================================================================
<<<<<<<<<< INDEX >>>>>>>>>>
================================================================
1. Welcome and News
2. Windows NT 4.0 Tour '96 Meeting Recap
3. March '96 Meetings
ASUG : Mar. 13: NexGen - Mike Bruzzone
SQL : Mar. 18: SQL Power Tools - Andrew Coupe
VC++ : Mar. 21: Internationalization - Rex Jaeschke
SNA : Mar. 26: Integrating SNA w/NT, BackOffice, & the Internet
SNA : Mar. 28: Data Access in the Enterprise
4. Windows NT Certification Study Groups
5. Expansion of ASUG Board of Directors
6. New Special Interest Groups Starting-up
7. ASUG Home Page
8. NT-USERS Discussion Group List Server (NT Users)
9. MIDVU Discussion Group List Server (Visual C++ users)
10. ASUG Job Bank
11. What's New ???
12. Product Offers
13. Tech Tips
14. Other Events of Interest
Professional Developers Conference
Tech-Ed '96
15. Useful information
Directions to ASUG Meetings
How to Start a Windows NT User Group
================================================================
<<<<<<< 1. WELCOME AND NEWS >>>>>>>
================================================================
WELCOME! These are exciting new times for our user group. The ASUG
has seen a huge jump in membership in January (127 new members),
February (189 new members), and from the Windows NT 4.0 Tour '96
(875 new members). If you are among those 1,000+ new members we would
like to take this opportunity to welcome you to our 3,500+ member group.
Our primary means of communication are this electronic newsletter
and the ASUG Web Site [http://cpcug.org/user/ckelly/new_asug.html].
We only send this one piece of email a month--we won't clog your
inbox! We also urge you to rely on the Web Site for information and
updates during the month.
During the next couple of months we will be putting together a brand
new Web Site. As the saying goes, "We plan on eating our own dog food."
Work on the Windows NT/IIS/SQL Server membership database is already
well underway. We are eagerly anticipating the fun in putting this
all together. Our plans are to use the new Web Site as a hands-on test
base for the latest new technologies and automating all of the
administrative functions of the group. Registering the ASUG.ORG domain
is also in our plans. We will keep you updated as progress continues.
Brian Moran, who works for DataFocus, is heading up this effort. You
probably recognize Brian's name as the President and co-founder of the
ASUG SQL Server group.
DataFocus, Inc. of Fairfax, VA [http://www.datafocus.com/] has agreed
to sponsor the new site for ASUG. DataFocus is based in Fairfax, VA
and is a subsidiary of KTI, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTIE). Pat Higbie, Chairman
and CEO, and Tom Bosanko, President and COO are aggressively leading
DataFocus into new technological frontiers.
DataFocus specializes in emerging technologies and helping customers
build and integrate solutions with these technologies. The company
develops, markets and integrates both applications and systems
software, and has extensive experience in the Microsoft Windows and
Windows NT environments. DataFocus believes that Microsoft Windows NT
will become the standard architecture for distributed enterprise
computing. DataFocus' core businesses are geared towards building
a niche in this emerging marketplace, and include client/server
application development, enterprise messaging and software
integration, and products and services for migrating to Windows 95
and Windows NT environments.
The company's two major functional areas include:
NuTCRACKER Products and Services -- NuTCRACKER is a family of
products for porting UNIX software to Win32. In addition to product
development, support, sales, and marketing, DataFocus offers
migration services to assist its customers in porting from UNIX
to Windows NT.
Business Solutions Development -- DataFocus also specializes in
building and integrating cost-effective solutions employing
technologies for primarily commercial customers. It offers these
services to major customers at both a departmental and enterprise
level. These services include enterprise-wide implementations of
MS Mail and MS Office, Microsoft BackOffice and development of
Windows-based information systems.
================================================================
<<<<<<< SPECIAL NOTICE >>>>>>>
================================================================
EXPLORE THE MARKETING AND PR BENEFITS OF ASUG FOR YOUR COMPANY
The ASUG is actively soliciting companies with an active interest in
Windows NT related products and services to partner with on various
projects and events. At this time we are seeking partners to sponsor
new NT, BackOffice, or Development related special interest groups,
to provide meeting facilities, to sponsor training seminars, and any
other such activities, projects or events that may be proposed. Think
about, be creative, and then talk to us about it...
If you represent such a company and would like to explore the
possibilities available, contact Charles Kelly, ASUG Executive
Director at ckelly@msn.com.
