MSDN Flash - Volume 11, Number 15: July 16, 2007
From the Editor
February will arrive sooner than you think.
Why is it so important to consider the middle of winter in the middle of summer? Because February 27, 2008 is shaping up as the date for Microsoft's largest launch event - ever - with Visual Studio 2008, Windows Server 2008, and SQL Server 2008 set to launch together. And you can begin preparing now. The next version of Visual Studio, Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 (formerly known as Microsoft Visual Studio code name "Orcas"), will provide a developer experience for Windows Vista, the 2007 Microsoft Office system, and the Web. To enable early feedback, Microsoft provides Community Technology Preview (CTP) and Beta releases of Visual Studio 2008. Get an early look at Visual Studio 2008 Beta 1 and check back for the late-summer Beta 2 release.
If you create software development tools, you'll want to consider building on the Visual Studio 2008 Shell, a streamlined Visual Studio development environment that provides the core foundation so you can focus on building your tool's unique features. Created in response to requests from our partners, the Visual Studio Shell gives you the option of integrating your tools with Visual Studio or creating an isolated, custom-branded application.
If you are building on the new features in the .NET Framework 3.0, such as Windows Workflow Foundation (WF), Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), and Windows CardSpace, you'll want to preview the The .NET Framework 3.5 Beta 1 release, which will ship with Visual Studio 2008. .NET Framework 3.5 adds several new features, including integration of Language Integrated Query (LINQ); ASP.NET AJAX; new Web protocol support for building WCF services including AJAX, JSON, REST, POX, RSS, and ATOM; full tooling support for WF, WCF, and WPF; and new classes in the base class library (BCL).
Speaking of ASP.NET, MSDN is now offering the ASP.NET "How Do I" video series, with dozens of videos designed for all ASP.NET developers, from the novice to the professional. If you are new to ASP.NET, you can learn the basics of how to create dynamic Web applications with ASP.NET 2.0 and Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition, using either Visual Basic or C#. If you have a bit of development experience, you will learn how to employ some of the great new features introduced in ASP.NET 2.0. New videos are added every week, so check back often.
And here's a learning tip that comes with free stuff. Register to attend an MSDN Event near you from August through September in one of dozens of U.S. locations, and you'll receive a copy of the MSDN Events Technical Resource Kit, which includes access to the latest builds of new technologies, including Visual Studio 2008, a sample Silverlight application (with source code), free trials of Microsoft Expression suite products, Visual Web Developer 2005, and more.
Thanks for reading.
Editor, MSDN Flash
Keep those cards and letters coming!
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Use the WiiMote for Your Next PowerPoint Presentation
Who said you can't get good grades by using your WiiMote in the classroom? Check out the managed library for Nintendo's WiiMote that will let you use it in any managed application.
Attend a Free C# Workshop Online
Interested in learning C# before the Fall semester begins? Always wanted to create a video game using XNA Studio Game Studio Express, but wanted to sharpen your C# skills first? GDnet is holding its Annual Language Workshop. No previous programming experience is required.
Create Games Using Silverlight
Pull apart those games and see how they were created. Chris Bowen has a nice index of games created using Silverlight. Looking for tutorials? Be sure to take a look at the Silverlight Games 101 blog.
The Physics in Games - Real-Time Simulation Explained
Ever find yourself wondering about the math behind your favorite simulation game? Did you know that the motion physics of a car are much more complicated than those of an airplane? Brian Beckman, physicist and programmer, explains what's involved in this Channel 9 video.
Create a Cool Add-in and Have a Chance to Win US$50,000 in Prizes
Windows Home Server is running a contest for the ultimate add-in. Want to view your Media Center photo gallery or recorded videos through the Web? Create a cool add-in, and maybe have it sync with Facebook. Build an add-in to turn on the A/C and dim the lights through a WHS add-in. Register and download Windows Home Server RC1 for free. Don't forget to download the SDK to develop your add-in.
Who Needs a Monitor When You Have a Coffee Table?
