tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57431531176157487252024-03-04T23:48:41.961-05:00Technology ChaosTechnology ideas, step-by-step procedures, and newsJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02979718341462242394noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-15010847471749484592013-07-18T21:21:00.001-04:002013-07-18T21:21:54.439-04:00Configuring custom .rdp shortcuts for Server 2012 Remote Desktop<h2>
<u>The Changes</u></h2>
<div>
Windows Server 2012 has changed much in the Remote Desktop (RDS) area; most of which is great, some areas require re-learning. I'd like to briefly outline two changes that aren't as well documented regarding connecting to the new environment: connecting to an RDS server farm using a connection broker and collection name, and creating a custom .rdp file that can be deployed if the web access server isn't desired.</div>
<div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div>
<h2>
<b><u>No More NLB for Connecting</u></b></h2>
</div>
<div>
Server 2012 changes the connection process from 2008R2. In 2008R2, I'd commonly create a Network Load Balancing (NLB) cluster and direct users at this NLB address for connecting to the RDS environment. NLB was configured to span all RDSH servers (or pre-chosen) to provide maximum redundancy on initial connection and NLB was used to provide fault tolerance based in its awareness of server outages. Dedicated redirects could be used if desired.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The new method: NLB is no longer required for Remote Desktop connections. Uses connect to the Remote Desktop Connection Broker (or Connection Broker Farm) and then get redirected to the appropriate host. The preferred method, use Remote Desktop Web Access (RDWA). Alternatively, you can connect directly using .rdp saved settings files.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<h2>
<b><u>Remote Desktop Shortcuts</u></b></h2>
</div>
<div>
I've seen multiple environments where system administrators deploy .rdp files or shortcuts. This is no longer the preferred method for connecting to a 2012 RDS Collection. The recommended method is to use the built-in RDWebAccess; however, you can still configure custom .rdp connection files and customize them to direct users RDP sessions to a specific Remote Desktop session or RemoteApp collection.<br />
<br />
<u>Here's how to configure a remote desktop .rdp file to connect to a specific collection through a broker:</u><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Determine your Remote Desktop Connection Broker name or Farm Name for the Connection Broker servers (if > 1).</li>
<li>Determine the collection name of the Remote Desktop collection you want to connect to by RDP.</li>
<li>Open up mstsc (Remote Desktop Connection) program on your computer.</li>
<li>Type in the server name, gateway info, redirection info, resolution info as you normally would. For the server name, use the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) of your connection broker server (or farm name), i.e. SERVER.TESTLAB4.ME.</li>
<li>On the general tab, click Save As and save the .rdp file to your desktop.</li>
<li>Open notepad</li>
<li>Open the newly saved .rdp file in notepad and add/update the following information, substituting your RDS collection name for <RDS COLLECTION NAME>:</li>
<ol>
<li><b><i>use redirection server name:i:1</i></b></li>
<li><b><i>loadbalanceinfo:s:tsv://MS Terminal Services Plugin.1.<RDS COLLECTION NAME></i></b></li>
</ol>
<li>Save the .rdp file and test.</li>
</ol>
</div>
JWeekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11793165885370769837noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-55978655752955699362013-04-14T13:52:00.002-04:002013-04-14T13:52:39.280-04:00Copying your emails from Google Apps custom domain to Outlook.com custom domain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2WrdJ4u6fJYyfGxuj46QF8QgSTUeyH87LsSQF_WSNClG99ZGlUvvTivRAgbHxv696HOZTeSgy7ORadXP-SA_mK2HgQx06iXxNOviR8U_cY_qx-HIYft5QuVTb5htUI8gn-ejw49bmNdd/s1600/New-Microsoft-Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="78" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2WrdJ4u6fJYyfGxuj46QF8QgSTUeyH87LsSQF_WSNClG99ZGlUvvTivRAgbHxv696HOZTeSgy7ORadXP-SA_mK2HgQx06iXxNOviR8U_cY_qx-HIYft5QuVTb5htUI8gn-ejw49bmNdd/s320/New-Microsoft-Logo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
For those who decided to leave Google Apps free and head towards Outlook.com free service, this article is intended to help you migrate your old emails from your Google Apps account to your Outlook.com account.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>Why is this needed</b>?</h2>
Simple, Outlook, webmail, and Windows 8 app do not let you copy your emails from one service to another.<br />
<br />
Microsoft provides a service to copy emails from Gmail to Outlook.com if you use their default domains (@gmail.com and @outlook.com for example); but not if you use custom domain names (@yourdomain.com).<br />
<br />
<h2>
Before you get started</h2>
<div>
I am assuming that you have already set up your email custom domain in Outlook.com and have access to both email accounts. I may throw another article together soon for how to get started with your personal domain on Outlook.com.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Here's how to do it:</h2>
<div>
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<br />
<ol>
<li>Download and install Windows Live Essentials 2012.</li>
<li>Add your Google Apps (IMAP) account and your Outlook.com custom domain account to Windows Live Essentials Mail.</li>
<li>In your Google Apps inbox, select all emails (or selectively select if you're into that) and right-click, click Copy to and choose your Outlook.com folder of choice.</li>
<li>Sit back and let the copy happen.</li>
</ol>
<h2>
<br /></h2>
<h2>
Others</h2>
<div>
Others have set up temporary outlook.com mailboxes (backup mailboxes) so they can compare email counts, feel free to do this.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hope this helps!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Jess</div>
