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Feb
17

Q&A from the February 2011 Third Thursday Webinar – Configuring SBS 2011

by Third Tier

The following is the Q&A from the February 2011 Third Thursday webinar on Configuring SBS 2011 Standard. If you didn’t get a chance to ask your question or you have a question after listening to the recording of the webinar, head on over to our Forum site (https://www.thirdtier.net/forum) and post your questions in the Third Tier Info / Webinars area!

Question: If you click on the Status column first, and then in the Startup Column, any services that are not running will be at the top of the list. Saves you from scrolling down the lsit.

Answer: good tip!

Question: for later: certificates: do I order a certicate for remote.corbus.nl or corbus.nl?

Answer: you’ll likely get the cert for remote.corbus.nl, unless you are wanting a wildcard certificate for the entire domain.

Question: Public share is not moved by the Wizards – must be done manually

Answer: That’s correct.

Question: Does the SBS2011 built-in backup support Exchange-aware backup? SBS2008 did not if I’m not mistaken…

Answer: Yes, both SBS 2008 and SBS 2011 do include Exchange as part of the backup process.

Question: If using a third party backup, what is the recommended procedure to get SBS to not report that backup is not configured?

Answer: It was not possible to change that alert in SBS 2008, I have not checked to see if that has changed in SBS 2011, but I suspect that it works the same as SBS 2008, meaning that you will still see the alert even though you have a third-party backup configured and running.

Question: for smaller clients that might use Microsoft Security Essentials will they be reporting back to the SBS console that they are up-to-date, or virus riddled?

Answer: MSE should report correctly to the SBS console

Question: When you change external backup drives in the morning, does it make a full backup at noon on the new cartridge, thereby slowing down the system?

Answer: I believe that is correct. A full backup is taken when a backup drive is swapped out.

Question: Are you seeing issues with Forms Based Authentication service not starting up on reboot?

Answer: answered live

Question: Haven’t seen it on our production 2011.

Answer: Thanks.

Question: setup of USB backup drives needs to be done with all external drives connected – got error when adding another drive until original drives were reconnected

Answer: Great tip!

Question: Symantec Protection Suite Small Business Edition is not yet supported for SBS 2011 – any other recommendations?

Answer: Some of us are holding off on installing any AV on the SBS 2011 for the time being.

Question: If you decide to use Trend client on server, use WFBS6 for now, not WFBS7. We have WFBS7 running on our SBS 2011 TAP site, but recommend WFBS6 on new deployments for now.

Answer: That’s something we’ve heard from several people, thanks for sharing.

Question: I did experience an issue on a clean install of SBS 2011 with BAckup configured and functioning properly. For some reason the Exchange transaction log files were not being committed and deleted. I resolved the issue by killling the origional backup and after reconfiguring backup Exchange realized the backups were being performed and the transaction logs flushed. Much panic when the C: drive ran out of space in a matter of a day or two.

Answer: Thanks for sharing, we hadn’t heard about this specific item.

Question: I have Trend WFBS 7 installed on one production – most current patch released end of January addresses memeory and PCU issues. appears to work OK

Answer: Good to hear, thanks for sharing.

Question: Any issues with Outlook Anywhere / Autodiscover that you have come across on your lab boxes (that have haunted SBS 2008 in the past)?

Answer: answered live

Question: +who does a hosted console for their AV ?

Answer: Trend, Vipre are the two that i’m aware of. Others may also.

Question: thanks guys!

Answer: welcome

Question: Thanks………….. Lots of good info!

Answer: welcome!

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0 Categories : Amy Babinchak, Eriq Neale, Q&A, Webinar

Jan
20

Q&A from Managing SBS 2011 – Installation webinar

by Third Tier

Here is the Q&A from today’s webinar on Managing SBS 2011 – Installation:

Question: sas or sata drives?
Answer: We are using primarily sata drives. Where we find that they aren’t fast enough, we generally provide a second sever for file storage with those drives.
Question: A lot of DVD burners do support DL, but good luck finding the media! I have found it easier to find Blu-Ray burnable media than DVD DL media…
Answer: Good tip. We’ve found the same thing. The USB setup is very simple and so much faster.
Question: Can we build SBS 2011 and fully configure it with our unique “recipe” (GPOs, tweaks, setup wizards, etc) then image it? Could we then apply that “custom” image to new servers and then tweak a few things for that specific customer? And… If we build that base as “company.lan” can we change that after that fact to “xyzcorp.local”?
Answer: You can’t do all of those things, but you can do most of them. This is a pretty complex questions. We’ll talk about it at the end during Q&A
Question: Do i need an trial key, for trial period of SBS2011. (Have downloaded from MSDN)
Answer: It will let you run without a key for a few days. If you have an MSDN subscirption you can get a key from your downloads section.
Question: I have a customer installation with my ISO file. But need an trial period, before I get the key to my customer. OEM editions have not been released yet in Norway.
Answer: You should be able to install without a product key when you run the install and then add the product key later.
Question: So i dont need an trial key for getting 60days trial
Answer: There is no place in the install where a key is asked for, so no trial key is needed. I’m not certain about the timeframe allowed before a key must be entered, but it doesn’t prompt for a key during install.
Question: Are you all using HP or Lenovo/IBM hardware or whitebox/HAAS hardware for SBS 2011, in particular I’m interested in the RAID controller and any out of band management you deploy.
Answer: Eriq’s company is using Dell hardware for hardware. We’ll discuss this more in live Q&A.
Question: I have started an SBS2011 server installation with 8GB ram for a customer, and i am worried that this will be a problem for my customer. Should i sell more RAM or keep on with 8GB?
Answer: If the customer is very small, it might be OK. But you will find it slow. I would recommend a few more GB minimum. Ram is pretty cheap these days.
Question: It is a 4user business with a simple MySQL database for an LOB software
Answer: I think I would still get them another 4GB. It will help the server have a long healthy life
Question: Most of customers coming from SBS2003. Firewall recommendations and why… What to look for?
Answer: We are using Calyptix. I would recommend a UTM appliance of your choice because attacks today come from all angles.
Question: We use HP 410i with 512MB FBWC controller + 4x146GB SAS 10K disk in RAID5. Choose BBWC or FBWC on the controller. Makes it much faster.
Answer: Thanks for the recommendation.
Question: When we virtualise SBS & a seperate SQL box then we have a mix of SATA and SAS.
Answer: Thanks for the recommendation
Question: If we are okay with using “company.lan” as the internal domain for all customers can we use the “confgiure and image” method and just change the external domain name “xyzcorp.com” using the wizard (in other words not run that wizard before imaging). In other words if we are okay with a generic internal domain name for AD are there any other reasons we cannot build an image of SBS 2011 for use in deployment?
Answer: This is a much better choice. We haven’t tried it. Do some experimentation first and keep us posted on how it goes.
Question: Is there anything new in SBS 2011 that better supports Macintosh / Ipad / Iphone Os es?
Answer: answered live
Question: Amy, how much cache ram on the raid controllers for your SATA installs?
Answer: 256 or 512mb
Question: Teaser question re migration: it sounds like I need another physical server even when I have a perfectly capable box currently running sbs2008. Is this true????
Answer: There’s no in place upgrade. This is function of Exchange. So you do need two boxes. We either replace the existing hardware or if we reuse it we virtualize the SBS 2008 on a temporary server.
Question: Does Remote (RWA) work from Safari Browser?
Answer: It depends..Yes but you can’t remote control a machine in the domain.
Question: Have you tried doing an install on an SSD? If so what RAID options did you choose, if any? Since SBS 2011 is based on Windows 2008 R2, it supports TRIM to increase SSD life span. I have my production SBS 2011 running on 2008 R2 Hyper-V and the virtual disk on an SSD and the performance is amazing! I’m not doing this for customers yet but was just wondering if you guys have played around with SBS on any type of SSD structure yet.
Answer: We have not. But this is great information for everyone. Thanks for sharing.
Question: Will handout or recording of the slides be available?
Answer: The webinar has been recorded and will be available on the site. Most likely there will be a subscription available for supporting materials later.
Question: Are there any documents I should follow or that Eriq can recommend for Macintosh join on SBS network SBS 2011?
Answer: I’ll be doing a post on Macintosh connectivity to SBS 2011 in the near future (read weeks, not days )
Question: Have you found a way to disable the remote file share access that shows up in the remote web?
Answer: answered live
Question: Do you feel it is too soon to put SBS 2011 into a client production environment?
Answer: Eriq does not, we have a number of proposals out right now for SBS 2011 migrations.
Question: Thanks. That’s too bad than you can’t filter somehow. Just like the remote control server only shows up for admins, not normal remote users.
Answer: Yes, we’ve bugged it for a future update, but no idea if/when it will be updated.
Question: This might have been discussed earlier, but when clients with SBS 2003 need a hardware refresh and aren’t ready for SBS 2011 yet, do you typically P2V it? If so, what tech do you use?
Answer: I use Storagecraft backup restore into a MS hyper-V machine. MS P2V should work equally as well
Question: Any difference in specs for virtual installs?
Answer: Not much experience with this yet. We expect that the requirements will be higher for virtual servers.
Question: Thanks – Great Job, as usual!!!
Answer: You’re welcome!

0 Categories : Amy Babinchak, Eriq Neale, Q&A, SBS 2011, Webinar

Dec
16

SBS 2011 Release Q&A

by amy

Thank you Tim Barrett and Susan Bradley for making our SBS 2011 Release Party a success!

Prizes!

Ken – Custom, handmade Mini Cooper Gingerbread Cookie
Axel – Wireless Detector T-Shirt
Fred – Signed copy of Have U Rebooted Yet? cartoon
Joe – Kindle

