Superman don't need no seat belt. [Comment to flight attendant, who replied, 'Superman don't need no airplane, either.']

- Muhammad Ali

I’m not sure exactly how long I’ve been on Twitter, but it is a decent bit. I know I am the 7943052 member to join, because that is my user id, and Twitter uses a simple auto-incrementing integer to assign member ids. You can find your user id, by checking the RSS link at the bottom of your Twitter home page. Here’s mine:

http://twitter.com/statuses/friends_timeline/7943052.rss

Feel free to follow me on Twitter if you like:

http://twitter.com/CJCraft

 

Not too long after joining, I decided I wanted to use a client application to access Twitter instead of the Web page. I decided to use Twhirl.

It’s a great little app, and it really does a great job of solving the “Accessing Twitter on the Desktop” problem. The only problem I have with it is for some reason after a certain amount of time passes the application disappears, and its tray icon disappears as well.

This has been really bothering me for a couple months now, and I haven’t been able to find a great solution for it. Up until now my solution has been to open the Windows Task Manager, and kill the process and restart it manually myself. This always works but is a bit of a pain, and means I could miss messages since client Twitter applications can only pull messages so far back.

I decided it was finally time to do something about this problem, or either find a new Twitter client.

After a little research, here is what I learned:

I learned on GetSatisfaction.com that this was a fairly common problem, and there wasn’t a great known solution for how to fix it, except on a Mac.

Apparently this an issue with Adobe Air and not Twhirl directly.

It amused me the solution was to right click the tray icon and select “Reset Windows”. Too bad I can’t see the tray icon on my system, lucky Mac users with your visible invisible icons.

People must REALLY like Twhirl because one user rebooted their computer 20 times, and then reformatted their disk to get Twhirl again, and they were upset with Adobe for this.

Here’s how to fix it

I decided to try Process Explorer. I had a feeling it would have an option to help me make the invisible visible again.

Process Explorer Official Overview

“Ever wondered which program has a particular file or directory open? Now you can find out. Process Explorer shows you information about which handles and DLLs processes have opened or loaded.

The unique capabilities of Process Explorer make it useful for tracking down DLL-version problems or handle leaks, and provide insight into the way Windows and applications work.”

Process Explorer is to Windows Task Manager what Superman is to Clark Kent. In other words, it's the bomb. It’s actually useful.

All I had to do once I had Process Explorer installed and running was find and right click twhirl.exe, then click Window, and Bring to Front.

If you click on the Process Explorer image it will open a larger full sized version.

 

 

 

 

 

I hope this helps others in their fight to be able to use Twhirl once again. I only wished I had picked up my boxing gloves sooner. Hope to see you on Twitter soon!

 

He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.

- Muhammad Ali

Pretty cool tip I learned about today on Digital Inspiration.

Vista SP1 is a BIG update, and it does not remove any of the files it replaces. This is because Vista SP1 allows you to uninstall Vista SP1, and rollback to your previous version of Vista. Unless you are Chuck Norris, I have a feeling you aren’t going to even consider this. So why not reclaim this 800+ megabytes worth of hard drive space?

Windows Vista SP1 Clean Up Tool

Go to the command prompt, and simply enter the following: vsp1cln.exe. It is fast, and I’ve tried it on several machines so far.

Here’s the official Microsoft TechNet documentation

Windows Vista SP1 File Removal tool (Vsp1cln.exe). Vsp1cln.exe is an optional tool that you can run after you install SP1. This tool removes older versions of components that have been updated in SP1, which are stored during the installation in case you need to uninstall SP1 later. Saving these older components increases the amount of disk space that is used. Typically, you should run Vsp1cln.exe if you want to reclaim this disk space after applying SP1 and if you will not need to uninstall SP1. Note, however, that you cannot uninstall SP1 after you run this tool. You can use this tool both online and offline, but you must have SP1 installed and you must use the correct version of the tool. If you are running this file on an offline image, you should use the Vsp1cln.exe included in the Windows OPK or AIK. However, if you are running this file online (on a computer that you are booted into), you should use the Vsp1cln.exe file located at %windir%\system32\vsp1cln.exe.

Hope it helps!

If you have used many Microsoft Office products you are probably familiar with the Clipboard Ring concept. Basically it allows the clipboard to contain multiple items, and when you use the keyboard shortcut you cycle back through previous items.

The Clipboard Ring is to a developer’s code what a Painter’s Palette is to the painter’s paint. It is a any easy way to access recently used items. This is a common need when writing code for any application. There are lots of times you are juggling two or three key pieces of code, and it is very nice to have quick access to them. It’s almost like having real-time IntelliSense.

Cycle Clipboard Ring

Cltr – Shift - V

Note: The image to the right will take you to a full size image if you want to see this in more detail.

Feedback:

Alright, we’ve a lot of new reader submitted tips! Thanks guys. I quite a bit behind in score now. I’ll have to come up with a way to weight the scores to give me a chance now.

PowerPoint: 31 Days of Visual Studio 2008 Tips & Tricks.pptx (Note: PowerPoint is updated daily to include new items.)

Oh, the humanity! How I hate it when I get “The terminal server has exceeded the maximum number of allowed connections.”

Page Brooks and I were just talking about how it only happens to you when you are in a bit of a hurry, and need to get something done ASAP. You are allowed two remote terminal sessions.

The problem usually isn’t that there are too many people logged in. The problem is almost always that people disconnected from their without ending their session or logging out. So terminal services thinks the connection is still active, but just idle.

One option is to use the Computer Management Console, and choose Action, Connect to another computer…, Services and Applications, and then go to Terminal Services Manager and log off or disconnect the sessions.

I found out about a more powerful command line version that was able to work for me. I think the above didn’t work because our servers are virtualized.

1. run the following from a command prompt: query session /server:servername
2. Next run the following: reset session [ID] /server:servername

Ah, it just works. So much better now. Me and our servers are friends again.

It happens all the time. You’re working in Visual Studio, and you need to work with an object that is in a namespace you haven’t declared yet. For example, you need to create a WebRequest in the System.Net namespace.

You have a few choices, some easy and some hard: You could add a using or import statement at the top of the class file as in “using System.NET”. You could fully qualify the object as in “System.Net.WebRequest”. You could try to click that tiny, tiny little red rectangle that will open the Smart Tag. You could type “CTRL + SHIFT + F10”. Or you could take the easy road and simply enter “Ctrl + .”.

“Ctrl + .” Rocks! Try it, you’ll love it!

 

Feedback:

What is your favorite Visual Studio 2008 tip or trick? Tell us all about it in the comments section. I’m keeping score: Me 2 / Readers 0.

 

PowerPoint: 31 Days of Visual Studio 2008 Tips & Tricks.pptx (Note: PowerPoint is updated daily to include new items.)

Tuesday, June 10th, 2008
Chris Craft

Topic: Windows Mobile Programming

Tuesday, June 10th, 2008, is the next meeting of the Pee Dee Area .NET User Group.

Chris Craft will be presenting at Microsoft Mobility Roadshow alongside Brian Hitney, Glen Gordon, and Lou Vega in Charlotte - June 18, 2008 and Atlanta (Alpharetta) - June 24, 2008. These are full day Windows Mobile device application development events.  PDANUG will be hosting our own special "Welcome to the World of Windows Mobile" event to keep in theme these two MSDN events.
Focus will be Windows Mobile 6.x and using Visual Studio 2008 to developer mobile applications.
Topics to be covered:

•       Intro to Windows Mobile
•       Data Guidance (some discussion of line of business applications)
•       Whole New Level

Speaker Bio
Chris Craft
Pee Dee Area .NET User Group
Florence, SC      
•    Microsoft Windows Mobile Device Application Development MVP
•    Cofounder and regular speaker of Pee Dee Area .NET User Group.
•    Frequent CodeProject.com article author.
•    Expert's Exchange Windows Mobile Programming Master.
Email: ccraft@pdanug.net
Web: http://pdanug.net/
Blog: http://cjcraft.com/blog/

Here is the tentative schedule:
6:00 PM - 6:20 PM Socializing / Free Dinner
6:20 PM - 6:30 PM Introduction, Sponsor Time, and News.
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Presentations

Heroes Happen {Here}: Hands On Lab Manuals [Source: Paulo's Blog]

Windows Server 2008

• Windows Server 2008: Assessment and Planning
• Creating Windows PowerShell v2 Script Cmdlets
• Scripting with Windows PowerShell v1
• What's New in Windows PowerShell v2
• Windows Server 2008: Server Manager
• Introduction to MS Deployment Tools

• Lite Touch Installation with MS Deployment
• Zero Touch Installation with MS Deployment
• Deploying SSTP Remote Access
• Failover Clustering with Windows Server 2008
• MS Identity Lifecycle Manager 2 Beta 2
• Lifecycle Manager 2007 Meta Directory Sync

Download All (zipped file: 7.32 MB)

Visual Studio 2008

• ASP.NET AJAX, New Features
• Visual Studio Tools for Office with MOSS 2007
• .NET Compact Framework 3.5 Development
• Visual Studio 2008: Developing Outlook Add-ins
• Windows Communication Foundation and REST
• Integrating WCF and WF

• Developing a WPF Application
• Lighting up MFC Applications on Windows Vista
• Building Web Applications
• Client Application Services using WPF
• C# 3.0 Language Enhancements
• Visual Basic 9.0 Language Enhancements

