All posts in category education

Always On VPN Hands-On Training Coming to Chicago

Windows 10 Always On VPN Hands-On Training Classes for 2018Recently I announced the availability of Windows 10 Always On VPN hands-on training classes. The first class is set for March 27-29 in Los Angeles. By popular demand, I’m pleased to announce that I’ll be delivering another class April 10-12 in Chicago. This training class will cover all aspects of designing, implement, and supporting an Always On VPN solution in the enterprise. These three-day courses will cover topics including…

  • Windows 10 Always On VPN overview
  • Introduction to CSP
  • Infrastructure requirements
  • Planning and design considerations
  • Installation, configuration, and client provisioning

Advanced topics will include…

  • Redundancy and high availability+
  • Cloud-based deployments
  • Third-party VPN infrastructure and client support
  • Multifactor authentication
  • Always On VPN migration strategies

Windows 10 Always On VPN Hands-On Training Classes for 2018

Register Today

Reservations are being accepted now! The cost for this 3-day hands-on training class is $4995.00 USD. Space is limited, so don’t wait to register! Fill out the form below to save your seat now.

2 Comments
by Richard M. Hicks on January 29, 2018  •  Permalink
Posted in Always On VPN, education, Enterprise, learning, Remote Access, Training, VPN, Windows 10, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2016
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Posted by Richard M. Hicks on January 29, 2018

https://directaccess.richardhicks.com/2018/01/29/always-on-vpn-hands-on-training-coming-to-chicago/

Always On VPN Hands-On Training Classes for 2018

Windows 10 Always On VPN Hands-On Training Classes for 2018I’m pleased to announce I will be delivering Windows 10 Always On VPN hands-on training classes in various locations around the U.S. this year. As Microsoft continues to move away from DirectAccess in favor of Windows 10 Always On VPN, many organizations now must come up to speed on this new technology. Spoiler alert…it’s not trivial to implement! There’s lots of moving parts, critical infrastructure dependencies, and many configuration options to choose from. Additionally, Windows 10 Always On VPN is managed in a completely different way than DirectAccess, which is sure to present its own unique challenges.

Comprehensive Education

My Windows 10 Always On VPN hands-on training classes will cover all aspects of designing, implementing, and supporting an Always On VPN solution in the enterprise. This three-day course will cover topics such as…

  • Windows 10 Always On VPN overview
  • Introduction to CSP
  • Infrastructure requirements
  • Planning and design considerations
  • Installation, configuration, and client provisioning

Advanced topics will include…

  • Redundancy and high availability
  • Cloud-based deployments
  • Third-party VPN infrastructure and client support
  • Multifactor authentication
  • Always On VPN migration strategies

Upcoming Training Classes

Reservations are being accepted immediately for classes held on March 27-29, 2018 in Southern California and April 10-12 in Chicago. The cost for this 3 day hands-on, in-depth training class is $4995.00 USD. Later this year I’ll be delivering classes in other parts of the country as well. Those locations will be chosen based on demand, so if you can’t make this first class, please register anyway and let me know your location preference. If there’s enough interest in a specific locale I will schedule a class for that region soon. Although I currently have no plans to deliver my training classes outside the U.S., I’m more than happy to consider it if there is enough demand, so let me know!

Windows 10 Always On VPN Hands-On Training Classes for 2018

Reservations Available Now

Reservations are being accepted now! The cost for this 3-day hands-on training class is $4995.00 USD. Space is limited, so don’t wait to register! Fill out the form below to save your seat now.

1 Comment
by Richard M. Hicks on January 8, 2018  •  Permalink
Posted in Always On VPN, AOVPN, education, High Availability, learning, Load Balancing, MFA, Multifactor Authentiction, Remote Access, VPN, Windows 10, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2016
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Posted by Richard M. Hicks on January 8, 2018

https://directaccess.richardhicks.com/2018/01/08/always-on-vpn-hands-on-training-classes-for-2018/

PowerShell Recommended Reading for DirectAccess and Always On VPN Administrators

PowerShell Recommended Reading for DirectAccess and Always On VPN AdministratorsPowerShell is an important skill for administrators supporting Microsoft workloads including DirectAccess and Always On VPN. Using PowerShell to install required roles and features is much simpler and quicker than using the Graphical User Interface (GUI), with only a single command required to accomplish this task. Some settings aren’t exposed in the GUI and can only be configured using PowerShell. In addition, PowerShell makes the task of troubleshooting DirectAccess and Always On VPN much easier.