Question: Is this being recorded and if so, can I access it later?
Answer: We have not had much luck with recording lately. But we’re going to try.
Question: Sounds fine here
Answer: Thanks Tom. Tim needs to change out his mic and then we’ll get started
Question: Yes-Storage Server Release Party!
Answer: Thanks!
Question: yes to storage server
Answer: Thanks!
Question: Interested in the Stroage Server Essentials
Answer: Thanks!
Question: Definitely interested in Storage Server Essentials!!
Answer: Thanks!
Question: yes I’m interested in the storage webinar
Answer: Thanks!
Question: both Essentials sessions would be good
Answer: thanks!
Question: Internet bandwidth availability, reliability and needs should also be a factor considered in addition to shop size. This is often overlooked in most presentations as it is assumed that everyone has fat bandwidth and 5-9s reliability for connectivity.
Answer: Good point Ken. Absolutely needs to be considered
Question: Deploying SBS 2011 now? Does Bes work?
Answer: I havne’t tested BES on SBS 2011 yet, so can’t answer directly. May have to wait until after SBS 2011 actually gets out and see what Blackberry’s support will be.
Question: Scenario – Customer has been waiting for a while, and customer’s business is slow now, will pick up significantly in January. Wait for 2011 bits and install in January, or use 2008 and install now?
Answer: Personally I would wait unti 2011. The customer may appreciate that their cash flow will probably also look better in January with the increased business.
Question: I see that SBS 2011 is still not available in MAPS. Any idea when we can start playing with the RTM version.
Answer: Real soon now is what we keep hearing.
Question: So are you saying that we can purchase SBS 2011 Standard and upgrade the Exchange CALs?
Answer: That is our understanding, yes.
Question: oh goodie, i can finnally pare down my 12GB Mailbox!
Answer:
Question: Is 2011 going to be better as a VM?
Answer: Better is a subjective term. From a server growth and a disaster recovery standpoint, I believe yes, a VM is a better solution. It brings some additional complexity, but performancewise the server should be pretty close to bare metal.
Question: Exchange 2003 has jounraling…
Answer: Exchange 2010 has journalling and much, much more
Question: Is this archive with retention policies a pst file, or is it somewhere in the Exchange store?
Answer: It is housed in the exchange store
Question: Can that be changed by the user, or does the admin change it, either universally or individually?
Answer: The admin sets the Exchange features
Question: Shares only on SBS box or anywhere on network?
Answer: Only shares on the SBS server.
Question: What about using hidden shares (localonly$)?
Answer: Haven’t tested that yet, we’ll check into that and report back.
Question: What’s the difference between sharing files on RWA and accessing CompanyWeb? Security wise.
Answer: From a security standpoint, very little.
Question: Can you protect a shared folder with a password?
Answer: What ever the user has access to while in the office, they have acces to remotely.
Question: Many clients are approaching the 75GB max for Exchange 2003 databae. Is it true that Exch 2010 in SBS 2011 no longer has a database limit?
Answer: There is no 75GB database limit like in Exchagne 2003, but it’s not "unlimited"
Question: I’ve got to run, will I be able to download and finish watching the rest of the presentation later? Great stuff guys…thanks
Answer: We will have the deck posted, and hopefully the recording will work and we will post it if it does.
Question: I still prefer term servers for remote access.
Answer: Thanks Tom, good idea especially from the standpoint that you have finite control of what gets enabled by default.
Question: For my clients that have SBS 2008 how do I answer the question. Why should I upgrade to SBS 2011. What value does it have to justify the cost?
Answer: SBS 2008 to 2011 upgrade (in my opinion) is a tough sell. Other than some RWA, OWA, and backup changes, it’s pretty much a version refresh. 2003 to 2011 upgrade though is a much easier sell.
Question: Is the RTM already avaliable for download, I’m a Gold Partner
Answer: Not yet, should be available "soon"
Question: Please post the SBS Build Docs URL Susan just mentioned.
Answer: www.sbswiki.info
Question: Can we see that last page with links again?
Answer: that ok?
Question: Any idea of SBS Essentials 2011 release (other than 1st half)…?
Answer: No ideas. Still waiting on additional details from Microsoft.
Question: Wasn’t there a "SBSBuilddoc.com" or something similar?
Answer: Answered live
Question: When will this be available for volume licensing?
Answer: You should be able to purchase from your disti of choice in January 2011.
Question: yeah, that’s the one I was asking for
Private Answer: Cool!
Question: When will SBS Mirgation be releasing their 2011 docs?
Answer: Don’t have an exact date, should be fairly soon, however.
Question: If you had a proposal out there for 2008, would you change to sbs2011 if they were going to do this in a month?
Answer: I think the panelists would all recommend doing 2011 instead of 2008.
Question: So, assuming the resources, would a good strategy be to set it all up in a virtual environment and then when all good, convert to physical?
Answer: I like virtual all the way (Susan here)
Question: when will SBS 2011 Standard be available on Action Pack?
Answer: It should show up in the Action Pack downloads very soon.
Question: was trying to get susan out of hot water and let her mention it :>)
Answer: oh, ok.
Question: the premium cals do not include remote desktop cals, correct?
Answer: That is correct. RD CALs always have been a separate purchase.
Question: then what do you think the pricing difference is? I hate to ‘eat’ that since the proposal just went out 2 weeks ago
Answer: I would go back to the customer and offer them the choice of 2011, but mention the price change up front. Even if the feature set doesn’t justify 2011 over 2008, 2011 has a longer support life.
Question: I’m not sure you clarified…. From SBS2008 to SBS2011 both standard. Is that a simple migration / upgrade or is that like the difficult SBS2003 to 2008
Answer: SBS 2011 is a migration, not an upgrade.
Question: I know about the 32-64 bit migration issue, yet prior to 64 bit needs, SBS (and Exchange) could upgrade on the same box. Does anyone have any idea why Microsoft chose not to allow in-place upgrading from Exchange 2008 to Exchange 2010? (Or SBS 2008 to SBS 2011)?
Answer: Answered live.
Question: Does a virtual SBS 2011 support a rotating set of USB drives for backup?
Answer: R2′s hyper v support hot swap scsi disks
Question: Do you know when the final release will be avialible on ActionPack and Technet for download for partners?
Answer: Not sure, We’ll blog when it is. We’re watching as well