<br />
<ol>
</ol>
JWeekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11793165885370769837noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-18390565277290104512013-03-28T21:13:00.001-04:002013-04-13T13:35:02.541-04:00Getting Started with Ruby on Rails for Windows
<br />
<h2>
What is Ruby on Rails?</h2>
<div class="p2">
In short, a dynamic (non-compiled) programming language. If you have programmed before, this is an easy to learn, easy to code programming language. Check out this link for more info: <a href="http://rubyonrails.org/"><span class="s1">http://rubyonrails.org/ </span></a></div>
<div class="p3">
<b></b><br /></div>
<h2>
What you'll need?</h2>
<div class="p2">
Here's what you'll need to get started:</div>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li2">Windows PC (preferably Windows 7 or Server 2008 and above)</li>
</ul>
<div class="p5">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<h3>
Install Steps:</h3>
<div class="p2">
Before you get started, you really should be an admin on your Windows computer. I'll assume you are for future steps.</div>
<div class="p7">
<br /></div>
<h4>
Preparation</h4>
<div class="p2">
</div>
<ol>
<li>Sign up for a free GitHub Account (Free for public work) here: <a href="https://github.com/"><span class="s1">https://github.com/</span></a>.</li>
<ol>
<li>While you're at it, download and install the github application. This can make it easier to configure and use github on your computer.</li>
<li>As a side note, I like using the Git Shell (powershell) over the command prompt for git work.</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<br />
<h4>
Installations</h4>
<div class="p2">
</div>
<ol>
<li>Download and install the RailsInstaller package from <a href="http://railsinstaller.org/"><span class="s1">http://railsinstaller.org</span></a>. <br />This package is designed to get you up and running on the current ruby and rails versions (as packaged) quickly and painlessly.<br />You could stop here; but there are a few other items that I install in order to make my environment more friendly moving forward. Check out the documentation on railsinstaller.org to see everything it installs. In later posts, I'll help you upgrade and update ruby and rails when an update comes out.<br />Install this on your computer. I recommend C:\Railsinstaller to keep things simple.</li>
<li>Download and install PIK from <a href="https://github.com/vertiginous/pik"><span class="s1">https://github.com/vertiginous/pik</span></a>. This is an easy to use ruby version manager; which will let you run multiple versions of Ruby on your Windows machine at the same time without wrecking the install done from railsinstaller. </li>
<ol>
<li>After railsinstaller is installed, the version of ruby that got installed with it will be your 'base' version. PIK is used to download and run updated versions of ruby side-by-side. Each ruby folder you create/download will be independent of the primary version.</li>
<li>Install pik using the gem install pik command, then extract/install it to c:\bin. We’ll be adding this location to the path variable in the next section.</li>
<li>After PIK is installed, configure your downloads and installs folder. I recommend using c:\downloads and c:\installs to keep things easy. The ‘downloads’ folder will be used to cache your ruby downloads and the ‘installs’ folder will be the actual final installation path of each version of ruby (subfolders within).</li>
<ol>
<li>Do this in windows with these commands in an administrative command prompt:</li>
<li>><i>pik config downloads=c:\downloads</i></li>
<li>><i>pik config installs=c:\installs</i></li>
</ol>
<li>This is all we’re going to do with PIK at the moment since we’ve just installed what we believe to be the latest version of everything.3.<span class="s2"> </span></li>
</ol>
<li>Download and install Sublime Text 2 from <a href="http://www.sublimetext.com/"><span class="s1">http://www.sublimetext.com/</span></a>. This is a great code editor for Windows/Mac that will highlight and tab your code as needed while you edit it.<br />After you install it, copy sublime_text.exe and rename the copy subl.exe or sublime.exe as alternative methods launch it from the command prompt. Then add the sublime text path to your Path variable (See later step). You'll thank me later.</li>
<li>Sign up for a Heroku Account (Free for development work) here: <a href="http://www.heroku.com/"><span class="s1">http://www.heroku.com/</span></a>.</li>
<ol>
<li>While you're there, download and install the heroku toolkit.</li>
</ol>
<li>Download and install Console2 from <span class="s1"><a href="http://sourceforge.net/projects/console/">http://sourceforge.net/projects/console/</a></span></li>
<ol>
<li>Extract all files to the C:\bin\ folder. This will be included in path later. See my link to other references below for even more configuration options.</li>
</ol>
<li>Download and install ANSICON from <a href="http://github.com/adoxa/ansicon"><span class="s1">http://github.com/adoxa/ansicon</span></a>.<br />This application allows for color coding in the command prompt; which is helpful for some ruby applications.</li>
<ol>
<li>Extract it to c:\bin\ in its own folder. We’ll be adding that to path later anyway.</li>
<li>Run ansicon –i to configure ansicon to always start with the command prompt for just you or –I for all users on the system.</li>
<li>See my link to other references below for even more configuration.</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<h3>
Tidy Things Up</h3>
<br />
<div class="p2">
With everything installed, it’s time to update your Path environment variable so that when you type commands in the command prompt they will reference the correct locations in the order we need.<br />
I use this for my path. Basically, it prioritizes the main installed version of the major utilities over the rails installer version; but will fall back on it if you uninstall it: <i>c:\bin;%SystemRoot%\system32;%SystemRoot%;%SystemRoot%\System32\Wbem;%SYSTEMROOT%\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\;C:\Program Files\Sublime Text 2\;C:\Program Files (x86)\Notepad++;C:\Program Files (x86)\Heroku\bin;C:\Program Files (x86)\git\cmd;C:\RailsInstaller\Git\cmd;C:\bin\ansi161;C:\bin\ansi161;C:\bin\ansi161\x64;C:\installs\Ruby-193-p392\bin;C:\RailsInstaller\Ruby1.9.3\bin</i></div>
