Microsoft sends out surveys to select IT Pros twice a year called “The Global Relationship Study”. If you get it, fill it out! Say what you think is good, say what you think isn’t.
I think Microsoft has made great strides in customer satisfaction and continued innovation. Windows Server “8”… System Center 2012… Oh… PowerShell v3! All stuff I’m excited about. I’m almost upset that there’s too much! Too much to learn!
Here’s a run down of some things Microsoft does for its customers.
1) Help and Support from Microsoft
It seems one of the first places I look for help is community-based forums. For non-critical things, there’s no better place to go for help from various experts.
This is not an exhaustive list, but it should provide some good insight.
Help and Resources
· Microsoft Product Solution Center – Get product support information for the majority of Microsoft products.
· Microsoft Answers – Ask questions and get answers from real people, or search for answers others have received.
· Microsoft Fix it Solution Center – Find automated solutions for your issues.
· @MicrosoftHelps – Follow Microsoft Customer Service and Support on Twitter. Experienced customer service agents respond to your questions in real-time tweets.
2) Security – How to Help Keep Your PC Protected
Security should be in everyone’s mind, and at the forefront of just about everything on the Internet. You can even call Microsoft's Security and Virus FREE support line at1-866-727-2338.
Security Resources
· Microsoft Security Essentials – Free Anti-Malware software from Microsoft, great for Small Businesses and Home PCs alike.
· Security Bulletins by the Regular IT Guy – A monthly podcast to help simplify details about the monthly Security patch releases.
· Security TechCenter – Find top tasks, get the latest news, find a wiki article or download a featured tool.
· Windows Update Services – Businesses of all sizes can help manage and control the rollout of updates in their organizations.
3) Licensing Simplified – at Home and at Work
We all cringe when someone mentions the word “licensing”, but there are definitely some resources out there to help.
Licensing Resources
· Licensing FAQs:Frequently Asked Questions About Product Licensing
· The SMB How to Buy Portal: receive clear purchasing and licensing information that is easy to understand in order to help facilitate quick decision making.
· Microsoft License Advisor (MLA):Use MLA to research Microsoft Volume Licensing products, programs and pricing.
· Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) –Already have a volume License? Use the VLSC to get you easy access to all your licensing information in one location.
4) Free Online Training and Resources from Microsoft
You can never go wrong with free stuff!
Check out The Microsoft Virtual Academy which contains some fantastic FREE online training on hot topics for IT Professionals. There’s also the Microsoft Eval Center to download copies of their server products to try out in a lab environment.
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