Network Performance Daily: Vista's TCP/IP Promises and Perils
We spent some time poring over a document from Microsoft’s Research Asia (the guys who designed the Compound TCP/IP [CTCP] algorithm) and it details how the algorithm works... It does teach you about the behavior of it and what to expect when seen in action, and it makes reference to the current technologies for congestion avoidance that CTCP is based on. However, there are several features of Vista of concern to those involved in network performance. (Commentary on Slashdot.org)

We welcome our Slashdot Overlords.

Heise Security: DIY Service Pack
Anyone installing Windows fresh from a CD or who acquires a PC with a preinstalled instance of Windows is in a tricky situation: to protect the machine against the various dangers of the internet, one must first install all current security updates to plug the countless holes in Windows and Internet Explorer. To fetch a copy of the updates, however, Microsoft requires that your computer be connected to the internet.

I once tried to reformat and reinstall Windows on my ex-girlfriend's computer after it got hit with a virus. It got hit again immediately before I could patch it. There's a reason she's my ex-girlfriend.

Wired News: Why You Don't Need Vista Now
However, I encountered several bumps in the road during testing that show Vista is not ready for everyday use by millions of people just yet -- no matter how pretty it looks. (Pictures)

While this is geared toward consumers, it does give you an idea of what sort of problems your end-users will experience when you roll out Vista.

Java.sun.com: Java SE 6 released
Java SE 6 is the current major release of the Java SE platform, with full support from NetBeans IDE 5.5. Sun endeavors to foster the highest level of transparency and collaboration on the platform with the Java community through Project JDK 6, resulting in the following key features. Sun's Java Multi-Platform Support, Training, and Certification can provide you the peace of mind to develop and deploy Java solutions with confidence.

Sun's Java Releases: 6. Starbucks Java Releases: 11 (not counting decaf versions or blends.)

Businesswire: (Press Release) Network Instruments and NetQoS Announce Strategic Alliance to Deliver Network Performance Monitoring and Retrospective Network Analysis
Network Instruments, provider of innovative network analysis solutions, offers the ability to collect and store all packets traversing the network for back-in-time analysis with its GigaStor™ appliance. NetQoS, provider of network performance management software and services for Global 4000 companies, offers the ability to identify the source of the application, server, and network performance problems, and to automatically launch investigations that gather diagnostic information specific to the issue via its SuperAgent® product.

The only thing more fun than days worth of performance statistics are months worth of performance statistics!

IT World Canada: Video will redefine Cisco, company execs say
"I think this (video) is one of the single biggest new opportunities for Cisco and I believe given video's pre-eminence in the minds of consumers and in fact, as we go ahead with TelePresence, in the minds of businesses, we may end up being known as a video company in the minds of most people who aren't familiar with us," says Charlie Giancarlo, Cisco's chief technology officer.

New Year's Resolution: Shave before teleconferencing.

NetPerformance.com: Performance Performing
Maybe you have an existing development shop and want to stop cannibalizing your current development team for performance issues, or maybe you're one of the lucky few who work in a company that's progressive enough to allocate funding for a performance team. Each of these scenarios presents a development group with an opportunity for progress, but also presents some major challenges.... So, how do you start? What is the best way to make a performance team perform, so that it can be effective?

Bullwhips are effective but crude, and may be against policy in some organizations.