If your running the Hyper-V role on your Windows Server 2008 box, you should take a look at a recent update from Microsoft and get it installed. The update contains several fixes and improvements for both the Hyper-V Host Server and the Guest VM’s (including a fix for Remote Mouse control!!!!).
WSUS 3.0 SP1 Upgrade on Windows Server 2003 R2
Apr 1st, 2008 by MrGroove
Had an interesting time today trying to install the latest version of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) in my environment. Things started out well. I approved the WSUS 3.0 SP1 update on my WSUS 3.0 Server and my Vista client (where I have the client WSUS Admin Tools installed) immediately notified me that the SP1 update was available for WSUS 3. Without thinking (perhaps I should update the server first….) I clicked INSTALL and tadaa, a reboot and I was upgraded.
My server on the other hand didn’t pickup the SP1 update from "itself…." and when I hit Windows Update on the Microsoft site it didn’t pickup there either.?.? I’m guessing it’s because I’m running R2 of Windows Server 2003?
Oh well, no matter. I grabbed the update from HERE and manually updated my WSUS server. Just bounced the box and ALL is well.
NOT a groovy experience MickySoft 
Questions or comment? Leave them here or on the Forum
Verizon Fios Blocks Inbound Port 80
Mar 17th, 2008 by MrGroove
Yes it’s true… In all my excitement I failed to test my inbound port 80 for a few days after getting my new Verizon Internet connection installed. But alas… it’s true. Verizon doesn’t like people to run home web servers so they decided to block Port 80.
After speaking with Verizon for ~5 hours and speaking with dozens of tech’s and managers (1/2 of the didn’t even know what a computer was…) I discovered that IF you want incoming Port 80 opened, you need to buy a staic IP on a Business account with for me, would have been ~ $135.00 a month. Being that I only use my home web servers for Family Galleries (lots and lots of photos and movies which I don’t want to pay hosting fees for) I really didn’t need it so… After about 15 minutes of DNS and Apache reconfiguration, my family site was once again back on the air (thanks to DNS redirection) and port 8080. The G-Parents could once again get to the Family site!!!!
All in all, VERY annoying. So, if ANYONE out there is running a site from home using DSL or Cable, you better think long and hard before cutting over to FIOS because you will need to either use a new port for your site (Search Engines don’t index anything other than port 80) or find a hosting provider to host your site.
Very Very UN-GROOVY
Tags: verizon fios, internet, isp
Microsoft Upgrades Live SkyDrive to 5 Gigs of Storage
Mar 12th, 2008 by MrGroove
A few months back I signed up for the Microsoft Live.com SkyDrive Beta. The first go-round they only gave away 500 Megs of storage (lame). Within just a few weeks they upped the drive sizes to 1GB and now it appears they’ve “Seen the light!!!” and upgraded all SkyDrives to 5 Gigs. Very Groovy indeed!
Now all they need to do is:
1: Make it easier to upload
2: Make it easier to access.
They should integrate the drive using a simple application similar to GMail Drive. I really like the Idea over at GetDropBox (however it’s not public yet and who knows what the cost will be??? Free??). Anyway, it looks like a few MIT grads are starting something pretty cool over there and Microsoft should take a few pointers from the simplicity. If Microsoft wants to compete they better integrate SkyDrive quickly into into the PC and MAC OS in addition to the https access.
Tags: online storage, skydrive, live.com
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Available for Download
Feb 26th, 2008 by MrGroove
Looks like Microsoft posted Window Vista SP1 for download. I just noticed it but it’s probably been up there for awhile. Current MSDN and TechNet Plus subscribers can download it off the Microsoft site. I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before it hits Windows Update and Corp. WSUS servers.
Last time when I applied Vista SP1 RC1, the upgrade nuked my drivers on my Dell….. That being said, after the upgrade all my boxes ran better so I have high hopes for the RTM code. I’ll keep everyone update on my upgrade this afternoon.
03/01/2008 Update
Today I upgraded my Dell Latitude D620 Notebook to Windows Vista SP1 without incident. No sound issues, no dual monitor issues and all my dock and undock issues were fixed as well. In regards to the install time, it took an extra 30 minutes because I had to first uninstall the Release Candidate (RC1) before I could install the real deal. All in all, I’m happy with it. It actually feels pretty solid. I’ll post issues as I find them.
Groovy!
Tags: download, windows vista, sp1, service pack
Microsoft releases new SQL Server 2005 Driver for PHP
Feb 20th, 2008 by MrGroove
Interesting…. I’ll be playing with this one. You can find the download link here. Here’s the info from the site and blog.
Overview
In its continued commitment to interoperability, Microsoft has released a new SQL Server 2005 Driver for PHP. The SQL Server 2005 Driver for PHP Community Technology Preview (CTP) download is available to all SQL Server users at no additional charge. The SQL Server 2005 Driver for PHP is a PHP 5 extension that allows for the reading and writing of SQL Server data from within PHP scripts. The extension provides a procedural interface for accessing data in all editions of SQL Server 2005 and SQL Server 2000.
This CTP release has been made available for general testing purposes only. Do not deploy the CTP software in production. Peer-to-peer support is available in the SQL Server 2005 Data Access forum. To submit feedback on this CTP release, visit the SQL Server Feedback Center.
Free Internet Hot-Spot Access at Starbucks
Feb 11th, 2008 by MrGroove
Just read about some good news. Beginning this spring, SBUX will drop T-Mobile and move to AT&T in all their stores. They will give away 2 hours of Free Hot-Spot access to coffee drinkers who use the SBUX card (actually pretty smart…..). More time can be purchased as well for about 1/2 the price T-Mobile was charging. Personally, I’ll just buy another cup of coffee ;) All in all, good news.
Verizon FIOS / Fiber Being Installed Today
Feb 10th, 2008 by MrGroove
Today’s the big day!! The waiting is finally over! The Verizon Tech just called and he’s on his way to my house now to start the install. Goodbye DSL, HELLO FIBER! Now, let’s get to the testing!
To be completely honest, my DSL service at home actually was just fine. No complaints. Sure sure…. it was a little slow with my wife and I would initiate a download from Amazon Unbox through our TIVO but whatever. Like any good geek however, with the Verizon guy on the way I wanted to document the BEFORE and AFTER!
The first Shot is taken BEFORE the FIOS was installed. I generally use the SpeakEasy.net speed test tools for my testing but I also like SpeedTest.net and good old faithfully DSL Reports.
Two Words - Verizon FIOS!!!
Feb 4th, 2008 by MrGroove
The wait is finally over. After months of watching Verizon install all the Fiber infrastructure in my neighborhood (Bless the Orange cabling!!!), I checked the Verizon Website and FIOS is FINIALLY available at my home!
My install date is set to Feb. 8th. I went with the 15Megs Upload / 15 Megs Download for $64.99 a month. I remember the day I first got DSL. Wow, I paid $75.00 a month for 756k Up and Down. I love progress!
I’ll keep everyone updated as we get installed and everything is cut-over.
Tags: fiber, fios, high+speed, internet, verizon,
Windows Vista SP1 RC1 Upgrade - Build 6001
Jan 9th, 2008 by MrGroove
Today I installed Windows Vista SP1 RC1 (Release Candidate 1 - Build 6001) on my Dell Latitude D620 Notebook. I waited a few weeks before I moved forward with it but being that I had some free time I figured, "Why not?".
Although the entire process took about an hour (I’m glad I have a second desktop…) after several reboots, I’m now once again up and running with MINIMAL issues encountered "thus" far.