INETA

Entity Framework by Zeeshan Hirani on 12/19/2009

Shawn Weisfeld — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:44:18 GMT

Another in the series of UG presentations that I have recorded for INETA Live.

Abstract:

Zeeshan Hirani (http://weblogs.asp.net/zeeshanhirani) is working on a new book of Entity Framework Recipes for Apress (http://amzn.com/1430227036). In this talk he gives us a preview of some of the things that he will be covering in his book. Entity Framework Recipes provides an exhaustive collection of ready-to-use code solutions for Microsoft’s Entity Framework, Microsoft’s vision for the future of data access. Entity Framework is a model-centric data access platform with an ocean of new concepts and patterns for developers to learn. With this book, you will learn the core concepts of Entity Framework through a broad range of clear and concise solutions to everyday data access tasks. Armed with this experience, you will be ready to dive deep into Entity Framework, experiment with new approaches, and develop ways to solve even the most difficult data access challenges. If you are a developer who likes to learn by example, then this is the right book for you.

Gives ready-to-use, real-world recipes to help you with everyday tasks
Provides guideposts for learning core concepts
Maps out key landmarks for experimenting with your own solutions

What you’ll learn

Solve the most common data access problems using Entity Framework.
Implement basic data access design patterns using Entity Framework.
Seamlessly model your solutions across both code and data.
Improve data access performance.
Use data binding to simplify and reduce your code.
Leverage the recipes to empower your own exploration of Entity Framework.

Who is this book for?

This book is for anyone learning Microsoft’s Entity Framework—Microsoft’s new and primary data access platform. If you have ever struggled to learn a new technology, programming model, or way of doing something, you know how helpful simple, real-world examples can be. For the beginning developer, this book provides concrete examples for common data access tasks. For developers with experience with previous Microsoft access platforms, this book provides a task-by-task mapping between previous approaches and the patterns used in Entity Framework.

Bio:

Zeeshan Hirani (http://weblogs.asp.net/zeeshanhirani) is a senior developer at CheaperThanDirt.com. He specializes mainly in ASP.NET, AJAX, and leveraging OR-mapping solutions like LINQ and Entity Framework in business applications. He has written several articles for CodeProject.com and is an active member in the user-group community in Dallas/Fort Worth. He is a frequent blogger.

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Surface, Windows 7, and untold stories of touch computing by Joe Fletcher@ Tulsa Tech Fest on 11/06/2009

Shawn Weisfeld — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:55:51 GMT

Another in the series of UG presentations that I have recorded for INETA Live.

Abstract:

Windows 7 will help introduce touch computing on a massive scale to millions of people over the next several years. The Microsoft Surface group was asked by Windows to assist in showing off what touch computing could do, and to present new ways to think about designing applications for those unique interactions. Come hear the story and process of how a few members of the Microsoft Surface team developed three simple and fun, but not easy, applications for the Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7. The story will also offer and discuss numerous pain points and road blocks encountered along the way, and the learning developed as a result to take advantage of these new technologies and experiences.

Bio:

Joe Fletcher is a User Experience Manager at Microsoft Surface and a recognized international speaker. He holds design to three core principles; Connection & Communication, Altering & Adapting behaviors, and Equivalent Exchange. His current passion is looking deeper into touch, gesture, and social computing. When not working on Microsoft Surface or traveling, he’s reading up on design and culture. He also enjoys finding parallels between the Design profession and the oddest of fields.

C# 4.0 by Chris Koenig @ Tulsa Tech Fest on 11/06/2009

Shawn Weisfeld — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:31:03 GMT

Another in the series of UG presentations that I have recorded for INETA Live.

Abstract:

Come hear about what’s coming in the next version of C#! Released with .NET Framework 4, the C# language has continued to evolve into one of the world’s most popular programming languages. Join Microsoft Developer Evangelist Chris Koenig for a tour of what’s in store for C# 4.0 and Visual Studio 2010 including the new dynamic language features, optional and named parameters, and more!