================================================================
<<<<<<< 2. WINDOWS NT 4.0 TOUR '96 RECAP >>>>>>>
================================================================
[Feb. 22, 1996, Washington. DC]
1,400+ NT Fanatics Preview Windows NT 4.0
Our Feb. 22 meeting attracted over 1,400 die-hard Windows NT fanatics
to the Renaissance Hotel for the first local preview of Windows NT 4.0.
Those who attended were treated to a really great demo of Version
4.0's exciting new features by Jose Ward, Architectural Engineer,
Microsoft Corporation. The demo included a live multiple-RAS
connection (via a single modem) to both Microsoft and the Internet.
The interest level was very high and a spirited Q&A session featured
many questions on Hardware Compatibility, Device Driver Support, CAPI,
and Plug and Play.
Everyone we've talked to was very impressed with the product, with
the size & excitement of the crowd, and with the scope and diversity
of the user group.
There was a drawing for 3 copies of Windows NT 3.51 Server, 3 Windows
NT Resource Kits, 10 snazzy T-shirts with Windows NT Workstation
embroidered on them, and golf tees, golf balls, & golf hats & 2
one-year subscriptions to Windows NT Magazine.
All who attended received a Windows NT Magazine, a concert-style
T-shirt, and a coupon for a free beta copy of NT 4.0 that will be
mailed to them.
Windows NT 4.0 Tour '96 is sponsored by Microsoft, Compaq, and Windows
NT Magazine. For a list of all tour sites, dates, & contact info, see
[http://www.winntmag.com].
================================================================
<<<<<<< 3. MARCH '96 MEETINGS >>>>>>>
================================================================
MARCH GENERAL MEETING
Topic: "Secrets of Computer Chip Design"
Speaker: NexGen Corporation
Wednesday, March 13, 1996 7-9 PM
Microsoft, 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Ste 600, Washington, DC 20850
The hottest new computer chip on the market. Come find out about the
underlying technology that threatens to break Intel's monopoly on the
IBM-compatible platform. NexGen will be raffling off a hot new 586
chip and motherboard at the meeting.
NexGen will also be donating a complete server system to ASUG for use
in the ASUG Web Site. We will give complete details in the April
newsletter.
----------------------------------------------------------------
MARCH SQL SERVER MEETING
Topic: "SQL Power Tools"
Speaker: The Development Group for Advanced Technology
Monday, March 18, 1995 7-9 PM (Third Monday!)
Microsoft, 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Ste 600, Washington, DC 20850
The Development Group for Advanced Technology will present SQL Power
Tools, a suite of high end database tuning products that provides
global impact, complexity, reusability, and performance analysis of
all dynamic SQL, database transactions, stored procedures and triggers.
The meeting will focus on ways to use these tools to improve your
productivity when tuning large SQL Server databases. Additional
information about SQL Power Tools can be found at their web site
[http://www.nis.net/sqlpower].
----------------------------------------------------------------
MARCH VISUAL C++ MEETING
Topic: "Internationalization"
Speaker: Rex Jaeschke
Thursday, March 21, 1996 7-9 PM
Microsoft, 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Ste 600, Washington, DC 20850
In recent years there has been an increasing interest in and demand
for serious and standardized support for culture-independent data
processing. This is happening within countries having multiple
languages and cultures. And as national economies become linked there
is a steadily increasing demand for software export.
----------------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 26 SNA MEETING
Topic: "Extend SNA by Integrating with NT, BackOffice, & Internet!"
When: Tuesday, March 26, 1996 8:30am to 12 noon
Where: Microsoft Washington DC Federal Office, Ste 600/Washington Conf. Rm.
RSVP Required: msfed@microsoft.com or call 202-895-2039
Announcing the First Federal SNA Server Focus Group!
If you already have SNA Server and would like to hear how other
organizations are benefiting from SNA Server�s advanced features, we
would like you to join us. Our product manager from Microsoft
Headquarters will be here to lead an open forum to discuss your views
on this technology and to share Microsoft�s plans for future releases.
At this session you will also learn how your organization can leverage
the extensive integration between SNA Server and the rest of the
BackOffice family of applications. You will also see how you can
easily integrate SNA data with Windows and the Internet!
All attendees will receive a CD of SNA Server 2.11 SP1, a voucher for
a 45% discount on training, and a copy of one of our new MS Home
titles. Seating will be limited, so reserve your seat today!