Download All (zipped file: 13.2 MB)

SQL Server 2008

• SQL Server 2008 Change Data Capture
• What is new in SQL Server 2008 for DBA's
• Using SQL Server 2008 Resource Governor
• Partition Processing for DW
• SQL Server 2008: Reporting Infrastructure
• Managing SQL Server 2008 Analysis Services
• Analysis Services through MS Office
• Data Mining with SQL Server 2008
• SQL Server 2008 Policy-Based Management
• Performance Studio in SQL Server 2008
• SQL Server 2008 Database Mirroring
• SQL Server 2008 Online Operations

• SQL Server 2008 Peer-to-Peer Replication
• SQL Server 2008 Database Architecture
• SQL Server 2008 Table Index and Partitioning
• SQL Server 2008 Data Snapshots
• SQL Server 2008 Data Recovery
• SQL Server 2008 Instant Initialization
• Table Valued Parameters in SQL Server 2008
• SQL Server 2008 DATE/TIME Data Type
• Occasionally Connected Applications
• SQL Server 2008 Spatial Capabilities: GEOGRAPHY
• Plan Freezing with SQL Server 2008
• Transparent Data Encryption in SQL Server 2008

Download All (zipped file: 20.5 MB)

Hands On Lab Manuals

Windows Server 2008

• Windows Server 2008: Assessment and Planning
• Creating Windows PowerShell v2 Script Cmdlets
• Scripting with Windows PowerShell v1
• What's New in Windows PowerShell v2
• Windows Server 2008: Server Manager
• Introduction to MS Deployment Tools

• Lite Touch Installation with MS Deployment
• Zero Touch Installation with MS Deployment
• Deploying SSTP Remote Access
• Failover Clustering with Windows Server 2008
• MS Identity Lifecycle Manager 2 Beta 2
• Lifecycle Manager 2007 Meta Directory Sync

Download All (zipped file: 7.32 MB)

Visual Studio 2008

• ASP.NET AJAX, New Features
• Visual Studio Tools for Office with MOSS 2007
• .NET Compact Framework 3.5 Development
• Visual Studio 2008: Developing Outlook Add-ins
• Windows Communication Foundation and REST
• Integrating WCF and WF

• Developing a WPF Application
• Lighting up MFC Applications on Windows Vista
• Building Web Applications
• Client Application Services using WPF
• C# 3.0 Language Enhancements
• Visual Basic 9.0 Language Enhancements

Download All (zipped file: 13.2 MB)

SQL Server 2008

• SQL Server 2008 Change Data Capture
• What is new in SQL Server 2008 for DBA's
• Using SQL Server 2008 Resource Governor
• Partition Processing for DW
• SQL Server 2008: Reporting Infrastructure
• Managing SQL Server 2008 Analysis Services
• Analysis Services through MS Office
• Data Mining with SQL Server 2008
• SQL Server 2008 Policy-Based Management
• Performance Studio in SQL Server 2008
• SQL Server 2008 Database Mirroring
• SQL Server 2008 Online Operations

• SQL Server 2008 Peer-to-Peer Replication
• SQL Server 2008 Database Architecture
• SQL Server 2008 Table Index and Partitioning
• SQL Server 2008 Data Snapshots
• SQL Server 2008 Data Recovery
• SQL Server 2008 Instant Initialization
• Table Valued Parameters in SQL Server 2008
• SQL Server 2008 DATE/TIME Data Type
• Occasionally Connected Applications
• SQL Server 2008 Spatial Capabilities: GEOGRAPHY
• Plan Freezing with SQL Server 2008
• Transparent Data Encryption in SQL Server 2008

Download All (zipped file: 20.5 MB)

It's almost that time. What time is it you ask? Well, it's only 4 days, 02 hours, 20 minutes, and 22 seconds left until this year's Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Global Summit.

And the best part, at least for me :D, is that'll I'll be going this year. I can't wait to meet all the other MVP's, and to get to hang out with some of my developer friends that I don't get to see nearly enough.

This year's conference looks to be really exciting. I'm expecting some big news to come out of Redmond next week.

And I was able to find a great "utility" to help me keep track of when the conference starts: :D

Windows Vista "MVP Global Summit Countdown" Sidebar Gadget

About a dozen of us are getting up early tomorrow, leaving at 4:30am, to ride up to Charlotte, NC to attend the Windows Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008, and SQL Server 2008 launch event there.

Not only do you get to attend a great event hosted by Microsoft for free. But you'll also get to take home a promotional kit with versions of all three products.

You should definitely make a point of attending one of the launch events in your area!

http://www.heroeshappenhere.com/

I'll try and twitter updates from the event live tomorrow: http://twitter.com/CJCraft

Due to the scheduling conflict with the Heroes Happen Here Event in Charlotte, the April PDANUG Event has been moved to April 29th, 2008.  More details to follow.  See you all in Charlotte tomorrow!

---

Tuesday, April 29th, 2008
Chris Reeder, Chris Craft, and Page Brooks
Topic: SQL Server 2008, Windows Server 2008, and Visual Studio 2008 (Respectively)

Tuesday, April 29th, 2008, is the next meeting of the Pee Dee Area .NET User Group.

Chris Reeder, Chris Craft, and Page Brooks will be presenting on the latest exciting new products from Microsoft.  First, Chris Reeder will give us a run down on a few cool features in SQL Server 2008.  Next, Chris Craft will take us on a tour of some excellent new features in Internet Information Services 7 (IIS7).  Page Brooks will finish off the presentation with a few cool tips and tricks in Visual Studio 2008.

Please click the link below to register.  We use this information to determine how much food to buy!

Here is the tentative schedule:
6:00 PM - 6:20 PM Socializing / Free Dinner
6:20 PM - 6:30 PM Introduction, Sponsor Time, and News.
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Presentations

If you have ever used Total Commander for Windows then you know how fast it is. It gives the command prompt a run for its money.

I was looking around the other day, and notice there is a version for Windows Mobile and it is FREE. Grab it here.

 

Main features:

• Copy, Move whole subdirectories
• In place rename, create directories
• Delete (no recycle bin)
• Zip and unzip
• Properties dialog, change attributes
• Built-in text editor
• Search function (also for text)
• Select/unselect groups of files
• Select with [Sel] button
• FTP client
• Registry editor
• LAN access
• Send/Receive via Infrared (OBEX)
• Brief, full and large icons mode
• Single or two file window mode
• Option to hide all files in ROM
• Directory hot list as in Total Commander
• Directory history through drop down list
• Tree view
• Configurable button bar
• Simple help function
• Supported languages: English, German, Catalan, Czech, Danish, Dutch, French, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish and Swedish

 

Today a friend of mine called me, and asked me to help him with a problem he was having.

I soon learned that he has an ASP.NET application set up on Windows Server 2003, but he couldn't get the application to load in the browser. Anytime he tried it would always give him a "404 File Not Found" error.

We checked all the usual suspects: IIS running, ASP.NET installed, Web site and virtual directory set up and configured correctly, permissions, checked for a App_Offline.htm file, and so on.

Everything looked good, and we still couldn't see the page. I thought this was odd, we should be seeing something. I then decided to try viewing some static items like images, and some html pages that we in the Web site as well. Wow, these would actually come through fine every time. For some reason, ASP.NET just didn't like us.

I have to admit, I didn't see the answer at this point and I turned to the Web. It took some considerable search-fu, but after a little while I was able to find the source of our troubles.

By default Windows Server 2003 has a security policy enabled that prevents Active Server Pages from running.

Here's all you need to do if you ever run into this:

Open IIS manager, and check Web Service Extension folder, make sure ASP.NET extension is listed and marked as "Allowed".

I couldn't resist making the trip down to Columbia, SC to experience the Columbia Enterprise Developers Guild's Visual Studio 2008 Install Fest.

Glen Gordon and Chris Eargle did a great job hosting this event.

There were a little over 25 attend, and everyone walked away with a copy of Visual Studio 2008 Professional.

During the event everyone had an opportunity to experience Halo 3 and Rock Band for the XBox 360.

And there was a special appearance by Halo's Master Chief himself. I don't have any actual pictures, but the image below is close to the experience.

Microsoft has created another awesome resource for Windows Mobile developers!

INNOVATE ON Windows Mobile located at http://www.innovateonwindowsmobile.com/.

Learn Webcasts Microsoft Virtual Labs Books How-tos Videos
Develop Technical support incidents Online communities Blogs and wikis MVPs Windows Mobile related sites Newsgroups Windows Mobile webcasts Windows Mobile newsletter Events
Test Certify and sign your application now, and Microsoft will pay for it—up to US$800. Guarantee compatibility. Receive complimentary testing—worth US$400. Ensure authenticity. Receive complimentary code signing—worth US$400.
Market Market–Mobile2Market certification Publish your application Sell your application

 

"Get the new Microsoft Office Mobile and you’ll have Office 2007 file compatibility in hand."

Pretty cool free offer from Microsoft. If you have a Windows Mobile 6 smartphone or Windows Mobile 5.0 touch screen device that came with an earlier version of Office Mobile you can upgrade to Office Mobile 6.1 for free.

Get the new Office Mobile

Ars Technica has a good write up of Windows Live Messenger 9 Beta.

