If you are tired of getting a mess of database names after using the Central Administrations Farm Wizard

The images to the right shows the 'DBA nightmare' that is left behind on your SQL Server after you run the Farm Configuration Wizard. Notice all the inconstant GUID based database names.

There is a solution.  Script your Farm Configuration.

If you haven't noticed yet, Google has gutted it's Google Maps application for the Android with it's 7.0* update.  Google has removed many important and well like features like Layers and Search.  Some have labeled it "...the worst android update ever" and it is currently getting and overflow of 1 star ratings on Google Play. 

Here are a few of the features removed

• Street view preview: Gone.
• Route and alternates: Gone. You have to go back to the directions page in Maps to select a new route (easy enough - just tap the "x"), and those routes' times and traffic details aren't updated based on your present position, as far as we can tell. Hopefully that gets fixed.
• Layers menu: Gone. Replaced by satellite view toggle, and traffic is displayed by default (gas stations, ATMs, restaurants etc. are all gone).
• Other options: Screen dimming is gone (presumably this is now automatic), shortcuts to search, set destination, and help are gone as well.
• On-screen zoom in / out buttons: Gone.
• Search:  While driving, search would allow you to find something while en-route.  Gone.  Critical for this writer.
  

Here is a great article highlighting whats new and what has been removed.  Many of the new features are cool, but I think I will wait until a newer version comes back with these features added back in.

The links below will help you restore your application back to the previous version 6.14.4, the latest update before 7.01. Make sure for follow the instructions here to Turn Off Auto Updates. so you don't get it back until you want it.

Download Google Maps Version 6.14.4

Google Maps Version History

Windows 8.1 - a free update to Windows 8 - is coming later this year, and a  prerelease version is available now  for you to try. Windows 8.1 has new  ways for you to personalize your PC and includes a wave of awesome new apps and  services.  In a nutshell, the Start Menu is back.

Here are a few of the other features you will see;

• A Start hint that appears on the taskbar, where the Windows 7 Start button is located
• More flexible Start screen customization options
• The option to go directly to the desktop instead of the Start screen
• Much tighter integration with SkyDrive
• More options for arranging modern (Metro) apps side by side
• New “first party” (Microsoft-authored) Windows 8.1 apps
• A redesigned Windows Store
• New capabilities for third-party Windows 8.1 apps
• A greatly enhanced PC Settings module that duplicates the desktop Control Panel
• Support for smaller tablets
• Internet Explorer 11, with significant improvements in tab handling and security
• Some new capabilities for the on-screen keyboard on touch devices
• Integrated search

Before you run out and install it, BEWARE!  Note the following questions that have been asked.

Question:  Can the Windows 8.1 Preview be uninstalled?
No. The only way to roll back to your previous installation is to wipe out the installation and replace it with a backup created before you installed the preview.
 
Question:  Will there be a direct upgrade path from the Windows 8.1 Preview to the final release of Windows 8.1?
Probably not. The  company’s official documentation does not cover this topic, so your best bet is to assume that a complete reinstall will be necessary.

A student in my MVC 4.0 class this week recommended a cool tool used to help build data grid / interactive tables on MVC pages.  DataTables is a plug-in for the jQuery Javascript library. It is a highly flexible tool, based upon the foundations of progressive enhancement, which will add advanced interaction controls to any HTML table. 

Features include:  
> Variable length pagination
> On-the-fly filtering
> Multi-column sorting with data type detection
> plus much much more

Did I mention that it is free?

To learn more about this cool tool and see a working demo, visit datatables.net.

This comprehensive guide teaches you the skills needed to successfully administer SQL Server 2012. You'll learn how to handle the most difficult admin issues including change management, security, performance tuning, monitoring, and backups. And you'll also discover how to master the latest features of the 2012 release, including client connectivity enhancements, cloud computing, data replication, and business intelligence. This detailed instruction by leading experts will help you improve the efficiency, scalability, and performance of your SQL Server environment so you can do more in much less time.

Click here to buy.
Click here to download an electronic copy.

While teaching a .NET Development class this week for Boeing, a student recommended a free tool called MZ-Tools.  He was a big fan.  I haven't checked it out yet but I wanted to pass it on to our readers who regularly used Visual Studio

MZ-Tools has a single goal: To make your everyday programming life easier.

As an add-in to several Integrated Development Environment (IDEs) from Microsoft, MZ-Tools adds new menus and tool bars to them that provide many new productivity features.

It allows you to write code, find code, design your forms, document your applications, and review their quality much faster than you do it today. It saves you valuable time each and every time you use it.

Click on the graphic above to navigate to MZ-Tools website.

On May 9th, 2013 Certified Training Services (CTS) launched the beta version of its Training Management Portal and updated their public facing website.  CTS is expecting that the new site will help target new customers who are needing advanced training using Microsoft Technologies. 

The new web site has many new features including secure content that is targeted towards students that enables them to access additional class resources, view reference materials and download course lab files. 

CTS is a Michigan based company that specializes in providing a variety of training services to corporate clients including instructor acquisition, courseware design, training room and equipment rentals.

To learn more about Certified training Service visit them at http://www.certifiedtrainingservices.com/

We are looking forward to working in the Seattle, WA over the next few months teaching the Developing Web Applications with Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 and Programming in C# with Microsoft® Visual Studio® 2010 courses.  We are working with a local training center to facilitate the learning and will be using Microsoft Official Courseware. 

Over 30 Boeing employees will be trained using some of the latest development technologies from Microsoft.

I am hoping that someone in class can get me a free flying lesson.