Drewby

Where's Drewby?

2006-10-04T10:08:00-05:00:00

Some people have been asking me why I haven't blogged in almost a year. Actually, I started blogging on MSN Spaces (now Windows Live Spaces) when it was released. I never intended to permanently move, but it looks like its been about a year since I've posted on my blog here at GWB.

If you're interested in what's up with me in DE land, subscribe to my blog at http://drewby.spaces.live.com.

RSS link is http://drewby.spaces.live.com/feed.rss.

VSTS Beta2 VPC Expired?

2005-10-18T20:31:00-05:00:00

Did your VSTS Beta2 VPC expire today? If you still want to experiment with the tools in this VPC that have been configured for your convenience, the Brian has some instructions for you to get the VPC working again. All you need is a valid license for Win2K3, which most MSDN subscribers should have.

Check it here:
http://www.geekswithblogs.com/bsherwin/archive/2005/10/18/57274.aspx

PDC05: IIS7 Rocks!

2005-09-13T17:15:00-05:00:00

There's been so many technologies for me to learn since joing Microsoft. IIS7 is one that I had not seen yet and it is truely impressive. The Metabase is DEAD! You can now configure IIS7 websites using the web.config file which means application deployment and configuration is a lot easier.

One of the things you can configure is the modules that are configured for each site. You can not only add your own modules, but you can remove modules provided by Microsoft. One of the demos I saw showed all of the modules removed including authentication and static file modules. Basically, configured a null web server. The advantage of this is total control over what bits are running on the server.

Another feature of file-based configuration is that site managers can configure their website without having to be administrator on the server machine.

There were a ton of features shown..too many to write about. I'll point you to the Communications track at PDC Bloggers for observations from others.

PDC05: Writing a Dynamic Language Compiler in One Hour

2005-09-13T13:51:00-05:00:00

I've already seen much of the technology here at the PDC05, so I've been looking for presentations that would teach me something new. One of the sessions that popped out at me was TLN410, CLR: CLR: Writing a Dynamic Language Compiler in One Hour. I haven't written a compiler since classes in college, so this was a nice review of a writing a basic scanner/parser that targets the CLR.

The scenario is a made-up language called Good For Nothing (GFN). I would have called it GFN# or GFH.NET, but that's probably a good reason I'm not giving this presentaiton.

The compiler itself is written in C# and then uses Reflection.Emit to generate the IL code for and calls into the framework to compile a simple application written in GFN:

var x = “hello world“;
print x;

Note the local variable type inference. :) They also showed type coercian implemented in the compiler. Nothing complicated, but cool to see those dynamic language features in a compiler targeting the CLR.

CodeKeep goes live!

2005-08-21T10:38:00-05:00:00

My friend Dave Donaldson has come up with a pretty cool idea called CodeKeep. Its simply a place to store all of those code snippets that you want to keep around forever. You can also share the code snippets with others. From his blog entry:

My goal with CodeKeep from the beginning was to create a very simple way to store and search for code snippets, and to create a massive distributed community from which to pull code snippets from. My hope is that developers everywhere use CodeKeep to foster an increased sharing of code so that in the end, we are all more productive because of it.

Check it out!

Based on the CodeKeep logo, I wonder what Dave's favorite .NET language is. Hmm....

Going to the PDC

2005-08-17T10:21:00-05:00:00

I'll be at the PDC in Los Angeles! Just weeks ago I didn't think I'd be able to go, but the planets aligned and everything worked out. I'm looking forward to meeting up with people out there and enjoying the energy that comes along with the event. Should be fun!

Great ASP.NET 2.0 Security Content on MSDN

2005-08-16T12:06:00-05:00:00

I find there is plenty of information out on the web for specific features of .NET products. However, it can be difficult to find a timely step-by-step reference to apply common and practical scenarios such as using forms authentication with Active Directory, or protecting database connection strings. A search of the web will sprout up several articles of varying quality, usually each with their own problems.

The Patterns and Practices team has gathered a bunch of security practices into a single location that include step-by-step instructions. The resources are available in this article: Security Practices: ASP.NET 2.0 Security Practices at a Glance. This is a great resource that I'm sure I'll point a lot of people in future conversations.

Indigo Roadshow coming to Columbus!

2005-07-27T07:14:00-05:00:00

The Indigo Roadshow is coming to Columbus! This is going to be a great opportunity to hear and see more about the product directly from the product group. The .NET Developers Group of Central Ohio and the Central Ohio SQL Server SIG are hosting this special event. And this event is free!

You’ve heard the buzz about Indigo, Microsoft’s unified programming model for building distributed applications. Attend a FREE event and learn how Indigo technology will simplify your life.

With Indigo, you use the tools and language you’re familiar with, and a single programming model with all the functionality you need. And Indigo is built on standards, so the applications you write will work with applications on all participating platforms.

Join us as we build Indigo demos from scratch and see firsthand how it works. Stop struggling with the dirty work. Indigo makes it easy to develop secure, reliable, interoperable web services, so you can focus on what really matters.

