Here's a list with several shortcuts keys and windows programs which can be run directly from the run command without clicking through the startmenu. I came across several lists on the internet (here) including one from Microsoft.
I've enlisted the most importent ones to me (excluded the common ones like F1 :-) ) and tested them on both Windows XP and Windows Vista.
Shortcut Keys
WIN + E - Explorer
WIN + R - Run
WIN + L - Lock Windows Session
WIN + M - Minimize All Windows
WIN + Break - System Properties
CTRL + SHIFT + Escape - Taskmanager
CTRL + Escape - StartMenu
ALT + DoubleClick - Properties
F2 - Rename
Control Panel
Add/Remove Programs - appwiz.cpl
Display Properties - desk.cpl
Internet Properties - inetcpl.cpl
Network Connections - ncpa.cpl
Network Setup Wizard - netsetup.cpl
ODBC Data Source Administrator - odbccp32.cpl
Power Configuration - powercfg.cpl
Windows Firewall - firewall.cpl
Regional Settings - intl.cpl
Security Center - wscui.cpl
System Properties - sysdm.cpl
Control
Control Panel - control + controlpanel item
Administrative Tools - control admintools
Display Properties - control desktop
Folders Properties - control folders
Fonts - control fonts
Network Connections - control netconnections
Printers and Faxes - control printers
Scheduled Tasks - control schedtasks
Management Console
Certificate Manager - certmgr.msc
Computer Management - compmgmt.msc
Device Manager - devmgmt.msc
Disk Defragment - dfrg.msc
Disk Management - diskmgmt.msc
Event Viewer - eventvwr.msc
Group Policy Editor (for xp professional) - gpedit.msc
Local Security Settings - secpol.msc
Local Users and Groups - lusrmgr.msc
Performance Monitor - perfmon.msc
Resultant Set of Policy - rsop.msc
Services - services.msc
Shared Folders - fsmgmt.msc
Local Users and Group - lusrmgr.msc
Windows Management Infrastructure - wmimgmt.msc
Commands / Tools
Component Services - dcomcnfg
Disk Partition Manager - diskpart
Driver Verifier Utility - verifier
Fonts Folder - fonts
Malicious Software Removal Tool - mrt
Microsoft Syncronization Tool - mobsync
On Screen Keyboard - osk
Performance Monitor - perfmon
Printers Folder - printers
Registry Editor - regedit
Registry Editor - regedt32
Remote Desktop - mstsc
System Configuration Utility - msconfig
System Information - msinfo32
Task Manager - taskmgr
Telnet Client - telnet
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
The MSI Utility Explained
Finally...Microsoft released the MSI Utility for Microsoft Virtual Applications (aka the MSI Wrapper) and pretty quiet I might add. Not even a post on the SoftGrid Team Blog. I had expected some sort of announcement. Probably due to holidays or something.
Anyway, I've been waiting for this tool for some time and I'm curious if it meets up with my expectations. I know the SMS 2003 connector with its shortcomings and I'm hoping for a simple way to use SoftGrid applications in a SMS2003 / SCCM environment.
On the download site I noticed that the tool supported only SoftGrid versions 4.2.1.21 (or later) and 4.1.2.21 (or later). Personally I don't know these versions and was convinced that 4.1.1.310 (4.1 SP1) and 4.2.0.310 were the latest ones.
Still...let's have a look.
The download (MSI_Utility_1.0.0.16.exe) consists of an MSI Admin Utility Guide, MSI_Utility_Release_Notes and the actual setup. The setup still installs to [c:\program files\softricity\MSI Utility] by default. You would expect that "Microsoft" would have been used as part of the path (as in the 4.5 beta client).
After installation, the tool offers a GUI and a command line version (both are included in the installation directory). Both tools are easy to use and can be used with an individual project (. Sprj) by using [MsiUtility / s] or a directory by using [MsiUtility / f ]
The GUI version looks like this
The checkbox "Recursively package all virtual applications in the folder" is ideal to get multiple SoftGrid applications migrated to MSI at once. Just point to the root of your Content share (or any other directory) and start converting.
The downside to this mass conversion is that the MSI Utility doens't change the SFT and it's version. If you want to (re)distribute already enrolled SoftGrid packages through MSI you might get in trouble on clients that have the same package version in cache.
Anyway in the installation directory remains a file named Template.MSI which is used by the tool for generating the MSI(s). Any amendments made herein are therefore generated in all MSI's. Very useful if you, for example, want to use project or company info to be included in Add / Remove Programs.
So what is generated? The utility generates an MSI file and a xml file (manifest) similar to what can be found natively build-in the SoftGrid 4.5 sequencer.
The OSD files, icons and xml file are included in the MSI (respectively in the PackageComponent and IconComponent), but also remains in the source directory (useless??)
