Skype Fixes TotalRecorder Issues

Version 1.1.0.79 appears to have finally resolved the conflict with TotalRecorder. I've downloaded this version and tested against TotalRecorder Professional v4.5 and it's working like a champ now. No more fatal errors when calling contacts!

UPDATE!
Apparently I blogged too soon. Though I was able to use TotalRecorder with Skype the other day, today I started receiving the same fatal errors that were occuring prior to the upgrade to version 1.1.0.79. So, for the time being, I guess this issue is (sadly) still unresolved.

Skype Test Account

Presenting at TechEd 2005

I've just learned that I'll be presenting at the upcoming TechEd 2005 in Orlando, FL. My breakout session will be on resolving SMS 2003 “Red Zone” issues. The Red Zone is Microsoft PSS' categorization of the running top 5 issues that are consistently being seen by SMS customers. Come learn how you can resolve or hopefully avoid these issues.

See you in Orlando!

Awesome scripting help file!

Thanks to Kerry Vinson for providing this download of sample scripts found in the TechNet Script Center available in a nice Windows Help File format (.CHM)

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=b4cb2678-dafb-4e30-b2da-b8814fe2da5a&DisplayLang=en

Supplemental Information about Deployment of Microsoft's February Security Updates

Recently sent out by the boys in Redmond:

In an effort to further assist customers with detection and deployment of security updates generally, as well as to answer questions about February's bulletins, PSS will be offering a special in-depth technical webcast focused on guidance for detection and deployment.  For more information on this webcast please see below:

Supplemental Technical Information about Detection and Deployment of Microsoft's February Security Updates (Level 200)

Thursday, February 17, 2005 11:00 AM (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?EventID=1032268810&Culture=en-US

Note also that questions for this webcast can be e-mailed in advance by sending e-mail to: mailto:askbulletinwebcast@microsoft.com

The on-demand version of the webcast will be available 24 hours after the live webcast at: http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?EventID=1032268810&Culture=en-US 

If you have any questions regarding this alert please contact your Technical Account Manager or Application Development Consultant.

Thank you,

Microsoft PSS Security Team

FTD Sucks

I normally don't use this blog as a means of public banter against any other person or organization, but Saturday FTD really put the screws to me, so I feel obliged to return the favor.

As many of you know, I divorced last year and my daughters (who I speak with every night) live in Nashville with their mother. So, I thought it would be nice to send them roses for Valentine's Day. Being very busy lately, I figured that I'd just use FTD.COM instead of having to research to find a local florist in Nashville to deliver the bouquet today.

Here's a copy of the email I received on Friday, confirming my order:

Now, I get a call Saturday stating that the florist they sent the order to will not fulfill the order for that price - even though they are an FTD florist and I purchased the flowers from FTD.COM. What gives here? I felt like I was in the middle of a 'last minute shake down'. Since when is $60 not enough for a dozen MEDIUM stem (not even long stem) roses? How can local florists decide their own pricing when they join a network that advertises products at a set price?

Needless to say, I wasn't happy. Thankfully, my ever-resourceful mother came through and gave me the name and owner's name of a local florist in Nashville that took care of me and confirmed that FTD isn't worth the bother. Thank you mom and Garden Delights. I'm sure my little girls will be happy now.

Windows Networking

http://www.windowsnetworking.com

Microsoft to Acquire Sybari Software

As part of a more comprehensive approach to help secure customers, Microsoft has announced its intention to acquire Sybari Software, Inc., a privately-held company based in East Northport, NY. Sybari security products help over 10,000 businesses protect their messaging and collaboration servers from malicious software. These products are tightly integrated with the servers they protect. By continuing to invest in these products, Microsoft will be addressing a critical need for businesses - better protection against malicious software.

Sybari's antivirus products utilize third party virus scan engines to provide businesses with comprehensive protection against the threat of viruses, worms and spam. With a layered defense strategy inherent in the product, Sybari's Antigen reduces the window of vulnerability, provides customers with the ability to monitor, control and manage how viruses are being scanned within the network and delivers maximum protection with minimal impact on performance for messaging and collaboration servers.