<div class="p4">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Time to Play</h3>
<div class="p2">
Now, time to get started playing with Ruby! :-)</div>
<div class="p2">
I recommend a few websites for beginners:</div>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li8"><span class="s3">Free: <a href="http://www.tryruby.org/"><span class="s4">http://www.tryruby.org/</span></a></span></li>
<li class="li8"><span class="s3">Free: <a href="http://railsforzombies.org/"><span class="s4">http://railsforzombies.org/</span></a></span></li>
<li class="li8"><span class="s3">Free (online version): <a href="http://ruby.railstutorial.org/"><span class="s4">http://ruby.railstutorial.org/</span></a></span></li>
<li class="li2">If you've got some $$: <a href="http://teamtreehouse.com/"><span class="s1">http://teamtreehouse.com</span></a></li>
</ul>
<div class="p5">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Other references</h3>
<div class="p2">
Other References that I really like:</div>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li8"><span class="s7"><a href="http://rubyonwindowsguides.github.com/"><span class="s8">http://rubyonwindowsguides.github.com/</span></a></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="p5">
<br /></div>
<div class="p5">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
Tune in later for my how-to on using PIK to install an updated version of Ruby, then updating ruby and gems as needed to run your application in the new version.</div>
<div class="p5">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
Thanks for coming by,</div>
<div class="p2">
Jess</div>
<div class="p5">
<br /></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-70091290166459556312013-03-27T20:43:00.000-04:002013-03-27T20:52:14.299-04:00Is Windows 8 Enough to Move Back to PC?<h3>
In short, probably. Here's how I got to this point:</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am fairly new to Apple products. I bought in to the entire ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, AppleTV, and MBP).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am a Systems Engineer by trade. Most of my work involves Microsoft Windows server systems and applications.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I prefer to upgrade my computers at the latest every 3 years.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let's start by looking at my Apple favorites:</div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<h4>
I like a nice flowing UI with fancy design elements</h4>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Icons, windows, and overall system use is very pretty (yes, this does matter, obviously)</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h4>
I like easy to use software</h4>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Almost every application and system setting is easy to use and easy to keep up-to-date</li>
<li>Apple Updates are not very intrusive and don't bug you constantly</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h4>
I like quality hardware</h4>
<div>
<ul>
<li>No doubt about it, Apple produces quality and hardware specs which are largely unrivaled by the mainstream PC market.</li>
<li>Quality does, however, come with a price.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h4>
I like how well Apple products work together</h4>
<div>
<ul>
<li>The Apple ecosystem is a huge reason to keep everything Apple. And it reminds you every time a new feature is released for iOS or Mac OS X. </li>
<li>Apps work well together (main apps) between iOS and Mac OS X.</li>
<li>Pushing things to AppleTV is great.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>
On to Windows</h3>
<div>
Now that Windows 8 has been released, I feel like they have improved many of the items which drew me to Apple Mac OS X:</div>
<h4>
Windows 8 has vastly changed UI experience</h4>
<div>
<ul>
<li>In short, I think they did a great job. Skeptical at first, I have now embraced the start screen concept. Also, the UI has improved look and feel. It flows and is pretty to use as I have come to love using Apple products.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h4>
Windows 8 is easy to use</h4>
<div>
<ul>
<li>I am used to Windows. In my professional life, I use Windows all day every day. I know the ins and outs of the Operating System as well as how to do common activities. Windows 8 has added some behind the scene improvements for re-opening apps during automatic update installation and other workflows that I feel have improved the overall ease of use.</li>
<li>Windows has made some major changes to the UI; but use it for a bit and many workflow items require fewer steps and are easier to use. (They have some room to improve; but overall a great change).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h4>
Windows 8 can be found on a variety of hardware platforms</h4>
<div>
<ul>
<li>OK, this one is how it always has been. You can buy a POS windows computer (no names) or you can buy a beast of a computer. There is a large variety of hardware, including custom hardware kits, that works with Windows.</li>
<li>Here's my suggestion: If you have had issues with hardware in the past, start pricing your new PC with hardware specs similar to the Apple product line instead of pricing the new PC based on price alone.</li>
<li>Touch. Touch is exclusive to Windows at the time of this post. Apple needs to get with this for their Macbook line to stay in the game. I wasn't sure I wanted touch or would even use touch on a notebook until I spent some time with one. You will find yourself wanting to touch your screen more often than you thought you would.</li>
<li>Price is also an upside to Windows systems. If you can deal with less than amazing hardware, your Windows computer will be far cheaper than an Apple computer.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>
