?
A: There are 13 countries/regions eligible to participate in the limited beta release. These countries/regions include: Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Spain, United Kingdom, and the United States. However, we encourage all markets to stay up-to-date on Office 365 through this site, the Office 365 blog, and Facebook and Twitter
Q: What languages will be offered in the Office 365 beta release?
A: The limited beta release will be offered in following languages: Chinese (traditional), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.
Q: What Beta programs are being offered?
A: There are two different limited betas for Office 365. Office 365 for small businesses and professionals is ideal for organizations that have 25 or fewer employees and no IT support. Office 365 for enterprises is ideal for larger, IT-based organizations.
Q: Does everyone who signs up get access into the beta?
A: While we will do our best to accommodate all interested and eligible parties, we have a limited number of beta spots available.
Q: How do I sign up for the Office 365 beta?
A: Click the 'Sign Up' button to join the list of potential beta testers. You will be asked to provide your name and a valid email address so we can contact you when there is availability in the limited beta.
Q: What happens after I sign up?
A: You will receive notification from Microsoft that you are on the list for potential Beta service testers. If a Beta spot becomes available, we will contact you and provide instructions to complete your registration for the limited Beta.
Q: What happens if I don’t get access to the Office 365 beta?
A: If a beta spot does not become available, we will keep you up-to-date with a monthly communication on the latest news and developments from the Office 365 beta team prior to general availability.
Q: What happens at the end of the Office 365 beta?
A: The limited beta program will end 30 days after Office 365 general availability. Then participants may choose whether or not to continue with the service as a paid offering.
Technical
Q: What are the system requirements for Office 365?
A: Office 365 will have new system requirements that customers and partners should note. Those requirements are as follows:
Operating System Requirements
Windows XP SP3 with RPC over HTTP update
Windows XP Home is supported but will not support federated identity
Windows Media Center edition is supported but will not support federated identity
Windows Vista SP2
Windows 7
Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger), 10.5 (Leopard), 10.6 (Snow Leopard)
Office Client Requirements
Office 2007 SP2 or Office 2010*
Office 2008 for Mac and Entourage 2008 Web Services Edition
.NET Framework 2.0 or later
Microsoft Lync 2010
Mac Messenger 9
Browser Requirements — Administration Center and My Company Portal
Internet Explorer 8 is required for Windows XP
Internet Explorer 7 or above for Windows Vista and Windows 7
Firefox 3.x
Safari 4.x
Browser Requirements — Outlook Web App
Internet Explorer 7 or above
Firefox 3 or higher
Safari 3 or higher on Macintosh OS X 10.5
Chrome 3 and later versions
Browser Requirements —Outlook Web App Light**
Internet Explorer 5.5+
Firefox 2+
Safari 3+
Opera
** OWA Light is designed to optimize the OWA experience for slower connections and alternative web browsers. For more information about the differences between OWA Premium and OWA Light, see TechNet: Client Features in Outlook Web Access
Q: Office Communicator 2007 R2 is my standard currently. How do I continue to use Communicator with Microsoft Office 365?
A: Office Communications Online is replaced by Microsoft Lync Online in Office 365. Microsoft Lync 2010 will be required with Lync Online.
Partner
Q: I am a Microsoft partner, what does Office 365 mean to me?
A: Please visit our Partner page for more information on how to get involved today.
Communications
Q: Will Microsoft continue to update me about Office 365? What should I expect?
A: Yes. Stay tuned to this site, the Office 365 blog, and Facebook and Twitter.
(Source)
Check out this collection of Windows Phone 7: “How Do I?” Videos from the MSDN for the developers.
Windows Phone 7: “How Do I?” Videos
Here’s an excellent collection of Free, downloadable versions of Office 2010 training courses. They’re in PowerPoint 2010 format, so you can customize them for group training or view them on your desktop.
Make the switch to Access 2010
Design the tables for a new database
Create tables for a new database
Get to know Excel 2010: Create your first spreadsheet
Get to know Excel 2010: Create formulas
Make the switch to OneNote 2010
Make the switch to Outlook 2010
Get familiar with the Outlook Calendar
Make the switch to PowerPoint 2010
Make the switch to the SharePoint 2010 user interface
SharePoint pages I: An introduction
SharePoint pages II: Work with wiki pages
SharePoint lists I: An introduction
SharePoint lists II: Create and work with different lists
SharePoint lists III: Create a list based on a spreadsheet
SharePoint lists IV: Create a custom list
My Sites: Connecting to people and information
Create your first Word document I
Create your first Word document II
Use the Word Navigation Pane to search and move around in a document
Create visually compelling documents in Word 2010
Tip You can also download Office 2007 training presentations and Office 2003 training presentations.