Bio:

Chris Koenig is a Developer Evangelist with Microsoft, based in Dallas, TX. Prior to joining Microsoft, Chris worked as a Senior Architect on the Architecture Strategy Team for The Capital Group in San Antonio, and as an Architect, Developer and Development Team Lead for the global solution provider Avanade. As a consultant, Chris worked with a variety of clients from many vertical markets, ISVs and other solution providers on enterprise-class Windows and web-based applications. Today, Chris focuses on building, growing, and enhancing the developer communities in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas. Chris is a devoted husband and father of four awesome children who keep him very busy. In his spare time, Chris serves as Scoutmaster for his oldest son's Troop, and Committee Chair for his youngest sons' Pack. Chris also enjoys traveling, cooking, camping and playing guitar. You can contact Chris through his blog at http://chriskoenig.net, via email at chris.koenig@microsoft.com, or via Windows Live Messenger at chris@koenigweb.com.

$(ready).with(Rachel Appel); by Rachel Appel @ North Dallas .NET UG on 11/04/2009

Shawn Weisfeld — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:12:38 GMT

Another in the series of UG presentations that I have recorded for INETA Live.

Abstract:

jQuery aims to redefine the way we write JavaScript, and now with support built into Microsoft Visual Studio, you can more easily write client-side scripts than ever before. In this session, you will learn the basics of jQuery starting with downloading and installing jQuery. We'll then move onto topics such as unobtrusive JavaScript, using jQuery wrapped sets and selectors, creating animations, and common scripting tasks.

Bio:

Rachel Appel has been working as a mentor, instructor, software developer, architect and DBA for nearly 20 years. During her career, Rachel has worked with a variety of languages, technologies and systems and has contributed to projects of all sizes including large scale enterprise applications at some of the world's leading companies.

Rachel is the Vice President of the .Net Valley user group, as well as a leader and regular speaker in the Philly.NET and Central Penn.NET user groups of Pennsylvania. She can also be found speaking at code camps, user groups, community events and conferences.

Rachel's expertise lies within developing solutions that align business and technology using the Microsoft .NET family of products, particularly ASP.NET & SQL Server. She is also an ASP.NET MVP, ASPInsider and holds the Microsoft Certified Trainer, MCAD & MCSD certifications.

She is also a member of the INETA speakers bureau.

You can find Rachel online in the following places:

http://www.rachelappel.com

http://www.twitter.com/RachelAppel

INETA BOF’s @ PDC 2010: Attending?

Shawn Weisfeld — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:08:13 GMT

As many of you know PDC is right around the corner, and in a great tradition of community events INETA is running the Birds-of-a-Father track for Microsoft. A BOF is a great chance to talk to other developers and industry leaders about the issues that you are having. So get out of those stuffy presentations and attend a BOF.

This year there will be normal day time BOF’s, additionally there will be extra special Lunch time BOF’s and even a super duper “Community Roundtable” BOF Tuesday night.

Here is the lineup at the time of writing this post, however an up to date schedule can be found in the PDC Online Schedule Builder

BOF @Lunch Featured Sessions

Will Cloud Computing Change Your Life? Co-Hosts: Simon Guest, David Pallman, Aaron Skonnard, and Michael Stiefel
ASP.NET MVC – Share Your Stories From The Trenches
Fear and Loathing in IT Security Co-hosts: Patrick Hynds, Duane Laflotte, and Chris Bowen

BOF Sessions

Claims-Based Identity Host: Keith Brown
Exception Management – Handling and Reporting Exceptions Effectively Host: Paul Sheriff
Shoud I Use Silverlight, MVC, or Web Forms for Web User Interface Development? Co-Hosts: Ben Hoelting and Todd Anglin
Developers on Better Design, User Experience and Why It Matters Co-Hosts: David Kelley and Jason Beres
Behavior-Driven Development vs. Test-Driven Development: What’s What? Host: Dennis Doomen

Special Event: INETA BOF Community Roundtable
6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Join David Chappell, Scott Hanselman, Patrick Hynds, Fritz Onion, Miguel de Icaza, and Sara Ford for an open discussion on anything technology related. Carl Franklin will moderate the discussion and be recording the event as a .NET Rocks show.

Windows 7 for Developers by Chris Koenig @ Dallas DevCares UG on 10/30/2009

Shawn Weisfeld — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:15:38 GMT

Another in the series of UG presentations that I have recorded for INETA Live.