Learn PowerShell

One of the best resources for learning PowerShell is the book Learn PowerShell in a Month of Lunches authored by Microsoft MVPs and recognized PowerShell experts Don Jones and Jeff Hicks. This book, now in its third edition, should be considered essential reading for all Microsoft administrators. Click here for more details.

PowerShell Recommended Reading for DirectAccess and Always On VPN Administrators

Learn PowerShell Scripting

Recently Don and Jeff released a new book entitled Learn PowerShell Scripting in a Month of Lunches. This new book builds upon the skills learned in their first title by focusing on the development of PowerShell scripts to automate many common administrative tasks. PowerShell scripts can also be used to build custom, reusable tools to more effectively manage and monitor Microsoft workloads. Click here for more details.

PowerShell Recommended Reading for DirectAccess and Always On VPN Administrators

PowerShell for the Future

In my experience, far too many administrators today lack crucial PowerShell abilities. Don’t get left behind! PowerShell is rapidly becoming a required skill, so get these books and start learning PowerShell today!

Additional Resources

Top 5 DirectAccess Troubleshooting PowerShell Commands

Configure Windows Server Core to use PowerShell by Default

 

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by Richard M. Hicks on November 20, 2017  •  Permalink
Posted in Always On VPN, DirectAccess, education, learning, MVP, PowerShell, Recommended Reading, Remote Access, Training, troubleshooting, VPN, Windows 10, Windows Server 2016
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Posted by Richard M. Hicks on November 20, 2017

https://directaccess.richardhicks.com/2017/11/20/powershell-recommended-reading-for-directaccess-and-always-on-vpn-administrators/

DirectAccess and NetMotion Mobility Webinar

Update: You can view the on-demand recording of this webinar here.

DirectAccess on Windows Server 2016 CoreFor many years, DirectAccess has been the gold standard for enterprise remote access. Its seamless and transparent operation improves productivity for mobile workers, and since it is always on, administrators enjoy improved visibility and management for their field-based assets.

As incredible as DirectAccess is, it is not without its limitations. For example, DirectAccess works only with Windows Enterprise edition clients that are joined to the domain. Professional Edition and non-domain joined machines are not supported. It also lacks many of the security features enterprise organizations require, such as device health checks and granular network access. In addition, DirectAccess communication is complex, with many different layers of encapsulation, authentication, and encryption. High protocol overhead can lead to poor performance over high latency or low bandwidth connections.

NetMotion Mobility as an Alternative to DirectAccessNetMotion Mobility is a secure remote access solution that is an excellent alternative to DirectAccess. It provides the same seamless, transparent, always on remote connectivity that DirectAccess provides, while at the same time offering much more in terms of features and capabilities. It supports a much broader range of clients, includes native Network Access Control (NAC) and application filtering, and offers enhanced performance.

To learn more about NetMotion Mobility, join me on Wednesday, September 20 at 10:00AM PDT for a free live webinar with NetMotion. I’ll provide an overview of NetMotion Mobility and how it compares with DirectAccess. I’ll also demonstrate how it can help overcome some of the inherent limitations of DirectAccess too. Register today!

DirectAccess and NetMotion Mobility Webinar

1 Comment
by Richard M. Hicks on September 7, 2017  •  Permalink
Posted in DirectAccess, education, NetMotion, NetMotion Mobility, Remote Access, Security, Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2016
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Posted by Richard M. Hicks on September 7, 2017

https://directaccess.richardhicks.com/2017/09/07/directaccess-and-netmotion-mobility-webinar/

Managing and Supporting DirectAccess with Windows Server 2016 Video Training Course on Pluralsight

Planning and Implementing DirectAccess with Windows Server 2016I’m pleased to announce my newest video training course, Managing and Supporting DirectAccess with Windows Server 2016, is now available on Pluralsight! This new course is a follow-up to my previous course, Planning and Implementing DirectAccess with Windows Server 2016. This latest course builds upon the first one and covers advanced configuration such as enabling load balancing, configuring geographic redundancy, and enforcing strong user authentication using one-time passwords (OTP) and smart cards.