Get Web-based Training In addition to these compact training presentations, full versions of these training courses are available online. They include self-assessment and interactive practices. All Office.com web-based Training.
If you don't have PowerPoint 2010, download the PowerPoint Viewer to view these files.
(source:Download Office 2010 training)
(Thanks for the h/t to @stephenlrose)
Download the release version of the documentation and tutorials for Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2.
Books Online is the primary documentation for SQL Server.
Important Installing SQL Server 2008 R2 Books Online upgrades your existing SQL Server 2008 version of Books Online. If you upgrade, be aware that the content and help topics now describe tools and features of SQL Server 2008 R2. To reinstall SQL Server 2008 Books Online, you must first uninstall SQL Server 2008 R2 Books Online. Because SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 R2 share components, you cannot have side-by-side installations of Books Online on the same machine.
Books Online includes the following types of information:
Download here.
(Download Size: 183.1 MB )
A key feature with Office 2010 is the time you save by staying in the program. The best example are the new photo tools in found in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Here's a quick overview of the features:
How the New Photo Tools Work in Office 2010
Check out this index of articles on the photo tools at Office 2010
ArticleWhen you change a Graphics Interchange Format (.gif) , JPEG File Interchange Format (.jpg) , or Portable Network Graphics (.png) image, you can save...
ArticleYou can enhance your picture by adding effects, such as shadows, glows, reflections, soft edges, bevels, and three-dimensional (3-D) rotations to it. You...
ArticleYou can adjust the color intensity (saturation) and color tone (temperature) of a picture, recolor it, or change the transparency of one of its colors...
ArticleYou can remove a background from a picture to accent or highlight the subject of the picture or to remove distracting detail. Original picture Same picture...
ArticleYou can apply artistic effects to a picture or a picture fill to make the picture look more like a sketch, drawing, or painting. A picture fill is a shape...
ArticleYou can use the enhanced cropping tools to trim and efficiently remove unwanted portions of pictures to get just the look that you want and make your...
Article
ArticleAction buttons are built-in button shapes (located in the Shapes gallery) t hat you can add to your presentation , and then assign an action to occur...
ArticleYou can create alternative text (alt text or Alt Text) for shapes, pictures, charts, tables, SmartArt graphics, or other objects in your Office document...
ArticleTo keep the maximum picture quality, you can turn off compression for all pictures in a file. However, turning off compression can cause very large file...
ArticleYou can quickly and easily add a screenshot to your Office file to enhance the readability or capture information without leaving the program that you are...
ArticleYou can insert or copy pictures and clip art into an Excel worksheet or a PowerPoint presentation from many different sources, including downloading from...
Video
Video
ArticleIf you have a picture, clip art, or button shape in your presentation that has an action assigned to it (such as move to next slide, move to previous...
(Source: http://office2010.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint-help/CH010371772.aspx)
This version of the Training Kit works with Visual Studio 2010 RC and .NET Framework 4 RC.
You can get it from here.
Normally in Explorer, while selecting (non-continuous) multiple files we use combination of ctrl+mouse to select them. By non-continuous,I mean files which are not together else we can just drag our mouse to multi-select. Now Windows 7 has an option where you can select multiple files ONLY with the mouse. For this it provides a checkbox. To enable this feature open Explorer, click on Organize > Folder and search options > View tab > In Advanced settings, scroll down to Use check Boxes to select items and check it. Apply and OK.
Now in Explorer you have a check box to check and select multiple files with just the Mouse.
This is also applied to desktop items.
At present its having following categories -
Photo Gallery, Movie Maker, & FrameIt
This forum is launched initially in English and later it will expand into other languages and also more Windows Live categories. Microsoft Answers will expand further in the days to come. http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windowslive/default.aspx
It is a great place for Windows Live Essentials users to offer tips and advice, get their queries answered, collaborate together to improve the experience of Windows Live and be a part of the community. Here you will get your queries answered from other community members , MVPs and from Experts from Microsoft.
BTW have you tried the Cool new Windows Live Movie Maker? If not check it out how easy it is to make your own Movies with all the transition effects, titles etc , Get Windows Live Essentials from here : http://download.live.com/
Get ready for Online Technical Trainings which you can attend from your cozy confines of your work-desks and deep dive into latest Microsoft Technologies and products. This is the 6th Ed. of Microsoft’s Virtual TechDays - India’s premier online event. This will be held from Aug. 19-21, 2009. (10:00AM- 7:00PM IST )(GMT+5:30)
Register Now http://www.virtualtechdays.com/ Because There’s always more to learn.
Watch out for separate technology tracks for Developers and IT professionals with learning sessions on latest technologies - Windows 7, Silverlight 3.
