Since I've written nothing but articles covering Microsoft products this month, let's continue that trend one more time. A little of this and that have come my way that I'd like to share.
Once upon a time when you bought a software package you received a thick manual to cover all its features and benefits. This trend has slowly died away to the point where you're lucky to get a quick start guide. Sad but true, and especially true with Microsoft. To rectify their customer's requests for a real guide Microsoft began publishing Resource Kits, and started a separate company to handle this business, Microsoft Press.
I recently received the Small Business Server 4.5 Resource Kit, and am very
impressed. Detailed inside is how to install and manage this product to its full extent, in enough detail to really get inside the product. I've enjoyed Small
Business Server, and have had it running on my home network for several months. Unfortunately the "getting started" book that came with the product was mostly useless, and brought me to the point of installation. From there
I've poked around trying to do things that didn't fall under the wizards provided, like customizing Proxy Server settings. I went through the resource kit and found all the
information I needed, and the book drilled into every topic I wanted. Diagrams are used to illustrate key or confusing points, a nice touch overall. Bottom line is that Microsoft resource kits are worth
the money if you want to fully utilize a product. Why they don't include them with the product is beyond me. Microsoft publishes a slew of books on all of its products, but my favourites are the resource kits. Check out www.mspress.microsoft.com for the full product range. Costco carries a small amount of Microsoft Press titles at an excellent discount; I picked up a Windows 98
Resource Kit for $57.99, while $100.99 was the price on the back.
After my glowing review of the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro, I received the Internet Keyboard
Pro. It has all the same great features, but is a standard shape with a removable wrist rest. If you liked were impressed by the Natural but didn't go for the ergonomics, pick up the Interne
t Keyboard Pro. Check it out at here and see for yourself.
If you're in the IT field, or support your own computers and software, check out the Microsoft TechNet website. TechNet began a few years ago as a CD-ROM subscription service that offered a ton of information each month, for the low price of $300 U.S. per year. Well worth it if your company is paying, but tough to swallow if you're the boss. Recently the contents of the CD were put online at www.microsoft.com/technet/default.asp for all to enjoy, and enjoy I have. Everything you could imagine about a Microsoft product is listed there, along with general computing topics like TCP/IP and DNS explained. A great site to visit, with one small problem; who really enjoys reading page after page on their computer screen? That's why I enjoy the resource kits; a book in hand beats a monitor hands down.
If you enjoy the TechNet site, then you owe it to yourself to check out the monthly seminars that are offered at Microsoft's office in Mississauga. Go to www.microsoft.com/canada/events and see if a topic catches your eye. I've been attending steadily for the last year and leave satisfied every time. Generally there's around sixty people who attend, small enough that your questions can be answered. February's topic is "How to Deploy Corporate Level Remote Access and Branch Office Solutions ", for example. You get muffins and coffee during the registration, and always get some kind of software; last time I received a copy of Windows 2000 RC2 that's good for 120 days. Good enough to play around and see what it's all about. It's good to see Microsoft offer free seminars on it's software, giving something back to those who support their products.
by Scott VanderPloeg
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