Here are some areas that Windows Next can improve:</h3>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Windows Next add have a little more customization to the Start Screen</li>
<li>Windows Next should improve some of the issues and add features to the Windows App screen locking/viewing.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>
More thoughts</h3>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Is Microsoft developing an ecosystem? We shall see.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.</div>
</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-74214701304588831432011-12-09T10:57:00.001-05:002011-12-09T12:03:25.362-05:00How To Clone a Virtual Machine on VMWare's free ESXiSpent a few minutes looking for how to do this on Google...<br />
<br />
Basically, there is no clone option in the free version of VMware ran by alot of smaller business companies. In order to clone a VM, you have to get creative.<br />
<br />
<strong>Here are the steps:</strong><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
You will require SSH access to your Virtual Machine, read over my article <a href="http://geektank.net/2009/02/17/gaining-ssh-access-to-vmware-esxi/">Gaining SSH Access To VMWare ESXi</a> which provides the steps required to gain SSH access.<br />
Once you have SSH access, you just need to create a Virtual Machine Directory in your DataStore which should be located in “/vmfs/volumes/datastore1/”. Type the following.<br />
<blockquote>
<strong><em>mkdir /vmfs/volumes/datastore1/NewVM</em></strong></blockquote>
You will then need to run the “vmkfstools” to clone the Virtual Machine.<br />
<blockquote>
/vmfs/volumes/4991bc35-5ced5b0c-a99e-00221953f98d #<strong><em> /sbin/vmkfstools -i /vmfs/volumes/datastore1/exch01/exch01.vmdk /vmfs/volumes/datastore1/newvmware/newvmware.vmdk</em></strong>Destination disk format: VMFS thick<br />Cloning disk ‘/vmfs/volumes/datastore1/exch01/exch01.vmdk’…<br />Clone: 100% done.<br />/vmfs/volumes/4991bc35-5ced5b0c-a99e-00221953f98d #</blockquote>
The Virtual Machine should now be cloned.<br />
Some may ask how you now create a new Virtual Machine based on this clone. You simply do the following.<br />
<blockquote>
<ol>
<li>Make a new VM on this server</li>
<li>Choose ‘Custom’ and when you get to the ‘Select a Disk’ portion of creation you will browse the datastore and select this newly renamed vmdk file.</li>
</ol>
</blockquote>
<strong>My Advice:</strong><br />
<ol>
<li>When you create the new VM, disable the network connectivity on it</li>
<li>Create an ISO with SysPrep for the version of server OS you are using (server 2008 already includes it in the OS)</li>
<li>Run sysprep on the VM if it was not ran prior to shutdown (as should be standard practice for a template). You will know if the OS installation/configuration comes up when you start your new VM.</li>
<li>After sysprep, connect the new VM to the network and proceed with configuration.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<strong>Reference:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://geektank.net/2009/02/howto-clone-a-virtual-machine-on-vmwares-free-esxi/">http://geektank.net/2009/02/howto-clone-a-virtual-machine-on-vmwares-free-esxi/</a></li>
</ul>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-65211953353883861982011-11-07T12:00:00.000-05:002011-11-07T12:00:06.090-05:00<span class="lblNormalClass" id="lblArticleBody" style="font-weight: normal;"><div id="kbm_article_container">
<div id="kbv_article_body">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In a Windows network, the domain controller
that holds the PDC FSMO role (responsible for time) can easily be off and/or not syncing with external resource
correctly. All of your domain's computers are set to sync with the domain by default. Thus, devices, computers, and pretty much everything feels like it's out of sync with time... </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
How do I fix this issue? Well with a few easy registry tweaks and command line entries, this can be solved quickly.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Oh yea, and whoever set up your domain should have done this for you... just saying.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>Audience:</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
You must be a domain administrator to make the following changes.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /><strong>Resolution:
</strong></div>
<ul>
<li>Verify that the event log shows that the server was syncing correctly
<ul>
<li>If there are no w32time event log entries, enable logging for windows time
service:</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Verify registry keys are set to pull time using NTP protocol (they probably aren't):
</li>
<ul>
<li>In the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\TimeProviders\NtpServer registry key, set value 'enabled' to <strong>1</strong>:
<br />In the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\TimeProviders\NtpClient registry key, set value 'enabled' to
<strong>1</strong>:<br />In the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Parameters\Typeregistry key, set value 'Type' to
<strong>NTP</strong></li>
</ul>
<li>Open an elevated command prompt and run command to set up pdc to sync with
time.nist.gov: <strong><em>w32tm /config /manualpeerlist:time.nist.gov /Reliable:yes
/update</em></strong>
</li>
<li>Restart the windows time service (using services.msc console or command line via <strong>w32time</strong> service)
</li>
<li>In an elevated command prompt, you can force the immediate time sync of the
local server (instead of waiting for the interval) by running this command:
<strong><em>w32tm /resync</em></strong>
</li>
<li>Verify event log messages indicate successful update and the time is
correctly set.</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
See wasn't that easy?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Want to get more complicated? You can actually purchase a time telling hardware device and configure your domain to sync with this. It isn't free so I didn't get into it here.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Review the following Microsfot KB
