Network Administrator Beta 3 has been released. If you never have used it before, Network Administrator allows you to perform actions on any number of machines across your network. You can reboot 100 computers with the press of a button, disable USB flash drives, or set Microsoft Word to save in 2003 format. These are just a few of things you can do with it.

You can get a copy of the beta from here:

Network Administrator Beta 3

If you purchase 2.9 today, you will get 3.0 free when it is released on October 27th – Best of all, you get it for 50% off as a regular reader of my blog. Just use this special link when ordering:

Purchase Today

In the 3.0 we have built a core system that supports plugins. This allows us to now add new actions quickly. Last time I spoke about the beta I promised 10 new plugins (in addition to the standard list of actions in 2.9) would be added before the final release.

So far we have added 4 of them. Here they are:

Mass Folder Copy – This plugin allows you to pick a folder on your hard drive, and copy it to many machines across your network. Perfect way to copy a set of shortcuts to everyone’s desktop.

Offline Files Disabler – Disables the annoying offline files setting in Windows XP, and 2003.

Logon Disclaimer – Allows you to set a logon disclaimer that is displayed to a user before they login.

Wallpaper Set – You can set a common background wallpaper image, and set options such as tile, stretch, and center.

All of these have been suggested by beta testers. We have had other great ones, like resetting the local admin password, or pushing out MSI files silently. We are still working on the remote execution engine, and once that is complete we will be able to implement some of those ideas. Get your suggestion in by mailing us at plugins@intelliadmin.com We cannot answer all of the emails sent, but we do read them all.

Give it a spin, and let us know what you think.

• [ Kill the Process, Use Killbox if your Access Denied ]

• %Windows\System32\amvo.exe
• %Windows\System32\amvo0.dll
• %Root of Windows Installed drive\usdeiect.com
• %Root of Windows Installed drive\autorun.inf
• %Documents and Settings\Default User\Local Settings\Temp\a.dll
  [ No Exact Information about Files, search above related files in Program files Folder ]
  If you have any of these files in running process from task manger, end the process before removal.
  Note: if task manager is disabled, Download the following file, Click to Download - Enable Registry.reg[ Right Click - Save Target As/Linked Content As ]
  Open it with Regedit.exe [%system32\regedit.exe], then it Confirms Add to registry Yes or No, Confirm Yes, then click Ok.
  

With less than a week until the launch of Windows phones and Windows Marketplace for Mobile, I wanted to take a minute to thank the global developer and ISV community for rallying around Marketplace and offer a quick update on what we’ve been up to.

First and foremost, the response to Windows Marketplace has been impressive in terms of the number of creative developers we’re working with and the depth of engineering- and process-oriented feedback we’ve received and incorporated. Our commitment to transparency has generated a surprising level of collaboration that impacts Marketplace development on a daily basis. I know that getting in on the ground floor of an ambitious effort like Marketplace isn’t easy. I sincerely appreciate your patience, feedback and desire to help us create a world class experience for both developers and end users.

In fact to show that we’re listening and responding, let me run through a few of the top issues you’ve raised or experienced around registration and certification, and what we’re doing about it.

Known issues that we’re addressing because they slow the application submission process:

1. Marketplace catalog icons: We need to ensure that icons meet the correct dimensions upon upload. We didn’t make this as clear as we could have on the submission portal. This was recently corrected.

2. Screen shots: Screen shots also need to meet the correct dimensions and aspect ratio. New guidance on screen shots is available on the Windows Marketplace for Mobile technical forum and we will update Marketplace before launch to ensure that only the correct screen shot dimensions are submitted.

3. Expanding to multiple markets: ISVs have experienced problems when submitting their app to additional markets through the developer portal. We are addressing this in a Marketplace update prior to launch.

4. Finding the answers: We’re working to make it easier for you to find what you need to know. We’ve updated the Marketplace FAQ, remained active in the forums and produced videos to help guide you through the app submission process.

We’re also frequently asked what developers and ISVs can do on their end to help speed the process, here are a few tips:

1. Review documentation: Be sure to read through the Application Submission Criteria, Policy Guidelines, Prohibited Applications List and Market Validation Guide prior to application submission. It sounds obvious, but it really is best to spend the time on the front end of the process.

2. Alert your team: Proactively contact the Corporate Approver you designated during Windows Marketplace registration. The Corporate Approver will receive several emails from GeoTrust, who is partnering with Microsoft to provide identity validation services. This will accelerate the identity validation process and reduce the time required before you can submit applications to the Windows Marketplace.

3. Have your ID ready: Individuals may be required to send a copy of government issued photo identification to GeoTrust. Notarized documents for individuals are no longer required. (note that the preferred method for GeoTrust support is through live chat at http://www.geotrust.com/support/chat/order-processing.html )

4. Use App Verifier on Native Code: Remember that Application Verifier only applies to applications written in Native code.

5. Start with the emulator: We recommend testing your application in the Windows Mobile 6.5 emulator prior to submission to the Windows Marketplace. Even better, test the application on a Windows Mobile 6.5 device.

6. Keep reading this blog: Check back to review technical criteria and top tips to help your certification go more smoothly.

As we’ve been discussing since July, our plan is to deliver the full Marketplace experience in two phases. First, we’ll launch Windows Marketplace for Mobile with Windows phones on October 6th. We’ve also discussed following this launch with an update that will include support for Windows Mobile 6 and 6.1 by the end of the year. More specifically, we’re targeting November for phase two. In addition, this second phase will bring the PC based catalog and shopping experience, user generated app reviews, advanced key-based anti-piracy protection and other enhancements that expand your business opportunity and make it easier for a larger number of customers to find and buy your application.

As you can see we’re working hard to deliver on our two core commitments with Marketplace; to create a more open, transparent and rewarding processes for developers and ISVs, and to bring to market a fresh take on the mobile application store that delivers strong value and a great shopping experience for customers. We’re engaged with hundreds of ISVs on a daily basis who are eager to certify their apps and offer great insight into how we can further distinguish both our process and our user experience – keep it coming! And don’t forget that the apps in Marketplace at launch will have a head start in the Race to Market Challenge, and who doesn’t need a Microsoft Surface table?