The MSI uses LaunchConditions to determine whether SoftGrid client version 4.2.1.21 (or later) and version 4.1.2.21 (or later) is installed. However when I tested the MSI on my SoftGrid 4.5 beta client (which is a later version), the installation failed and told me that I didn't have a compatible SoftGrid client. This will hopefully be fixed in later versions of the beta.
The MSI Utility uses a CustomAction dll (SGDeploy.dll) to talk to the SoftGrid client, while the MSI from the 4.5 Sequencer fires the commands directly through SFTMIME. The three functions responsible for interaction are RemoveSGApps, DeploySGApps and UpgradeSGApps.
Still, when I removed the LaunchConditions from the MSI (and the installation begins to run) it still reported an error. Apparently, the 4.5 Client is not suitable for the commands that the SGDeploy.dll (yet?)
Sadly the latest version of the SoftGrid client I had was 4.2.0.310 so I was unable to succesfully deploy an MSI. Eventough this time he recognized that SoftGrid was on the machine, it stated that the version was not correct. Again, removing the LaunchConditions didn't help.
This means that I will just wait until I have the correct version of the SoftGrid client to see the whole thing work.
Despite my disappointment after the long wait, it looks promising.
To Be Continued ...
Anyway, I've been waiting for this tool for some time and I'm curious if it meets up with my expectations. I know the SMS 2003 connector with its shortcomings and I'm hoping for a simple way to use SoftGrid applications in a SMS2003 / SCCM environment.
On the download site I noticed that the tool supported only SoftGrid versions 4.2.1.21 (or later) and 4.1.2.21 (or later). Personally I don't know these versions and was convinced that 4.1.1.310 (4.1 SP1) and 4.2.0.310 were the latest ones.
Still...let's have a look.
The download (MSI_Utility_1.0.0.16.exe) consists of an MSI Admin Utility Guide, MSI_Utility_Release_Notes and the actual setup. The setup still installs to [c:\program files\softricity\MSI Utility] by default. You would expect that "Microsoft" would have been used as part of the path (as in the 4.5 beta client).
After installation, the tool offers a GUI and a command line version (both are included in the installation directory). Both tools are easy to use and can be used with an individual project (. Sprj) by using [MsiUtility / s
The GUI version looks like this
The checkbox "Recursively package all virtual applications in the folder" is ideal to get multiple SoftGrid applications migrated to MSI at once. Just point to the root of your Content share (or any other directory) and start converting.
The downside to this mass conversion is that the MSI Utility doens't change the SFT and it's version. If you want to (re)distribute already enrolled SoftGrid packages through MSI you might get in trouble on clients that have the same package version in cache.
Anyway in the installation directory remains a file named Template.MSI which is used by the tool for generating the MSI(s). Any amendments made herein are therefore generated in all MSI's. Very useful if you, for example, want to use project or company info to be included in Add / Remove Programs.
So what is generated? The utility generates an MSI file and a xml file (manifest) similar to what can be found natively build-in the SoftGrid 4.5 sequencer.
The OSD files, icons and xml file are included in the MSI (respectively in the PackageComponent and IconComponent), but also remains in the source directory (useless??)
The MSI uses LaunchConditions to determine whether SoftGrid client version 4.2.1.21 (or later) and version 4.1.2.21 (or later) is installed. However when I tested the MSI on my SoftGrid 4.5 beta client (which is a later version), the installation failed and told me that I didn't have a compatible SoftGrid client. This will hopefully be fixed in later versions of the beta.
The MSI Utility uses a CustomAction dll (SGDeploy.dll) to talk to the SoftGrid client, while the MSI from the 4.5 Sequencer fires the commands directly through SFTMIME. The three functions responsible for interaction are RemoveSGApps, DeploySGApps and UpgradeSGApps.
Still, when I removed the LaunchConditions from the MSI (and the installation begins to run) it still reported an error. Apparently, the 4.5 Client is not suitable for the commands that the SGDeploy.dll (yet?)
Sadly the latest version of the SoftGrid client I had was 4.2.0.310 so I was unable to succesfully deploy an MSI. Eventough this time he recognized that SoftGrid was on the machine, it stated that the version was not correct. Again, removing the LaunchConditions didn't help.
This means that I will just wait until I have the correct version of the SoftGrid client to see the whole thing work.
Despite my disappointment after the long wait, it looks promising.
To Be Continued ...
Microsoft released the MSI Utility for Application Virtualization
Yesterday Microsoft released the MSI Utility for Microsoft Application Virtualization is a new tool designed to extend virtual application deployment in certain key scenarios. In cases where a computer running Microsoft System Center Virtual Application Server is not available, the MSI Utility allows delivery of sequenced applications directly to Microsoft SoftGrid Application Virtualization for Desktops and Microsoft SoftGrid Application Virtualization for Terminal Services.
