Happy Friday, everyone! 
Download – Introducing Windows Server 2012 R2 eBook
Title: Introducing Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview Release
Author: Mitch Tulloch with the Windows Server Team
Publisher: Microsoft Press
Published: © 2013 by Microsoft Corporation
Pages: 108
ISBN: 978-0-7356-8293-1
File size: 5.1 MB
Price: FREE preview*
Download URL: Click here for download
Table of Contents
- Chapter 1 – Cloud OS
- Chapter 2 – Hyper-V
- Chapter 3 – Storage
- Chapter 4 – Failover Clustering
- Chapter 5 – Networking
- Chapter 6 – Other Enhancements
Description
Introducing Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview Release (ISBN 9780735682931), by Mitch Tulloch with the Windows Server Team, introduces new features and capabilities, with scenario-based advice on how the platform can meet the needs of your business. Get the high-level overview you need to begin preparing your deployment now. This book is based on the Preview release and will be updated to cover Windows Server 2012 R2 RTM.
Download the PDF version of this title here (108 pages, 5.1 MB). UPDATE: The EPUB format is here and the MOBI format is here.
Watch for the lengthier RTM edition of this ebook later this year!
If you prefer a hard copy of the book, you can order it here from the official distributor, O’Reilly Media, for $9.99.
Download Even More Free Visio Network Stencils
But wait, there’s more!
Here are a bunch of Microsoft Official Visio Stencils.
Title: Visio Stencils for IT Pro Posters
Publisher: Microsoft Corporation
Published: 03/02/2009
Version: 1.0
Filename: ITPostersVisioTemplate.zip
File size: 603 KB
Download URL: Click here to download
Description:
Download this zip file of Microsoft Office Visio stencils to create your own diagrams for models of server deployments. For examples of how the IT pro content publishing team for Microsoft Office 2007, Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Microsoft Office Project Server 2007, Microsoft Search Server 2008, and Windows SharePoint Services used these shapes, see these pages:
Sample content:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=11616
Title: Visio shapes for SharePoint Server, Project Server, Search Server, and Office posters
Publisher: Microsoft Corporation
Published: 2/06/2010
Version: 1.0
Filename: ITPro_PosterStencils.zip
File size: 1.0 MB
Download URL: Click here to download
Description:
Visio shapes to use to create models of server deployment environments.
Sample content:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=21480
Title: New Office Visio Stencil
Publisher: Microsoft Corporation
Published: 12/18/2012
Version: 1.0
Filename: FLEX_Stencil_121412.vss
File size: 3.9 MB
Download URL: Click here to download
Description:
This stencil contains more than 300 icons to help you create visual representations of Microsoft Office or Microsoft Office 365 deployments including Microsoft Exchange Server 2013, Microsoft Lync Server 2013, and Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013.
Sample content:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35772
Title: Office Visio Stencil for Exchange 2013
Publisher: Microsoft Corporation
Published: 1/25/2013
Version: Jan 2013
Filename: Exchange 2013 Office Visio Stencil.vss
File size: 2.0 MB
Download URL: Click here to download
Description:
This stencil contains Exchange 2013 specific icons to help you create visual representations of Microsoft Exchange 2013 deployments, including on-premises, hybrid, and Office 365.
Sample content:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=36448
Title: Microsoft Exchange 2010 Visio Stencil
Publisher: Microsoft Corporation
Published: 11/05/2010
Version: Nov 2010
Filename: Exchange2010.vss
File size: 6.2 MB
Download URL: Click here to download
Description:
Use this stencil to create Visio drawings that contain Exchange 2010 objects. These shapes include icons for the following:
- Exchange 2010 server roles
- Features new to Exchange 2010 SP1
- Networking, telephony, and Unified Messaging objects
- Active Directory and directory service objects
- Client computers and devices
- Other Exchange organization elements
Sample content:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=6977
Title: Lync Server 2010 Visio Stencil
Publisher: Microsoft Corporation
Published: 2/09/2011
Version: Feb 2011
Filename: LyncServer2010VisioStencil.vss
File size: 19.4 MB
Download URL: Click here to download
Description:
This stencil provides over 125 shapes to help you create a visual presentation of your Lync Server architecture.
Sample content:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=20891
Title: Rack Server Virtualization Template for Visio 2010
Publisher: Microsoft Corporation
Published: 10/17/2011
Version: 1.0
Filename: Rack_Server_Virtualization.vst
File size: 468 KB
Download URL: Click here to download
Description:
Get started with diagramming a virtualized rack server or data center environment with this Visio 2010 template.