----------------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 28 SNA MEETING
Topic: "Data Access in the Enterprise"
When: Thursday, March 28, 1996 8:30am to 12 noon
Where: Loews L�Enfant Plaza Hotel / Degas Room
480 L�Enfant Plaza, SW (10th & Independence)
L�Enfant Plaza Metro stop - Yellow, Blue, Orange, & Green lines
RSVP Required: msfed@microsoft.com or call 202-895-2179
If the data that your organization needs to make critical business
decisions is stored in heterogeneous data sources, such as DB2, VSAM,
or distributed databases like Microsoft SQL Server, we would like you
to join us. Microsoft will present how you can efficiently and
effectively access, migrate, or replicate data between traditional
mainframe systems and distributed environments.
See how you can easily implement enterprise connectivity solutions
that provide fast, reliable, and secure access to your critical
business information. We will also demonstrate how easily you can
integrate SNA data with Windows and the Internet!
Please join us for an informative session! All attendees will receive
a voucher for a 45% discount on Microsoft training and will be entered
in a raffle to win one of our new MS Home titles.
================================================================
<<<<< 4. NT CERTIFICATION STUDY GROUPS >>>>>
================================================================
Howard University's Windows NT Study Group
MARCH/APRIL MEETINGS
Days: Saturdays
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 noon
Location: 1100 Wayne Avenue, Silver Spring, MD
Dates: March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; April 6, 13
Main Topic: Preparation for NT 3.51 Server Certification Exam
Text: Microsoft's "Study Guide for Windows NT Server 3.5"
Methods: Participants will prepare for the exam in meetings on the
first six Saturdays in this session via presentations, discussions, and
hands-on demonstrations. On April 6th, everyone will take the practice
exam. No session will be held on April 20th. Hopefully, all participants
will pass the exam before start of the next session.
Next Topic: Windows 95 (Starts Saturday 27 April)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Exams: During the last three months, members of this group passed
nine certification exams.
MCSE: On February 19, Mark Wheatley became the first member of
the group to pass all six exams!
Web Site: [http://www.con-ed.howard.edu/WebPages/dll/NTStudy]
Contact: Roy L. Beasley, 301-585-2295, [royb@access.howard.edu]
================================================================
<<<<<<< 5. EXPANSION OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS >>>>>>>
================================================================
Due to the large increase in our membership, it has been agreed that
we need to expand our Board of Directors. The existing Directors and
the newly created positions (indicated by Vacant) are listed below.
Contact information for all directors is available on the ASUG Web
Site.
We are seeking Expressions of Interest from any member who would like
to serve on the ASUG Board. General requirements include membership in
ASUG, a commitment to the interests of the group, sufficient available
time to fulfill the duties of the position, and dedication to the task.
Each Board Member will have defined duties and responsibilities. All
Board positions are of equal stature and voting power.
The Board is scheduled to meet quarterly. The majority of Board business
at other times is expected to be accomplished via electronic means.
ASUG BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ADMINISTRATIVE SEATS (10)
Executive Director: Charles Kelly
Assistant Executive Director: Vacant
Director of Programs: William Kelleher
Assistant Director of Programs: Vacant
Director of Certification: Roy Beasley
Assistant Director of Certification: Vacant
Director of Internet Services: Vacant
Assistant Director of Internet Services: Vacant
Director of Electronic News: Vacant
Assistant Director of Electronic News: Vacant
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP SEATS (Equal to # of SIGs)
SQL Server SIG Director: Brian Moran
Visual C++ SIG Director: Ronan Sorensen
Visual Basic SIG Director: Marty Schumann
AT-LARGE SEATS (5)
At-Large Director: Vacant
At-Large Director: Vacant
At-Large Director: Vacant
At-Large Director: Vacant
At-Large Director: Vacant
If you are interested in serving, please copy & paste the Expression
of Interest form below into your email package, fill it out, and email
to ckelly@msn.com. Deadline for Expressions of interest is March 31,
1996. Current Board Members will select candidates by a majority vote.
Selected candidates will be contacted to confirm their interest in
serving. We expect to post the results in the April Newsletter.