Question: Can we install av trial/demo version to our customers, an
d register it when it is avaible?
Answer: Correct. Install without a key, put in the product key later just like SBS 2008
Question: For SBS2008 installations I have always purchased the Premium version so that I can virtualsie SBS2008 as a guest. Does SBS2011 standard allow virtualisation without buying the Premium version?
Answer: You need "a" Windows 2008 r2 hyperV base, Standard alone doesn’t provide this. You can install with the HyperV server (free) but I personally like the GUI
Question: OS, so it’s a migration. Is it a simple "click here and migrate" or the whole migration dance like 2003 to 2008? OK, you just answered that from Ken’s question. SO they changes the database again!
Answer: RIght, it’s a full migration. You’ll never see an in-place upgrade of an SBS product again because of a lot of changes to the way installations are done.
Question: are there any books on sbs2011 coming
Answer: Charlie Russel is working on one
Question: How many days have we got on a trial SBS 2011?
Answer: 60 days with a SLrearm ability to extend to 240 days (as I recall – will confirm on blog)
Question: Is the default backup still limited to USB drives only?
Answer: Windows server backup in Server 2008 and newer is image-based and only supports backup to drive media. Does not have to be USB drives, but the native tools no longer support backup to tape.
Question: How good (useful) is the daily server status report in SBS 2011 compared to SBS 2003?
Answer: It’s like SBS 2008′s report. It’s an overview.
Question: I’ve read Sean Daniel talk about Microsoft MultiPoint Server 2011 being a great addition to a SBS network. Can you please explain this further?
Answer: YES, we will have more information this during our SBS Essentials webinar. The product manager for this product will be present and will tell us all about it.
Question: Can TS Web Access applications be published to the Remote Web Access site?
Answer: Answered live.
Question: lastly, what are your experiences with UM on SBS 2011? Is it even possible?
Answer: I’d recommend it on a second server. I do live comm now, but not on the same box as SBS 2008 now
Question: Where will the slide deck and video (if it works) be posted? thirdtier.net’s blog?
Answer: www.thirdtier.net/store
Question: Is faxing with SBS 2011 viable, or is it still hit and miss like with 2008?
Answer: answered live
Question: Nick Whitthome mentioned redirected folders should no longer be used in a blog post today. Is it turned off by default on SBS 2011? What’s the downside. Should user docs be saved to a Storage Sever? Coming from 2003 what does this really mean.
Answer: I think he said that because he HATES redirected folders. It’s still there as an option.
Question: What specific fax/modem hardware are you all currently using in your deployments?
Answer: The only supported option now is US Robotics v.everything
Question: Fax: Also, Multitech 5600.
Answer: If its a business class fax it might work.
Question: Do you know if you can move or rename the Public folder/share in SBS2011? With 2008 I’ve been told you cannot (from Microsoft engineer). Why on earth you would call something Public Downloads and limit it to the C drive of a server, is beyond me.
Answer: answered live
Question: Will Susan blog on the landing page customization
Answer: considered it done.
Question: we use it. and used the USR. The Multitech seems to work better
Answer: I’ve also seen Multitechs work quite well.
Question: I have a customer that has a special situation. Does SBS 2011 support multiple individual fax numbers going to individual email addresses?
Answer: No it does not. You need a full fax server application to do that.
Question: is the Exchange database limitation the amount of disk space you have? Where can I get more info on the upgraded Exchange CALs and how the archiving works?
Answer: Look for public Exchange blogs and technet.
Question: Do you see SBS Essentials replacing Foundation Server?
Answer: Yes I do. I’ll tell you why…
Question: What was the date that we should expect to see 2011 hit the street?
Answer: OEM’s are saying add 3-4 months post RTM for their versions/media, I don’t like OEM installed servers though
Question: So I need to build a new dc in MY office in the next few weeks..panel recommends jump right to sbs 2011?
Answer: IMHO Jump to 2011
Question: Ask the person who posted success with Multi-Tech Modems which specific models they have used?
Answer: posted
Question: Hey my good friends. I was late getting on unfortunately. I want my team to be able to watch this presentation. Is it safe to say you’ll have it posted for download? Merry Christmas to you all. -Vince
Answer: Hey Vince, thanks for attending. http://www.thirdtier.net/store/ when the recording goes live
Question: I follow Sean Daniel on Twitter, but I missed the 2nd half of ur talk about him talking about MultiPoint in SBS environments. I thought it was EDU only…did you say there was going to be a future talk or blog about this?
Answer: Yes, we will have some additional info about that later on. The product manager will join us at our SBS 2011 Essentials webinar later in the year.
Question: Need to put my dauther to bed now here. (Norway) But will try to be on every livemeetings in 2011 from Third Tier. Good night or day! Merry Christmas…..to everyone.
Answer: Thanks!
Question: Mulit-Tec MT5634ZBA-V92
Answer: Awesome, thanks Jim!
Question: MT5600BA. The Courier we used to use dropped too many calls.
Answer: Thanks!
Question: In SBS2008 if you use a 3rd party backup tool instead of the included SBS Backup, the Summary and Detailed reports from SBS complain every day about backup not being configured, and there is a constant warning on the SBS Console. Has anything changed in 2011 that will give those reports and/or the console visibility to other backup solutions (StorageCraft for example)?
Answer: Answered live.
Question: Any idea if you will be able to use Storage Server Essentials as a file server? Application server? Terminal Server?
Answer: Yes on file services. I’m not sure about the licensing restrictions on application server, and I’m pretty sure not for terminal services.
Question: If Joe Engle does not respond to you with his address, will you select a different winner?
Private Answer: Do you want a comic Ken?
Question: Do the Exchange Enterprise Cal archiving features have an easy way for the user to selectively move "stuff" out of his/her mailbox to a shared folder or is the data limited to moving withing Exchange only.
Answer: I believe that the archive is read-only so no. But that might be configurable. Check the Exchange technet docs.
Question: Joe is in our Technology Wizards group in the Portland, OR area.
Answer: Congratulations Joe! enjoy that Kindle
Question: ok so do we have to test again for 2011? i just got my 2008 cert
Answer: Yep, there will be a next text.

