Below is a great article on how Vista RC2 now blocks write-access to raw disk sectors for user mode applications.
It also explains the difference between kernel protection vs. kernel patch protection (patch guard).  This is a very interesting read for those interested in learning about vista exploits and what RC2 has done to correct them.

http://theinvisiblethings.blogspot.com/2006_10_01_archive.html

Below is a great link that goes through some Windows Server 2003 Terminal Server licensing issues. The article contains information that can help you understand and successfully deploy Terminal Services on computers that are running Windows Server 2003. Mains topics are licensing requirements for computers that access a Windows Server 2003-based terminal server and transitional client access licenses for Windows XP client computers.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/823313

We’ve all been there.  We’ve all been doing our normal day’s work when we’ve been interrupted by our great friend, the vista User Account Control system.  Despite the fact that I’m a domain admin, I must confirm that yes indeed, I did want to move that file.  Then I must confirm that I did confirm that I wanted to move that file.  Then I must confirm that I am aware that by moving the file, I am taking it from one place and putting it in a different directory.  A minute and several mous

I found this great article on the Microsoft support page that gives step by step instructions on how to remove data in Active Directory after an unsuccessful domain controller demotion.  It also explains what ntdsutil.exe does and some things to keep in mind before doing these steps.

Creating and assigning a mandatory profile to a user is incredibly easy, but I am often surprised how many times people do it the wrong way.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307800

Multiple Local Group Policy Objects (MLGPO) While browsing the vastness that is the internet, I stumbled upon this link: http://ranjanajain.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!5F09EF6281DD4DB0!327.entry

I found it a great starting point for those unfamiliar with Multiple Local Group Policy Objects in Vista. It explains the 3 different types of objects and how to set some up.

I’m often surprised when I have admins call in, and they don’t know what type of user profiles they are running. I then ask if they are running mandatory, local, or roaming hoping to narrow down the options for them. Quite often I get, “What is the difference between them?” I’ve decided to lay out the very basics of each type of profile, and what is good and bad about each.

At one point or another, every system administrator has had to collect logs when troubleshooting a problem. Sometimes these are logs from a familiar program that the inside admin can look through themselves, but sometimes there are logs that must be sent out to a software vendor where other technicians can work on them. When the latter is the case, there is a set of rules that should be followed to help the third party technician help solve your problem.

I’ve done many installs of triCerat’s Simplify Suite in my time. For those that don’t know, the Simplify Suite requires a database on the backend to save all its setting to. One of the most common questions I get is, “What is the difference between Windows Authentication and SQL Authentication?” First, don’t get Authentication and Authorization confused. Authentication is dealing with the user’s connection to the SQL Server.