External Links & References (SSQA.net)

As a part of Microsoft MVP programme every now and then set of email communication will be received from MVP leads (thanks to Akim & Vicki). Most of them are already available/posted on MSDN & Technet blogs by MSFT professionals and for few of them I'm keen to blog on here too.

Being I'm an IT PRO I would like to share the communication/knowledge I receive in this regard in specific to IT PRO resources, best bets with career & learning links.

Microsoft is making substantial efforts to provide customers with tools and services aimed at increasing the successful deployment and healthy operation of Microsoft products within customer environments. To that end, here is a list of free resources from Microsoft TechNet designed with IT Professionals in mind.

·         Best bets

·         Career and Learning

·         Additional IT Pro specific resources

Best bets

S. No.	Resource	Detail	URL
1.	TechNet Flash newsletter	The biweekly TechNet Flash IT newsletter delivers the latest IT news, security bulletins, product updates, event announcements, and more, making it easy for you to stay in the know	Sign up now for either HTML or text format.
2.	How Do I Videos	These short 10- to 15-minute videos focus on specific tasks and show you how to accomplish them step-by-step using Microsoft products and technologies.	http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/cc138021.aspx
3.	TechNet Magazine	Magazine for IT Pros	http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/default.aspx
4.	Microsoft Server Quest	Fun game that tests your IT skills	www.microsoft.com/click/serverquest

 

Career and Learning          

S. No.	Resource	Detail	URL
1.	Microsoft Thrive	Resources for managing your IT Career	www.microsoft.com/click/thrive
2.	Are you Certifiable	Fun game that tests your IT Knowledge	www.microsoft.com/click/areyoucertifiable
3.	Webcasts	TechNet Webcasts are 60-to-90–minute live broadcasts featuring interactive technical presentations, product demonstrations, and question-and-answer sessions presented by an expert on Microsoft technology, the industry, or both	http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/events/default.aspx#current
4.	TechNet Podcasts	Listen to Microsoft webcast and media content whenever and wherever you want. You can stream or download these audio podcasts on your favorite podcast software or mobile device	http://www.microsoft.com/events/podcasts/default.aspx

 

Additional IT Pro Specific Resources

S. No.	Resource	Detail	URL
5.	Virtual Labs	Quickly evaluate and test Microsoft's newest server products through a series of guided, hands-on labs you can complete in 90 minutes or less	http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/virtuallabs/default.aspx
6.	eLearning Snacks	Learning Snacks are short, interactive presentations about popular topics created by Microsoft Learning experts.	http://www.microsoft.com/learning/snacks/default.mspx
7.	TechNet Forums	Answers from the community on a variety of topics	http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/categories
8.	TechNet Radio	TechNet Radio is an Internet radio show with content for IT professionals. It features the latest information from Microsoft insiders and industry luminaries, as well as profiles of leading companies	http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/bb510143.aspx
9.	Security Intelligence Report	The Microsoft Security Intelligence Report (SIR) provides an in-depth perspective on the changing threat landscape including software vulnerability disclosures and exploits, malicious software (malware), and potentially unwanted software	http://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/sir.aspx
10.	TechNet Product Downloads	TechNet offers you a robust evaluation experience through downloadable beta and trial software.	http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/default.aspx
11.	TechNet Edge	TechNet Edge is a place where IT professionals go to get the inside scoop on the latest and greatest technologies	http://edge.technet.com