In addition, monitoring and reporting is covered, as well as implementing manage out for DirectAccess clients in supported scenarios. The course also includes a full hour of in-depth DirectAccess configuration and connectivity troubleshooting that will be valuable for all DirectAccess administrators.

The course includes the following training modules:

Configuring High Availability
Enabling Strong User Authentication
DirectAccess Monitoring and Reporting
Implementing Outbound Management for DirectAccess Clients
DirectAccess Troubleshooting

Throughout the course, I share valuable knowledge and insight gained from more than 5 years of experience deploying DirectAccess for some of the largest organizations in the world. Pluralsight offers a free trial subscription if you don’t already have one, so watch my latest DirectAccess video training course today!

Additional Resources

Planning and Implementing DirectAccess with Windows Server 2016 on Pluralsight
Managing and Supporting DirectAccess with Windows Server 2016 on Pluralsight
Implementing DirectAccess with Windows Server 2016 book

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by Richard M. Hicks on June 8, 2017  •  Permalink
Posted in DirectAccess, education, High Availability, learning, Manage Out, multisite, OTP, Pluralsight, Remote Access, Training, troubleshooting, Windows 10, Windows Server 2016
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Posted by Richard M. Hicks on June 8, 2017

https://directaccess.richardhicks.com/2017/06/08/managing-and-supporting-directaccess-with-windows-server-2016-video-training-course-on-pluralsight/

Planning and Implementing DirectAccess with Windows Server 2016 Video Training Course on Pluralsight

Planning and Implementing DirectAccess with Windows Server 2016I’m excited to announce my latest video training course, Planning and Implementing DirectAccess with Windows Server 2016, is now available on Pluralsight! In this course, I’ll provide a high-level overview of DirectAccess, compare it with VPN, and outline supporting infrastructure requirements. In addition, you’ll learn how to choose the best network topology for a DirectAccess deployment, how to prepare Active Directory and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) for DirectAccess, and how to install and configure DirectAccess in Windows Server 2016 using the latest implementation and security best practices. You’ll also learn how to provision Windows 10 clients and understand the unique requirements for supporting Windows 7.

The course includes the following training modules:

Overview of DirectAccess
Planning for DirectAccess
Configuring DirectAccess with the Getting Started Wizard
Configuring DirectAccess with the Remote Access Setup Wizard
Provisioning DirectAccess Clients
Supporting Windows 7 Clients

Throughout the course, I share valuable knowledge and insight gained from more than 5 years of experience deploying DirectAccess for some of the largest organizations in the world. Pluralsight offers a free trial subscription if you don’t already have one, so watch my DirectAccess video training course today!

Additional Resources

Planning and Implementing DirectAccess with Windows Server 2016 on Pluralsight
Implementing DirectAccess with Windows Server 2016

4 Comments
by Richard M. Hicks on April 17, 2017  •  Permalink
Posted in DirectAccess, education, Pluralsight, Remote Access, Security, Training, troubleshooting, video, VPN, Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2016
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Posted by Richard M. Hicks on April 17, 2017

https://directaccess.richardhicks.com/2017/04/17/planning-and-implementing-directaccess-with-windows-server-2016-video-training-course-on-pluralsight/

DirectAccess Troubleshooting and Configuration Training at TechMentor Redmond 2017

DirectAccess and Windows 10 in EducationI’m really excited to announce that I have once again been invited to speak at the upcoming TechMentor event in Redmond, WA August 7-11, 2017! This year I’ll be presenting two important deep-dive training sessions on DirectAccess. The first is a three-hour course on implementing DirectAccess using Windows Server 2016. This session will cover infrastructure prerequisites as well as tips, tricks, and best practices for implementing DirectAccess using Windows Server 2016. In addition I will also be delivering a three-hour deep dive on DirectAccess troubleshooting. In this session, I’ll share valuable insight, tools, and techniques for quickly identifying and resolving many common DirectAccess connectivity and performance issues. In addition I will also be giving a short talk on getting started with Azure site-to-site networking. If you want to take advantage of the power and flexibility that the Azure public cloud has to offer, extending your on-premises datacenter using site-to-site VPN is essential.

Register today using code TMSPK05 and save!