Windows Live Messenger 9 Features

• Multiple Points of Presence Support: Ever been annoyed by the fact that logging onto Messenger from another computer logs you out of the first one? If so, you'll be glad to be able to log on from multiple locations at once. And so will you.
• Signature sounds: Find new and creative ways to annoy your coworkers with personalized sound signatures.
• Per-contact sounds: That one friend who keeps annoying you with constant IM's? Give them a rude sound.
• Animated .GIF display pictures: Now your friends can be forced to look at your baby while he's making silly faces.
• Links in status messages: As if there wasn't enough to click on, now URLs in the status bar can be clicked.
• Anti-spam filter: You can now report users who spam you via IM, which should do absolutely nothing to stop them in future.

Get the new Windows Live Messenger 9 Beta

Yesterday, Saturday, October 20, 2007, I did a presentation at the Fall 2007 Charlotte Code Camp. I actually ended up doing an encore presentation due to the overwhelming number of people who showed up. My presentation was titled "Visual Studio 2005 Tips & Tricks".

Presentation Highlights:

• Tons and tons of Visual Studio 2005 keyboard shortcuts
• Windows keyboard shortcuts
• Internet Web browser shortcuts
• Many developer utilities and tools for Visual Studio 2005
• and more..

If you attended the event, or are just curious, and would like to have the slide deck I presented just use the link below:

Visual Studio 2005 Tips & Tricks Presentation PowerPoint

Last week I did a presentation at our South Carolina Code Camp 2.0. It was a great event, and I think the presentation went very well. My presentation was titled "A Lap around Windows Mobile", and I showed it during my Welcome to the World of Windows Mobile Development session.

Presentation Highlights:

• What's new in Windows Mobile 6
• Demonstration of AT&T Tilt 8925
• Overview of Compact Framework .NET
• Overview of SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition
• Overview of OpenNETCF's Smart Device Framework
• Demos
• Silverlight Mobile
• And more...

If you attended the event, or are just curious, and would like to have the slide deck I presented just use the link below:

Welcome to the World of Windows Mobile Development: A Lap around Windows Mobile Presentation PowerPoint

I really like Windows Mobile Live Search. It's a great example of how to make a truly standout application for Windows Mobile.

It looks great and it works great. And now it even has speech recognition.

The only Live Search for Windows Mobile needs now to really give TomTom a run for its money is text-to-speech support for reading out direction that need to be taken in order to reach given destination.

 

Maps and Navigation	Quick and Natural Interaction	Theater Show Times
Gas Prices	Traffic Conditions	Turn-by-Turn Directions

Right now you can get a free USB 2.0 2GB Flash Drive when you buy CA Internet Security Suite 2007, which includes Anti-Virus, Personal Firewall, Anti-Spyware, Anti-Spam, and more.

It comes with three licenses, and it is Vista compatible. The Flash Drive is tiny, and can be snapped into a credit card size carry case if desired. Also the flash drive is ReadyBoost capable.

It is a free after rebate deal, $59.99 before rebate at CircuitCity.com, or you can buy it off eBay for around $20-$25 after shipping.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I own quite a few of the APC UPS backup power products. And usually after two or three years, the UPS no longer work under load when the power goes out.

I tried buying replacements on eBay, but I wasn't happy with the quality of the third party products. They just didn't last as long. And I tired ordering replacements from APC, but I wasn't happy with the price. Seemed better to wait for a sale or deal to come around and just by a new UPS altogether.

Well not sure what changed but now you can find APC UPS replacement batteries on Buy.com for a fair price, IMHO.

Most desktop APC UPS solutions use the APC Replacement Battery Cartridge #2. Last I had checked, the price was $29.99 with free shipping. The price is only $19.99, if you qualify for $10 off for being a new Google checkout customer. You can search for other models too.

A nice bonus included in the price is that you get a box, and a prepaid return label so you can send your near-dead battery back to the recycling plant. So you can help protect the environment, while helping to protect your PC's.

If you are like me and have your machine set up to dual boot between multiple OS's then you are probably familiar with the following screen:

I installed Windows XP Professional, followed by Vista Ultimate 32-bit Edition. So I have the following choices:

Earlier Version of Windows

Microsoft Windows Vista

In Windows XP, if you had a dual boot set up you can rename boot items simply by modifying your boot.ini file. You'd see something like the following. And it was a simple matter to rename "Windows XP Professional" or "Windows 2000 Professional" as you saw fit.

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINNT="Windows 2000 Professional" /fastdetect

In Vista, the boot.ini has been deprecated and is no longer used. So how does one rename the vaguely named "Earlier Version of Windows"?

Just recently, I was exploring the PAE, or Physical Address Extension, feature in Vista and something caught my eye.

The command I used to enable my PAE was: BCDEdit /set PAE forceenable

The command I used to make sure the setting changed was: BCDEdit /enum

Windows Legacy OS Loader
------------------------
identifier              {ntldr}
device                  partition=D:
path                    \ntldr
description             Earlier Version of Windows

Windows Boot Loader
-------------------
identifier              {current}
device                  partition=C:
path                    \Windows\system32\winload.exe
description             Microsoft Windows Vista
locale                  en-US
inherit                 {bootloadersettings}
osdevice                partition=C:
systemroot              \Windows
resumeobject            {24f09df2-46fc-11dc-bcba-e9d5c4ed2e43}
nx                      OptIn
pae                     Default

Opportunity was knocking, and I wasn't going to miss the chance to take advantage of it.

A little deductive reasoning and I had the following command: BCDEdit /set {ntldr} description "Microsoft Windows XP"

And then I received a "The operation completed successfully." message for my effort. And after a quick reboot, all is well.

A while back I bought a new desktop. One of the things I decided to do was go with 4GB's of RAM.

It was a no brainer. Newegg.com has a great deal on RAM. You can get 2 sticks of 1GB RAM, the good stuff, here for $88.99, or $53.99 after rebate. At that price I figured it made sense to go ahead and purchase 4GB's worth.

So I installed XP Professional 32-bit, and then I installed Vista 32-bit on my new machine so could dual boot as needed.

Hmm, not quite 4GB I was hoping for. Maybe I have a bad chip? We test all chips in all slots, everything looks good. BIOS and boot screen both report 4096 MB of RAM.

Windows Vista or Windows Server 2003 may report less memory than you expect
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929580/en-us

This problem occurs because the address space is limited to 4 GB in a 32-bit hardware environment. Memory may be relocated to make room for addresses that the basic input/output system (BIOS) reserves for hardware. However, because of this limitation, Windows Server 2003 and Windows Vista cannot access memory that is relocated above the 4 GB boundary.

Here are a few more sources of information if you'd like to learn more:

Coding Horror: Dude, Where's My 4 Gigabytes of RAM [You can really learn something here.]

AddressOf.com:  Windows Vista supports 4GB of memory. Sure it does...

Chris Pirillo: 32-Bit Windows and 4GB of RAM

RunQA.com: Windows Vista 4GB RAM shows up as 3.2GB why?

It doesn't look like I have a chance, but maybe I can squeeze out a few more megabytes than 3007 if I can change some related settings.

I little research, and I learned how to enable PAE, or Physical Address Extension, on Vista here.

Alright, now BIOS says I have 3007 MB of RAM, so I've made the situation even worse.

I try setting my BIOS, called Memory Remap Feature, to move PCI memory addresses above the 4GB space, and see if that helps.

Hmm, well I have 4 GB of RAM in my BIOS now, but Vista says I only have 2047 MB of RAM so that's not what I want.

I even disabled PAE and left the Memory Remap Feature enabled just to in case, and still only gave me 2047 MB of RAM in Vista.

Before Memory (RAM): 3007 MB

After Memory (RAM): 3007 MB

That only leaves one thing to do if you want 4GB, or more RAM in Vista, or really much more than 3GB. Install Vista 64-bit Edition.

Much better, much better. (Ha, Just so you know Windows Live Writer will not install on Vista 64-Bit Edition.)

I was reading Casey Chestnut's Blog post, "Silverlight isnt everywhere", and once again I agree with Casey.

It wasn't too long ago that Casey and I were both hoping Microsoft would take advantage of the Compact Framework and move it onto the XBox 360. In this case, Microsoft recognized the same possibilities as us, and the XNA platform was created.

Microsoft Silverlight is a web-based subset of WPF. During development it was named WPF/E, which stood for "Windows Presentation Foundation Everywhere".

It reminds me of the joke, "Friendly fire isn't." And now we have, "Windows Presentation Foundation Everywhere" isn't.

Casey's right: It would be a brilliant move on Microsoft's part to port Silverlight to every platform they can including Windows Mobile, XBox 360, and MCE.

• Windows Mobile has a tough fight on its hands with the iPhone. And it does look like Silverlight will be coming to Windows Mobile in some format or another.

Silverlight for Windows Mobile YouTube video

• XBox 360 has a tough fight on its hands with the Wii. The XBox 360 does not even have a Web browse r. What gives? Wii can play Flash games. Now imagine if the XBox 360 could play Silverlight games!

Now Microsoft will use Silverlight to advertise the XBox 360 on Microsoft.com, and that is great and all, but it is so short sighted. We can do better. We are so close.

Heck, I even think Silverlight is a great opportunity for Microsoft to bring back the AutoPC platform.

Good News : Free Games . Bad News : Ad Supported. They just show up in menus and load screens, not during actual game play, so I think it will be okay.

