The following items were selected by David Stuart of collegebuys.org from “Windows Platform News,” Issue 19 (September 18), Special Issue (September 12), and Issue 18 (September 3, 2002), distributed electronically by Microsoft.

“Windows Platform News” is an insider’s guide to the Microsoft Windows family of products. To see the archived past issues or to subscribe, go to http://www.microsoft.com/WINDOWSXP/newsletter/wpn_archive/default.asp

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MEC 2002
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Energize Your Enterprise—October 8-11, Anaheim, CA
http://www.microsoft.com/corpevents/mec2002/default.asp
MEC 2002 is your opportunity to learn how to gain maximum dependability and productivity through a connected infrastructure based on the Microsoft® .NET Server 2003 Family, which includes the following: Windows® servers, Active Directory® directory service, Exchange Server, Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server, and Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM).
 
MEC 2002 is a cutting-edge, hands-on conference that's loaded with essential information for managing enterprise network complexity.
 
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Top Windows Sessions
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CHOOSE FROM MORE THAN 200 TECHNICAL SESSIONS http://www.microsoft.com/corpevents/mec2002/tracks.asp
MEC 2002 features seven conference tracks packed with more than 200 in-depth technical sessions that cover everything you need to plan, deploy, and manage a connected infrastructure. This year's top Windows sessions include:
. Building Infrastructure with MMS 3.0: Synchronization, GAL, DL Management
. Securing Active Directory: From Design to Day-to-Day Operations
. Upgrading to Windows .NET Server 2003 Active Directory Service from Windows NT® 4.0 and Windows 2000
. How to Manage Windows XP and Windows 2000 Professional
. Hot Topics in Active Directory Operations
. Managing Mobile Clients through Systems Management Server 2003
 
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An Inside Look at Microsoft IT
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ACQUIRE VALUABLE INFORMATION AT RICK DEVENUTI'S KEYNOTE ADDRESS http://www.microsoft.com/corpevents/mec2002/keynote.asp
Get an exclusive look at deploying and managing IT Services in one of the world's most far-reaching and sophisticated global infrastructures. Keynote speaker Rick Devenuti, Corporate VP/CIO is responsible for Microsoft's worldwide infrastructure, including corporate information and internal business systems.
 
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Ask the Experts
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GET ANSWERS TO TOUGH QUESTIONS
http://www.microsoft.com/corpevents/mec2002/experts.asp
Bring your toughest questions to Anaheim and get straight answers from Microsoft experts and other IT pros on topics including:
. Windows 2000 and Active Directory
. Microsoft Operations Manager
. Systems Management Server
. Security, mobility, and much more 
 
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Hands-On Labs
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TAKE ADVANTAGE OF INSTRUCTOR-LED AND SELF-GUIDED LAB SESSIONS
http://www.microsoft.com/corpevents/mec2002/hands-onlab.asp
MEC 2002 features an expanded selection of more than 30 hands-on labs where you can gain actionable best practices in areas such as:
. Planning and Deployment: Exchange Migration from 5.5 to 2000
. Planning and Deployment: Windows .NET Server 2003 Active Directory Service Trust
. Administration and Management: Scripting for System Administration
. Security: Configuring a Secure Exchange 2000 Environment
 
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Pre-Conference Featuring Active Directory
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START THE CONFERENCE EARLY WITH A PRE-CONFERENCE SESSION
http://www.microsoft.com/corpevents/mec2002/preconference.asp
This year's special pre-conference is your chance to drill down into critical topics including Active Directory infrastructure, end-to-end security, and Exchange 2000 deployments. Choose from one of three unique sessions:
. Active Directory Internals: Windows 2000 Server and Windows .NET Server 2003
. Security: Securing Your Platform Infrastructure End to End
. Exchange 2000 and Microsoft Operations Manager 2000: Managing Your Infrastructure
 
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Special Offers
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When you attend MEC 2002, you'll receive special offers, including a free copy of Windows .NET Server 2003 RC1, a 50 percent discount on Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) testing, and more.
 
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Windows XP News
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Administrators: Install Critical Security Patch Affecting All OS Products
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/?url=/technet/security/bulletin/MS02-050.asp
Install this security patch to prevent a system incursion that could enable an attacker to create a bogus digital certificate that would pass validation.
 
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Get the Microsoft Windows .NET Server 2003 Customer Preview
http://www.microsoft.com/windows.netserver/preview/default.mspx
Sign up now to receive free trial software for Microsoft(R) Windows(R) .NET Server 2003 Release Candidate 1, via CD or download. Learn firsthand how Windows .NET Server 2003 can make your network infrastructure more dependable and your IT department more productive.
 