Articles for details:<br /><a href="http://support.microsoft.com/kb/816042">http://support.microsoft.com/kb/816042</a>
, <a href="http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875424">http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875424</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</span><div id="kbm_article_container">
<div id="kbv_article_body">
</div>
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-45362031809941226812011-11-04T12:00:00.000-04:002011-11-04T12:00:05.616-04:00Windows 8 Task ManagerMicrosoft has recently blogged about the changes to Windows 8 task manager. For those of us in corporate IT, it's a change worth taking a look at.<br />
<br />
My thoughts are that they have certainly added some nice visual changes and made the information that I, as a technician, look for in the task manager. As long as they keep the performance information in there and allow us to end tasks and processes easily, it will continue to service its purpose.<br />
<br />
<b>Screenshots:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://blogs.msdn.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-01-29-43-metablogapi/3301.Default_2D00_view_2D00_of_2D00_Windows_2D00_8_2D00_Task_2D00_Manager_5F00_00799646.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://blogs.msdn.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-01-29-43-metablogapi/3301.Default_2D00_view_2D00_of_2D00_Windows_2D00_8_2D00_Task_2D00_Manager_5F00_00799646.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Task Manager (newly minimized for average users)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://blogs.msdn.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-01-29-43-metablogapi/7181.Resource_2D00_usage_2D00_indicators_5F00_4B00D420.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363" src="http://blogs.msdn.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-01-29-43-metablogapi/7181.Resource_2D00_usage_2D00_indicators_5F00_4B00D420.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Task Manager (after clicking "more details") shows critical information at a glance for tech staff</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Check out the original article: <a href="http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/10/13/the-windows-8-task-manager.aspx">http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/10/13/the-windows-8-task-manager.aspx</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-45538948690059819362011-11-03T12:00:00.000-04:002011-11-03T12:00:09.576-04:00OpenDNS for the homeI'd like to take a minute and discuss the <u>free</u> OpenDNS service available for home users.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Top 5 reasons to use OpenDNS at home:</b></u><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><b>Superior DNS experience.</b> They say that their DNS service is superior to the service your Internet Service Provider (ISP, i.e. Time Warner or Comcast) provide to your home. They go on to say that their service is not only faster than your ISP; but also more reliable and able to withstand some outages (like those that recently plagued many famous websites)</li>
<ol>
<li>What's DNS? Well, when you go to www.amazon.com, it's the service that translates this and tells your computer where to go... in short, if it does not work, that ebay item you are watching belongs to someone else.</li>
</ol>
<li><b>Anti-fraud and anti-phishing.</b> OpenDNS keeps a list of many sites that can cause you to accidentally give up your credit card or other personal information. This means that once you turn on the service, you are automatically protected from these sites.</li>
<li>It's geeky and fun. Ok, well my real number three <b>URL correction</b>. Ever put in google.cmo and had to see that damn ISP page asking you "did you mean".. geesh, so annoying. OpenDNS attempts to interpret what you mean when you make these types of blunders and automatically correct your browsing experience. Thus, google.cmo changes to google.com like magic before your eyes!</li>
<li><b>It's free and easy to set up.</b> Need I say more? You can get all of the above features and many many more, for free for home use. If you are a business, there are some charges associated to use their service.</li>
<li><b>Parental Controls</b>. Are you a parent? Do you want to filter what types of sites your household can go to (i.e. no Porn)? While I think filtering out may not be your best method, it is certainly a nice feature for parental units. For Free, again free, you can turn on filtering for categories of sites that you wish to block easily and quickly to prevent access to certain groups of sites. Oh yea, you can also run a report on internet access (in case you are the open and honest family type and would like to discuss where your family browses to).</li>
</ol>
<div>
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div>
So, with that said will you take the plunge? It's actually incredibly easy to set up and I'd rate it a 'moderate' on the techie scale.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>What do you need to get started?:</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Computer at home (preferably a desktop can stay on all the time) to update your info to OpenDNS on a regular basis.</li>
<li>Ideally, a router. Most home users have a wireless router nowadays so this should be no problem.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Hop on over to OpenDNS to see for yourself: </b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Service details: <a href="http://www.opendns.com/home/basic/">http://www.opendns.com/home/basic/</a></li>
<li>Setup Video Tutorial: <a href="http://www.opendns.com/support/videos/basic/">http://www.opendns.com/support/videos/basic/</a></li>
</ul>