The MSI Utility enables the distribution of virtual applications without streaming. Instead, it uses Windows Installer to load and configure virtual applications. By leveraging this standard format, the MSI Utility achieves Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003 and Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 platform version-agnostic distribution of virtual applications if supported by organizational Electronic Software Distribution (ESD) systems. As such, the MSI Utility is a stepping stone to the richer deployment options available in Microsoft System Center Virtual Application Server 4.5.
The MSI Utility extends application deployment methods to a broad range of ESD systems, including Systems Management Server 2003 and System Center Configuration Manager, as well as other methods such as network shares, removable disks, and memory keys. By using an ESD system to deploy virtualized application packages to disconnected SoftGrid Application Virtualization Desktop Clients, users can run virtualized applications without connecting to a computer running Microsoft System Center Virtual Application Server.
Supported Operating Systems: Windows Server 2003; Windows Vista Business; Windows Vista Enterprise; Windows Vista Ultimate; Windows XP
Supported SoftGrid versions:
SoftGrid Application Virtualization for Desktops, version 4.2.1.21 or later
SoftGrid Application Virtualization for Desktops, version 4.1.2.21 or later
SoftGrid Application Virtualization for Terminal Services, version 4.1.2.21 or later
Downloads here
The MSI Utility enables the distribution of virtual applications without streaming. Instead, it uses Windows Installer to load and configure virtual applications. By leveraging this standard format, the MSI Utility achieves Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003 and Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 platform version-agnostic distribution of virtual applications if supported by organizational Electronic Software Distribution (ESD) systems. As such, the MSI Utility is a stepping stone to the richer deployment options available in Microsoft System Center Virtual Application Server 4.5.
The MSI Utility extends application deployment methods to a broad range of ESD systems, including Systems Management Server 2003 and System Center Configuration Manager, as well as other methods such as network shares, removable disks, and memory keys. By using an ESD system to deploy virtualized application packages to disconnected SoftGrid Application Virtualization Desktop Clients, users can run virtualized applications without connecting to a computer running Microsoft System Center Virtual Application Server.
Supported Operating Systems: Windows Server 2003; Windows Vista Business; Windows Vista Enterprise; Windows Vista Ultimate; Windows XP
Supported SoftGrid versions:
SoftGrid Application Virtualization for Desktops, version 4.2.1.21 or later
SoftGrid Application Virtualization for Desktops, version 4.1.2.21 or later
SoftGrid Application Virtualization for Terminal Services, version 4.1.2.21 or later
Downloads here
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Adminstudio for free
I just recently found out that there is a free AdminStudio Edition to download for SCCM 2007 customers.
According to this link AdminStudio Configuration Manager Edition provides Configuration Manager 2007 customers with an easy way to prepare reliable, customized Windows Installer packages for distribution via Configuration Manager. and is the result of collaboration between Macrovision and the Microsoft System Center team. AdminStudio Configuration Manager Edition provides IT professionals with the ability to quickly convert legacy applications to the industry-standard Windows Installer (MSI) format, customize those MSI packages to meet corporate standards, and release them to Configuration Manager for successful distribution.
What You Can Do with AdminStudio Configuration Manager Edition?
AdminStudio Configuration Manager Edition is a custom-featured version of AdminStudio Enterprise Edition, Macrovision’s most advanced software packaging solution. AdminStudio Configuration Manager Edition enables IT departments to convert applications with legacy setups to Windows Installer. It also enables them to create transforms to customize MSI packages to meet company and department-specific standards. Plus, AdminStudio Configuration Manager Edition has a wizard and Web-based console that converts MSIs to Configuration Manager deploy-ready packages and simplifies package distribution via Configuration Manager.
More information at source
Download AdminStudio Configuration Manager Edition here
According to this link AdminStudio Configuration Manager Edition provides Configuration Manager 2007 customers with an easy way to prepare reliable, customized Windows Installer packages for distribution via Configuration Manager. and is the result of collaboration between Macrovision and the Microsoft System Center team. AdminStudio Configuration Manager Edition provides IT professionals with the ability to quickly convert legacy applications to the industry-standard Windows Installer (MSI) format, customize those MSI packages to meet corporate standards, and release them to Configuration Manager for successful distribution.
What You Can Do with AdminStudio Configuration Manager Edition?
AdminStudio Configuration Manager Edition is a custom-featured version of AdminStudio Enterprise Edition, Macrovision’s most advanced software packaging solution. AdminStudio Configuration Manager Edition enables IT departments to convert applications with legacy setups to Windows Installer. It also enables them to create transforms to customize MSI packages to meet company and department-specific standards. Plus, AdminStudio Configuration Manager Edition has a wizard and Web-based console that converts MSIs to Configuration Manager deploy-ready packages and simplifies package distribution via Configuration Manager.