More details at http://www.virtualtechdays.com/
These are the official videos from Microsoft ShowCase from where you can embed, share and download these videos.
You can get all the videos here – What’s New in Microsoft Office 2010 Videos from Microsoft Showcase.
The same videos can also be viewed at official Microsoft Office 2010 site which provides all the information needed.
http://www.microsoft.com/office/2010/
If you haven’t yet tried Office 2010, you can get it for free, Get MS Office 2010 Technical Preview here by signing up -
As many of you know Windows 7 RC will be available to general public from tomorrow May 5th for download and all of you are very eager to get your hands on Windows 7 RC.
So why not get the Skills and Knowledge you need to be the Expert on Windows 7.
“Become the Windows 7 expert in your company. Discover the wide variety of Microsoft training, books, and certifications that are available to help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.”
Check the Windows 7 Learning Portal where you will find
and many more things related to Windows 7.
Also check out these Windows 7 resources put together by TechNet Edge :
- Win7 Networking Enhancements for Enterprises
- Migrating from XP to Win7 with MS Deployment Toolkit 2010
- Be ready for Win7: Application Compatibility
- Win7 Beta Installation Instructions
- Installing the Win7 Beta with Virtual PC 2007 SP1
- Installing Win7 in a USB stick
You can also check What’s new in Windows 7 RC – video about which I had posted earlier.
Now get ready as from tomorrow Windows 7 RC will be made available for downloaded, Look for the Official Windows 7 Site for the Download Link and for getting the Product Key : http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/default.aspx
I have already installed Windows 7 RC as its made available to MSDN, TechNet Subscribers and on Microsoft Connect and I can just say Its fabulous. Works so smoothly. So you also can get your hands from tomorrow.
Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) is made available to Subscribers of MSDN and TechNet and also to Testers on Microsoft Connect, one should know what are the changes made to RC from its Beta. So here’s a screencast from Springboard series which walks you through some of the new and updated features in the Windows 7.
You can download this video from here.
If one wants in detail What’s new in Windows 7 in general , then one can get this document ‘Windows 7 What’s New Guide’
Also one can follow the Windows 7 official blog ‘Engineering Windows 7 Blog’ which has covered in detail of the changes from Beta to RC.
For the general public, Windows 7 RC will be available for download on May 5th. So get ready. Do not download Windows 7 RC from Unofficial sources as apart from it being illegal, there are reports of it being infected.
I have already installed it, getting it from Microsoft Connect being a Tester and I will say its awesome.
Check out these series of Videos on Internet explorer 8 explaining various features by IE 8 Team experts-
IE8 Accelerators-
Learn about IE8's Accelerators from Jon Seitel, Program Manager on the IE team, IE8 Accelerators,
IE8 Search-
Sharon Cohen, Program Manager on the IE Team, on very interesting new Search features in IE8, IE8 Search,
IE8 Web Slices-
Jane Kim, Program Manager on the IE Team explains what Web Slices are, and what are changes to web slices since beta1. IE8 Web Slices-
IE8 Dev Tools-
And the last video is about Dev tools, where John Hrvatin, Program Manager on the IE Team explains IE8's Developer Tools – IE8 DevTools
Check out these really helpful videos to know about various new features of IE8 which is almost ready to be RTMed. All these experts talks to Charles Torre, Sr. Technical Evangelist on Channel9.
Want to learn how to use the Recently announced Azure Service Platform? Get this Training Kit.
The Azure Services Training Kit includes a comprehensive set of technical content including samples, demos, hands-on labs, and presentations that are designed to help you learn how to use the Azure Services Platform. This initial PDC Preview release includes the hands-on labs that were provided at the PDC 2008 conference. These labs cover the broad set of Azure Services including Windows Azure, .NET Services, SQL Services, and Live Services.
Download : Azure Services Training Kit.
.NET Framework 3.5 SP1,Visual Studio 2008 SP1,Windows Powershell
Please Note: Many of these labs require Azure Services developer accounts. To request an invitation code that can be used to register an Azure Services developer account, please visit: http://www.azure.com
I came across an excellent post by Tim, Silverlight resources for Flash developers , where he provides links to two new resources which could be very helpful for Flash developers wanting to learn Silverlight.
The first is the Project Rosetta, a site dedicated to helping designers and developers build applications in Silverlight while taking advantage of skills they already know. As it explores visual programming in Silverlight by providing various lessons, and uses Flash techniques as a common ground and reference. Channel9 also provides a video on Project Rosetta where it caught up with Rick Barraza, the author of the first article From Flash to Silverlight.
The other resource is called Shine Draw from Terence Tsang. It's a blog which focuses on comparing both Flash and Silverlight with various kind of samples and source code.
So check out these cool resources which will help you to learn and shift to Silverlight.