Abstract:

Windows 7 enables developers to create distinctive and intuitive applications that significantly enhance discoverability, usability, and sheer enjoyment. New methods of desktop integration put application functionality right at the user's fingertips. New Touch APIs enable natural interactions through multitouch and finger-panning gestures. Rapid advances in hardware and software technology are also driving higher-fidelity user experiences. Windows 7 brings these advances under developer control with new and flexible APIs that take full advantage of the technology, while making it even easier to develop compelling applications. Join Microsoft Developer Evangelist Chris Koenig for a tour of developing for Windows 7 to include samples for multi-touch, ribbon, superbar integration and more!

Bio:

As a consultant, Chris worked with a variety of clients from many vertical markets, ISVs and other solution providers on enterprise-class Windows and web-based applications. Today, Chris focuses on building, growing, and enhancing the developer communities in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas.

Chris is a devoted husband and father of four awesome children who keep him very busy. In his spare time, Chris serves as Scoutmaster for his oldest son's Troop, and Committee Chair for his youngest sons' Pack. Chris also enjoys traveling, cooking, camping and playing guitar.

You can contact Chris through his blog at http://chriskoenig.net, via email at chris.koenig@microsoft.com, or via Windows Live Messenger at chris@koenigweb.com.

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Silverlight 3 for Business Applications by Jason Beres @ Dallas ASP.NET UG on 10/27/2009

Shawn Weisfeld — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:16:40 GMT

Another in the series of UG presentations that I have recorded for INETA Live.

Abstract:

Silverlight is arguably the biggest shift in web technologies in the last decade. But is Silverlight 3 ready for prime time business applications? In this code-focused talk, you will learn how platform features like navigation framework, RIA Services, visual states, animations, isolated storage, data templates and custom styles can give you to tools you need to bring your business applications to life with high-fidelity user experience and enhanced end-user productivity.

Bio:

Jason Beres is the Director of Product Management for Infragistics, the world leader in user interface development tools and experts in the User Experience (UX) market. Jason is one of the founders of Florida .NET User Groups, he is the founder of the Central New Jersey .NET User Group, he is a Visual Basic .NET MVP, and he is on the INETA Speakers Bureau.

Jason Beres is the author of several books on .NET development, including the recently published Silverlight 3 Programmers Reference from Wrox Press. Jason is a national and international conference speaker; he is a frequent columnist for several .NET publications, and keeps very active in the .NET community.

http://www.infragistics.com

http://blogs.infragistics.com/blogs/jason_beres/

SQL Azure Database by Chris Koenig @ Dallas Cloud UG 10/21/2009

Shawn Weisfeld — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:54:25 GMT

Another in the series of UG presentations that I have recorded for INETA Live.

Abstract:

Microsoft® SQL Azure™ Database is a cloud-based relational database service built on SQL Server® technologies. It provides a highly available, scalable, multi-tenant database service hosted by Microsoft in the cloud. SQL Azure Database helps to ease provisioning and deployment of multiple databases. Developers do not have to install, setup, patch or manage any software. High availability and fault tolerance is built-in and no physical administration is required. SQL Azure Database supports Transact-SQL (T-SQL). Customers can use existing knowledge in T-SQL development and a familiar relational data model for symmetry with existing on-premises databases. SQL Azure Database can help reduce costs by integrating with existing toolsets and providing symmetry with on-premises and cloud databases.

Bio:

You can contact Chris through his blog at http://chriskoenig.net, via email at chris.koenig@microsoft.com, or via Windows Live Messenger at chris@koenigweb.com.

My Recording Rig v1

Shawn Weisfeld — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:02:40 GMT

After attending user group presentations for years, I was always saddened when I was unable to attend and missed some great content. Additionally within INETA we have a desire to provide more content on our video sharing website (http://live.ineta.org). The only issue was how to capture this content, while not detracting from the live presentation.

My main requirement was first and foremost not to detract from the user group meetings. Thus I wanted a solution that did not require any software to be installed on the presenter’s computer, thus no Camtasia or LiveMeeting. So I began researching a segment of hardware called “frame grabbers”. Below is my parts list and a diagram of the layout.