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Protect Your Desktops from Security Threats
https://www.showmesecurity.com/default.asp?pin=n3wsd457
Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Professional and Office XP Professional offer cutting-edge platform protection against desktop security threats. This site presents information geared to help protect your business documents and data.
 
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Questions About Windows XP Embedded?
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/Embedded/xp/evaluation/faq/default.asp
If you're interested in getting quick answers to frequently asked questions about Windows XP Embedded, read this document. 
 
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Use the Windows Logo Key on Your Keyboard
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/tips/june/tsang1.asp
The Windows logo key, located in the bottom row of most computer keyboards, is a little-used treasure. Read this user-submitted tip to find out which useful commands it provides a shortcut to.
 
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Focus On: Remote Desktop and Windows XP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/focuson/remotedesktop.asp
When Remote Desktop is set up on a computer running Windows XP, you can tap into that desktop from another location and operate the remote computer as if you were sitting in front of it. This Web site is organized to supply you with help, downloadable software, and tips on setting up the Remote Desktop.
 
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Take Advantage of Windows XP Tips
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/tips/
Use these tips to get the most out of Windows XP Professional at work.
 
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Windows 2000 News
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Install Windows 2000 Service Pack 3
http://microsoft.com//windows2000/downloads/servicepacks/sp3/default.asp
Download Service Pack 3 for updates to application compatibility, security, operating system reliability, and setup. This service pack includes the updates contained in SP1, SP2, and the Windows 2000 Security Rollup Package 1.
 
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Review the Active Directory Operations Guide
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/administration/activedirectory/adops.asp
This guide provides the tasks and step-by-step procedures for maintaining an Active Directory(R) directory service environment.
 
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Update Your Systems Using Windows Update
http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/catalog/en/default.asp
The Windows Update Catalog is an organized presentation of Windows software updates and enhancements. Choose from a variety of updates that you can distribute over your network.
 
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Get the Windows .NET Server Customer Preview
http://www.microsoft.com/windows.netserver/preview/default.mspx
Sign up now to receive free trial software for Windows .NET Server Release Candidate 1 (RC1)-via CD or download. Read about the Customer Preview Program (CPP), available in English only.
 
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Security Operations Guide for Windows 2000 Server
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/prodtech/windows/windows2000/staysecure/default.asp
This resource delivers the guidance necessary for IT pros to securely operate a Windows 2000 environment while ensuring the right access to the right contentby the right people.
 
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Microsoft .NET Framework Service Pack 2 Is Now Available
http://msdn.microsoft.com/netframework/downloads/sp/default.asp
Microsoft .NET Framework Service Pack 2 (SP2), which all users should download and install, focuses on security concerns and other problems found since SP1's release. SP2 also includes all the fixes from .NET Framework SP1.
 
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Enterprise Servers News
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Instant Messaging Client for Exchange 2000 IM Service
http://microsoft.com/exchange/downloads/2000/IMclient.asp
Exchange 2000 Instant Messaging Service leads to faster communication and increased productivity among corporate knowledge workers. Download the Instant Messaging client in the language that you prefer.
 
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Use SQL Server to Personalize User Experiences
http://www.microsoft.com/sql/ns/default.asp
SQL Server Notification Services is a platform for developing and deploying applications that generate and send personalized notifications to users. Find out how you can improve user experiences using SQL Server.
 
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Security Operations Guide for Exchange 2000 Server
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/prodtech/mailexch/opsguide/default.asp
This resource provides the guidance necessary for IT pros to securely set up and operate a messaging and collaboration environment. It also contains procedures and best practices for system administrators to create and maintain a secure environment on servers running Exchange 2000 with a focus on two specific server roles.
 
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Protect Your Networks with Help from the Microsoft Security Bulletin
http://www.microsoft.com/securitynotification
This e-mail bulletin keeps you up-to-date with the latest security issues and available patches, and can help your team prevent costly downtime. Subscribe today!
 
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Server Consolidation Best Practices
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/advancedserver/evaluation/business/overview/scalable/bpdcac.asp
By consolidating servers, organizations can reduce the number of physical components that provide a service, which in turn reduces cost and improves the quality of service. The Data Centre Advisory Council tells you more in this article.
 
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Software Trial Center
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August 2002 Cumulative Patch for Internet Explorer
http://microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/critical/q323759ie/default.asp
This patch eliminates all previously addressed and newly discovered security vulnerabilities affecting Internet Explorer. The update includes the functionality of all previously released patches.
 