Sample content:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=27735
And some older ones…
Network Equipment Shapes for Microsoft Visio (38.3 MB)
(24 stencils, lots of older network objects from Dell, Compaq, Panduit, etc.)
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=4604
Software and Database Shapes for Microsoft Visio
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=25110
Office Communications Server 2007 and 2007 R2 Visio
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=9194
Microsoft Office Visio Stencil Containing Shapes for Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 (2.1 MB)
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=4290
Download Free Visio Stencils for Network Documentation
Here are some free (and really nice) Visio stencils for networks to accompany the videos from KYSBSUG #114:
Hyper-V Virtualization Stencils
http://www.jonathancusson.com/tag/virtualization-stencil 
Unofficial VMware Visio Stencils
(the ‘icons’ one mentioned in the presentation)
http://technodrone.blogspot.com/2013/04/vmware-visio.html 
Visio Cafe
http://www.visiocafe.com 
KYSBSUG #114 – Documenting Networks with Visio 2013
This month at the Kentucky Small Business Server User Group (KYSBSUG) the presentation topic was “Using Microsoft Visio 2013 for Network Documentation”.
The presentation was recorded with Camtasia Studio 8 (Thanks TechSmith!) and uploaded to YouTube today for folks to view.
The presentation was broken into 3 sections:
- Visio 2013 Overview
- Network Documentation
- Creating Custom Shapes / Stencils
Pro Tip: If you click on the URL links below you can watch the videos full screen in HD (720p) on YouTube.com.
Here are the 3 videos from KYSBSUG Meeting #114,
recorded Thursday August 15, 2013:
KYSBSUG #114 2013-08 – Visio 2013 Part 1
Visio 2013 Overview – Run time: 43:59
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHNEDoncMGU
Part 1 – Visio 2013 Overview
KYSBSUG #114 2013-08 – Visio 2013 Part 2
Network Documentation with Visio 2013 – Run time: 57:52
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVGtlkcR71I
Part 2 – Network Documentation with Visio
KYSBSUG #114 2013-08 – Visio 2013 Part 3
Creating Custom Shapes / Stencils – Run time: 30:06
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-odeJEtQ-U
Part 3 – Creating Custom Shapes / Stencils
Download – Service Pack 2 for Office 2010
Title: Service Pack 2 for Office 2010
Publisher: Microsoft Corporation
Published: 7/21/2013
32-bit Version
Filename: officesp2010-kb2687455-fullfile-x86-en-us.exe
File size: 638.2 MB
Download URL: Click here to download
64-bit version
Filename: officesp2010-kb2687455-fullfile-x64-en-us.exe
File size: 730.4 MB
Download URL: Click here to download
KB 2687455 – What’s new in Office 2010 SP2:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2687455
Spreadsheet listing bug fixes in Office 2010 SP2:
Click here to download
If you just need to download Service Pack 2 for a specific Office 2010 application, check this link:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2687521
Download – Windows Server 2012 R2 Test Lab Guide
Title: Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview Test Lab Guide
Publisher: Microsoft Corporation
Published: 7/17/2013
Filename: Win2012_R2_Preview_TLG.docx
File size: 199 KB
Pages: 33
Price: FREE
Download URL: Click here to download
Description:
This Microsoft Test Lab Guide (TLG) provides you with step-by-step instructions to create the Windows Base Configuration test lab, using computers running Windows 8.1 or Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview.
With the resulting test lab environment, you can build test labs based on other Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview-based TLGs from Microsoft, TLG extensions in the TechNet Wiki, or a test lab of your own design that can include Microsoft or non-Microsoft products.
- For a test lab based on physical computers, you can image the drives for future test labs.
- For a test lab based on virtual machines, you can create snapshots of the base configuration virtual machines.
This enables you to easily return to the base configuration test lab, where most of the routine infrastructure and networking services have already been configured, so that you can focus on building a test lab for the product, technology, or solution of interest.
An MVP By Any Other Name
The last 12 months have seen some pretty major changes at Microsoft (which I won’t rehash) and the changes continue:
“Effective July 17th, 2013, the technical expertise Small Business Server will be renamed to Windows Server for Small and Medium Business. Please note this is a MVP Program expertise change only and has no impact within the product team structure.”
(Excerpt of an email from my MVP Lead – quoted with permission).
So, is that only a name change?
I don’t think so.
Here’s why.
Everybody who keeps an eye on Microsoft knows they’ve been spending gobs of money to try and get education out to the Partners.