My second requirement was to capture both the computer screen and the image of the speaker and do a picture in picture so the person that watched the video could see both.

The purpose of the "plastic box" is to reduce the number of wires that need to be connected and torn down before/after the meetings. Like any good developer I solve problems by adding a layer of abstraction.

Parts List: Total $5,045

Item	Price	URL
VGA2Ethernet (aka Frame Grabber)	$1,600	http://www.epiphan.com/
50 foot Ethernet Cable	$32
2 Port VGA Splitter	$30	http://www.frys.com/product/5944664
Plastic Box	$2
25 foot extension cord	$15 x2
Power Strip	$10 x2
JVC GR-D870 Mini DV Video Camera	$200	http://camcorder.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL028241&pathId=26&page=10
Wireless Lapel Microphone	$125	http://www.amazon.com/Technica-PRO88W-R35-Wireless-Microphone-System/dp/B00006I523/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1254340717&sr=8-11
10 foot 1394 cable	$46	http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/311615/Iogear-IEEE-1394-Firewire-4-Pin/
Headphones	$10
Powerful Laptop	$1600	64 bit, quad core, lots-o-ram
Wirecast from Telestream	$450	http://www.telestream.net/wire-cast/overview.htm
Camtasia	$300	http://www.techsmith.com/camtasia.asp
Expression Encoder	$600	http://www.microsoft.com/expression/

INETA Live Recordings

Shawn Weisfeld — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:10:15 GMT

I have been doing some recordings for INETA Live, however due to some technical difficulties I am unable to get them posted, but since everyone has been asking for them I figured I would post them here.

Details	Video
Date: 9/9/2009 Speaker: Ken Byrd Topic: WCF Service Quality: Understanding Instancing, Concurrency, and Throttling
Date: 9/10/2009 Speaker: · Tim Rayburn (moderator) · Lakshmi Kurapati · Mike Kyle · Susan Tidwell · Keith Bikpson · Kris Pasow · Rafael Guerrero Topic: DFW Development Trends: A look at the corporate development community in Dallas- Ft. Worth
Date: 9/12/2009 Speaker: Shawn Weisfeld Topic: Make your Data Dance with ASP.NET Dynamic Data
Date: 9/26/09 Speaker: Sam Gazitt Topic: The Shortest Path From Ideas to Software
Date: 9/26/09 Speaker: Rob Vettor Topic: Building your DAL (Data Access Layer) with the ADO.NET Entity Framework Updated 11/06/2009
Date: 9/26/09 Speaker: Jeffrey Palermo Topic: ASP.NET MVC in Action
Date: 9/26/09 Speaker: Jonathan Birkholz Topic: Evolve your code with Extension Methods, Fluent Interfaces, and Expressions
Date: 9/26/09 Speaker: Claudio Lassala Topic: Isolating Dependencies in Unit Tests Using Mocks and Stubs
Date: 9/26/09 Speaker: Shawn Weisfeld Topic: Developer<T>: Utilizing .NET Generics to write better code Updated 11/06/2009
Date: 10/8/09 Speaker: Trent Nix, Christopher Menegay Topic: Accelerate Your Software Process with Visual Studio Team System 2010 · Part 1: Visualizing SDLC from Requirements to Design to Code to Build to Test to Release
Date: 10/8/09 Speaker: Trent Nix, Christopher Menegay Topic: Accelerate Your Software Process with Visual Studio Team System 2010 · Part 2: Managing Work and Releases
Date: 10/8/09 Speaker: Trent Nix, Christopher Menegay Topic: Accelerate Your Software Process with Visual Studio Team System 2010 · Part 3: Prototyping Requirements Using Expression 3 with SketchFlow
Date: 10/08/09 Speaker: Trent Nix, Christopher Menegay Topic: Accelerate Your Software Process with Visual Studio Team System 2010 · Part 4: Managing Testing and Virtualization Your Test Lab
Date: 10/08/09 Speaker: Trent Nix, Christopher Menegay Topic: Accelerate Your Software Process with Visual Studio Team System 2010 · Part 5: Tying Design and Development Together for Higher Quality Software