<...copy from here>
----------------------------------------------------------------
ADVANCED SYSTEMS USER GROUP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Name:
E-mail:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Day Phone:
Eve Phone:
First Choice of positions:
Second Choice of positions:
Tell us why you would be a good choice for the position:
(Be concise and include any relevent experience or special skills)
----------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================
<<<<<<< 6. NEW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS >>>>>>>
================================================================
Visual Basic SIG
We are planning on starting a Visual Basic SIG. This SIG will be for
experienced Visual Basic developers and will focus on VB, Internet, and
Database Integration. We will be posting more info on this SIG in the
April Newsletter. If you might be interested in this SIG, please see
the ASUG Web Site after March 15, 1996, for contact info.
Federal SMS User Group
A group is forming focused on Systems Management Server. Initial plans
are for the group to meet quarterly. For more info, send email to:
[sbounds@microsoft.com] Please mention ASUG in the email.
Exchange User Group
A group is forming focused on Exchange Server topics. Initial plans
are for monthly meetings. For more info, send email to:
[frankvr@microsoft.com] Please mention ASUG in the email.
NEIGHBORING AREA NT/BACKOFFICE GROUPS
Baltimore NT User Group
Gary Mauler has indicated that he has interest in resurrecting the NT
User Group in the Baltimore area. For more info, send email to:
[mauler@decus.org] Mention ASUG in the email.
Richmond BackOffice User Group (RichBUG)
A very active group in the Richmond, VA area. For more info, send email to:
[listorj@mailhost.infi.net] Mention ASUG in the email.
================================================================
<<<<<<<<<< 7. ASUG WEB SITE >>>>>>>>>>
================================================================
# ASUG WEB SITE [http://cpcug.org/user/ckelly/new_asug.html]
Make this your daily source of information about ASUG and Windows NT.
Improvements are underway to greatly enhance the site. Your suggestions
and comments are most welcome. Send yours to any of the contacts listed
at the bottom of the web page.
# Newsletter [http://cpcug.org/user/ckelly/new_asug.html]
The HTML version of this electronic newsletter. Generally posted within
5 days of this version. Contains live links to all the sites and email
addresses listed in the email version.
================================================================
<<<<<<<<<< 8. NT-USERS LIST SERVER >>>>>>>>>>
================================================================
This discussion group focuses on any Windows NT related topics.
# JOIN: Send email to listserv@www.sice.oas.org. No subject required.
Enter 'join nt-users' as the only entry in the message area.
# SEND EMAIL: Send email to 'nt-users@www.sice.oas.org'
# LEAVE: Send email to 'listserv@www.sice.oas.org'. No subject required.
Enter 'leave nt-users' as the only entry in the message area.
# INFORMATION: Send email to Jim Kay [jim_kay@www.sice.oas.org]
================================================================
<<<<<<<<<< 9. MIDVU LIST SERVER >>>>>>>>>>
================================================================
This discussion group focuses on any Visual C++ related topics. Name
is short for Mid-Atlantic Visual C++ User Group.
# JOIN: Send email to listserv@www.sice.oas.org. No subject required.
Enter 'join midvu' as the only entry in the message area.
# SEND EMAIL: Send email to 'midvu@www.sice.oas.org'
# LEAVE: Send email to 'listserv@www.sice.oas.org'. No subject required.
Enter 'leave midvu' as the only entry in the message area.
# INFORMATION: Send email to Jim Kay [jim_kay@www.sice.oas.org]
================================================================
<<<<<<<<<< 10. JOB BANK >>>>>>>>>>
================================================================
TECHNICAL CAREER OPPORTUNITIES WITH DATAFOCUS, INC.
General Information [http://www.datafocus.com/wc_intro.htm]
Current Job Listings [http://www.datafocus.com/wc_curnt.htm]
----------------------------------------------------------------
SAP IMPLEMENTATION -- CHARLOTTE, ATLANTA, OR PHILADELPHIA
Our technical recruiting firm is seeking professionals experienced with
SAP implementation for direct placement with a Big 6 firm in Charlotte,
Atlanta, or Philadelphia. SAP experience required. 2-10 years consulting
experience. M.B.A. desired, 4 year degree required. Extensive travel.
UNIX and other computer experience highly valued. Experience moving from
mainframe to client-server a plus. Being articulate, a team worker, and
having the ability to think large-scale, globally, is also of benefit.
Positions involve consulting to large global corporate clients. Top
benefits and perks. Salary Range: $80K-$150K+
FAX resume to Metropolitan Technologies, Inc.,
attn: Carol Hartwell, 317-289-1460 or 800-711-6976
E-mail: MetroTech2@Iquest.net.