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-3585983420564051542011-11-02T18:25:00.000-04:002011-11-02T20:01:05.093-04:00Configure a Custom DRAC Port<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><u>Why is this helpful?</u></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 12pt;">For clients with a single static IP
address, port 443 (the default) may already be forwarded to another
server/application within the client network, such as a secure website or
internal exchange server. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Static IPs cost money and let's face it, buying one
just for a DRAC card will be a hard sell. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Changing the DRAC server HTTPS port from 443 to a custom
port will enable you to enable external/remote access for the DRAC interface in
addition to other HTTPS resources externally all without having to purchase
more static IP Addresses.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Once the DRAC has been given a custom port, it can be
configured in port forwarding of the router/firewall. The custom port, along
with TCP ports 5900-5901 (or custom console redirection ports) will need to be
forwarded to your DRAC in order for it to forward correctly. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Audience</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You should be a Server or
Network Administrator and not be afraid of command-line to perform the following.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><strong><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Prerequisites<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This process requires remote access and a
specific tool (racadm) that Dell Open Manage Server Administrator installs on
the server.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This process requires that web access be already
configured with an internal IP address for the DRAC card and that the DRAC is
online and functioning properly.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><strong><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Process (step-by-step)</span></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><strong><span style="color: orange; font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 18pt;"></span></strong></span></span></span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><strong><span style="color: orange; font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 18pt;">Warning!</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 12pt;">It's important to note that all future racadmcommands will require the custom port to be part of the command once this setting is changed. Be sure to document what you changed it to and also enable telnet (future article) for ease of administration.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Also, enabling external access to a resource should be done cautiously and ever effort to remain secure should be made.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Proceed at your own risk!</span></span></div>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This process outlines how to use racadm command line utility to remotely set the
desired options/settings in the DRAC card configuration. This can also be done via a telnet interface;
which would simplify the process by removing the –r, –u, and –p options.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I recommend that once this process is done, you should also enable telnet access to the DRAC so that
it is easier to determine what the custom port setting is and modify it again after
it has been changed.</span></div>
</div>
<ol><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
Open an elevated Command Prompt window.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Determine a custom port to use for the DRAC
interface that is not currently desired to be forwarded from the internet. Be sure not to use one of the standard ports
if other services are intended to be forwarded at a later date. </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
See </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_TCP_and_UDP_port_numbers">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_TCP_and_UDP_port_numbers</a></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
for reference.</span></div>
</li>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Verify that racadm is installed on the server
(with Open Manage Installed)</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span><ol><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Type <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">racadm help</i></b> in command prompt. If it gives you anything back, it’s
installed.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span></ol>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Get the current DRAC port configuration</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span><ol><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Type
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">racadm
–i –r <IP ADDRESS of DRAC>:<PORT> getconfig –g cfgRacTuning </i></b>and
press <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Enter</b>.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span><ol><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The –i prompts you for username and
password. You can substitute –u <username>
-p <password> for –i if desired.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The :<PORT> is not required unless a
custom port is already in use (not 443). Also, do not type the <> brackets.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Example:<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> racadm –i –r 192.168.0.4 getconfig –g cfgRacTuning</i></b></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span></ol>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Follow the prompts to enter an administrator
username and password for the DRAC connection and press <strong>Enter</strong>.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Review the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">cfgRacTuneHttpsPort</b>
setting. The value will either be in hex
or decimal (depending on the DRAC model).