Examples:
- Microsoft Virtual Academy – Over 100 courses
http://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com - TechNet Virtual Labs – Nearly 300 virtual labs with pre-built VMs
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/virtuallabs - Channel 9 – Over 1,000 videos of live tech events
http://channel9.msdn.com/Browse/Events?sort=recent - Early Experts Certification Self / Group Study Materials
http://earlyexperts.net
That’s just to name a few resources, and there are plenty more on the way. And all of those resources above are FREE.
What’s my point?
I’m not saying that Small Business is going away, but I am saying that with the amount of resources Microsoft is making available the Medium Business is more approachable than ever for the SMB folks. You have to adapt your skillset and your mindset. The medium business tools can be used for both small and medium businesses. In fact, that was the original intent behind SBS!
Look back in time to when SBS was born. Internet wasn’t mainstream yet. ISDN was expensive. Nobody had smartphones or tablets. Everything has changed. And it will continue to change, probably even faster than it has before.
To borrow a quote from the movie Hanna, “Adapt or die.”
Yes, that’s harsh. But ignoring the truth, the reality of the market and product set we now work with, the new opportunities and threats from a financial and security standpoint – it’s a recipe for disaster.
My recommendations to you, gentle reader:
- Learn PowerShell – It’s your friend
http://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com/liveevents/PowerShell-JumpStart - Learn about the cloud offerings (Office 365 & Azure) and how to deploy them
- Learn about Windows Server 2012 & 2012 R2 Preview
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/virtuallabs/bb512925
Bottom Line: On-premise is far from dead. But if you don’t continually fill your technical gas tank with proper business coaching, someone else who’s in a position to deploy the new technology might just end up driving away with your customer.
Download – Digital Citizenship Toolkit – 27 Documents
There are two old sayings that often come to mind:
“Safety is no accident”
“Common sense isn’t very common”
Computer lessons that are learned the hard way (through first-hand experience) are very painful. But these days those lessons can cost you a lot more than lost time – you can lose your identity or the safety of the ones you care about.
Microsoft has released a series of 27 documents to help.
Title: Digital Citizenship Toolkit – Brochures, Factsheets & Tip Cards
Author: Microsoft Virtualization Team
Publisher: Microsoft Corporation
Published: 7/10/2013
Price: FREE
Download URL: Click here to download
- Defend Your Computer Brochure.pdf (1.6 MB)
- DigiDucks Big Decision Book Sample.pdf (15.2 MB)
- Digital Citizenship Begins with You Factsheet.pdf (1.2 MB)
- Get Game Smart PACT.pdf (2.2 MB)
- Help Kids Stand Up to Online Bullying Brochure.pdf (294 KB)
- Help Kids Stand Up to Online Bullying Factsheet.pdf (236 KB)
- Is the Online World More Dangerous Than the Real World Factsheet.pdf (198 KB)
- Making Safer Financial Transactions Online Brochure.pdf (1.7 MB)
- Microsoft_Family_Safety_Tools_brochure.pdf (3.4 MB)
- Microsoft_Family_Safety_Tools_factsheet.pdf (3.5 MB)
- Play It Safe Gaming Online Brochure.pdf (1.4 MB)
- Protecting Tweens and Teens Online Brochure.pdf (1.6 MB)
- Protecting Young Children Online Brochure.pdf (1.6 MB)
- Protecting Your Information On the Go Brochure.pdf (1.4 MB)
- Protecting Your Privacy Online Brochure.pdf (1.1 MB)
- Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft Online Brochure.pdf (2.0 MB)
- Protecting Yourself from Phishing Scams Brochure.pdf (1.2 MB)
- Safer Online Socializing Brochure.pdf (1.4 MB)
- Seniors Stay Safer on the Internet Brochure.pdf (1.3 MB)
- Take Charge of Your Online Reputation Factsheet.pdf (1.4 MB)
- Talking Safely Online Brochure.pdf (1.1 MB)
- Teach Kids Mobile Phone Safety Brochure.pdf (1.5 MB)
- Top Tips for Internet Safety at Work Tip Card.pdf (356 KB)
- Top Tips for Online Safety at Home Tip Card.pdf (398 KB)
- Top Tips for Online Safety for Secondary Students Factsheet.pdf (900 KB)
- Top Tips for Online Safety in Secondary Schools Tip Card_For Teachers.pdf (1.7 MB)
- Use Location Services More Safely Factsheet.pdf (1.1 MB)
Tip: If you have kids at home that use computers, check out the PACT (#4)
Stupid Web Tricks – TRACERT
I found this gem courtesy of Chris Rhodes @ChrisReBoot
Open up a Command Prompt (or PowerShell window) and type:
tracert 216.81.59.173
Good times. 