Win an eBook – Learn Windows PowerShell 3 in a Month of Lunches, 2nd Ed.

[EDIT: Winners have been chosen and will be notified soon!]

Manning has just released a new PowerShell book, Learn Windows PowerShell 3 in a Month of Lunches, Second Edition by Don Jones & Jeffery Hicks. It is now available in print and eBook form, and you can win one of two eBook copies just by leaving a comment on this post.

Here is the summary from Manning’s site:

Learn Windows PowerShell 3 in a Month of Lunches, Second Edition is an innovative tutorial designed for administrators. Just set aside one hour a day (lunchtime would be perfect) for a month, and you’ll be automating Windows tasks faster than you ever thought possible. You’ll start with the basics… what is PowerShell and what can you do with it. Then, you’ll move systematically through the techniques and features you’ll use to make your job easier and your day shorter.

Just a reminder that multiple comments will not increase your chances of winning, and comments for unregistered users are moderated so your comment may not immediately appear. Deadline to enter is 11:59pm EST on November 13, 2012.

Good luck!

Alvin

 

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The Dew Review – Intel Next Generation Ultrabook™ with Windows 8: Initial Impressions

Intel Ultrabooks have been around for a little while now. They are thin, light, powerful and (until now) run Windows 7. With the official Windows 8 launch coming in less than 60 days, Intel is readying the next generation of Ultrabooks. These devices will feature similar form factors and power as their predecessors. However, they will have new hardware inside to take advantage of the capabilities of Windows 8.

Last week I received an Ultrabook from Intel. I will be running it through its paces from a developer’s perspective over the next several months. As I have more time to spend with the Ultrabook, I will be publishing additional reviews with my more information around how Windows 8 developers can use this type of device to develop Windows 8 Modern UI style apps. This particular device will not be made available for purchase. It is a proof of concept from Intel. The only manufacturer branding on it is Intel’s, as you can see from this shot of the lid.

WP_000397

Hardware and Form Factor

As one would expect from an Ultrabook, this computer is thin, light and fast. On the outside it’s got a mini HDMI port, a pair of USB 3.0 ports, an HD webcam and a 13.3” multi-touch display. Inside, it’s rockin’ an Intel Core i7  CPU running at 2.00 GHZ, 4 GB of DDR3L RAM, a 180 GB SSD hard drive, and the following specifications (to name just a few):

  • 802.11 b/g/n WiFi
  • Bluetooth
  • NFC
  • Multi-Touch Pad
  • Sensors galore (see below)

WP_000401WP_000400

Windows 8, Sensors & Advanced Features

The machine came with the Windows 8 Release Preview (64 bit) pre-installed. Now that Windows 8 is released to manufacturing (RTM) and available to MSDN subscribers, I am hoping to install the final bits for future reviews. However, I have to wait for confirmation from Intel to ensure the included drivers are all compatible with RTM.

Most new tablets and Ultrabooks running Windows 8 are going to have a slew of sensors. Here are the sensors and other advanced features included in this proof of concept device:

  • Accelerometer
  • Magnetometer
  • Gyro
  • Ambient Light Sensor
  • GPS
  • NFC
  • Multi-Touch (display and touchpad)

start screen dev tools

In future reviews, I will write some sample apps to take advantage of this advanced hardware.

Getting Started

I have been using Windows 8 on other machines and virtual machines, however none of them have touch screens. I have to say that using Windows 8 on a clam shell form factor with touch feels very natural to me. The physical keyboard is great for desktop apps, obviously. When using modern Windows 8 style apps, I found myself instinctively using the touch screen in combination with the keyboard and touchpad.

The hardware is very fast and smooth in every app I have used so far. Here are a few things I have installed to evaluate the machine.

Windows Store Apps

  • Evernote
  • Fresh Paint
  • Slacker
  • Rowi
  • Fruit Ninja
  • Box
  • OneNote MX

Desktop Apps

  • Visual Studio 2012 RC
  • SQL Server 2012 Developer Edition
  • JetBrains WebStorm
  • Eclipse (for Android development)
  • Paint.NET
  • Git for Windows

Coming Up

In about two weeks, after I have had some time to develop on the Intel Ultrabook, I will write a more in-depth review. If the first few days are any indication, I think I will love building apps on this computer. I cannot wait to dive in!

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe my readers will enjoy. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

The Dew Review – Silverlight 4 in Action by Pete Brown

So, I am finally getting around to writing some long-overdue reviews. First up is a great new Silverlight book from Manning PublicationsSilverlight 4 in Action, authored by Pete Brown. This is a revised (and expanded and totally revamped) edition of Silverlight 2 in Action by Chad Campbell and John Stockton.

(Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of the eBook for review. However, I had already purchased the MEAP (Manning Early Access Preview) and pre-ordered the print edition of the book earlier this year.)

In short, I absolutely recommend this book. It makes a great introduction to Silverlight and the ultimate reference for experienced developers, all in one book.

I will spare you a rehashing of the table of contents, but the content of book really flows nicely from introductory material to some more advanced topics. There aren’t many parts of the book I would consider optional for serious Silverlight developers. Sometimes when I am reading a tech book, I will feel compelled to skip a section or even an entire chapter because I don’t feel it is relevant to my own practices. Here I think I skimmed a few pages in Chapter 19 – Printing, but that is about it.

If you are a Silverlight developer, looking to move into that space or even have a casual interest in the technology, you will find Silverlight 4 in Action an indispensable guide.

Silverlight 4 in Action by Pete Brown