More information at source
Download AdminStudio Configuration Manager Edition here
Monday, December 17, 2007
Application Virtualization Tools Comparison
This article by Mario Morejon compares several Application Virtualization and Delivery solutions that are currently available in the market. It covers Thinstall Application Virtualization/LANDesk Application Virtualization, AppStream/Symantec Altiris Software Virtualization Solution Professional and Citrix Presentation Server.
He says that "solution providers should look at SaaS-based application streaming as a business model rather than a software specification because the technology is valuable to businesses that might be interested in changing the old way of purchasing and maintaining applications. Solution providers can present a good business case by making applications available through the Web. They can certainly market this SaaS model by showing the strengths of virtualization or streaming applications without having to go through the Web."
Microsoft Application Virtualization (SoftGrid) is not compared in this article because it requires an agent and he sees it primarily as a sandboxing solution which is better suited for large enterprise environments. With the upcoming AppVirt 4.5 and the supported Internet facing scenario's who knows this vision might change.
He says that "solution providers should look at SaaS-based application streaming as a business model rather than a software specification because the technology is valuable to businesses that might be interested in changing the old way of purchasing and maintaining applications. Solution providers can present a good business case by making applications available through the Web. They can certainly market this SaaS model by showing the strengths of virtualization or streaming applications without having to go through the Web."
Microsoft Application Virtualization (SoftGrid) is not compared in this article because it requires an agent and he sees it primarily as a sandboxing solution which is better suited for large enterprise environments. With the upcoming AppVirt 4.5 and the supported Internet facing scenario's who knows this vision might change.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
SoftGrid SFT Explorer 1.1 released
There is a new version of the very cool tool SFTexplorer released, version 1.1.
According to Kalle Saunamäki (the creator of the tool)" SFT Explorer will show all that's inside your SFT package. Files, folders, virtual registry, virtual services ... all! And you can optionally export selected content out of the package, to examine files more closely or to migrate virtual registry settings to another package by importing exported reg-file."
The new release now supports viewing the file and folder ACL's inside the SFT package. This feature was added to version 4.5 of Microsoft Application Virtualization which is still in beta and available through Microsoft Connect.
According to Kalle Saunamäki (the creator of the tool)" SFT Explorer will show all that's inside your SFT package. Files, folders, virtual registry, virtual services ... all! And you can optionally export selected content out of the package, to examine files more closely or to migrate virtual registry settings to another package by importing exported reg-file."
The new release now supports viewing the file and folder ACL's inside the SFT package. This feature was added to version 4.5 of Microsoft Application Virtualization which is still in beta and available through Microsoft Connect.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
VMWare Infrastructure 3.0 released
Today VMWare announced their newest version of VMWare Infrastructure 3.0 which includes VMware ESX Server 3.5 and VirtualCenter 2.5.
VMware ESX Server 3.5 and VirtualCenter 2.5 provides the following new features:
- Virtualization platform enhancements help deliver significant performance gains for the most memory and I/O intensive workloads, including large memory pages for both ESX Server as well as guest operating systems improve memory processing for memory intensive workloads such as databases, support for TCP Segmentation Offload and jumbo frames reduces the CPU overhead associated with processing network i/o, and benefits workloads such as Citrix and Windows Terminal Services.
- Support for paravirtualized Linux improves the performance of Linux workloads
VMware Storage VMotion enables live migration of virtual machine disks from one data storage system to another with little to no disruption or downtime. Administrators can dynamically balance storage workloads and address performance bottlenecks by migrating virtual machine disks to the best available storage resource, minimizing service disruptions. - VMware Update Manager automates patch and update management for VMware ESX Server hosts and virtual machines by tracking certain patch levels and manually applying the latest security/bug fixes. Patching of offline virtual machines enforces higher levels of patch standards compliance than physical environments. Integration with VMware Distributed Resource Scheduler (DRS) enables zero-downtime VMware ESX Server host patching capabilities.
- VMware Guided Consolidation, a feature of VMware VirtualCenter enables smaller companies to easily and quickly get started with server consolidation in a step-by-step tutorial fashion. A wizard discovers physical servers, identifies consolidation candidates, converts them to virtual machines, and intelligently places them onto the optimal VMware ESX Server or VMware Server hosts.
- VMware Distributed Power Management is an experimental feature that reduces power consumption in the data center through intelligent workload balancing. Working in conjunction with VMware DRS, Distributed Power Management is designed to automatically power off servers not currently needed in order to meet service levels, and automatically power on servers as demand for compute resources increases.
More features can be found here.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Topics
I will start blogging about subjects that interest me like Group Policy Objects (GPO), System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), System Management Server (SMS), Microsoft Application Virtualization (SoftGrid), Windows Installer (MSI) and desktop management products in general.
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