More Bad News : You will have to get an account to FilePlanet.com, but it can be the free one. Just create an account don't choose a membership.

 

Far Cry Full Game [Free Game - Ad Supported] Details

Step into the role of John Carver as he escapes a brutal kidnapping and finds himself on a tropical island full of mercenaries. Rely on firepower, strategy, and stealth as you assault each open-ended area on your own terms!

This free game is supported by in-game advertising.

Download Here

 

 

 

Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Full Game [Free Game - Ad Supported] Details

The Prince returns in this stunning action adventure game with a unique time-manipulation mechanic and intense combat.

This free game is supported by in-game advertising.

Download Here

 

 

 

Rayman Raving Rabbids [Free Game - Ad Supported] Details

Rayman Raving Rabbids marks the return of the iconic video-game hero, Rayman, in his funniest and zaniest adventure ever. When the world of Rayman is threatened by a devastating invasion of crazed, out-of-control bunnies Rayman must rise up against his furry foes to foil their wicked plans.

This free game is supported by in-game advertising.

Download Here

 

Sometimes, I've found it advantageous to run Vista with User Account Control off. I'm not sure if it is the right choice, actually for most users, in most situations it's a big mistake, kind of like driving without your headlights on.

For better or worse here's how to do it.

Enter "User Accounts" in the Vista search / launch prompt.

Now choose "User Accounts" at the top of the Vista launch menu.

You can also get there by opening the Control Panel and searching for "User Accounts".

Now you'll need to find the Turn User Account Control on or off option.

Simply enable or disable the checkbox to match your preference and your are set.

By the way, you can enable and disable the User Account Control from a command prompt if you so desire:

Disable User Account Control

C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe /k %windir%\System32\reg.exe ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System /v EnableLUA /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

Enable User Account Control

C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe /k %windir%\System32\reg.exe ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System /v EnableLUA /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

 

Now you have done it. You've gone and upset the Windows Security Center.

Here's how to appease it, and grant yourself a reprieve.

You could disable ALL Security Center notifications, but I think that is a bad idea, by following this guide.

Or you could modify your registry and just disable the User Account Control warning message, by following these instructions.

Today I was greeted by the following dialog box:

 

I immediately thought, "Hmm, that's strange. Why is my C:\ drive not trusted all of a sudden? It's works fine for all my other existing projects. What's special about this new one?"

I had the answer, but I didn't realize it at the time. After reading Scott Hanselman's Sharpen the Saw for Developers article, I had wanted to check out the source code for DotNetKicks. So I had downloaded the source code, and extracted it to my C:\Projects\ folder.

I started to search for more information about this "The project location is not trusted" error message I was getting, and I found out the following:

 

First, I found this on MSDN

The Project Location is Not Trusted Dialog Box

This dialog box appears if you attempt to open or create a client project on a Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path. By default, a UNC path is not a trusted location for a project. Your project might not run correctly when you attempt to debug or run from this location.

 That is definitely the dialog box I was getting. Now I was concerned. One thing I am sure of, is that if my computer thinks my C:\ driver is an untrusted UNC path, I was going to be in a world of hurt, if I didn't find and fix the fundamental issue.

This information also concerned me because I was using a Virtual PC to try and open this project with. And I started to wondering if this was somehow playing a part in the issue.

Next, I found the same issue on Dave's Tech Shop

Dave didn't have the answer to my problem, but he did discuss how to give FullTrust permission to a UNC path.

Finally, I discovered Stephen Cawood's Geek Literature blog, and his article .Net project location is not trusted.

Stephen explains that there is a new security feature that applies to downloaded zip files. What I learned completely surprised me, since I've downloaded countless projects before and had never seen nor heard of this before.

Here's what I had to do to unblock the project I had extracted from a zip I had downloaded off the Internet.

 

Right-click the Zip file, choose Properties, click Unblock, click Apply and then unzip.

Why does it have to be so hard to simply install SQL Server 2005? Why can't I simply load a DVD into my computer, see a well designed and thought out install dashboard, make a few choices and click install?

The installation adventure for SQL Server 2005 is some kind of man versus machine epic battle. In one corner you have some poor soul who would like to get some work done today, in the other corner you have Legion. Legion is comprised of many souls including but most certainly not limited to the following: SQL Server Itanium, SQL Server x64, SQL Server x86, 32 bit, 64 bit, Developer Edition, SP1, and so on. Individually all of these things are great. Once you manage to extract the piece you are seeking all is good in the world.  But as long as they are combined into one mindless mob and you have trouble.

Why did the SQL Server 2005 setup application have to be written as a Web application? Was this the best choice for a setup application that runs off of a DVD? Were there any pros to a pseudo Web deployment package? Well, here are some cons:

 

Scary dialog, that warns me about potential security and privacy issues I should be aware of and avoid.

See, if this wasn't a Web page it could probably detect what Platform I was on and everything.

I'll go ahead and help it out, and choose SQL Server 2005 Developer Edition (English). Too bad I can't give any extra point for getting language right, since English was the only language on the DVD.

Now what should I do? Hmm, autorun.inf says run the HTML application "splash.hta", but this is Web application isn't it? so shouldn't I choose the HTML Document "default.htm"?
Is this background information I know fair to expect of all users? What about new developers? Does this create an artificial learning curve up front? Nobody can use it, until they figure out how to install it.

If you choose default.htm, which I still maintain is a reasonable choice, you will see the above, which reminds me of seeing "You Have Died of Dysentery" message in the old Oregon Trail game you may have played as a kid. At this point you can once again click and "Allow Blocked Content...". Well forcing me to confirm twice is okay because it is just Microsoft left hand watching out for Microsoft's right hand. I can understand that.

Hey where do you think you are going? Don't you know about allowing active content? Are you sure you want to let this file run active content?

Oh, you are. Well, too bad because you have an "Error on page." and nothing is going to happen. So ha. See what I mean about dying of dysentery? Sucks doesn't it?

Alright, some how or another you manage to recover from your dysentery, and make it back to the earlier step and choose "splash.hta". After realizing, that it followed that something named splash must be the installation executable.
Oh look, it needs us to tell it what Platform we are using, AGAIN. Not only can it not determine this on it own, which I'll admit maybe I do want to install the 32-bit (x86) version on my 64-bit OS, but at least remember once I tell you.

Oh boy, looks like we are getting close now. One problem I have with this screen is that nothing is selected by default. I would have one option, probably the "Install Server components, tools, Books Online, and samples" already selected in some manner, even if the text were only marked as bold.
Keep in mind all of the dialogs and forms are building up on our desktop. We now have at least three or four different active dialogs open right now.
If we were to choose an item in the above dialog it would open yet another dialog. One final usability treat is that once you pick a main option of this dialog, it will close itself and only itself. So if you wanted to do more than one thing it has listed, which it looks like it is encouraging then you can either sort through all the open dialogs you have already, or even more fun if you closed any of them, start all over again.
One more thing to note is this screen is labeled as SQL Server 2005 (Disc 1 of 2) is there another dialog for SQL Server (Disc 2 of 2)? One can only wonder considering this DVD is Disc 1 of 1.

Oh yeah! We are about half way through our adventure at this point, but the worst is behind us. From here most hardy adventurers make it to the promised land of our forefathers, and I have confidence you will too.

Take note, that it is after this point that Microsoft ask for your permission to log errors and issues, and track usage to help them improve Microsoft SQL Server, maybe it should be at the beginning of the setup application and not the end?

 

Gordon: And what about escalation?
Batman: Escalation?
Gordon: We start carrying semi-automatics, they buy automatics. We start wearing Kevlar...they buy armor-piercing rounds.
Batman: And?
Gordon: And you're wearing a mask… and jumping off rooftops. Now, take this new guy. Armed robbery, double homicide.
Got a taste for the theatrical. Like you. Leaves a calling card. [hands Batman a Joker playing card]

BioShock uses the latest version of SecureROM technology which includes an authentication technology similar to the activation process that is used in Windows XP and Windows Vista, with a very strict limitation. You may only install the software twice ever. It does appear they do allow you to install the game twice on two machines if you'd like. And I think you can play simultaneously.

I did find out that if you uninstall BioShock, then you are credited back for the installation. That means as long as your hardware doesn't crash, you don't replace any hard drives with out first uninstalling BioShock while connected to the Internet, then you will be able to continue using BioShock.

You are allowed to contact SecureROM in the event you were unlucky and explain to the powers that be why you deserve another chance.

I believe Office 2007 has this "feature" as well, when it comes to handling volume licence users. If you had 10 licenses, as long as you remembered to uninstall before you formatted, and as long as you knew you needed to, you weren't using up licenses. When did we find out, on our eleventh install, after we called Microsoft up to explain there were only like 8 of us using the software.

My biggest complaint is, it takes a long time to install and setup up a machine, soon it will take just as long to uninstall and clean a machine just to be able to safely format it and start over and keep your software.

Over all it's not a real issue that I think will hinder me, but I don't feel that it helps me either. In the past I've waited until a PC was on its last leg before formatting it, now I may be taking a risk on losing my software long term. And I'm not sure one Mulligan is enough.

Scott Hanselman's blog, at ComputerZen.com, is one of my favorites. He seems to always have the best answers to the worst problems.