Microsoft Surface Computers could be better than sliced bread. The launch of Microsoft Surface marks the beginning of a new technology category and a user-interface revolution. Surface, Microsoft's first surface computer, provides effortless interaction with digital content through natural hand gestures, touch, and physical objects. Surface computing breaks down traditional barriers between people and technology.
Free Microsoft Online Developer Courses
The Microsoft Learning site has a number of self-paced e-learning courses on current technologies (such as .NET 2.0 and 3.0, and Visual Studio 2005). Below is a subset of the free developer courses:
• Clinic 5136 : Introduction to Developing with Windows Workflow Foundation and Visual Studio 2005
• Clinic 5137: Introduction to Developing with Windows Communication Foundation and Visual Studio 2005
• Clinic 5135 : Introduction to Developing with Windows Presentation Foundation and Visual Studio 2005
• Clinic 5045: Inside Look at Developing with Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0
• Clinic 3402: ASP.NET for PHP Developers: Introduction to ASP.NET
• Clinic 5230 : Developing Enhanced Web Experiences with Microsoft ASP.NET AJAX Extensions
• Clinic 2806: Microsoft Security Guidance Training for Developers
• Clinic 2807: Microsoft Security Guidance Training for Developers II
Government Resources
Visit the Public Sector Developer Blog
Web Resources
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MSDN Magazine: Build Your Own Windows Vista Sidebar Gadget
A sidebar gadget can be a powerful and handy little tool. You might be surprised at how easy they are to create; if you know HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, you're well on your way. Explore the major parts of a sidebar gadget, and learn how these elements come together to create a sample gadget.
Microsoft software design engineer Scott Wisniewski highlights key concepts that drove the design of LINQ, and provides a custom query provider that showcases real-world applications.
Windows Template Library (WTL) 8.0 Released
Available under the Shared Source Initiative, WTL is a C++ library for developing Windows applications and UI components.
Access 2007 Developer Extensions - Now Available
The free Microsoft Office Access 2007 Developer Extensions make your Access solution easy to deploy and manage.
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Excel Services and Excel 2007 Windows Compute Cluster Server Job Submission Sample Developer Guide Learn how to build an integrated solution to improve the performance and reliability of Excel 2007 workbooks.
Microsoft Office Live Developer's Guide The new June 2007 version includes documentation for the latest code samples and instructions to help you package solutions.
Let's Get Connected in Excel 2007 (Office Talk) Frank Rice discusses how centralizing data source connections gives you much more control over the data you use in your Excel 2007 workbooks.
Using the Business Data Catalog and Smart Tags with the 2007 Microsoft Office System Learn how to build custom applications that use the business data catalog and smart tags.
Build a Custom Add-in for Outlook 2007 Using Windows Presentation Foundation Convert InfoPath 2003 Managed Code to the New InfoPath 2007 Object Model Convert managed code created in InfoPath 2003 so that your form can be deployed to Office Forms Server 2007 or SharePoint Server 2007.
ISV Web Seminar Series - Microsoft Unified Communications
August 27 - 30, 2:00 P.M. Pacific Time
Learn how using Microsoft Office technologies can help your clients work together dynamically - anywhere, anytime, and with anyone.
Software Launch Pad for ISV Partners
This 60-minute, on-demand Web seminar will give you an in-depth understanding of Software Launch Pad, how to leverage the tools and resources available, and how to get started.
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Create Outlook Form Regions by Using Visual Studio 2005 Tools for Office SE (Visual How To) VSTO 2005 SE provides tools to help you add managed code to form regions that you design in Outlook.
Chapter 3: Customizing and Extending the Microsoft Office SharePoint 2007 Search (Part 1 of 2) Learn to customize and extend SharePoint Server Search in this book excerpt from MVP Patrick Tisseghem.
Chapter 3: Customizing and Extending the Microsoft Office SharePoint 2007 Search (Part 2 of 2) Learn how to execute a search via a custom Web Part that can be dropped on SharePoint sites.
