Free TechNet Resources

TechNet and MSDN contain tons of information regarding Microsoft Technologies like: Books Online, Webcasts, Podcasts, White papers, Virtual Labs, Forums and much more! These resources help IT professionals and developers to efficiently use Microsoft Products.

This post provides a list of free TechNet Resources.

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Best Bets
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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.

You can sign up here for either HTML or text format.

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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.

URL: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/cc138021.aspx

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3. TechNet Magazine

This is a Magazine for IT Pros.

URL: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/default.aspx

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4. Microsoft Server Quest

Fun game that tests your IT skills.

URL: http://www.microsoft.com/click/serverquest

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Career and Learning
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1. Microsoft Thrive

Resources for managing your IT Career.

URL: http://www.microsoft.com/click/thrive

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2. Are you Certifiable

Fun game that tests your IT Knowledge.

URL: http://www.microsoft.com/click/areyoucertifiable

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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.

URL: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/events/default.aspx#current

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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.

URL: http://www.microsoft.com/events/podcasts/default.aspx

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Additional IT Pro Specific Resources
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1. 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.

URL: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/virtuallabs/default.aspx

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2. eLearning Snacks

Learning Snacks are short, interactive presentations about popular topics created by Microsoft Learning experts.

URL: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/snacks/default.mspx

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3. TechNet Forums

Answers from the community on a variety of topics.

URL: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/categories

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4. 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.

URL: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/bb510143.aspx

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5. 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.

URL: http://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/sir.aspx

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6. TechNet Product Downloads

TechNet offers you a robust evaluation experience through downloadable beta and trial software.

URL: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/default.aspx

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7. TechNet Edge

TechNet Edge is a place where IT professionals go to get the inside scoop on the latest and greatest technologies.

URL: http://edge.technet.com