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0 Categories : Amy Babinchak, Eriq Neale, Friend of TT, Q&A, SBS 2011

Jul
15

Q&A from Kerio Connect Webinar

by Third Tier

The following is the Q&A from the today’s Kerio Connect webinar with Eriq Neale. The recording of the webinar will be available in the store later in the week.

Question: Shouldn’t we be using the 64 bit version?
Answer: Kerio Connect is 32 bit, but supports also 64 bit in compatibility mode
Question: So you are saying that the 2nd IP address on the NIC and 2 available Public IP Addresses are a REQUIREMENT (minimum needed) for this product’s implementation or this is unique to Server 2008 Foundation?
Answer: Only if you want two different web applications on the same box. Otherwise you can run one of the two web services on a non-standard port
Question: Think this will work on a WHS box?
Answer: Yes you can run Kerio Connect on Home Server
Question: Since this product uses an AD connector, will it require a step for AD and then in Kerio to add a new user?
Answer: Answered live.
Question: Outlook 2010 supported?
Answer: Yes, Eriq is using Outlook 2010 live now.
Question: The Kerio connector setup screens all referred speicifcally to Outlook *2007* – that’s why I asked about Outlook 2010 So Outlook 2010 support is a qualified ‘yes’?
Answer: yes, with the limitation I just decribed regarding the Kerio settings dialog
Question: Migration from Exchange? Migration back to Exchange from Kerio Connect?
Answer: Answered live.
Question: Shared calendars and contacts?
Answer: Demonstrated live.
Question: Client is thinking about repurposing a Win2000 Pro wkstn. Thoughts?
Answer: Windows 2000 Extended Support ended 2 days ago (July 13, 2010) so running a production mail server on a non-supported box probably isn’t a good idea.
Question: Is there a benefit to use Kerio over Exchange on an SBS 2003 network or would this be a potential change to make when upgrading server hardware?
Answer: Answered live.
Question: On whs, you could presumably use different ports so as to not conflict with the remote access web site?
Answer: Yes, you could use different ports, but that would keep you from being able to use ActiveSync internally and externally. You could manually configure Outlook to use the differnet ports as well as Internet Explorer, but some tools cannot have their port configurations changed and wouldn’t work in that scenario.
Question: Can you talk about DR and support (DR or just generall support) from Kerio (8-5, paid, included, email only, etc.)?
Answer: Answered live.
Question: Any anti-spam features?
Answer: Yes. You can get more details at http://www.kerio.com/connect

