I found this by accident when I was installing SQL tools on my Vista machine.  I think it gives a pretty good short explanation of User Account Control.

http://www.microsoft.com/sql/howtobuy/windowsvistasupport.mspx

This paragraph starts the helpful explanation:

Microsoft Windows Vista includes a new feature, User Account Control (UAC), which helps administrators manage their use of elevated privileges. When running on Microsoft Windows Vista, administrators do not use their administrative privileges by default. They perform most actions as standard (non-administrative) users, temporarily assuming their administrative privileges only when necessary. This separation of privileges causes some known issues.

So, I was thinking that I would write a script to transfer some DHCP scopes from one machine to another.  Well, wouldn't you know...  there is already a tool to do that, and I didn't even have to install software, just read a little article...

http://www.geekadmin.com/?p=13

I have Windows Server 2003.  So here is the pertinant part for me:

Use this command to export all scopes from the source machine:

netsh dhcp server export C:\dhcp.txt all

Install the dhcp server on the new machine and run this import command:

netsh dhcp server import C:\dhcp.txt all

After that authorize the dhcp server and that´s it!

Quick and easy.

http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,2048070,00.asp?kc=EWENTEMNL110306EOAD

I wasn't familiar with how to get a website to repsond without the “www” in front, and when I went to do searches on it, I wasn't too happy with the results.  So, I am creating this entry just to remind me how to do this simple little task.

To get a website to respond to the “domain.com” and the “www.domain.com”, using Windows 2003 Server for DNS and for IIS, the following are the steps to take:

1.  add a host header for “domain.com” and “www.domain.com” in IIS.

2.  add an “A” record for “domain.com” and “www.domain.com” in DNS.  (Note:  You can use an Alias(CNAME) for the “www” entry instead of a Host(A) record, but you have to enter an A record for “domian.com”.)

In Windows Vista, Microsoft is making an effort to help you figure out where your weaknesses are when it comes to PC performance.  The Windows Experience Index is an evaluation of key components of your system.  When you want to know what to do to improve performace, you can take a look at it and decide what areas to concentrate on. 

I think this will be a good tool for companies looking to move to Vista from XP.  You can test your various machine types and look at the Experience Index to determine if you want to replace the machines, add memory, or just move to Vista as is.

Here is a related article: http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=86

I was looking around and found a blog entry that stipulates that Windows 3.1 is still alive.

http://bink.nu/photos/news_article_images/category1022/picture13552.aspx

Silliness prevails it seems.

So I was looking through the Services and noticed a couple of interesting items.  You probably have already seen this, but when I saw “ReadyBoost” I was a bit stumped as to what that could possibly be.  I noticed there are a LOT of new services with Vista, and decided to look it up.  (One of these days, I will actually look at some of the features of Vista.  I have been running it long enough that you would think I had a clue.)

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/features/foreveryone/performance.mspx

Here is the part about ReadyBoost:

Windows ReadyBoost

Adding system memory (RAM) is often the best way to improve your PC's performance. More memory means applications can run without needing to access the hard drive. However, upgrading memory is not always easy. You need to know what type of memory you need, purchase the memory, and open your computer to install the memory—which sometimes can invalidate your support agreement. Also, some machines have limited memory expansion capabilities, preventing you from adding RAM even if you are willing to do so.

Windows Vista introduces a new concept in adding memory to a system. Windows ReadyBoost lets users use a removable flash memory device, such as a USB thumb drive, to improve system performance without opening the box. Windows ReadyBoost can improve system performance because it can retrieve data kept on the flash memory more quickly than it can retrieve data kept on the hard disk, decreasing the time you need to wait for your PC to respond. Combined with SuperFetch technology, this can help drive impressive improvements in system responsiveness.

Windows ReadyBoost technology is reliable and provides protection of the data stored on your device. You can remove the memory device at any time without any loss of data or negative impact to the system; however, if you remove the device, your performance returns to the level you experienced without the device. Additionally, data on the removable memory device is encrypted to help prevent inappropriate access to data when the device is removed.

I was looking around for something else, but came across this and thought it was useful:

http://vistaforums.com/Forum/Topic562-12-1.aspx

There are some interesting tweaks there.