If the setting is in HEX, you will need to configure the port using HEX
and vice-versa.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span></ol>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Change the default DRAC port to a custom port</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span><ol><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Type <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">racadm –i –r <IP Address of
DRAC>:<PORT> config –g cfgRacTuning –o cfgRacTuneHttpsPort
<Custom_Port></i></b> and press <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Enter</b>.
</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span><ol><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><Custom_Port> should be a HEX or DEC value
based on the previous getconfig information in the previous step. Leave out the
<> brackets when setting this value.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Example: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">racadm –i –r 192.168.0.4 config –g cfgRacTuning
–o cfgRacTuneHttpsPort 0x1bc</i></b> (set the https port from 443 to custom
port 444)</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Hint</u>: the built-in windows calculator can do HEX
conversions via the ViewàProgrammer
(Windows 7) or ViewàScientific
(Previous versions) calculator option.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span></ol>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Follow the prompts to enter an administrative
username and password for the DRAC connection and press <strong>Enter</strong>.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This process can take a few minutes. Be patient
and test access via the new port in a few minutes.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span></ol>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span></ol>
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If
you have multiple DRACs, you may also need to re-configure the Console
Redirection port from the default (5900). This is done via <b>cfgRacTuning</b>
with option <b>cfgRacTuneConRedirPort</b>. View the output of the current DRAC
configuration (process above) for the current setting.</span></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-46609719187693308122011-10-27T20:43:00.001-04:002011-10-27T20:43:02.694-04:00Since I've been goneIt's been a while since I last blogged. Here's a ultra-quick recap of what has transpired in my tech life:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Transitioned to a great opportunity as a Systems Engineer for <a href="http://www.weston.com/">The Weston Group</a>.</li>
<li>Switched to Apple (Macbook Pro, iPhone 4S, etc) in my personal tech life.</li>
<li>Set up and utilize a VMware Fusion testlab for my Systems Engineering sandboxing.</li>
<li>I joined Experts Exchange for free and became an Expert by assisting my fellow technology professionals with issues that they were having. See my profile here: <a href="http://www.experts-exchange.com/M_6297981.html">http://www.experts-exchange.com/M_6297981.html</a></li>
<li>I upgraded my Microsoft certifications and am now holding a couple MCITP titles (Server Administrator, Enterprise Administrator); which I regularly use in my day-to-day duties at The Weston Group.</li>
</ol>
<div>
Moving forward, I'd like to share some of my setups and some how-to articles that I write for various systems and issues.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I put my twitter feed in the left column... that's the best source for quick links to news and thoughts on various tech topics/ideas that are current. Let's hope this blog evolves!</div>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02979718341462242394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-24647428324496075842011-10-27T20:00:00.004-04:002011-10-27T20:00:59.711-04:00RebirthNew Plan: Use this blog site for some cool step-by-step configuration articles.<br />
<br />
More to follow (maybe)Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02979718341462242394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-46686051856648556672009-06-08T21:07:00.002-04:002011-11-02T20:21:39.320-04:00Windows 7Windows 7 will be given away free with any PC purchased June 26 until Windows 7 launches at Best Buy! And contrary to popular belief, it's now a "Windows Vista, only better" sales pitch...<br /><br />I'm interested to know when MS will lower the price of Windows 7 to compete with the Mac Snow Leapord OS at only $29? We will have to wait and see.<br /><br />Link: <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10258259-56.html">http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10258259-56.html</a>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02979718341462242394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-41912755508744313072009-06-01T19:19:00.003-04:002011-11-02T20:21:46.363-04:00I'm giving Windows 7 a shot full time!OK, here goes!<a href="http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/default.aspx"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.microsoft.com/windows/Framework/images/logo_windows.gif" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 28px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 148px;" /></a><br />
<br />
I decided, because I'm a glutton for punishment, to install Windows 7 on my personal laptop (main home computer).<br />
<br />
<strong>My Information:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Computer tech by profession, Bachelors Degree in Computer Science, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. Guess you can say I am a Tech; however, I want my experiences to be just as easy and seemless as the next guy/girl.</li>
</ul>
<strong>Here is what I did:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Backed up everything.. software, etc. Wrote a list of software that I wanted to re-install (consider it clean up time).</li>
<li>Performed an upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7, Advanced option: Do not upgrade applications, etc.. only files. I think it's worth noting that my laptop had Windows XP on it when I bought it (3 years ago)...</li>