Categories : Eriq Neale, Kerio, Q&A, Webinar

Apr
15

Q&A from Hyper-V 101 Webinar

by Third Tier

Here is the Q&A from April’s Hyper-V 101 Webinar hosted by Wayne Small

Question: How does Hyper-V deal with servers where memory is “assigned” to a specific processor? Is all the memory and the cores just accumulated automatically or is there something that needs to be configured?
Answer: It is a configurable option. Wayne is actually going to cover this later in the presentation.
Question: Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 (the free edition) does not have the memory limitations as the non-R2 version had.
Answer: thank you for that information
Question: check http://www.microsoft.com/hyper-v-server/en/us/default.aspx for a R2 Comparison Chart.
Answer: Thanks Tim!
Question: You no longer need to know command line to run the free Hyper-V Server 2008 R2, check out the Core Config tool at http://coreconfig.codeplex.com
Answer: This is a community created add-on, not a feature of the product but a good reference none the less. Very few people are good at command line server management anymore.
Question: Is it ok to put a file share – not app – on the Hyper-V host without license issues?
Answer: I will ask Wayne this question at the end.
Question: Charlie Russel and Craig Zacker’s “Introducing Windows Server 2008 R2″ book is available as a free eBook – http://blogs.technet.com/eec/archive/2009/10/30/3290424.aspx
Answer: Free is good. Thanks for the tip.
Question: How soon will the recorded meeting be available for review….or do I need to take notes.
Answer: The recording will be posted in a few days.
Question: how to create an isolated network (from a dhcp point of view, eg for creating an sbs test environment without affecting the live sbs environment) but for it to still have internet access – http://mundy.net.au/Hyper-V/testing-sbs-in-hyper-v-isolating-dhcp-while-allowing-full-internet-connectivity
Answer: Thanks for the link.
Question: Not clear on the IDE part – have Proliant ML350 servers running with NO IDE drives – just SCSI
Answer: The IDE drives are virtual not physical. Your physical server can be scsi, while the virtual disks are IDE. That’s how I run mine. Same as Wayne.
Question: Can Wayne address the advantages of one large striped and mirrored drive vs separate spindles for each guest O/S
Answer: I will ask him at the end of the session
Question: So when you create a few snapshots and your testing is completed how do you merge all of the changes that you have made into the parent VHD?
Answer: We’ll address this question at the end of session.
Question: can you delete snapshots to increase the performance again?
Private Answer: Yes you can.
Question: Can y’all recommend some “how-to” videos on Hyper-V?
Answer: I used the Microsoft eLearning tools and virtual labs. We will ask Wayne for his suggestion.
Question: I just saw Waynes Tweet on this, So I’m 1hr late, is there going to be a slide deck download available? Thanks
Answer: The presentation is being recorded and will be available on our website in a few days
Question: what about memory allocation for the TS server?
Answer: Recall that Wayne said that they added 8 more GB’s of ram to bring the server to 24GB total. The added 8GB went to TS. It was not reflected in the slide.
Question: The folder on host in question is an Install share used by all of the lan users.
Answer: yes that would be a violation on the licensing agreement
Question: What is Wayne’s take on joining the host to the SBS domain as a member server?
Answer: All of Wayne’s hyper-v hosts are not joined to the domain because there is no other domain controller besides that hosted SBS server. You can join it to the domain when you have a non-virtual domain controller.

Categories : Q&A, Virtualization, Wayne, Webinar

Jan
21

Foundation Webinar Q&A

by Third Tier

Here is the Q&A from today’s Foundation Server webinar. The recording will be available soon in our Store, http://www.thirdtier.net/store.

Question: Good to hear that Texas twang again.
Answer: you’re quite welcome, sir!
Question: Will it run on Hyper-V?
Answer: No, we’ll cover the limitations of the product in the presentation.
Question: Russell Clements – Systems Administrator at Institute for Creation Research (DFW-SBS President in my spare time…). I’ve used Third Tier twice and was VERY impressed with the OUTSTANDING service provided. It’s a GREAT resource – THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!
Answer: Thanks, Russell.
Question: He mentioned 15 users in AD. Does that count include all the “default” users (Administrator, Guest, IIS_WPG, IUSR_SVRNAME, IWAM_SVRNAME, etc.)? Or only the named users that we add for the customer’s employees?
Answer: No it does not includes those users. Only the named users. There is a licensing service then runs every few minutes and checks for users in the domain.
Question: I am not seeing slides changing
Answer: You should be on the slide What CAN Founcation Server do? Slide. If not, you may have lost connection and need to sign out and back in again.
Question: they are changing REALLY slowly
Answer: OK, well at least moving. Eriq hasn’t shown many slides yet.
Question: In Server 2003, there was a POP3 mail server. Is there one available for Foundation?
Answer: If there is in Server 2008 R2 then it’s available in Foundation Server.
Question: If a vendor says in there specis that they need server 2008 will a Foundation Server work?
Answer: Yes, unless it hits upon one of the feature limitations that eriq mentioned. But in almost all cases, yes it will.
Question: How are you handling email with this solution?
Answer: I am using hosted Exchange. POP mail through an ISP would also be an option.
Question: Do you have a link that compares windows home server with foundation server?
Answer: There is no direct comparison because they are housed in different divisions within Microsoft.
Question: Will there be evals or NFR’s that we can get maybe through the Action Pack to get familiar with the software?
Answer: Foundation Server came in the Action Pack with the last quarter delivery.
Question: For the small offices that have been limping along on Server 2000 or Server 2003 is there a migration path to Foundation? What about SBS03 users that have decided to move to hosted Exchange?
Answer: There is no direct migration from 32-bit to 64-bit.
Question: Can you add Exchange, Sharepoint ect. and is there any separate pricing for it.
Answer: Sharepoint services is a free download. Anything that you install onto Foundation Server will need to be purchased.
Question: Since this is sold in OEM only, if the server hardware dies then we cannot do bare metal restore because it violates OEM license EULA, correct? Or am I missing something.
Answer: Yes, regular OEM licensing limitations apply.
Question: What about a migration path similar to SBS03->08? If we want to preserve the existing AD …
Answer: Yep, you can join it to the existing domain as a domain controller, it will then have a copy of the AD. Don’t forget to move the FSMO roles after you remove the old SBS03 server.
Question: I’m not that familiar with the low-end Dell boxes. What is your recommendation for RAID? PERC S100/S300 (“software based”)? Or a hardware RAID card?
Answer: This is a matter of opinion. But in my mind, this is a low end box and therefore mirror is probably most appropriate. There are no limitations in the product itself regarding drives.
Question: Great job, but I joined late. Is this recorded?
Answer: YES! http://www.thirdtier.net/store
Question: So we need to be careful with additional users, like backup service, zenith remote admin, etc (which aren’t specifically “named Users” but it sounds like they will take up a foundations CAL?
Answer: Yes, any created user would count as one of the 15 users.
Question: 15 users – counting disabled? // What if foundation is not a DC role, can it be in a domain with trusts? // Can virtualization be used for validation of recovery processes OR as a temporary solution for recovery in case of critical hardware failure? // What are you doing to address Backup of foundation server?
Answer: answering live
Question: can Foundation Server software be purchased from Ingram or D&H?
Answer: No. Foundation Serveris OEM only and only to the major manufacturers at that.
Question: There was some debate in forums about whether you can attach in a larger domain as long as the user usage is 15 or lower. IE. 50 user shop. 10 users hitting FS with TS?
Answer: Nope. It can only be installed at the root of the domain, so it will count all of the users in the entire domain.
Question: You said Dell will ship this preinstalled. How do they configure RAID, disk partitions, etc.? Are there OK options or do you end up blowing it away and rebuilding?
Answer: The options availalbe from Dell have seemed OK to me. We have left it as installed and just setup our own data partitions.
Question: Foundation was recently sent to SBSCs for test setup
Answer: Yes, SBSC’s did get a copy of Foundation Server.
Question: Can you comment on why one would put in a foundation server vs a windows home server?
Answer: answering live
Question: Standard Microsoft Action Pack subscribers do not get Foundation server. I just checked on my online product downloads page. I am not SBSc.
Answer: It was shipped as a seperate DVD and not available for download. It may have been for SBSC Action Pack subscribers only.
Question: so the “administrator” counts as one user already, out of the 15?
Answer: We are not certain. We will get the answer and post it to the blog.
Question: Does the administrator user account count as one of the 15 users?
Answer: Look for the answer to this on our blog.
Question: Very good stuff guys. Thanks!
Answer: Welcome
Question: Excellent webinar.. thank you very much.
Answer: Welcome
Question: Thanks good info
Answer: Welcome
Question: Great info as usual.
Answer: Thanks Tom
Question: Foundation server only adds AD and TS?
Answer: Group Policy and all features of Windows 2008 R2
Question: is $299 the msrp?
Answer: Yes
Question: Thanks – Great Info
Answer: Welcome
Question: except direct access
Answer: It can be a DA client, just not the server side