Sample: Excel Services and Excel 2007 Windows Compute Cluster Server Job Submission Learn to use a compute cluster to improve workbook performance when running a parametric sweep by using Windows CCS 2003 and SharePoint Server 2007.
Sample: Isolating Microsoft Office Extensions with the COM Shim Wizard Version 2.3 Learn about an updated set of Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 wizards that automate the generation of COM shims for managed shared add-ins.
Sample: Using the Business Data Catalog and Smart Tags with the 2007 Office System Walk through a custom solution that integrates LOB data with the 2007 Microsoft Office system to support the preparation of documents within Word 2007.
Free E-Learning: Developing with Windows Communication Foundation and Visual Studio 2005
Learn about WCF architecture, how to create WCF services and clients, and enhancing WCF services with security and reliability in this 2-hour clinic.
Upgrade From MCAD or MCSD .NET to Visual Studio 2005 Certifications
Upgrade your credential with one or two exams to reflect your expertise using Visual Studio 2005.
Get Hands-On Classroom Training in Visual Studio 2005
Learn more about Visual Studio 2005 from industry experts in your area. Special offers good for a limited time.
Hot off the Press! New Books from Microsoft Press
• Embedded Programming with the Microsoft .NET Micro Framework
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Security for Developers
This session provides an overview of what the SDL means for you and your customers, and explains what's new in the SDL.
Active Directory Cache Dependencies
Events in Windows Vista
Limited User Problems and Split Knowledge
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Seven Development Projects with the 2007 Microsoft Office System and Windows SharePoint Services 2007 (PDF)
This guide highlights architectural underpinnings, the latest enhancements for developers, and code samples for building custom applications and solutions. Download the guide to help get you started now.
Case Studies, KB Articles, & How-tos
Solution Provider Helps Retailers Overcome Disparate Data with Powerful New Portal
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Personal Services Company Improves Software Life Cycle, Attains Coveted Rating
To support regulatory compliance, company leaders wanted to increase the degree of rigor in SCI's software development methodologies. The team lacked tools to support its processes, so SCI deployed Visual Studio Team System.
Telecommunications Company Boosts Field Worker Efficiency with Mobile Solution
Insyte Instalaciones wanted to introduce a solution to save time, reduce errors, and improve reporting, so it implemented a mobile smartphone solution based on Windows Mobile 5.0, SQL Server 2000 Windows CE Edition, and the .NET Compact Framework version 2.0.
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Transport-level Error When Querying Database
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Partner News
Free .NET Toolset for Windows Vista
DevForce Express, the free RAD and ORM toolset for .NET Framework, includes support for Windows Vista, Visual Studio 2005, and more.
SQL Anywhere Integration with Visual Studio 2005
This white paper outlines the integration features of SQL Anywhere 10, and contains tutorials demonstrating how they can be used to ease application development while working with a database.
Achieve WPF-like visual effects with Telerik WinForms. Try unique vector-based features: rotation, scaling, animations, and transparencies. Get excellent WinForms-class performance.
Nevron .NET Vision Q1 2007 Released
The new version of Nevron .NET Vision includes refined and improved technology for .NET data visualization and GUI design.
TeeChart for .NET v3 Now Available
Version 3 offers new support for SQL Server Reporting Services, AJAX Web charting and gauges, and all-round improvements for WinForms, Web forms, .NET Compact Framework mobile applications, and mapping.
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Connect with like-minded coders at this free, half-day of learning from MSDN Events.
• Session 1: New Thinking in Data with LINQ and Visual Studio "Orcas"
Learn the architecture of LINQ and the C# and Visual Basic extensions for writing queries within the development tool you’re already comfortable with.
• Session 2: Building an Effective Messaging Infrastructure with WCF
Learn how to build and configure services in WCF using a variety of real-world scenarios as examples.
• Session 3: Light up the Web with Microsoft Silverlight
Learn all about Silverlight from a developer’s perspective, including how to build rich, interactive applications using the developer IDE of choice, Visual Studio, as well as Microsoft’s powerful new designer tool, Expression Blend.