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Sign Up Now to Get Free Windows .NET Server 2003 Trial Software
http://www.microsoft.com/windows.netserver/preview/default.mspx
Get Microsoft Windows .NET Server 2003 Release Candidate 1 (RC1) -- via CD or download. Read about the Customer Preview Program (CPP), available in English only.
 
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Announcing Windows Media 9 Series Beta
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/9series/default.asp
The beta for the most comprehensive digital media platform -- Windows Media 9 Series, previously code-named "Corona" -- is now available to download. Offering flexibility, Windows Media 9 Series is the foundation for a new generation of client and server side digital media solutions.
 
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Be a Beta Tester for SQL Server 2000 and SQL Server 2000 SP3
http://www.microsoft.com/sql/evaluation/betanominations.asp
If you have a passion for technology and want to make a difference for your company and for SQL Server users around the world, nominate yourself to participate in a SQL Server beta testing program.
 
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Download .NET Enterprise Server Trial Products
http://www.microsoft.com/servers/evaluation/trial/default.asp
.NET Enterprise Servers provide the tools to quickly integrate systems and processes while containing costs. See for yourself by running the trial software. Microsoft servers are enterprise-ready, delivering the reliability, performance, scalability, and manageability your company needs.
 
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Looking for a Product Update? Find It at the Download Center
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads
Begin your visit by scanning three areas: This Week's Top Downloads, determined by visitors to Microsoft.com; Featured Downloads, additional downloads that may be of special interest and value; and New Downloads, just a few of the many new releases published on Microsoft.com.
 
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Events & Seminars
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Register to Attend Microsoft's Security Webcasts
http://www.essentialswebcast.com
Microsoft is offering a variety of free Security Webcasts as part of the Microsoft Enterprise Essentials Webcast Series. Each session addresses a different set of network security challenges and outlines the appropriate security tools built into the Windows 2000 Server platform and .NET Enterprise Servers. Plus, we'll give away a free Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition at every Webcast!
 
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Windows XP and Office XP Deployment WebCast, October 3
http://events01.activate.net/microsoft/7488/registration/default.asp
Go right to the source with Microsoft Product Managers to learn the critical best practices and tools used to successfully deploy Windows XP Professional and Office XP. Sign up today.
 
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Find the Windows XP and Office XP Resources You Need
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/officexp/deploy
The valuable resources on this site are indexed by product, company size, and stage in migration. Use the search tool to locate the list of resources most applicable to your interests.
 
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Take Advantage of Live Online Events
http://microsoft.com/usa/webcasts
Various Microsoft Webcasts provide technical how-to information to help you plan, deploy, and support Microsoft software. View this Webcast page for the latest schedule.
 
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Online Chats
http://microsoft.com/technet/itcommunity/chats/
Participate in live, real-time Q&As with Microsoft product/technology experts.
 
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Special Offers
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Protect Your Networks with the Free Microsoft Security Bulletin
http://www.microsoft.com/securitynotification
This e-mail notification service provides you with accurate information to help you protect your networks from malicious attacks, and to make it easier to maintain a consistent level of network security. The bulletin keeps you up-to-date with the latest security issues and available patches, and can help your team prevent costly downtime.
 
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Sign Up for the SQL Server CE Trial
http://microsoft.com/sql/ce/default.asp
Download and discover Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Windows CE Edition (SQL Server CE) version 2.0, the compact database for rapidly developing applications that extend enterprise data management capabilities to mobile devices.
 
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Lower IT Costs: Order the Free Windows Platform Manageability Kit
http://www.windowsmanageability.com/default.asp?pin=man2
Request your free Microsoft Manageability Kit, and learn how to improve Windows 2000 platform manageability for your enterprise.
 
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Archive and Additional Resources
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The Windows Platform News Archive--find information in archived issues of the newsletter at
http://www.microsoft.com/WINDOWSXP/newsletter/wpn_archive/default.asp
Windows Update has add-ons, updates, and trial software
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/default.asp
For in-depth information about our products, visit:
o Windows XP Professional
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/default.asp
o Windows 2000 Professional
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/professional/default.asp
o Microsoft .NET Enterprise Servers
http://www.microsoft.com/servers/
o For information on local events and promotions in your area, visit
http://microsoft.com/usa
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Microsoft Communities is your launching pad for communicating online with peers and experts about Microsoft products, technologies, and services:
http://communities.microsoft.com/home/default.asp

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