----------------------------------------------------------------
SENIOR NETWORK ENGINEER -- ARLINGTON, VA
ADVANCE, Inc., a leading computer services firm in Arlington, VA, is
seeking candidates for a Senior Network Engineer position. The position
involves designing, developing, and administering LAN sytems, working
on one of our government defense contracts.
Candidates should have 6+ years of network management/administration
experience which includes Windows NT systems. In addition, candidates
should have experience with some combination of the following:
Novell, LanManager, 3Com, Vines, XNS, UNIX, DOS, Windows, VMS, and
Macintosh. Broad based experience with DOS, Windows, and Macintosh
applications is required. In addition, candidates should have
experience implementing and administering e-mail systems such as
cc:mail and MS Mail.
A B.S. degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a
related field is required. U.S. citizenship is also required.
To apply, fax a copy of your resume to ADVANCE, Inc., Attn: BW/HR/UG
at (703)358-9199 or mail to ADVANCE, Inc., Attn: BW/HR/UG, 2200 Wilson
Blvd., Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22201. E-mail: rwise@advco.com EOE.
----------------------------------------------------------------
NT SERVER DESIGN AND SUPPORT
KPD Systems is a recruiting and consulting firm that has a strong
focus on the network engineering marketplace nationally, specifically in
NT Server design and support. Many of the largest NT users are presently
clients of our company. If there are members of your user group that
can use our services and may be looking for a permanent position or
contract, I would appreciate you passing along this information.
Howard Sanders, President, KPD Systems, Inc, 48 South Service Road-Suite 100,
Melville, NY 11747 Phone: 800-562-7335 Fax: 516-249-8779
----------------------------------------------------------------
DATABASE SPECIALIST -- SILVER SPRING, MD
The Association for Information and Image Management is a trade association
based in Silver Spring, Maryland representing the document imaging and
information management industries.
We are looking for a database specialist to manage and maintain a variety of
software and systems. The software includes association management, library
management, financial/accounting and MS SQL Server. Systems include Windows
NT, Windows 3.1+ and Novell Netware. This position will provide general
user support, systems administration and basic hardware and software
troubleshooting and reports to the Manager, Information Systems.
Qualifications should include: an undergraduate degree in a computer
related major or equivalent work experience, 2 years of experience with MS
SQL Server, database management and working in a PC LAN environment.
Applicants should be proficient in the use and management of DOS, Windows,
Windows NT and MS Office applications. Proficiency with OMNIS7 database
language would be a plus. Must have excellent interpersonal and
organizational skills with solid written and verbal communication skills.
Interested parties should contact: Lynn Grone, Manager, Human Resources,
Association for Information and Image Management, 1100 Wayne Avenue, Suite
1100, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Fax: 301-587-5129 E-mail: lgrone@aiim.org
----------------------------------------------------------------
Other Job Bank listings may be found on the ASUG Web Site:
[http://cpcug.org/user/ckelly/new_asug.html]
================================================================
<<<<<<<<<< 11. WHAT'S NEW ??? >>>>>>>>>>
================================================================
MICROSOFT SHIPS INTERNET INFORMATION SERVER FREE
The Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS), Microsoft's entry into the
web server market, is now available free over the Internet.
The Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS), the first web server
integrated with Windows NT Server operating system, performs more than
four times faster than Netscape's Netsite server for Windows NT. It
allows customers to deploy web sites on the Internet and within
corporate networks (Intranets). Its integration with the Microsoft
BackOffice family of products also helps enable development of a new
generation of web applications and can make thousands of existing
database and messaging applications "web-enabled" today.
IIS is available online [http://www.microsoft.com/infoserv] and will
ship as a standard component of Windows NT Server Network Value Pack.
To get the NT 3.51 Service Pack #3 needed to run IIS see the MS Free
Software Library [http://www.microsoft.com/kb/softlib/]
----------------------------------------------------------------
KANE SECURITY ANALYST
Intrusion Detection announced a new Windows NT security assessment
product, the Kane Security Analyst (KSA). Basically, KSA will do a
complete security review of any Windows NT domain, server or workstation.
You are encouraged to check out their web page [http://www.intrusion.com]
for more information about Intrusion Detection and the Kane Security Analyst.
Contact: Daniel Dorr, Intrusion Detection
Phone: 212-348-8900 E-mail: 75162.452@compuserve.com
----------------------------------------------------------------
KERMIT 95, VERSION 1.1.3
Version 1.1.3 of Kermit 95, communications software for Windows 95 and
NT Serial (direct and modem), TCP/IP (Telnet and Rlogin), and DECnet
LATconnections -- is now available. Find ordering and licensing info
at:[http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/k95.html].