This acquisition shows Microsoft's continued support of the partner ecosystem. Because the Sybari antivirus solution enables the use and management of multiple scan engines for virus scanning, customers get improved virus detection rates. Sybari's products use leading third-party scan engines from Norman Data Defense Systems, Virus Buster, Sophos, Authentium, AhnLab, Computer Associates, and Kaspersky Labs.

Microsoft will continue to work with these leading vendors and expects these partnerships to remain strong.

This acquisition is part of Microsoft's comprehensive approach for tackling the security issues of our business customers. We intend to continue investing in solutions to protect customers against all types of malicious software, including viruses, malware, spyware, and other emerging threats.

Microsoft has posted more information on this announcement on our website at this location:

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2005/feb05/02-08SybariPR.asp

If you have any questions regarding this alert please contact your Technical Account Manager or Application Development Consultant.

Black Tuesday Preview

- 9 Microsoft Security Bulletins affecting Microsoft Windows. The greatest aggregate, maximum severity rating for these security updates is Critical. Some of these updates will require a restart.

- 1 Microsoft Security Bulletin affecting Microsoft SharePoint Services and Office. The greatest aggregate, maximum severity rating for this security bulletin is Moderate. These updates may or may not require a restart.

- 1 Microsoft Security Bulletin affecting Microsoft .NET Framework. The greatest aggregate, maximum severity rating for this security bulletin is Important. This update will require a restart.

- 1 Microsoft Security Bulletin affecting Microsoft Office and Visual Studio. The greatest aggregate, maximum severity rating for this security bulletin is Critical. These updates will require a restart.

- 1 Microsoft Security Bulletin affecting Microsoft Windows, Windows Media Player, and MSN Messenger. The greatest aggregate, maximum severity rating for these security updates is Critical. These updates will require a restart.

Larry Duncan Becomes Duncan McAlynn

Yesterday, the Travis County, Texas District Court approved my request for a legal name change. Effective immediately, my legal name is now Duncan McAlynn. The reasons for this change are family related and personal, but suffice it to say that it’s something that has been under consideration for a number of years and recent events have finally swayed me into making the change.

Questions:

Why McAlynn?

It’s a family name derived from Flynn meaning “son of the red-haired man”. In Irish, the “Mc” in a name refers to “son of”. So, in this case, McAlynn originally referred to the son-of a Lynn.

How Do You Pronounce It?

The common pronunciation is Mac-Ah-Lynn. However, to hear my family in Ballycastle, Northern Ireland say it, you’d hear: Mac an Luhn. Either is correct, I suppose.

Why Now?

I’ve wanted to do this for several years, but previous situations didn’t lend me the opportunity. Being engaged to married this summer, I figured now is the best time so that my bride will not have to undergo the ordeal of changing her name twice.

Will Your Current Email Address Still Work?

Yes.

What About Your ‘Public’ Image?

This proves to be the most tricky part of it all and will require some P.R. work. For a while, I’ll continue to post articles, update my blog and publicly present as:

“(Larry) Duncan McAlynn”

As you can see, the name reads properly to be recognized as Larry Duncan, but also leads to a transition to Duncan McAlynn.

New Knowledge Base Articles

Released: Microsoft Windows Terminal Server Management Pack

Released: Microsoft Password Change Notification Service Management Pack

Released: Microsoft Identity Integration Server 2003 Management Pack

Deployment of the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool Using SMS

SMS 2003 Inventory Tool for Dell Update Released

To support the relationship between Microsoft and Dell, the SMS 2003 Inventory Tool for Dell Update allows you to determine compliance and deploy the necessary updates for Dell BIOS, firmware, and drivers using the same process utilized to deploy security updates with SMS 2003.

Download Now: http://www.microsoft.com/smserver/downloads/2003/tools/dellupdates.asp

New Knowledge Base Articles