URLs mentioned in the webinar:
Foundation Server Marketing Page: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/foundation.aspx
Foundation Server Technical Page: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd744832(WS.10).aspx
Server 2008 R2 Feature Comparisons: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/r2-compare-features.aspx
Server 2008 R2 Role Comparisons: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/r2-compare-roles.aspx

0 Categories : Foundation Server, Q&A, Webinar

Dec
14

Thursday Webinar: All Staff Open Q&A, plus special guests

by amy

Here’s your chance to pummel us with questions. We’ll all be there. We’re opening the floor to you. Post a question and our staff will answer it live.

During this open Q&A we will also have special guest appearances by our friends and partners as we review the past year. This should be a really fun and informative hour! Please mark your calendar and plan to attend.

When: Thursday, Dec 17, 2009 12:00 PM (EST)
Scheduled to Occur: Every Third Thursday
Duration: 1:00

Third Tier has invited you to attend an online meeting using
Microsoft Office Live Meeting.

https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/mvp/join?id=855GRH&role=attend&pw=rD%7DT9T%2B2G

Meeting time: Dec 17, 2009 12:00 PM (EST)

Add to my Outlook Calendar:
https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/mvp/meetingICS?id=855GRH&role=attend&pw=rD%7DT9T%2B2G&i=i.ics

0 Categories : Q&A, Webinar

Sep
17

Q&A from the WSUS Webinar

by Third Tier

Here is the Q&A panel from the September 17, 2009, WSUS webinar from Susan Bradley.

Question: Is there a place that a new MSP can go to see historically what patches have caused problems? We are developing our patch management policy and have basically an enormous amount of patches to approve or deny to “catch up”. It would be great to have a publish list of patches that a low or high risk. Any resource available that you know of to help us out?

Answer: www.patchmanagement.org

Question: Disclaimer: When running image based backup solution and/or utilizing online backup services, be sure to either create a seperate volumn for WSUS content or exclude it from off-site backup if possible.

Answer: Excellent recommendation. Thanks!

Question: Are there any problems with XP SP3? Thanks.

Answer: Globally, I”m not aware of any. Have almost all of our customers up on XP SP3. There may be individual application issues, but not that I”m aware of.

Question: XP SP3 causes problems by switching off the TS ActiveX used for RWW but that has been blogged to death!

Answer: Correct, I don”t consciously think about that because it”s just automatic to fix. Thanks for the reminder.

Question: What is the best way to “Disable” WSUS?

Answer: Services – disable the WSUS service

Question: Is the specific service just the “Windows Update” service on the server? Are there any other ones?

