01.Blogs :
jasin14  
I'm now a Microsoft Certified Trainer!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007 10:02 AM

My application to become a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) was approved recently. I'm now authorized to teach Microsoft Official Curriculum related to the tracks for Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator for Windows 2000 & Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft Certified IT Professional for Enterprise & Consumer Support! Problem is, I'm not affiliated with any Microsoft Certified Partner for Learning Solution as of the moment. Maybe I can do internal training using MOCs?

Take care Spokedom!

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Rated Excellent [5 out of 5].

posted  by  jasin14  with 

New Certification Title - MCITP: Enterprise Support Technician
Monday, June 25, 2007 12:03 PM

I just got back from the exam center. I took exam 70-622 Pro: Microsoft Desktop Support - ENTERPRISE and surprisingly I passed. This time I didn't much chance and again relied on my stocked knowledge. I was on vacation the whole weekend and I tried as much as possible not to bother studying.

Take care Spokedom!

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Rated Excellent [5 out of 5].

posted  by  jasin14  with 

New Certification Title - MCITP: Consumer Support Technician
Monday, June 04, 2007 11:11 AM

I just got back from the exam center. I scheduled myself to an exam (70-623 Pro: Microsoft Desktop Support - CONSUMER), but haven't got a chance to study because of busy schedule the week prior, and I got sick and bed-ridden a few days before. Anyways, I'm glad I passed the exam but I promise not to take chances again next time. I really had a hard time digesting the exam questions because of lack of preparation.

Next stop, 70-622 Pro: Microsoft Desktop Support - ENTERPRISE.

Take care Spokedom!

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Rated Excellent [5 out of 5].

posted  by  jasin14  with 

I'm still alive!
Friday, May 11, 2007 9:10 AM

Sorry if I haven't been updating my blog lately. My last post is still about my trip to Beijing and Microsoft China Technology Centre last February.

Since then, a lot of things happened:

  • I attended the MVP Summit 2007 in Seattle and Microsoft Redmond Campus and was lucky enough to see Bill Gates in person. I also had a short side trips within Seattle for sight-seeing.
  • I moved roles from being a Technology Evangelist - Windows Client to Partner Technology Specialist.
  • Our family had 2 vacation trips, in Macau and Hong Kong.

My plans in life moving forward:

  • Learn new language (probably Mandarin Chinese and French).
  • Continue with my drum lessons.

Take care Spokedom!

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posted  by  jasin14  with 

A Trip to Beijing
Tuesday, February 27, 2007 1:21 PM

I recently had a short trip to Beijing, China. I am one of the lucky Microsoft MVPs sent out to Beijing for a Vista Laboratory.

To be honest, I had a short state of culture shock. It was my first time to travel to a foreign country alone and to add up, my first time to be in a country where English is not a major language. I really had a hard time communicating.

During off days and breaks, I took advantage and squeezed in some side trips and tours around Beijing and the nearby cities.


It was also my first time flying international in Business Class.


During my first day, I had a hard time communicating so I instead ordered a bucket meal for my lunch and dinner to avoid future confusion.


The Gate of Heavenly Peace (facing Tiananmen Square and serves as a gate to Forbidden City)


Temple of Heaven


Lama Temple Ticket, contains a mini-VCD inside


Lama Temple entrance


Peking/Beijing Roast Duck


Trying out the famous duck


with Rahul (fellow MVP, Windows - Networking) and Mitch (Microsoft Senior Product Manager, Windows Vista) at the Great Wall, Badaling Section


Jade being carved at the Jade Factory

More pictures are available at my Multiply site. You might need to add me as a friend to see it.
I blogged about my visit to Microsoft China Technology Centre here
.

Take care Spokedom!

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posted  by  jasin14  with 

New Certification Title - MCTS: Windows Vista - Configuration
Saturday, January 20, 2007 11:23 PM

I just received an email today saying that results for a beta exam I took last year are now out - and I passed! The first paragraph of the email says:

Congratulations on becoming a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Microsoft Windows Vista: Configuration!

After my successful exam last week, 70-292: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSA Certified on Windows 2000, I'm glad that I also passed the exam I took early November which is TS: Microsoft Windows Vista, Configuring.

To count, I now hold the following titles - MCP, MCSA (Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003), MCTS: Windows Vista: Configuration, CCNA.

As mentioned on my previous blog, most probably I will prepare for an exam towards CCNP post Vista launch activities.

Take care Spokedom!