Every attendee will walk away with:

An inside look at Microsoft’s next-generation web services platform
The ability to quickly build secure, reliable web services
David Pallmann’s Programming Indigo Beta1 book
A special DVD of the latest Indigo bits, content, labs, and demos
The chance to win T-shirts and an Xbox

This is a great opportunity for our developer community. Don't miss out - register now!

Steve Smith recognized as a Regional Director

2005-07-23T18:47:00-05:00:00

Congratulations to Steve Smith who is the new Regional Director in Ohio. Steve is a respected expert in our industry and has been contributing to the community in many ways including his multitude of community websites such as ASPAlliance.com. He's also on the INETA Speakers Bureau and speaks at many recognized conferences.

We really have an awesome community in Ohio, represented by some of the smartest, most passionate people you'll ever meet. I'm proud to be a part and work with people like Steve.

My ASP.NET 2.0 Presentation was "Liveblogged"

2005-07-20T19:29:00-05:00:00

Martin Shoemaker was at the Great Lakes Area .NET Users Group (GANG) for my ASP.NET 2.0 presentation tonight. He “liveblogged” the presentation. Cool!

Tips on Starting a User Group

2005-07-16T12:39:00-05:00:00

Jim Holmes has a great post called Tips and Thoughts on Founding a Users/Developers Group. If you are thinking about launching one in your area, you should definitely check out his suggestions.

Upcoming Presentations

2005-07-13T07:28:00-05:00:00

I've been busy finishing up the end of FY05 at Microsoft - we had several conferences including a very successful Visual Studio 2005 Developers Conference in our region. I was also busy getting some swag together for the user groups that I support. That was fun!

Now, I'm planning for the next year and starting to execute on some of it. Here's some presentations that I have scheduled. If you are in the area for any of these presentations, please attend and say hello!

Introduction to ASP.NET 2.0
Great Lakes Area .NET Users Group
Detroit, MI
Wednesday, July 20 - 6:00pm
http://www.migang.org/

Visual Studio 2005 Team System
Greater Lansing User Group .NET
Lansing, MI
Thursday, July 21 - 6:00pm
http://www.glugnet.org/

Visual Studio 2005 Team System
Northwest Ohio .NET Users Group
Toledo, OH
Tuesday, July 26 - 6:00pm
http://www.nwnug.com/

Outlook Add-in Support in Visual Studio 2005 Tools for Office
Developer Care
Detroit, MI
Friday, August 19 - 11:30am-5:00pm
http://www.nhmichigan.com/support/events/developercare.htm

Writing Managed Code for SQL Server 2005
Lexington .NET Users Group
Lexington, KY
Tuesday, September 13 - 6:00pm
http://www.lexdotnet.org

Outlook Add-in Support in Visual Studio 2005 Tools for Office
Developer Care
Louisville, KY
Friday, September 23 - 11:30am-5:00pm

Louisville Code Camp
Louisville, KY
Friday, October 7 - Saturday, October 8
http://www.kydotnet.org/codecamp/

Bluegrass Code Camp
Lexington, KY
Friday, October 14 - Saturday, October 15
http://www.bluegrasscodecamp.com/

GLD is the place to be! Our user group leaders rock and we are going to have a fun year!

TechEd Weather

2005-06-03T22:20:00-05:00:00

Everyday: Highs in the upper 80s, Lows in the mid 70s, Scattered showers. Welcome to Florida weather in June.

On My Way to TechEd

2005-06-03T21:51:00-05:00:00

I'm on my way to TechEd number 8 for me! I've been to every TechEd since 1998. Whats my favorite part of TechEd? No doubt, its interacting with all the geeks that are there! There is so much energy at TechEd (somewhat brought on by the unlimited supply of sweets and carbonated drinks, but also by the geek stuff too).

Here's what I remember from TechEds past (notice I can't remember anything about the technology - sorry, TechEd is so much more thant that):

TechEd 1998 - New Orleans -	This TechEd is legendary. You just can't beat Cheap Trick and Steve Winwood in the Super Dome!
TechEd 1999 - Dallas -	Lets have a party on the conference center front lawn with Blondie. No thanks!
TechEd 2000 - Orlando -	“I’m not Bill Gates, but I do play him on TV.”
TechEd 2001 - Atlanta -	Visual Basic Birthday Party!? Gimme a break! How about a VB funeral at TechEd 2005?
TechEd 2002 - New Orleans -	What happens in N'awlins, stays in N'awlins - that means you ActiveNick!
TechEd 2003 - Dallas -	Sitting on the ground out in front of a closed Starbucks at 6:00am to aggregate the new TechEd Bloggers over their wireless - rock on!
TechEd 2004 - San Diego -	Cabana, Cabana, Cabana, it was all about the Cabana.
TechEd 2005 - Orlando -	Here I come!

Any favorite flashbacks that you have?

Check out the VS 2005 DevCon in Detroit!

2005-06-03T21:25:00-05:00:00

Not going to TechEd next week? Then check out the VS 2005 DevCon in Detroit on June 16! You'll get a great overview of the Visual Studio content that is being presented at TechEd!

http://www.chrysalisevents.com/vs2005devcon