TechNet Flash: SQL Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 2 released

A Secure Approach to Protecting the Endpoints A secure desktop environment starts with a holistic approach to reduce the attack surface and enables devices to continue performing while under attack. Learn how to create the foundation that can evolve with your networks. SQL Server 2008 SP2 Available for Download Both the Service Pack and Feature Pack updates are now ready for download on the Microsoft Download Center. Service Pack 2 for SQL Server 2008 includes new compatibility features with SQL Server 2008 R2, product improvements based on requests from the SQL Server community, and hotfix solutions provided in SQL Server 2008 SP1 Cumulative Updates 1 to 8.     Your Featured Content     Free E-book Offer: Introducing Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 For a limited time, you can download the 10-chapter e-book Introducing Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 by Ross Mistry and Stacia Misner. Learn about the powerful new database administration and business intelligence development enhancements available with this new edition of SQL Server 2008. Virtual Machine Servicing Tool (VMST) 3.0 Now Available This Solution Accelerator provides automated tools and guidance that IT professionals can use to update offline virtual machines, templates, and virtual hard disks efficiently and without exposing them to security risks. Springboard Series Deployment Learning Portal The Springboard Series Windows 7 Deployment Learning Portal is designed to assess the level of skill and readiness an IT pro needs before deploying Windows 7. Based on the participant's responses in various training modules, the portal provides personal self-paced learning recommendations, helping them to focus on specific training areas. Windows 7 and Internet Explorer 8 Security Setting Packs Now Available for Beta Download The most recent releases in the Security Compliance Manager Baseline Beta will help you define custom baselines, meet business-critical needs, and elevate the security of Windows 7 and Windows Internet Explorer 8.   Install the Security Update MS10-070 for ASP.NET Vulnerability This security update is rated Important for all supported editions of ASP.NET except Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0 Service Pack 3. This security update resolves a publicly disclosed vulnerability in ASP.NET. Business Intelligence with PerformancePoint in SharePoint 2010 The fifth article in the series discusses how PerformancePoint becomes a set of services configured as a service application in SharePoint 2010. Free Windows 7 E-learning Whether you're interested in basic Windows 7 deployment, compatibility, or configuration, these free videos are likely to have your answers! Check out the entire Window 7 e-learning video series today. TechNet Radio: Virtualization Best Practices Join Keith Combs and Matt Hester as they discuss virtualization best practices with Microsoft Director, Edwin Yuen. Edwin was part of the System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM) team for several years and has talked with thousands of customers about their virtualization problems and solutions.

TechNet Flash Sponsors Red Gate Software and ScriptLogic: •  Red Gate SQL Compare, a Simple Way to Deploy Databases •  ScriptLogic: Free sl360 Network Monitoring Tool Suite   Editor's Note TechNet Flash Editor Mitch Irsfeld Develop Your Approach to Desktop Security The best way to achieve a secure desktop environment is to start with the fundamentals and develop an ongoing approach to build and evolve your security foundation. To guide that thinking, the latest edition of TechNet ON looks at the best way to approach and then implement desktop security. We start with a security philosophy in Joshua Hoffman's TechNet Magazine article Take the "Defense in Depth" Approach, which looks at protecting the computing environment from as many different potential vectors of attack as possible, from malicious software installations to lost or stolen mobile devices.... Read more     ADVERTISEMENT Red Gate SQL Compare, a Simple Way to Deploy Databases Quickly and accurately deploy database schema changes with SQL Compare.   Training and Books Get Your Certification for Your Next IT Job Role at a Discount Purchase packs of two to five exams and save up to 20%. Plus, you'll get a free re-take (Second Shot) on every exam purchased. Visit the Microsoft Learning Career Portal to get started.   ADVERTISEMENT Free Software - Download sl360 Network Monitoring Tools Download the free sl360 Suite. Network discovery, TFTP server, syslog server, and a dozen other tools with integrated dashboards are included.   Events Attend PASS Summit 2010 November 8 - 11, 2010 Seattle, WA PASS Summit 2010 is the largest and most renowned Microsoft SQL Server and BI conference in the world, delivering the most technical sessions, the highest-rated sessions and speakers, and the greatest access to the Microsoft SQL Server development, SQL CAT, Business Intelligence, and Customer Service and Support teams of any SQL Server event. The Microsoft Certified Career Conference UPDATE November 18, 2010 (24-hour virtual event) Meet employers at our virtual career fair; learn how to find the right job, write winning resumes, and interview with a razor-sharp strategy at our Career Essentials sessions. Network with fellow professionals from around the world and glean career advice from experts in the field.   Resources TechNet Plus Direct Subscription TechNet Flash Feed Blog TechNet Flash Archive TechNet Magazine MSDN Flash Newsletter Security Newsletter IT Management Community Hub