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posted  by  jasin14  with 

Exam 70-292... done!
Friday, January 12, 2007 11:41 PM

At long last, I took the exam 70-292: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSA Certified on Windows 2000. It has been more than a year since I planned to take this exam and it feels so good now that I am done with it finally.

Next stop, additional CISCO exam towards CCNP.

Take care Spokedom!

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posted  by  jasin14  with 

Windows Vista Launch Kit
Wednesday, January 03, 2007 9:20 PM

This box was waiting for me when I came home from office today:

When I opened the box, I was surprised to see the familiar Windows Vista logo

The box contained 2 things - Windows Vista Launch Kit and Windows Vista Product Guide

Turns out the Windows Vista Launch Kits are of limited number. Mine is number 4897 of 5000. Whew!

 

The contents:

The kit contained:

  • Windows Vista Storybook
  • Windows Vista Start Button Mousepad
  • Windows Vista Media DVD
  • Belkin Easy Transfer Cable
  • Windows Live USB Key
  • Microsoft Office Lice Trial Card
  • SanDisk Cruzer Micro - 2 GB
  • T-Mobile DayPass (1 day, 24-hour pass)
  • Windows Marketplace Info Card
  • Windows Vista Magazine
  • Zoo Tycoon 2 (other kits contained other games by random I think)

Yay! I'm so happy! Santa delivered his gift late, but I'm still thankful - better late than never! Thanks Microsoft!

Take care Spokedom!

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Rated Excellent [5 out of 5].

posted  by  jasin14  with 

Happy New Year 2007!
Monday, January 01, 2007 9:29 AM

Happy New Year to everyone! I hope everyone's safe, especially to those in countries fond of lighting up fireworks and firecrackers to celebrate new year and drive bad spirits away.

Things I'm looking forward to this year:

  1. World Pyro Olympics
  2. Big Vacation
  3. Upgrade Certifications (Microsoft and CISCO)

Take care everyone and have a good year ahead!

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posted  by  jasin14  with 

Things to do this Christmas Season
Wednesday, December 27, 2006 10:09 AM

Christmas Season sometimes equates to me as a time for myself.

Here's a list of things I plan to do to spend the short break from reality:

1. Study for my 70-292 exam (Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSA Certified on Windows 2000) - this is my number one priority!
2. Practice playing drums
3. Spend time with my family (probably out-of-town if time permits)
4. Just lie around doing nothing
5. Have a little reflection on the true meaning of Christmas

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posted  by  jasin14  with 

Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 25, 2006 8:46 AM

Yes, I've been busy. But I don't want this day to pass by without greeting everyone.

Merry Christmas to all and Happy Holidays!
May the real spirit of Christmas be with you always!

Take care Spokedom!

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posted  by  jasin14  with 

TechFest 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006 8:28 AM

The biggest and most-awaited annual IT Pro event in the Philippines is happening soon!

 

TechFest 2006 is devoted to the features of the upcoming Windows Vista and the 2007 Office System and have a glimpse of the new Exchange Server 2007, Office Sharepoint Portal Server 2007, Office Groove 2007, and a sneak peek at the upcoming Windows Server codename "Longhorn". We'll also tackle infrastructure security and explore the world of Windows Mobile and how it efficiently collaborates with Exchange Server, 2007 Office, and Windows Vista.

Date: 12/5/2006

Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Venue: Rizal Ballroom, The Makati Shangri-La

 

TRACK 1 (RIZAL BALLROOM A)


Business Desktop Deployment
Norman Jose (Technology Specialist) and Chistopher Cansana (Principal Consultant)

Business Desktop Deployment, or BDD, has changed the face of scaled desktop deployments, providing true end-to-end guidance and automation for all required desktop deployment processes. In this session we will look at how he deployment toolset has changed for operating systems and for Office. We will look specifically at how a Windows Vista deployment will be accomplished. We will see how the new WIM image format works and how to design a light touch or zero touch deployment of the new operating system. Then we will focus on 2007 Microsoft Office and how Office deployment will change with this new version. Finally, we will discuss the new Business Desktop Deployment 2007 Solution Accelerator.

Windows Vista under the hood
Jasper Jugan (Technology Evangelist) and RD Cimafranca (Technology Evangelist)

In this session, we will look at some of the new technologies that contribute to the performance of Windows Vista. Faster system startup means that with Windows Vista, you will spend more time working productively and less time waiting for background tasks to be completed. Enhancements like a new standby mode, improve performance during system hibernate and resume functions make this possible. We will cover how these features work and how they can contribute to an improved user experience. During this session, we will cover some of the most important new performance-related tools in Windows Vista, including the powerful new Performance Diagnostic Console.