Current registered users of Kermit 95 can upgrade to version 1.1.3 at
noadditional cost by downloading the 1.1.3 upgrade patch from the ftp
site [ftp://kermit.columbia.edu/kermit/k95/patches/], or Web site
[http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/k95patch.html].
================================================================
<<<<<<<<<< 12. PRODUCT OFFERS >>>>>>>>>>
================================================================
SPECIAL LIMITED TIME OFFERS ON WEBSERVERS BY PROCESS SOFTWARE:
See our Web page for details on why Purveyor was Editor's Choice in
NetworkComputing's WebServer Review [http://www.process.com].
1. Purveyor Encrypt $1095 after 3/10/96
2. Purveyor Encrypt pre-release $895 before 3/10/96
3. Purveyor Encrypt upgd $695 after 3/10/96
4. Purveyor Encrypt upgd pre-release $399 before 3/10/96
5. Developers Two-Pack $749
6. Purveyor NT $495
7. Purveyor Win 95 $295
8. Purveyor Netware $795 after 3/10/96
9. Purveyor Netware pre-release $595 before 3/10/96
NT Usergroup members get 50% off of special price before 3/10
and 50% off list after 3/10/96. This entire offer expires 3/31/96
In order to take advantage of these specials with Process Software
pleaseidentify yourself as a NT Advanced Systems User Group member.
ALL ORDERS CAN BE CALLED IN AT 800-722-7770
----------------------------------------------------------------
ASUG SAVES 30%-45% ON BOOKS FROM MACMILLAN COMPUTER PUBLISHING
Macmillan Computer Publishing is the world's leading publisher of
computer books. Macmillan owns many book companies including: Que,
SAMS Publishing, New Riders, SAMS.net, Hayden Books, ZD Press, and
Brady Games. With over 1,200 books to choose from, Macmillan has the
books you are looking for.
Macmillan has assigned a special account representative to work with
ASUG members. To request a catalog of all Macmillan Computer Publishing
books, or to order a book at the special ASUG discount, contact:
Scott Hall, [shall@mcp.com] or 1-800-662-3058, ext. 4284.
Please be sure to identify yourself as an ASUG member to qualify for
the discount.
Be sure to check the Macmillan web site [http://www.mcp.com]
----------------------------------------------------------------
WINDOWS NT TRAINING VIDEO SERIES
ASUG is currently evaluating a series of software training videos on
Windows NT Server and Windows NT Workstation. The NT series consists
of 11 VHS video tapes produced by LearnKey, Inc. of Saint George, UT.
In addition to Windows NT the company produces a full of training videos
including series on Windows NT, Visual Basic 4, Windows 95, Access 7,
Excel 7, MS Word 7, PowerPoint 7, Internet, NetWare 4.1, and WordPerfect 6.1
The company's tapes are offered to ASUG members for a 20% discount. Be
sure to mention the ASUG for the discount. If you'd like to find out
more about LearnKey see their web site [http://www.learnkey.com]. You may
also contact Director of Marketing, Reed Terry at rterry@learnkey.com
================================================================
<<<<<<<<<< 13. TECH TIPS >>>>>>>>>>
================================================================
*** If you have a Tech Tip to share, email to ckelly@msn.com. ***
BATCH FILE TIPS
----------------------------------------------------------------
WRITE A BATCH FILE THAT DETECTS OPERATING SYSTEM
In certain cases, it might be desirable to disable Windows NT's
interpretation of environment variables listed in the AUTOEXEC.BAT
file. To do this, add the following statement in front of any listed
environment variables you want Windows NT to ignore:
IF NOT "%OS%"="WINDOWS_NT"
For example:
IF NOT "%OS%"="WINDOWS_NT" SET TEMP=C:\WINDOWS\TEMP
---------------------------------------------------------------
WRITE A BATCH FILE THAT WORKS WITH MIXED CLIENTS
Because Windows NT uses UNC conventions and WFW or Windows 3.X does not,
care should be taken in writing batch files so that they may run
on networks with such mixed clients.
To create a logon script batch file that will call another batch file,
and will be used at Windows NT workstations as well as WFW workstations,
write the batch file so it can handle the difference between Windows NT
and other clients. The following example batch file could be used as a
logon script that calls a batch file from the NETLOGON share.