M01: Implementing DirectAccess with Windows Server 2016
T03: DirectAccess Troubleshooting Deep Dive
T07: Getting Started with Azure Site-to-Site Networking

TechMentor Redmond 2017

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by Richard M. Hicks on March 30, 2017  •  Permalink
Posted in Azure, cloud, DirectAccess, education, Remote Access, Training, troubleshooting
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Posted by Richard M. Hicks on March 30, 2017

https://directaccess.richardhicks.com/2017/03/30/directaccess-troubleshooting-and-configuration-training-at-techmentor-redmond-2017/

DirectAccess Training at TechMentor Conference Orlando 2016

Live! 360 Orlando 2016I am pleased to announce that I’ll be participating in the upcoming TechMentor conference in Orlando, FL in December. The TechMentor conference is part of the larger Live!360 event and offers a compelling agenda of training for IT professionals. I’ll be delivering the following sessions that are focused on providing secure remote access using Windows Server 2016.

TMT01 – Implementing DirectAccess in Windows Server 2016
TMT04 – DirectAccess Troubleshooting Deep Dive
TMT11 – Client-based VPN in Azure with Windows Server 2016

Don’t miss out on this outstanding conference. Register today and save $500.00!

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by Richard M. Hicks on October 25, 2016  •  Permalink
Posted in Azure, cloud, DirectAccess, education, public cloud, Remote Access, Security, Training, Windows 10, Windows Server 2016
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Posted by Richard M. Hicks on October 25, 2016

https://directaccess.richardhicks.com/2016/10/25/directaccess-training-at-techmentor-conference-orlando-2016/

Implementing DirectAccess with Windows Server 2016 Book Now Available

I am very excited to announce that my new DirectAccess book, “Implementing DirectAccess with Windows Server 2016“ from Apress media, is now shipping! The book is available on popular online sites like Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Springer.com, Apress.com, and others. The book is also available in electronic formats such as Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook, as well as a variety of subscription formats including Safari, Books24x7, and SpringerLink.

Implementing DirectAccess with Windows Server 2016

This book contains detailed and prescriptive guidance for the planning, design, implementation, and support of a DirectAccess remote access solution on Windows Server 2016. It also includes valuable insight, tips, tricks, and best practice recommendations gained from my many years of deploying DirectAccess for some of the largest organizations in the world.

Current DirectAccess administrators will also find this book helpful, as the majority of content is still applicable to DirectAccess in Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2. In addition, the book also includes essential information on the design and deployment of highly available and geographically redundant DirectAccess deployments.

Troubleshooting DirectAccess can be a daunting task, so I’ve dedicated an entire chapter in the book to this topic. For those responsible for the maintenance and support of DirectAccess in their organization, this chapter alone will be worth the investment.

Be sure to order your copy today!

3 Comments
by Richard M. Hicks on September 22, 2016  •  Permalink
Posted in DirectAccess, DirectAccess Book, education, Recommended Reading, Remote Access, troubleshooting, Windows 10, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2016
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by Richard M. Hicks on September 22, 2016

https://directaccess.richardhicks.com/2016/09/22/implementing-directaccess-with-windows-server-2016-book-now-available/

DirectAccess in Windows Server 2016 at Microsoft Ignite 2016

I’m pleased to announce that I will be delivering a community theater session at this year’s Microsoft ignite conference in Atlanta, GA. The session, THR2136 in the session catalog, is scheduled for Thursday, September 29 at 12:40PM. This is a level 200 talk where I’ll be providing a high-level overview of all remote access technologies in Windows Server 2016, including DirectAccess, client-based VPN, and Web Application Proxy (WAP). I’ll be focusing on what’s new in each of these technologies and demonstrating how each solution applies in different use cases.

DirectAccess in Windows Server 2016 at Microsoft Ignite 2016

In addition to the session, I’ll be spending time with the folks from PointSharp and Pluralsight in their respective booths too, answering questions and providing demonstrations. I hope to have copies of my new DirectAccess book to sign as well. Be sure to follow me on Twitter for up-do-date details. Hope to see you at the conference!

6 Comments
by Richard M. Hicks on August 29, 2016  •  Permalink
Posted in DirectAccess, DirectAccess Book, education, Remote Access, Training, VPN, Web Application Proxy, Windows 10, Windows Server 2016
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Posted by Richard M. Hicks on August 29, 2016

https://directaccess.richardhicks.com/2016/08/29/directaccess-in-windows-server-2016-at-microsoft-ignite-2016/

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