Chicago Windows Users Group Enterprise Meeting! Oct22, Chicago AON Center

The day will be October 22nd, which will lead host to not only the next Chicago Windows Users Group meeting, but it’ll also be a Windows 7 Party!

I’ll have some of the prizes/giveaways for the Windows 7 party with me, but lo and behold here are the details for the Chicago meeting of the CWUG!

We had our Annual PC Recycle at our September meeting in Downers Grove.  Brian Jones arranged for ATEN to join us in the parking lot of the Microsoft Downers Grove parking lot again this year (thanks Brian!).  This was also our 2nd consumer focused CWUG – Jeri Stodola gave an example of our very first birds of a feather session and has earned her very own Windows 7 Backpack!  We’re still looking for topic suggestions and facilitators for our 2nd Enterprise focused meeting which will be held downtown Chicago in the afternoon. Sign up information is provided below NOTE:  the date was changed to October 22nd.

October Meeting – Enterprise Focused

Thursday, October 22nd

12:30 – 1:30 bring lunch/network

1:30 – 1:45  meeting begins

1:45 – 4:15 Topics and Birds of a Feather sessions

Session 1:  HyperV

Session 2:  Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset (DART)

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032424373&culture=en-US

Going forward, we will use the CWUG online group to share information, communicate with each other and schedule meetings:  http://cwug.groups.live.com

Be sure to SIGN Up for the CWUG and I will see you there!

Event: Lisle IL Oct 29th: Microsoft SharePoint 2010 Preview & RSA Security Solutions

Do you like SharePoint or Exchange? (Or use it, or plan to use it, or want to know information about SharePoint 2010?) This is the seminar for you!

Is your SharePoint environment Secure? (Or even your Exchange environment) and are you looking for solutions around that? Check out what RSA has to say! (RSA Invented security, right?!)

I welcome you to join us for Lunch and content here in Lisle, IL at the EMC Offices! (I will be there, so I can see what RSA has to offer in conjunction with the Microsoft solutions, not to mention checking out the latest happenings on SharePoint 2010 – Yes, I know a lot around SharePoint, but I love it when someone knowledgeable gets up there and evangelizes on it!

A few things clipped from the invite, such as the products covered (Exchange, booyah!) and the ‘intended audience’ If I’m reading that correctly, that’s almost everyone in IT ;)

Featured Products/Topics: Microsoft Office, Microsoft Office SharePoint Server, Microsoft Exchange Server 2010

Recommended Audiences: Technology Executives, IT Managers, CEO, CIO, CFO, IT Directors, Administrators, Business Decision Maker, Technical Decision Makers

Thursday, October 29
EMC Office
4225 Naperville Road, Ste 500 Lisle, IL 60532
10:30 am. – 1:30 p.m.

Space is limited, reserve your place now!

Sign Up Here! - Sponsored by EMC Consulting, RSA and Microsoft!

If you want an email invite, let me know and I can shoot one off to you! (I will be attendance!)

Windows 7 Launch Party!

House Party!

Did you get one of these mails? House Party extravaganza?! If you didn’t, well here is the low-down!

Be a part of Windows® history.
Host a Windows® 7 Launch Party.

Have Fun. Help Your Friends.
Receive a Signature Edition of Windows® 7 Ultimate.
You host the party. We’ll bring the favors.

Apply online to host a Launch Party. Choose a day from October 22-29 and if you’re selected, you’ll not only receive a special Signature Edition of Windows® 7 Ultimate but your very own Windows® 7 Party Pack.

Hosting a Windows® 7 Launch Party is easy.

You’ll be assisted by House Party, the world’s leading party organizer. Pick a theme, then upload photos and videos, chat with other hosts, blog your experience, and download fun favors all from your personal House Party page.

Windows 7 House Party! 

Let’s Party!
Just choose one of our Windows® 7 Party Themes:
•    > PhotoPalooza
•    > Media Mania
•    > Setting Up With Ease
•    > Family Friendly Fun

All around it sounds like it’d be a blast! Fill out the form, and coordinate a party, receive a party pack and give away favors.. yay?!   I don’t know about you, but I’m all signed up and if I get approved… par-tay! It doesn’t hurt that a majority of all computers we run in our household are already running Win7 ;)

So, get out there, apply.. earn your free Signature Edition of Win7 Ultimate! Party Favors! Connect with the community! and more!   Hell, I may host mine at our 2000 square foot studio if I get much demand for this! :) So, party down! win7, yay! :)

Save up to 25% off on Microsoft Certification!

Whoa! Wait a minute! You mean I have a chance to save 5% more than the 20% off voucher I can request which is very visible on the sidebar?!

