Computer Performance, Windows Server 2008

Windows Server 2008 - ClickOnce

Windows Server 2008 - ClickOnce

When ever you install software on Windows Server 2008, investigate the capabilities of ClickOnce.  Incidentally, 'Click Once' also provides a intriguing case study of how systems evolve and integrate.

Firstly a confession; originally, I thought that ClickOnce was a successor to MSI installer - wrong.  ClickOnce is a web based alternative to MSI.  ClickOnce evolved from the 'no touch' concept developed in Visual Studio.  Perhaps the phrase, web based application helps, to pigeon hole ClickOnce.  I am sure when (if) you install internet packages, those Authenticode certificate messages ring a bell.  ClickOnce can deliver such applications for your network users.

MSI Installer Packages

What's new is integration between MSI and User Account Protection.  The result is that you don't have to logon as administrator to install MSI packages.  If you need administrator's rights, then Windows Server 2008 displays a dialog box to enter your password and so temporarily elevate your rights.  A new trend is for the default behaviour to only install the package for the current user, not All Users.  The ability to give everyone access is still there, but as an option not as the default.  I imaging these strategies are for peer-to-peer networks, because if I were in charge I would deploy all software via Group Policies.

Integration Summary

  • ClickOnce applications are created or published by Visual Studio 2005.
  • Authenticode certificates give users extra confidence.
  • BITS can perform trickle installations of large applications in the background.
  • User Account Protection allows you to install as an ordinary user, and just supply administrator credentials as needed.
  • Restart Manager reduces the need for a reboot.  Instead it just restarts the relevant services.

 ♦

Guy Recommends:  The Orion Network Performance Monitor (NPM) 9.5Review of Orion NPM

Orion's performance monitor is designed for detecting network outages.  This NPM will guide you through troubleshooting by indicating whether the root cause is a broken link, faulty equipment or resource overload.  Because it produces network-centric views, it is intuitive to navigate, and as result you can see easily what's working and what's not.

Perhaps Orion's best feature is the way it suggests solutions.  Moreover, if problems arise out of the blue, then you can configure Orion NPM 9.5 to notify members of your team what's changed and how to fix it.

If you are interested in testing a professional performance monitor on your network, then I recommend that you take advantage of Solarwinds' offer of a download a free trial of Orion's Network Performance Monitor.


TrainSignal - Recommended Vista Training VideosTrain Signal has now released their Windows Server 2008 Training Course.  As an MCT trainer, I am a huge advocate of Train Signal’s products. What particularly impresses is me is the demonstrations.  If you are looking for a complete DETAILED coverage of Windows Server 2008, then I highly recommend that you give this course a try.  I have reviewed their 6 hours plus of videos myself, and I guarantee that you will not be disappointed!

Watch a Windows Server 2008 Training Video Demo.


Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Topics:

• Server 2008 Home   • Overview   • What's New?   • Migration Advice   • Install   • Editions

• AD DC   • Roles   • Features   • Hyper-V   • UAC   • IPv6   • GP Preferences   • ipMonitor

^


Google
Web  This website

Solarwinds IpMonitorIs Your Server Running Slowly?

Check with SolarWinds ipMonitor

Analyze your network with ipMonitor.  Get a free evaluation copy, and monitor the performance of the servers on your network.
Free Download of SolarWinds ipMonitor