Recently I had purchased a Western Digital MyBook 500GB External Hard Drive. (I managed to find them at a local Sam's Club for only $120, which was a steal at the time.)

I installed and setup the external hard drive and collected at least 200GB worth of data on it before I noticed something. "This hard drive came formatted as FAT32, which doesn't support files larger than 4 gigs."

This was a problem for me for two reasons. I wanted to use the external hard drive for both Virtual PC images and PC backup images, both of which can be larger than 4 gigs.

I knew I could copy off all my data and then format the drive as NTFS, but this meant finding over 200GB of free space on my network, which I could do but would be a hassle to do and the undo again.

Fortunately for me I remembered an article I had read on Scott's blog: "The Duh Files - The file is too large for the destination file system".

C:\Users\CJCraft>convert /?
Converts a FAT volume to NTFS.

CONVERT volume /FS:NTFS [/V] [/CvtArea:filename] [/NoSecurity] [/X]

  volume      Specifies the drive letter (followed by a colon),
              mount point, or volume name.
  /FS:NTFS    Specifies that the volume will be converted to NTFS.
  /V          Specifies that Convert will be run in verbose mode.
  /CvtArea:filename
              Specifies a contiguous file in the root directory
              that will be the place holder for NTFS system files.
  /NoSecurity Specifies that the security settings on the converted
              files and directories allow access by all users.
  /X          Forces the volume to dismount first if necessary.
              All open handles to the volume will not be valid.

Brilliant, simply brilliant. Thanks again, Scott.

The Sierpinski triangle, also called the Sierpinski gasket, is a fractal named after Wacław Sierpiński who described it in 1915. Originally constructed as a curve, this is one of the basic examples of self-similar sets.

 

View Silverlight Sierpinski Triangle demo

Download Silverlight Sierpinski Triangle source code

 

Note: The background stripes are from Stripe Generator - ajax diagonal stripes background designer, very cool Web 2.0 stripe generator.

As promised, I have updated the Silverlights Out game. Really all I did was give it a new paint job, so it looks as cool as it really is. :) Animated scrolling starfield background, transparency, and those cool glass icons everyone likes to use these days.

Silverlights Out 2.0

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Topic: Real-World Windows Communication Foundation
Our next event will be held on Tuesday, May 8th, 2007. Thad Smith, from ACS Technologies will be presenting real-world development with Windows Communication Foundation. This presentation will include pragmatic approaches to utilizing the Windows Communication Foundation in your solutions.  See you there!

Here is the tentative schedule:

6:00 PM - 6:20 PM Socializing / Dinner
6:20 PM - 6:30 PM Introduction, Sponsor Time, and News.
6:30 PM - 7:45 PM Presentation
7:45 PM - 8:00 PM Drawing and Wrap Up

PDANUG serves the Pee Dee Area of South Carolina. Our group focuses on the .NET Framework and related technologies. We cordially invite anyone that is interested to join us at our monthly gatherings. You can find more information on our meeting location and topcis below. You may also contact us by emailing admin@pdanug.net for more information.

If you are interested in our group, please register! This helps us gain an understanding for who is interested in attending our events.

Click Here for detailed driving directions

It was really hard for me to find the settings needed to configure a server to "serve" Silverlight applications. So I've posted them here. Hopefully it will help someone.

These are really for WPF, but they worked fine for me with deploying Silverlight applications. The key ones are highlighted in a bold green.

Register MIME Types and File Extensions

You must register several MIME types and file extensions so that the browser on the client's system can load the correct handler. You need to add the following types:

I couldn't resist jumping on the Silverlight bandwagon. So I created a Silverlights Out game. Just something quick and dirty to get a feel for the technology.

I had to try and improve on the orginal so I'd made the game toggle lights across borders. So if you click on a light on the left, it will effect the light on the other side and vice versa. Enjoy. :)

I've got some plans for some nice improvements, so stayed tuned.

Silverlights Out

See it!
http://www.cjcraft.com/Blog/content/binary/silverlightsout.gif

Use It!
http://cjcraft.com/silverlight/silverlightsout/silverlightsout.html

Download It! (source code and all) [quick and dirty garage project, that's why it is so CHEAP]
http://cjcraft.com/silverlight/silverlightsout/silverlightsout.zip

Umm, Describe It!

Lights out is a one player puzzle that is played on a 5 by 5 grid of squares in which every square has two states: on and off. The game starts off with all squares off, where the goal is to turn on every square. By selecting a square, all the surrounding squares' (up, down, left, right) state is turned toggled. For example, on a 3 by 3 grid of squares with all squares off, if the center one is selected, it will turn "on" the 4 up, down, left, right squares from it.

The 10/20/30 Rule of PowerPoint

Presentation Guru Guy Kawasaki discusses a rule called 10/20/30 PowerPoint rule in one of his recent blog posts. What is the 10/20/30 PowerPoint rule? He states, “a PowerPoint presentation should have ten slides, last no more than twenty minutes, and contain no font smaller than thirty points.”

Guy argues this rule is applicable for any presentation to reach agreement: for example, raising capital, making a sale, forming a partnership, etc.

1. Problem
2. Your solution
3. Business model
4. Underlying magic/technology
5. Marketing and sales
6. Competition
7. Team
8. Projections and milestones
9. Status and timeline
10. Summary and call to action

Like they say in the Guinness commercials, "Brilliant!" I'm sold, and the fences this creates really helps keep things simple and easy for everyone presenters and listeners both.

I've started loking for good SilverLight / Windows Presentation Foundation examples.

Here are some I've found so far:

DENOUNCE
Podcast Listener and Blog Reader

NOSTALGIA 
Yahoo! Flickr Browser and Photo Manager

DA.CODE 
Interactive Trivia Game

CINE.VIEW 
Netflix for Your Desktop

Harmony: visualize your music library

One impressive feature of Windows Vista is its support for 3D. This proof-of-concept is a knock-off of Coverflow (recently integrated into iTunes) with a few extra "twists".

de.collage: 13 painters with a view

In French, "décollage", roughly translates to "take off" or "to become unstuck". This application queries the internet to bring famous paintings to your desktop.

Module: the right hand for your desktop

Can't wait for Microsoft Vista's Sidebar? Why not try ours? Simply launch the application, type in your zip code, and away you go.

Echobox: adding voice to design

Design is hard to manage by email. This proof-of-concept facilitates basic design collaboration via FTP.

fp.hue: color conversion for Sparkle

Sometimes you have to make your own tools. This widget converts HEX color values into Sparkle's floating point RGB values.

Windows Vista RTM - Demonstation of Windows ReadyBoost - Google Video

Last week Page Brooks, Chris Reeder, and I were discussing the benifits of Vista's ReadyBoost, especially for laptops. Here's a video that should help demonstrate the power of ReadyBoost.

I've embedded the video below, so if you rss reader supports it you're all set.

The code camp is Saturday, May 12, all day, at the Central Piedmont Community College.

For more information and to register, visit http://www.developersguild.org/codecamp/2007/.

The 2007 Charlotte Code Camp will be held on Saturday, May 12th with CPCC and Microsoft to bring another Code Camp to Charlotte! A full Saturday of "primo" hands-on labs and tech presentations covered up with code, code, and more code.

I'd love to attend the XNA Simulation Labs, but I think I'll attend the Presentations track.

.NET University Labs

This track is designed to give you a good technical introduction to the four new technologies that ship with .NET 3.0: Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), Windows Workflow Foundation (WF), and Windows CardSpace.

XNA Simulation Labs

XNA is Microsoft's new game development platform for Windows and the XBOX 360. This track is designed to give you a good technical introduction to how to develop a game on these platforms.

Presentations

This non-lab track will present upcoming technologies including Orcas (VS 2007) and LINQ as well as solutions to everyday developer issues like the Building Blocks of a production ASP.NET application and building custom webparts for WSS V3.

Sign up now!

Tim Sneath's post Our First WPF End-To-End Reference Sample: Family.Show caught my eye today, and boy am I glad it did.

I have to admit from what I've seen Microsoft and Vertifo Software have done an outstanding job on Family.Show. It is definitely more than a demo, I'm not sure reference application does it justice.

You can install and run it using ClickOnce, btw. :) Source code is available. Be sure to check out the lab to see more projects.

"Microsoft and Vertigo Software launched of a brand new end-to-end reference sample for WPF."

"Available for download immediately, Family.Show is a genealogy explorer that allows you to create or import a family tree and explore, annotate or save it to XPS."

"Our designers employed every trick in the WPF book– styles, resources, templates, data binding, animation, transforms– to present an innovative visualization of the classic family tree, freeing our developers to concentrate on behind-the-scenes features like XPS, P/Invoke wrapper for Windows Vista common dialogs, and ClickOnce for WPF."

 

Get accepted into Windows Home Server Beta 2.

Windows Home Server
https://connect.microsoft.com/WindowsHomeServer

Install TVersity on WHS.

TVersity is Release 0.9.9.1 (November 26, 2006)
http://www.tversity.com/download.html

TVersity QuickStart Guide
http://tversity.com/support/quickstart/

DivX - XBox 360 Guide
http://www.tweaktown.com/articles/1002/2

Install DivX Windows Media CoDec on WHS

DivX Windows Media CoDec
http://www.free-codecs.com/download/ACE_Mega_CoDecS_Pack.htm

Since Windows Home Server runs on a modified version Windows 2003 Small Business Server, you can install the Windows Media related codecs from the Ace codec pack instead (this is because WMP 11 is not currently available on this systems).