Why yes, yes you do! Your opportunities are flipping endless! This offer is valid until December 31st of 2009, and only applies to a finite number of exams, but if you happen to hit one of the exams which is 25% off, I’d say take that over my 20% off vouchers any day! (albeit, if its 20% or 15% off… let me know and I’ll get you a voucher if you’re in one of the 20% off countries :))

Enjoy 15% off these exams!
TECHNOLOGY EXAM TITLES NUMBER  
Windows Server 2008 TS-Active Directory, Config 640 Get Voucher
Windows Server 2008 TS – Infra Services, Config 642 Get Voucher
Windows Server 2003 Managing and Maintaining Environment 290 Get Voucher
Windows Server 2003 Implementing, Managing and Maintaining, Network Infra 291 Get Voucher
Windows Server 2003 Planning and Maintaining Network Infra 293 Get Voucher
Windows Server 2003 Planning, Implementing and Maintaining AD 294 Get Voucher
Windows 7 TS – Windows 7 Configuring 680 Get Voucher
Windows Vista TS – Vista Config 620 Get Voucher
Windows XP Installing, Config, and Administering 270 Get Voucher
Windows XP Supporting Users and Troubleshooting 271 Get Voucher
Windows XP Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Apps. 272 Get Voucher
SQL 2008 TS – Implementation and Maintenance 432 Get Voucher
SQL 2008 TS – DB Dev 433 Get Voucher
SQL 2008 TS – BI Dev 448 Get Voucher
SQL 2005 TS – Implementing and Maintaining 431 Get Voucher
Exchange 2007 TS – Exchange, Config 236 Get Voucher
Visual Studio/.Net TS – .NET 2.0, Web-based Client Dev 526 Get Voucher
Visual Studio/.Net TS – .NET 2.0, Web-based Client Dev 528 Get Voucher
Visual Studio/.Net TS – .NET 2.0, Distributed App Dev 529 Get Voucher
Visual Studio/.Net TS – App Dev Foundation, .NET 536 Get Voucher
Virtualization TS – Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack, Config 656 Get Voucher
Virtualization TS – Windows Server Virtualization, Config 652 Get Voucher
Sharepoint TS – Sharepoint 07 Config 630 Get Voucher
Sharepoint TS – Sharepoint07, App Dev 542 Get Voucher

if you want to take an exam on this list, and you’re located in the US, UK, Germany, Australia and other 20% off countries – Let me know and I’ll get you a 20% off voucher instead!

 

Enjoy 20% off these exams!
TECHNOLOGY EXAM TITLES NUMBER  
Windows Server 2008 TS – App Infra, Config 643 Get Voucher
Windows Server 2008 Upgrading MCSA to MCITP 648 Get Voucher
Windows Server 2003 Designing an AD Network Infra 297 Get Voucher
Windows Server 2003 Designing Security 298 Get Voucher
Windows Server 2003 Implementing and Administering Security 299 Get Voucher
Windows Server 2003 Config and Managing Hosted Environments 501 Get Voucher
Windows Vista TS – Deploying and Maintaining Vista and Office 2007 624 Get Voucher
SQL 2005 TS – Implementing and Maintaining BI Solutions 445 Get Voucher
Visual Studio/.Net TS – .NET 3.5, Win Presentation Foundation 502 Get Voucher
Visual Studio/.Net TS – .NET 3.5, Win Communication Foundation 503 Get Voucher
Visual Studio/.Net TS – .NET 3.5, Workflow 504 Get Voucher
Visual Studio/.Net TS – .NET 3.5, Windows Forms Applications 505 Get Voucher
Visual Studio/.Net TS – .NET 3.5, ADO 561 Get Voucher
Visual Studio/.Net TS – .NET 3.5, ASP.NET App Dev 562 Get Voucher
Virtualization TS- System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008, Configuration 403 Get Voucher
Sharepoint TS – Sharepoint 3.0, App Dev 541 Get Voucher
Sharepoint TS – Sharepoint Services 3.0, Config 631 Get Voucher

If you’re interested in any of these exams, are in one of above mentioned countries and want your discount until June 30th, 2010 – Let me know and go for the 20% off! :)