Answer: That”s the one.

Question: Is the method used to relocate WSUS content on sbs 08 the same as prior versions?

Answer: No, There is a wizard in the SBS 2008 Console to move the WSUS data to different partitions.

Question: I called some of my LOB vendors and found out that one of them does not support downloading their program”s updates through IE8 yet. I”ve gotten into the habit of calling my main vendors or checking their FAQ before I roll anything out.

Answer: That”s an excellent suggestion. Thanks for sharing.

Question: WSUS 3.0 SP2 needs the new reportviewer. but… the viewer needs .net 3.5. How ugly is the .net install?

Answer: Test it first, but I haven”t had too many problems when doing the 3.5 install for my sites.

Question: Do you recommend partitioning SBS08.

Answer: yes minimum 2

Question: Is there going to be a WSUS 4.0 someday?

Answer: Someday, we don”t know when

Question: Because I have installed WSUS manually I have the Not Available in the Updates. I can go to the WSUS server via 8530 and I can go to the updates page but it does not show any updates. I do have all the products checked in the list and I am not downloading drivers but I still have problems not getting the green check mark. Good point about not unistalling. I did that and it messed it up a lot

Answer: susan provided a list of items that you need to include and point to the green check/blue check SBS blog post for the answer

Question: Can you speak to the relative importance of patching Microsoft products vs. third party products like Java, Adobe, Firefox, QuickTime, etc.? The focus seems always to be on Microsoft products, but many of the threats are coming from third-party products as well. How do you handle those?

Answer: VERY important to patch the 3rd party stuff. The bad guys are choosing to come in via 3rd party becasue MS is generally updated these days.

Question: Not a question, but a praise, I highly recommend SBS08 Unleashed; and I just posted a review on Amazon.

Answer: Thanks!

Question: is there a way we can submit our WSUS policy/procedures for a slap on the back or a slap on the head?Kevin royalty warned me about the 2×4.

Answer: you can contact Susan via her blog, or submit a ticket a Third Tier

Answer: www.patchmanagement.org, but nobody keeps a “master database” of this information

—–

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0 Categories : Q&A, Security, Webinar

Apr
16

Q&A from the SSL Webinar

by Eriq

Here is the Q&A from the just-completed SSL on SBS 2008 webinar. Not many questions, so we either did a good job of covering the material in the webcast, or we had a lot of sleepy attendees!

Question: What is the URL for that blog post?
Answer: http://sbs.seandaniel.com/2009/02/installing-godaddy-standard-ssl.html
Question: this is great. We get to see reality.
Private Answer: Welcome to the real world
Question: Yup
Answer: Sometimes you’re the windshield.
Question: i had a customer order SSL cert from GoDaddy for their SBS box. Then they wanted to install a SSL cert to their Calyptix betwork/firewall box, which does not support the intermediate cert. Is their any problems with going to a different cert provider to get a second, different SSL cert for the same public domain name?
Answer: For devices with out the ability to add additional intermediate certs, it would be best to go with another trusted provider like Verisign
Question: Can I move a cert from a SBS2003 that I am decommissioning?
Answer: If the certificate provider allows you to re-key the certificate to your new server, then yes.
Question: Are there any recommended vendors for the SSL certs that people have used and feel they did a good job for the price?
Answer: We’ve used Dotster which issues a Thawte cert (so no intermediate cert needed). Only issues with them is making sure your domain registration is correct (no ex-employees as admin or techinical contact), but that’s the same with any SSL certificate provider.
Question: the certificate renewal process… how much effort is required each year on an annual renewal? Can it be disruptive to business?
Answer: You will need to load the certificate into any devices that required manually installation the first time around.
Question: We use two static IPs for autofailover. SSL certs works well. We use DynDNS now, used to use dns made easy. We use our domain name. Our GoDaddy Cert works fine without the itermediate cert, since GoDaddy is not a top level cert auth.
Answer: Good info. Any issues with Windows Mobile devices?
Question: Even with a paid cert, don’t I still have an issue using dyndns? since my cert if for domainname.net and using dyndns makes it domainname.dyndns.org
Answer: The certificate has to be assigned to your domain, not to dyndns.org. there’s an additional service you need to purchase from them to make that happen.
Question: ENOM have a very good cert for SBS
Answer: Good to know.
Question: Yes, I know I need to go with a different provider. But when you request a cert, it asks if you are using IIS or Apache. So we already have the GoDaddy cert for IIS, and now we want to get a cert for an Apache (Calyptix box) with the same public domain name.
Answer: Yes you can do that.
Question: I notice that this presentation is # 6. Are the previous presentations available to be viewed? If so, where?
Answer: http://www.thirdtier.net/store
Question: No with Win Moblie 6. No old stuff.
Answer: Thanks for that!
Question: Is it difficult to add an SSL cert to a website in SBS 2008 that isn’t part of the “package” SBS install?
Answer: Amy is answering this live.
Question: how do I get on the other session?
Answer: http://www.thirdtier.net/store/
Question: thanks
Answer: np
Question: one cert per ip address right?
Answer: yes
Question: Great info, thanks
Answer: thanks for attending!

0 Categories : Eriq Neale, Q&A, SBS 2008, Webinar

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