Unified Communications and Microsoft Office Groove 2007

Jomar Geronimo (Technology Specialist) and Kent Macatangay (Technology Evangelist)

Imagine the complexities of modern communications condensed into a seamless experience with one address book, one voice mail, and one login across every mode of communication. In this session, we take a look at Unified Communications and how this could be used to in today’s internet-prevalent environment.

Groove products complement and extend Microsoft's collaboration capabilities by allowing teams of information workers to securely create and share files, manage projects and meetings, and track data and processes in a highly decentralized manner unconstrained by time, location, or organizational affiliation.



TRACK 2 (RIZAL BALLROOM B)


SharePoint Portal Server 2007
Maria Johansson (IT Pro Evangelist, Microsoft Asia Pacific)
In this session we will cover a technical overview of Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 and Office SharePoint Server 2007. We are going to start out this session by outlining SharePoint 2007 goals. We will introduce SharePoint 2007 and examine the SharePoint feature wheel and look at the functional architecture of SharePoint 2007. We will go into more detail of each feature area in the SharePoint wheel. We will look at the new portal design and features, collaboration and communication, as well as, Business Intelligence.

Exchange Server 2007
Raj Nataraja (Enterprise Technology Strategist, Microsoft Asia Pacific)

In this session we will discuss how Exchange gives you administrators more control, provides Anywhere Access to your inbox, and the in-built security and protection mechanisms that Exchange provides. We will also cover the new Exchange Management Console, how the improved GUI management tool is simpler for you to use, and quicker to navigate. We will also cover PowerShell, the new administrative interface provides a rich command-line experience. We will round off with a look at the significant client side improvements and transport rules.

Infrastructure Protection
Maria Johansson (IT Pro Evangelist, Microsoft Asia Pacific)

In this session we will discuss about Microsoft Forefront, a comprehensive line of business security products providing greater protection and control through integration with your existing IT infrastructure and through simplified deployment, management, and analysis. How you can find quick start guides using Microsoft Antigen and more detailed user guides to help you implement and use Microsoft Antigen for Exchange, Microsoft Antigen for SMTP, Microsoft Antigen Spam Manager, and Microsoft Antigen Enterprise Manager. Find out how Microsoft Forefront Client Security provides unified malware protection for business desktops, laptops, and server operating systems that is easier to manage and control and know more about the latest version of the firewall, VPN, and Web cache solution that can help you protect your IT environment from Internet-based threats.


TRACK 3 (RIZAL BALLROOM C)


Developing Windows Vista Gadgets
Warren Yu (Consultant)

As you use your computer to access more information, perform more tasks, and interact with more software applications, you increasingly face information overload. You open a web browser just to check the weather, open an application to view your calendar, and open a calculator program to simply add numbers. You need simple, specialized, and lightweight mini-applications that put information and tasks at your fingertips—no matter what you're doing. Windows Sidebar boosts your personal productivity by providing instant access to gadgets—a wide variety of engaging, easy-to-use, and customizable mini-applications that offer information at a glance and provide easy access to frequently used tools.

Sneak Peak at Windows Longhorn Server
Deo Co (Senior Technology Specialist)

In this session we’ll take a peek at Windows Server "Longhorn", having a number of important enhancements to platform security fundamentals, and many of these features are shared with Windows Vista and both Windows Vista and Windows Server "Longhorn" are the first Windows operating systems to have been built from start-to-finish using the Security Development Lifecycle. Take a look at platform itself that have a new limited service model which segments existing services and introduces new service accounts with restricted privileges and also check the new authentication model that replaces the old GINA model and supports new authentication methods such as biometrics and tokens. How it support BitLocker drive encryption, which can help protect servers in the branch office where physical security might not be assured.

Developing with WPF
Ed Quek (Developer Evangelist, Microsoft Asia Pacific)

Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) is the next-generation presentation sub-system for Windows. It provides developers and designers with a unified programming model for building rich Windows smart client user experiences that incorporate UI, media, and documents. By definition, technical people care most about technology. Many software professionals are far more interested in how an application works than in how it interacts with its users. Yet those users—who are, after all, the ones paying for all of this—care deeply about user interfaces. An application’s interface is a major part of the complete user experience with that software, and to its users, the experience is the application. Providing a better user experience through a better interface can improve productivity, help create loyal customers, increase sales on a web site, and more.

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