Enjoy 25% off these exams!
TECHNOLOGY EXAM TITLES NUMBER  
Windows Server 2008 Pro – Server Admin 646 Get Voucher
Windows Server 2008 Upgrading MCSE to MCITP 649 Get Voucher
Windows Server 2008 Pro – Ent. Admin 647 Get Voucher
Windows Vista Upgrading MCDST to MCITP 621 Get Voucher
Windows Vista Pro – MS Desktop Support 622 Get Voucher
Windows Vista Pro – Supporting and Troubleshooting Applications 623 Get Voucher
SQL 2008 Pro – Designing, Optimizing and Maintaining 450 Get Voucher
SQL 2008 Pro – Designing DB and Data Access 451 Get Voucher
SQL 2008 Pro – BI Dev 452 Get Voucher
SQL 2008 Upgrade – SQL05 to SQL08 MCITP DBA 453 Get Voucher
SQL 2008 Upgrade – SQL05 to SQL08 MCITP DBD 454 Get Voucher
SQL 2008 Upgrade – SQL05 to SQL08 MCITP BI 455 Get Voucher
SQL 2005 Pro – Designing DB Solutions 441 Get Voucher
SQL 2005 Pro – Designing and Optimizing Data Access 442 Get Voucher
SQL 2005 Pro – Planning, Designing, Developing and Optimizing DB Solutions 443 Get Voucher
SQL 2005 Pro – Optiming and Maintaining DB Administration 444 Get Voucher
SQL 2005 Pro – Designing a BI Solution 446 Get Voucher
SQL 2005 Upgrade – MCDBA to MCITP 447 Get Voucher
Exchange 2007 Pro – Designing Messaging Solutions 237 Get Voucher
Exchange 2007 Pro – Deploying Messaging Solutions 238 Get Voucher
Visual Studio/.Net Pro – Designing and Developing Web-based Apps using .NET 547 Get Voucher
Visual Studio/.Net Pro – Designing and Developing Windows-based applications using .Net Framework 548 Get Voucher
Visual Studio/.Net Pro – Designing and Developing Enterprise Apps using .NET 549 Get Voucher
Visual Studio/.Net Upgrade – MCAD Skills to MCPD Web Developer by Using Microsoft .NET Framework for VS.NET 551 Get Voucher
Visual Studio/.Net Upgrade – MCAD Skills to MCPD using .Net Framework 552 Get Voucher
Visual Studio/.Net Upgrade – MCSD .Net skills to MCPD Enterprise Application Developer 553 Get Voucher
Visual Studio/.Net Upgrade – MCSD .Net Skills to MCPD Enterprise Application Developer, Part 2 554 Get Voucher
Visual Studio/.Net Pro – Designing and Developing Windows Applications using .Net Framework 3.5 563 Get Voucher
Visual Studio/.Net Pro – Designing and Developing ASP.Net Applications Using .Net Framework 3.5 564 Get Voucher
Visual Studio/.Net Pro- Designing and Developing Enterprise Application Using .Net Framework 3.5 565 Get Voucher
Visual Studio/.Net Upgrade – Transition your MCPD web developer skills to MCPD ASP .Net Developer 3.5 567 Get Voucher
Visual Studio/.Net Upgrade – Transition your MCPD Enterprise Application Developer Skills to MCPD Enterprise Application Developer 3.5, Part 1 568 Get Voucher
Visual Studio/.Net Upgrade – Transition your MCPD Enterprise Application Developer Skills to MCPD Enterprise Application Developer 3.5, Part 2 569 Get Voucher

If you have the chance to take these exams? Act on it! 25% off can’t be beat! (Well, unless you’re an MCT or MVP and your discounts massively out-rule that! ;)) but still! Act on these badboys! If you miss that window though, let me know and I’ll get you some vouchers to use before June 30th, 2010!

There is no better time than the present in order to get yourself certified! Take your future into your own hands – Did you hear there will be 4million IT jobs created in the next 5 years, but no qualified people to fill them? Hey.. Get Qualified! (but preferably at a discount ;))

Sometimes when you are busy.. 71-662: TS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, Configuring gets released!

Doh! I was busy yesterday.  Yes I forgot to read BornToLearn for the day.. end result? I missed the Exchange Beta goes public announcement which had links over to the beta blog with Register for Beta Exam 71-662: TS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, Configuring – and what this means to you and I.. is that the Beta Code of E14J is no longer available or working!

Who know this exam would be so popular! (Okay, I knew it would, but I still missed the window.. but we’ll see… :) Worst case I’ll pay to take the beta!   Here are the details of the exam.

You are invited to take beta exam 71-662: TS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, Configuring. If you pass the beta exam, the exam credit will be added to your transcript and you will not need to take the exam in its released form. The 71-xxx identifier is used for registering for beta versions of MCP exams, when the exam is released in its final form the 70-xxx identifier is used for registration.
By participating in beta exams, you have the opportunity to provide the Microsoft Certification program with feedback about exam content, which is integral to development of exams in their released version. We depend on the contributions of experienced IT professionals and developers as we continually improve exam content and maintain the value of Microsoft certifications.

71-662: TS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, Configuring counts as credit towards the following certification(s).

· MCTS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, Configuration


Availability

Public Registration begins: August 24, 2009

Beta exam period runs: August 31, 2009– September 14, 2009

Receiving this invitation does not guarantee you a seat in the beta; we recommend that you register immediately. Beta exams have limited availability and are operated under a first-come-first-served basis. Once all beta slots are filled, no additional seats will be offered.

Testing is held at Prometric testing centers worldwide, although this exam may not be available in all countries (see Regional Restrictions). All testing centers will have the capability to offer this exam in its live version.

Regional Restrictions: India, Pakistan, China


Registration Information

You must register at least 24 hours prior to taking the exam.
Please use the following promotional code when registering for the exam: E14J
Receiving this invitation does not guarantee you a seat in the beta; we recommend that you register immediately.

To register in North America, please call:

Prometric: (800) 755-EXAM (800-755-3926)

Outside the U.S./Canada, please contact:

Prometric: http://www.register.prometric.com/ClientInformation.asp


Test Information and Support

You are invited to take this beta exam at no charge.
You will be given four hours to complete the beta exam. Please plan accordingly.
Find exam preparation information: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exam.aspx?ID=70-662

So, if/when I take this exam, look forward to a nice Post-Mortem to come out of it! And for those of you who got in under the wire, good luck!