Folks, sorry for the late notice, we seem to be enjoying the nice weather recently too much. You have seen us do single headers and double headers before. Here’s something new, this month we are having a triple header topic lined up for IWUG. Triple your pleasure! Triple your fun! We’ve heard you, it’s no fun to have all work and no play so, we are doing presentations on Windows Home Server, Xbox XNA Game development and Microsoft Certifications (did we say all play, oh maybe a little work then). Join us this month on Wednesday the 21st at the Microsoft Office our usual meeting place, to get a in-depth geeky talk and demo on these three topics. We have some of our finest presenting, and… making a guest appearance on the Home Server presentation will be the person who won a copy of Home Server at the last meeting (did I hear Felix). So what are you waiting for, go ahead and register for these sessions now. Oh and by the way, we did hear you wishing you were at 3 places at the same time.
Breakout #1 – Windows Home Server
Mommy, why is there a server in the house? Don’t miss this great opportunity to find out more about WHS. WHS has created a lot of media attention and excitement within the IT Community. It is projected that by 2012 4.5 million homes will have some form of home server and set to rise rapidly after that. The "Digital Home" is starting now. Come and see how and why WHS should be part of that. And if that is not incentive enough, think of all the things you can keep cold with the cool home server cup holder that everyone attending this session will get.
Register at: http://iwugmay08bo1.eventbrite.com/
Breakout #2 – Xbox Hobbyist Game Development in XNA
XNA makes games programming very easy for the hobbyist game developer. No hardcore Direct X programming required. Have you thought about being a professional game developer? Who hasn't, but after a minute you realized you did not have the skills but thought it would be cool to create basic game for you, your friends or your family. This session will go over XNA and ultimately put a game on a Microsoft Xbox 360.
The following will be discussed:
Learn what is XNA
Learn about XNA Game Development Environment and Tools Learn specifically about XNA Game Studio Express and the XNA Starter Kits Take a walkthrough of a XNA Game Project Learn to put XNA Games on Windows and the Xbox 360 Learn what XNA resources are out there and create that next great game
Register at: http://iwugmay08bo2.eventbrite.com/
Breakout #3 – Changes in Microsoft Certifications
Is there an MCSE on Windows Server 2008? The new generation of Microsoft certifications is more specific and targeted to reflect the detail of what you do and to prove your expertise to those who need to know. Consisting of three series and four credentials, the new generation of Microsoft certifications provides a simpler and more targeted framework for IT managers to validate core technical skills, professional skills, and architectural skills. It also provides professionals in the IT industry with a more relevant, flexible, and cost-effective way to showcase their skills.
Here's what we'll talk about, probably:
what a technical certification* can do for you--what is the goal?
if that sounds good, then how to choose a certification track that will help you meet your goal
how do you know when you're ready (expected experience level, time/money involved, etc)
preparation options (what you need to know, how to learn it)
the testing experience (registering, during the test, what happens when you're done)
Register at: http://iwugmay08bo3.eventbrite.com/
Agenda
• 6:00 – 6:30 Pizza / Social Time
• 6:30 – 6:45 Introduction / Breakout to Sessions
• 6:45 – 8:30 Event: Breakout #1, #2, #3
• 8:30 – 8:45 Q&A / Door Prizes
Directions:
From wherever you are joining us, find Meridian St. (US 31) on the north side - it’s 12 o’clock on the I-465 dial. Go east on 96th St. Parkwood Four is the second entrance on the left if you’re coming from Meridian St. Turn Left into the entrance. At the 4-way stop, turn right. 500 E. 96th St. is the second building on the left. The 1st floor conference room is, well – on the first floor. It’s right next to the MBP Catering café to make it easy to find!
Parking:
Parkwood Four has both covered parking (garage behind the building) and outside parking (in front of the building). Parking is free.
Snacks and Refreshments:
Join us at 6:00PM for pizza and soda, courtesy of Microsoft! Get there on time to enjoy your fair share!
Speaker Bio
Ben Smith has been with Microsoft for 3 years working as an Account Technology/Infrastructure Specialist. With fifteen years of experience in the IT Field, his focus has been on designing and supporting enterprise server, storage, database, and management systems. Currently, his focus is helping customers realize benefits of adopting Microsoft’s vision for Infrastructure Optimization and Dynamic Systems Initiative by using Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista, the Forefront Security Suite, and System Center Management Solutions.
Bryan Letcher currently works for Berbee and is based here in Indianapolis. He has many years worth of experience with Citrix implementations and is also an active member of the IWUG steering committee.
Jimmy May is a SQL Server Senior Performance Consultant for the Microsoft Application Consulting & Engineering (A.C.E.) team. He has recently been nominated for SQL Ranger training, is collaborating with the SQL Server Customer Advisory Team (SQL CAT) on a series of SQL I/O best practices papers, & has been selected for the Microsoft Oracle Center of Excellence. He is the Visionary-in-Chief of SQL Server Pros & was formerly the Senior Database Architect for a high throughput SQL Server OLTP VLDB. He is a founder & on the executive committees of both the Indiana Windows User Group ( www.iwug.net) & Indianapolis Professional Association for SQL Server ( www.indypass.org). Jimmy lives in Indianapolis, Indiana with his lovely bride, Phyllis, & Fannie May the Wonder Dog.
PRESENTATION SLIDES:
XNA SLIDES: http://iwug.net/files/folders/presentation_slides/entry455.aspx
HOME SERVER : http://iwug.net/files/folders/presentation_slides/entry457.aspx
CERTIFICATION: http://iwug.net/files/folders/presentation_slides/entry456.aspx