Connect to WHS from XBox 360

Enjoy the show!

You probably already know that Daylight Saving Time has been extended by 4 weeks. This is a result of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. It will begin 3 weeks earlier in the spring, and end 1 week later in the fall.

If you have a Windows Mobile device you should know that your devices are probably not ready for this decision. Just in time, Microsoft has released a series of updates that should correct for this.

Windows Mobile Updates for Daylight Saving Time (PocketPC)

Windows Mobile Updates for Daylight Saving Time (Desktop Tool)

Windows Mobile Updates for Daylight Saving Time (Smartphone)

Windows Mobile Updates for Daylight Saving Time (Windows CE)

So now the question is does it support cold-boot recovery or does the device forget about DST everytime the battery dies etc? Hmm... ;) [Windows Mobile & DST: It's like nailing jelly to a wall.]

The Making of the Windows Mobile Updates for Daylight Saving Time

In the begining Microsoft had a knowledgebase article that simply listed the registry changes that needed to be made and left it up to the poor reader to implement the modifications.

I couldn't help but thinking isn't that like Microsoft saying you need to chop down this tree and here's an axehead. Huh? I hate to think it is really all that difficult to create an Windows Mobile cab file. ;)

Fortunately, edgeblog took the requirements and released the results as a cab file.

It's even worse for Windows CE device users. (BTW did you notice any update links missing up above!) Here's an article that gives their options:

Method 1 (for end users): Manually adjust the clock for daylight saving time
You can manually adjust the clock for daylight saving time. To do this, follow these steps:

1. In Control Panel, open Date/Time.
2. In the Date/Time Properties dialog box, make sure that the time zone is set to the correct time zone for your area.
3. Click to clear the Automatically adjust clock for daylight saving check box.
4. Click OK.
5. Manually adjust the clock at the start of daylight saving time and at the end of daylight saving time.

Ha, I love it! That's funny! There's a method 2, and it basically says contact the OEM. Ha! Stop! Your killing me! No seriously, I really laughed out loud when I read that.

Can't you see the new advertising campaign: Windows CE now with Manual Clock 2.0!

So I've been using Windows DreamScenes for a little bit now and decided to give DeskScapes a try.

Here's a good background information site: http://www.istartedsomething.com/20070108/windows-dreamscene/

Here are the key differences:

Windows DreamScene at a glance:

    

Windows DreamScene is an animated wallpaper technology that plays high-definition video content as your wallpaper. The key ability of it is that it can do so without using significant amounts of CPU (basically the decoding of the video is the only real CPU use involved).  The animation itself is run through the hardware accelerated DWM.

• A Windows Vista Ultimate Extra
• Run High-Definition Video as a Wallppaer
• Uses .MPEG/.WMV as content

Windows DreamScene Potential Content:

NASA - Multimedia - High Definition Video Gallery

Stardock DeskScapes at a glance:

    

The first enhancement is a new program called DeskScapes.  DeskScapes extends DreamScenes to support dynamic content (i.e. videos are pre-rendered).  With dynamic content, you could have your wallpaper change based on weather, time of day, or news.  Or you could just have some cool Direct3D "stuff" that runs (like one of those fish aquariums running as your wallpaper). 

• Extends Windows DreamScene to support Dynamic/Live content
• Adds support for the .Dream format
• Displays author info/URL in the desktop background dialog
• Supports triggers (change videos based on time, weather, etc.)
• Is only available for Windows Vista Ultimate Users
• Is free

Stardock DeskScapes Content:

http://dream.wincustomize.com/index.aspx

http://www.wincustomize.com/skins.aspx?libid=50

The Windows DreamScene Preview for Windows Vista Ultimate is now available.

Windows DreamScene Preview

Update type: Optional

When you install this Windows Ultimate Extra, you can select a video for your desktop background in the same way that you select a stationary picture, and you can choose new positioning options for static and moving backgrounds. Windows DreamScene video support requires a graphics card that supports Windows Aero. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.

More information:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=80872

More information:
http://support.microsoft.com/

DreamScene Videos:
http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=windows+vista+dreamscene

Look Ma! No CPU! [Yes, it is running in the background :p]

Well, gee isn't that spiffy? There are two things I don't like about this picture. One, what is "Windows Mobile 2003-based device connectivity" exactly? Two, why can't I just end pid 2812 directly from this screen? Are Exit, Ignore, Retry really the only options a person has?

Once more I'm thrust upon the hours of dilemma, should I just use the Windows Task Manager to find out about this process or should I bring out the big guns from the get go and use Sysinternals' PsKill?

"PsKill is a kill utility that not only does what the Resource Kit's version does, but can also kill processes on remote systems."

Ah, makes you nervous doesn't it? I bet someone is checking their firewall status right now. ;)

Let's see how Windows Task Manager fairs. Well I browse through my running processes and I don't see anything that could be 2812. Hmm, I'm running on Windows Vista and I do have a services tab on my Windows Task Manager. Let's check here next...

There it is! A quick internet search and we find out what WcesComm and RapiMgr is.

wcescomm.exe is not a Windows system file. The process listens for or sends data on open ports to LAN or Internet. The process starts when Windows starts (see Registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run). The program is not visible. Therefore the technical security rating is 44% dangerous.

The program is not visible. File rapimgr.exe is not a Windows system file. The application listens for or sends data on open ports to LAN or Internet. The program can be removed using the control panel Add\Remove programs applet. Therefore the technical security rating is 43% dangerous.

ActiveSync reincarnated! Vista! Say it ain't so! See combined ActiveSync is at least 87% dangerous. I bet when it is all said and done, ActiveSync is 17437% dangerous.

Oh well, we stop the services and try again.

Success!

My new favorite expression is "It's like nailing jelly to a wall". I find it to be a very useful expression in software development and IT, especially in the write anything, for anyone, at anytime, for any price world of mobile enterprise application development.

I've found a valuable scientific resource which probes this very important topic:

"We've all heard the old saying "it's like nailing jelly to a wall" to describe a task that is very difficult or impossible. But is our view of the difficulty of this task justified? Has anybody actually tried nailing jelly to a wall? In this experiment I attempt to establish, one way or the other, the validity of the old proverb."

http://graeme.woaf.net/otherbits/jelly.html

If you're like me and have a Tablet PC with Vista then you need to grab the free Microsoft Experience Pack for Windows Vista.

Overview

Computer Associates is offering a FREE one year trial of their CA Internet Security Suite 2007 product.

All the Computer Security You Need
• Prevent Theft of Personal Data
• Stops Viruses, Worms, Trojans, Spyware & more
• Prevents Hacker Attacks
• Blocks Pop-ups

I've been using it a while and have been very pleased with it, plus its FREE!

The latest Microsoft hardware virtualization software is now available for download. New features in Virtual PC 2007 include support for hardware-assisted virtualization technology and support for Windows Vista as a host or guest operating system or both.

Virtual PC 2007 Beta is now available as a free download from connect.microsoft.com.

Virtual PC 2004 doesn't appear to be supported on Vista.

Mark you calendars! The .NET University is coming to Florence, SC! Are YOU ready for Vista? Don't miss this BIG event.

PDANUG Event Reminder
Tuesday, January 9, 2006
Topic: .NET University - Windows Workflow Foundation

.NET University in Florence, SC

Event ID: 1032315697

Tuesday, January 9, 2007 6:00 PM - January 9, 2007 8:00 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

McLeod Medical

800 Cheves St.
Florence South Carolina 29506
United States

Language(s):	English.
Product(s):	.NET.
Audience(s):	Developer.

Event Overview

This class will take place over four consecutive user group meetings: 

11/14/2006 – Windows Cardspace – taught by Page Brooks
12/12/2006 - Windows Communication Foundation – taught by Glen Gordon
01/09/2007 - Windows Workflow Foundation – taught by Brian Hitney
02/13/2007 - Windows Presentation Foundation – taught by Chris Craft 

 

The Pee Dee .NET User Group is proud to present .NET University as a 4-part series during this winter's meetings!  Join us to get an overview of the next version of the .NET Framework (.NET 3.0), including Windows Communication Foundation, Windows Presentation Foundation, Windows Workflow Foundation, and Windows CardSpace. All topics are covered at a 100-level, and labs will be included with the courseware. Upon completion, registered attendees will receive their official .NET University alumni T-Shirt and a Certificate of completion. Space is limited, so register early to get your seat at .NET University!

I think I now know how badly Ralphie Parker wanted an "Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle" in A Christmas Story.

Coding4Fun's 2006 Holiday Gift Guide

Coding4Fun's 2005 Holiday Gift Guide

Maybe if every day was Christmas then I'd be set with my list of what to ask for. Right now it's hard for me to find things to mark off. Pretty good list, most things on there I have seen before but there were some items that were new to me.

 

Mark you calendars! The .NET University is coming to Florence, SC! Are YOU ready for Vista? Don't miss this BIG event.

 

.NET University in Florence, SC

Event ID: 1032315697

Tuesday, November 14, 2006 6:00 PM - Tuesday, November 14, 2006 8:00 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

McLeod Medical

800 Cheves St.
Florence South Carolina 29506
United States

 

Language(s):	English.
Product(s):	.NET.
Audience(s):	Developer.