IF "%OS%" == "Windows_NT" GOTO NT_OS
CALL k:\logon.bat
EXIT
:NT_OS
CALL logon.bat
EXIT
================================================================
<<<<<<<<<< 14. OTHER EVENTS OF INTEREST >>>>>>>>>>
================================================================
MICROSOFT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPERS CONFERENCE
Building Internet Applications
The hottest conference of the year is about to take place on March
12-14th at Moscone Center, San Francisco, California! The Microsoft
Professional Developers Conference---Building Internet Applications.
This is THE event to get your hands on the tools and technical
information you need to build upon your existing investment in Windows
95, Windows NT, and BackOffice to create connected applications for the
Internet. If you or the customers you work with can benefit from this
highly technical conference, then call the number below to register now!
This year's PDC is focused on the Internet. It features highly technical
sessions delivered by developers from Microsoft's Internet product groups,
breakout sessions that get to the technological core of developing for
the Internet, and developer-staffed hands-on rooms for trying out the
cool new Internet technologies presented at the conference.
For continually updated information about the conference,
sessions, activities, exhibitors and more - check out the website at:
[http://www.microsoft.com/showcase/intpdc]
To Register:
Call 1-800-545-8240, or 1-612-550-6390 (outside North America)
Operators will be available from 6:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. PST
-or- e-mail msevent@cci.cmgt.carlson.com to get an on-line registration
form, which you will need to fill out and return. VISA, MC, or AmEx.
Conference Prices $1045
Pre-Conference Workshops $299
Evening tracks $0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
MICROSOFT TECH-ED 96 (US)
April 15-19, 1996
Los Angeles, CA
See the Tech Ed '96 web site for complete details.
[http://www.microsoft.com/showcase/show/showsite.idc?i=1&a=1]
TECH-ED 96 WORLDWIDE
FAR EAST/INDIA:
April 29-30, Taipei, Taiwan
May 2-3, Seoul, Korea
May 6-8, Bombay, India
July 29-30 Beijing, China
AUSTRALIA: May 13-16, Brisbane
EUROPE: June 11-13, Nice, France
JAPAN: August 1-2, Yokohama
The Advanced Systems User Group is proud to participate in TechEd 96.
ASUG's Charles Kelly is a Microsoft Regional Director and ASUG is the
only user group serving on TechEd's Customer Advisory Board.
Don Awalt (RDA Consultants, Ltd.) & Ronan Sorensen (MicroModeling
Associates, Inc.) of the ASUG's Visual C++ SIG will be featured
speakers in Los Angeles.
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<<<<<<<<<< 15. USEFUL INFORMATION >>>>>>>>>>
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DIRECTIONS
All ASUG meetings are held at the Washington, DC offices of Microsoft
Corporation. The street address is 5335 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 600,
Washington, DC 20015. The phone number for the Microsoft DC office is
202-364-4266.
For more detailed directions: [http://cpcug.org/user/ckelly/direct.html]
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HOW TO START A WINDOWS NT USER GROUP
Once you have downloaded "Making Connections," a .hlp file prepared by
the Microsoft Mindshare User Group Support Team, from the following URL:
[http://www.microsoft.com/mindshare/program/makingct.htm] you are ready
for the next step.
Your first step might well be to try to locate a facility to host your
meetings. This is a step that looks very easy on paper, but can be very
tricky to pull off. We will offer a couple of proven techniques. First
you should decide on your requirements. You must estimate how many will
attend the meetings (long before you have any idea). Then you must
decide what type of A/V equipment you will require. Will an LCD panel,
an overhead projector, and a screen be enough? Or will you have special
requirements? Location may also be important. Finally, how will you
fund the meeting site? Best choice for most beginning groups is to find
a "no-fee" site.
Where should you look? Our first suggestion is to check with any
computer-related companies in your local area. This may mean a local
Microsoft field office, a Solution Provider, or a training company.
Most of these types of sites have existing A/V equipment and will
generally be amenable to providing a site for little or no cost. The
next avenue to explore is public facilities. Many local school systems,
local/state/federal governments, or public utility companies (electric,
gas, water, etc) have excellent meeting facilities available at little
or no cost. Availibility of existing A/V equipment at these sites is
less likely. A third avenue to explore is your employer or the employer
of a friend or associate.
More next time...
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<<<<<<<<<< THAT'S ALL FOR MARCH !!! >>>>>>>>>>
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