Event Overview

This class will take place over four consecutive user group meetings: 

11/14/2006 – Windows Cardspace – taught by Page Brooks
12/12/2006 - Windows Communication Foundation – taught by Glen Gordon
01/09/2007 - Windows Presentation Foundation – taught by Chris Craft
02/13/2007 - Windows Workflow Foundation – taught by Brian Hitney

The Pee Dee .NET User Group is proud to present .NET University as a 4-part series during this winter’s meetings!  Join us to get an overview of the next version of the .NET Framework (.NET 3.0), including Windows Communication Foundation, Windows Presentation Foundation, Windows Workflow Foundation, and Windows CardSpace. All topics are covered at a 100-level, and labs will be included with the courseware. Upon completion, registered attendees will receive their official .NET University alumni T-Shirt and a Certificate of completion.

The Remote Desktop Connection (Terminal Services Client 6.0) for Windows XP update allows Windows XP machines to connect to Windows Vista with Network Level Authentication enabled. Plus it has some other nice enhancements.

· Network Level Authentication
· Server Authentication
· Plug and Play redirection
· TS Gateway support
· Monitor Spanning
· 32-bit color and font smoothing

What is everyone using for antivirus protection on Windows Vista?

Right now I am using the Windows Live OneCare Beta for Vista.

What it is

An automatically self-updating PC care service that’s always on, helping provide persistent protection against viruses, hackers, and other threats, and helping keep your PC tuned up and your important documents backed up.
 
What it does for you

• Runs quietly in the background, providing anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall protection
• Updates itself to help you keep ahead of the latest threats
• Runs regular PC tune-ups
• Provides one-click solutions to most problems
• Makes backups a breeze
• Lets you see the status of your system at a glance

Internet Explorer Developers Toolbar

With the IE Dev Toolbar you have several features at your fingertips to go deep into existing pages or pages that you are currently creating. You will be able to explore the DOM tree and find elements on the page, disable IE settings, view information, outline elements, control images, resize pages to common screen resolutions and have a powerful ruler that lets you measure pixel perfect content on your page.

The toolbar can be downloaded here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=e59c3964-672d-4511-bb3e-2d5e1db91038&displaylang=en

Support can be found here:
http://channel9.msdn.com/wiki/default.aspx/Channel9.InternetExplorerDevToolbar

Here is the official list of features.

Overview

The Internet Explorer Developer Toolbar provides several features for exploring and understanding Web pages. These features enable you to:

-- Explore and modify the document object model (DOM) of a Web page.
-- Locate and select specific elements on a Web page through a variety of techniques.
-- Selectively disable Internet Explorer settings.
-- View HTML object class names, ID's, and details such as link paths, tab index values, and access keys.
-- Outline tables, table cells, images, or selected tags.
-- Validate HTML, CSS, WAI, and RSS Web feed links.
-- Display image dimensions, file sizes, path information, and alternate (ALT) text.
-- Immediately resize the browser window to a new resolution.
-- Selectively clear the browser cache and saved cookies. Choose from all objects or those associated with a given domain.
-- Choose direct links to W3C specification references, the Internet Explorer team weblog (blog), and other resources.
-- Display a fully featured design ruler to help accurately align objects on your pages.


The Developer Toolbar can be pinned to the Internet Explorer browser window or floated separately.

This version of the Developer Toolbar is an updated version of Beta 1; it was updated on October 31, 2005. Several issues are resolved and some feedback has been incorporated.

-- Element bounding box calculations are more accurate.
-- Outlining of elements is now significantly faster.
-- The image report no longer crashes.
-- Installation no longer requires a reboot. (Beta 1 users will still be prompted to reboot because the current installer invokes the original uninstaller).
-- The minimize and maximize buttons now refresh after the "Resize" command.
-- The "Select element by click" bounding box is now more visible on pages with blue backgrounds.
-- The attributes editor (middle pane) now has variable width fields (for example, you can type beyond the width of the box).
-- Fixes for some pages that do not trigger OnDocumentComplete events.
-- Fixed the continuity of using "element" rather than "tag" in the menus.
-- The ruler is easier to use and to scroll.
-- Enabling/disabling images no longer restarts Internet Explorer.
-- The Resize menu now contains more resolutions.
-- Editing a property is now much less likely to let keystrokes "leak" back to IE and navigate without the user expecting it.
-- Trying to use the ruler while IE is in "folder mode" should no longer crash the browser.

New features and functionality have also been added.

-- Default styles (in the third pane) now appear in gray, separating them from explicit styles.
-- The ruler dialog is always populated with the ruler information if there is just one ruler.
-- The ruler dialog now describes advanced features.
-- "Undo all" reverts the page to the initial state.
-- You can now remove all outlines.

 

 

Mark you calendars! The .NET University is coming to Florence, SC! Are YOU ready for Vista? Don't miss this BIG event.

 

.NET University in Florence, SC

Event ID: 1032315697

Tuesday, November 14, 2006 6:00 PM - Tuesday, November 14, 2006 8:00 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

McLeod Medical

800 Cheves St.
Florence South Carolina 29506
United States

 

Language(s):	English.
Product(s):	.NET.
Audience(s):	Developer.

Event Overview

This class will take place over four consecutive user group meetings: 

11/14/2006 – Windows Cardspace – taught by Page Brooks
12/12/2006 - Windows Communication Foundation – taught by Glen Gordon
01/09/2007 - Windows Presentation Foundation – taught by Chris Craft (That's me! You don't want to miss this one! <wink>)
02/13/2007 - Windows Workflow Foundation – taught by Brian Hitney

The Pee Dee .NET User Group is proud to present .NET University as a 4-part series during this winter’s meetings!  Join us to get an overview of the next version of the .NET Framework (.NET 3.0), including Windows Communication Foundation, Windows Presentation Foundation, Windows Workflow Foundation, and Windows CardSpace. All topics are covered at a 100-level, and labs will be included with the courseware. Upon completion, registered attendees will receive their official .NET University alumni T-Shirt and a Certificate of completion. Space is limited, so register early to get your seat at .NET University!

Click Here to Register!

http://mapit.ebay.com/home

This is a real neat Web utility eBay has to allow you search a radius in miles around a city, state or Zip Code, for what ever your heart desires.

Considering the time of year, I decided to search for "Frankenstein" in all categories in the city of Florence, SC 29501 with a radius of 25 miles.

Apparently one of my close neighbors or not so close neighbors has a "Halloween Battery Operated Noise activated Frankenstein". Now how cool is that. You know you want it! Go ahead, nobody's looking make your bid!

I could imagine a neat Windows Mobile utility that uses "Map It" and a GPS unit to let users see what people are selling right where they are - complete novelty item of course.

[He looks like some of the guys I work with with! Ha, ha, you know who you are!]

I've been wanting to get my MCAD, MCSD, or MCPD certification for some time now. I've taken and passed two of the required tests for MCAD or MCSD. My ultimate goal is to have the Microsoft Certified Trainer in a year's time [August 22, 2007]. I'm not sure how realistic it is, but I'm going to give it a shot.

Exam 70–315: Developing and Implementing Web Applications with Microsoft Visual C# .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET

Exam 70–316: Developing and Implementing Windows-based Applications with Microsoft Visual C# .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET

A lot of people question the value of developer certifications. I do think the certifications are worth about the $125 each they cost to take. I don't think that can point out a superstar programmer, but I don't think they are meaningless either.

I'll post progress updates here.

I needed a little eye-candy this morning, and this looked like a good possibility.

It's your standard Web bandwidth speed tester, except it has a Web 2.0 interface. Well, almost it is flash based and not AJAX, but close enough I think.

I think I did well. How'd you do?

http://www.speedtest.net/

http://gallery2.mastermaq.ca/albums/1.aspx

This collection contains miscellaneous pictures, and the sub galleries are organized by
subject. All pictures are 288 pixels by 288 pixels, which sizes down correctly to the 96x96 size of a display picture.

If the Send-To-X Power Toy is not one of my favorite power toys, it is definitely one of the most useful I have found.

Here's the 50,000 foot overview:

*** SEND TO X

Adds the following new commands to your "Send To" menu:

  - Send To Any Folder
  - Send To Clipboard as Contents
  - Send To Clipboard as Name
  - Send To Command Line

Even though it is a Windows 95 Power Toy, I've used it on Windows XP, etc. with no problems. [Read: You should set a system restore point because you know better. You were warned.]

Page Brooks has made a shell extension that does the key parts. The Send-To-X can work on multiple files, not sure if his can.

Here's the full read me text for the Send-To-X power toy.

    Send To Extensions
 
    Microsoft Windows 95 PowerToys
 
    Copyright 1995-1996 Microsoft Corporation
 
    * Send To... Any Folder
 
  Send a file or files to Any Folder, and you will be shown
  a dialog box that lets you choose where the files should
  be copied or moved.
 
    * Send To... Clipboard as Name
 
  Send a file or files to the Clipboard as Name, and the names
  of the files are placed on the clipboard.
 
    * Send To... Clipboard as Contents
 
  Send a file to the Clipboard as Contents, and the contents
  of the file are placed on the clipboard.
 
    * Send To... Command Line
 
  Send a file to the Command Line, and the "Run" dialog appears,
  with name of the file already typed in for you.
 
    * Send To... Mail Recipient
 
  Send a file or files to a Mail Recipient, and a mail message
  will be created with the file(s) already attached.
 
  There are three types of mail recipients.  You probably will
  need only one of them. In the "Add/Remove Programs" section
  of the Control Panel, double-click "Send To Extensions" to
  remove the ones you don't need.
 
  "Mail Recipient MAPI" sends the message via the Microsoft MAPI
  protocol.  MAPI is supported by Microsoft Mail 3.x and Microsoft
  Exchange.
 
  "Mail Recipient CMC" sends the message via the Common
  Messaging Calls protocol, a protocol defined by the X.400 API
  association.  CMC is supported by Microsoft Exchange, and
  possibly other mail programs.
 
  "Internet Mail Recipient" sends the message via Microsoft Internet
  Mail and News.  It doesn't really work yet, but at least you know
  that I'm thinking about it.
 
    Tips and tricks:
 
    * To add/remove selected extensions, double-click "Send To
  Extensions PowerToy" in Control Panel: Add/Remove Programs.
 
    * To change the name of an item in your Send To menu, click
  the Start button, select "Run", then type "sendto".  This
  will open a folder view on your Send To menu, at which point
  you can create, rename or remove items.
 
    * When the Send To menu is open, if you hold down the Control
  key while you click on the extension you want to send the
  file to, the behavior will change slightly.
 
  *   Send To... Any Folder will copy the files with their
      short names.  (Normally, it copies the long names.)
 
  *   Send To... Clipboard as Name will copy the short file
      names to the clipboard.  (Normally, it copies the long
      file name.)
 
  *   Send To... Clipboard as Contents will display a dialog
      box allowing you to override its choice of file content
      type.  Note that if you pick a type that does not match
      the actual type of the file, the data won't quite appear
      the way you intended, if it appears at all.
 
  *   Send To... Command Line will put the short file name
      on the command line.  (Normally, it puts the long file
      name on the command line.)
 
  *   Send To... Mail Recipient will attach the files with
      their short names.  (Normally, the long file name is used.)
 
    Limitations:
 
    * Send To... Clipboard as Contents
 
  If the file does not contain a recognized format, the
  clipboard won't contain anything terribly interesting.
 
  You cannot send folders or multiple files to the clipboard
  as contents.
 
    * Send To... Command Line
 
  You cannot send multiple items to the command line.
 
  To add more than one item to the command line, you can
  drag them onto the "Run" dialog box, and they will be
  added.
 
    * Send To... Mail Recipient
 
  You cannot send folders to mail recipients.

Everybody has one, an old computer, maybe even an old server, that they have no idea what kind of memory it takes, how much it can hold, or how much it would cost to upgrade the beast. Sure you could lookup motherboard, and memory module part numbers and find out yourself. But now there's an easier way:

The Crucial System Scanner automatically detects your computer's information and gives you the details you need to purchase a compatible upgrade. To run the Crucial System Scanner, you need Microsoft Windows 95 or higher.

http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/

Try it, you'll like it!

Redmond Channel Partner Online  Driving Success in the Microsoft Partner Community

If you are a Microsoft Certified Partner, or a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, or have ambitions of being one some day, then consider getting a FREE print or PDF subscription.

It looks like all of the back issues are online in the archive.

It a valuable resource, from the one issue I've found time to read so far.

I almost missed this myself. I knew MapPoint 2006 was due to come out in May, but it appears as if it has been available since "4/27/2006 8:54:04 PM". It has really been needing an update. I'll have to try and find time to install it. I've been using Streets & Trips 2006 for travel and its a great product.

I just purchased a year's subscription for all of my machines, being able to install it on up to three PCs really helps. Not much time left on this deal.

"From now up until May 1^st, beta customers in the U.S. can get their first year of OneCare for only $19.95.  We think this is a great deal, especially considering OneCare is licensed for up to three PCs (and certified)."

Windows Live OneCare - has antivirus, antispyware, backup, tune-up and firewall protection.

Here's the official Windows Live OneCare blog if want the inside story.

A useful tool for keeping on on what and when Webcasts are happening.

Interactive Microsoft Webcast Calendar

This interactive calendar will quickly help you find live webcasts that fit your schedule as well as on-demand webcasts to view at your convenience. You can choose your time zone and filter this list by intended audience, webcast series, product or topic, and presenter. Select "Filter Webcast Listings" below to access the filters.

 

 

Download or Order Virtual Server 2005 R2 Enterprise Edition for Free Published:
April 3, 2006

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/virtualserver/software/default.mspx

The following full versions of Virtual Server 2005 R2 are available for download or to pre-order on CD:

• Virtual Server 2005 R2 Enterprise Edition (32-bit)
• Virtual Server 2005 R2 Enterprise x64 Edition (64-bit)

[A very competitive and wise move on Microsoft's part I would say.]

"IntelliSense Code Snippets are reusable, task-oriented blocks of code. Visual Studio 2005 includes code snippets covering tasks ranging from creating a custom exception, to sending an e-mail message, to drawing a circle."

http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/downloads/codesnippets/

1. Application Code Snippets : For working with Isolated Storage, ClickOnce tasks, Console Applications and Process Management.
2. Collections and Arrays Code Snippets : For tasks like creating, iterating, locating elements, and sorting collections like arrays and dictionaries.   
3. Connectivity Code Snippets : For checking network status, downloading a file via HTTP, performing serial port operations, sending email and more.   
4. Crystal Reports Code Snippets : For common reporting tasks such as printing a Crystal Report, setting report parameters, and configuring report data access.   
5. Database Code Snippets : For performing a variety of common tasks around ADO.NET data access.   
6. Datatypes Code Snippets : For various string conversions, date spanning operations, and other type-focused operations.   
7. File System Code Snippets : For performing a number of tasks around reading, writing, and managing files.   
8. Math Code Snippets : For calculating monthly payments, depreciation, sines, cosines, and random numbers.   
9. Operating System Code Snippets : A large collection of snippets for Event logging, Message Queues, Process management, registry access, windows services, getting system information and more.   
10. Security Code Snippets : For working with hashes, decrypting, encrypting, and getting a user’s name.   
11. Smart Devices Code Snippets : For performing common tasks on Smart Devices.   
12. Windows Forms Code Snippets : For working with the clipboard, fonts, sounds, GDI drawing, and general Windows Form and control creation.   
13. XML Code Snippets : For reading and writing XML, selecting nodes, performing XSL transforms, and other XML oriented tasks.

Be sure to download the install package that includes all categories in one file. Click here if you can't find it.

March 14, 2006
Topic: SQL Reporting Services

Our next event will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2006.  Chris Craft, from Taylor Data Systems, will be giving us the scoop on SQL Reporting Services.  At our last event Doug Turnure brought us lots of stuff to give away, so don't miss our next event!  As usual, the meeting will be held at the McLeod Plaza Classroom in McLeod Medical Plaza.  We will kick things off at 6:00 PM.  A tentative agenda is posted below:

Here is the tentative schedule:

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Socializing / Dinner
7:00 PM - 7:10 PM Introduction and Sponsor Time
7:10 PM - 7:15 PM News Items & 1st Drawing
7:15 PM - 7:55 PM Presentation
7:55 PM - 8:00 PM 2nd Drawing and Wrap Up

Click Here for Driving Directions

Directions to the Classroom
Enter the McLeod Medical Plaza using the 800 Cheves St. entrance (Bottom Right-Hand Corner of Map)
Take a left and look for room (PC - Plaza Classroom) it’s on the first floor.

Contact Information:

Chris Craft
843.230.4620 [cell phone]

Thanks,
The PDANUG Team

January 2006
Topic: Our First Meeting / Web Security

We are proud to announce the details for the first Pee Dee Area .NET User Group meeting. The meeting will be held on January 10, 2006 at the McLeod Plaza Classroom in McLeod Medical Plaza. We will kick things off at 6:00 PM.

            The big prize for the night will be a brand new copy of Halo 2 for the Microsoft XBox!

Here is the tentative schedule:

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Socializing / Dinner
7:00 PM - 7:10 PM Introduction and Sponsor Time
7:10 PM - 7:15 PM News Items & 1st Drawing
7:15 PM - 7:55 PM Presentation
7:55 PM - 8:00 PM 2nd Drawing and Wrap Up

Click Here for Driving Directions

Directions to the Classroom
Enter the McLeod Medical Plaza using the 800 Cheves St. entrance (Bottom Right-Hand Corner of Map)
Take a left and look for room (PC - Plaza Classroom) it’s on the first floor.

Contact Information:

Chris Craft
843.230.4620 [cell phone]

Thanks,
The PDANUG Team

The company I work for Taylor Data Systems has just recently become a Microsoft Certified Gold Partner.

Gold Certified Partners represent the highest level of competence and expertise with Microsoft technologies, and have the closest working relationship with Microsoft.

We specialize in Windows Mobile solutions for enterprise level applications. We've worked very hard to make it to where we are and it is nice to have a little lime light now.

Get this special alert to find out when Microsoft releases a product update. Product updates for Office programs provide the latest security and performance improvements available from Microsoft.

There is a free Microsoft .NET Compaft Framework Poster inside MSDN Magazine.

.NET Rubix Cube, .NET Jelly Stress Ball, Microsoft Brain in a Petri Dish, Microsoft Magic Answer 8 Ball, and more...

Windows XP SP2 Beta Reviewed