<li>Desktop computer (over 5 years old) has been upgraded to Windows 7 (clean installation) due to OS issues with Windows Vista causing all sorts of problems.</li>
</ul>
<strong>Here are my initial impressions:</strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<a name='more'></a><strong><br /></strong><br />
<ol>
<li>Windows 7 installed much faster and easier than any previous OS, asking only a few questions during the installation. The installation took less than 45 minutes to complete even with over 100GB of data to back up/save.</li>
<li>When Windows first came up (logging on), I noticed the interface is about the same.. just a name change and a prettier background.</li>
<li>After logging in, I noticed all of the improved interfaces, bells and whistles.. etc... I am very pleased with the UI (User Interface) changes from Vista to Windows 7. I don't think I'll ever go back!</li>
<li>Wow! That's all I have to say about the new backgrounds and built-in wallpaper slideshow... these new wallpapers are breathtaking!</li>
<li>Devices that had driver issues (Toshiba Laptop) updated to the Windows 7 versions pretty quickly (even the graphics card). I was very impressed how the devices updated and were ready to go without even asking me (it told me as it was doing it)! This is a huge improvement over Vista, not to mention the drivers actually being available prior to the full release date! Guess that's why MS is doing them this time around instead of waiting on the OEMs.</li>
<li>There were two devices that Windows could not fix (Memory card reader and something on the main board). I installed the Vista (yes, I said Vista) drivers for these devices (found previously on Toshiba's website) and bingo! Every device is working great.</li>
<li>System Rating = 3.1 (with MS drivers).. I think I was at 3.0 for Vista using the Intel graphics driver (by far the worst rating in the system).</li>
</ol>
<strong>Installing Applications</strong><br />
<ol>
<li>I had a modest list of apps to re-install (would rather re-install and find updated versions than try the app upgrade). The ones to note are: MS Office 2007 Pro Plus, messenger apps, Antivirus, java, quicktime, adobe products, imgburn, dvdfab, splitcam, Vistumbler, Chrome, MS Money, and Tweetdeck.</li>
<li>Of the apps, Antivirus (Specifically Norton Internet Security 2009) was listed as an issue on Norton's website. They do not have a full version out for Windows 7 (they stated an update patch will be out at time of full release); but do have a trial version (in beta of course) that they offered for 14 days. Well, rather than put myself through that hell, I decided to install AVG Antivirus (one on the handfull MS identifies as ready for use). AVG's site states it's good to go for Windows 7. Good job AVG!</li>
<li>All, and I mean, all other apps installed after only 2 which required an updated version (found out when installing, MS identified the compatibility issue and forwarded me to a link to get the latest version for each app!!!).</li>
<li>Everything is working great, all apps are functioning great, and I am loving the new Windows 7.. guess I'm a PC.. haha. Now MS, come buy me a tablet that works with Windows 7 so I can try out all of the touch features.</li>
</ol>
<strong>The rub:</strong>I figure the only way I will know how Windows 7 will affect me is to run it full-time, so that's what I'm doing. I will post another review after using it for a while on things like battery life (from their claims that it lasts longer), usability between networks, homegroup, and much more! Come back and read it!Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02979718341462242394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-76163952994306886202009-04-05T21:34:00.003-04:002009-04-05T21:54:47.116-04:00Check these out AprilIt's been a while; but here I go.<br /><br />Here's my top three for April for Check These Out.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.oovoo.com"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 171px; height: 67px;" src="http://www.oovoo.com/img/logo_oovoo.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />1. ooVoo (click <a href="http://www.oovoo.com">here </a>to visit ooVoo.com)<br />ooVoo is a great video messaging tool; but it is much more than that. Besides the fact that you can download the ooVoo client and have live video conferences with 1-3 people (yes, I said more than 1!) for free, you can also have your own personal web video chat room, your own personal web conference room (controlled entry, etc), and a whole lot of fun with family/friends around the world.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.splitcamera.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.splitcamera.com/splitcamera.gif" width="130" height="55" border="0" alt="SplitCam - Video Clone Software"></a><br><a href="http://www.splitcamera.com" target="_blank">SplitCam - Freeware Video Clone Software</a><br />2. SplitCam (click <a href="http://www.splitcamera.com/">here </a>to download)<br />This is a great application for web-cam users. It allows you to add a new virtual splitcam device to your computer (done via installation) so you can use your camera in multiple applications (chat programs, streaming tools, etc). Also, it will allow you to choose your desktop as the video input stream. This means that you can share your desktop with any application that uses webcams (i.e. for presentations or demonstrations). Check it out!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://static.ustream.tv/ufw/images/logo.gif"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 29px;" src="http://static.ustream.tv/ufw/images/logo.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />3. UStream (click <a href="http://ustream.tv">here </a>to check it out)<br />Ever dream of having your own live broadcast on the internet without having to have all of that complicated video equipment and/or servers all for free... well I didn't either, but I found this and it's so easy to use and fun that I may start streaming some goofy shows. Best part, through ooVoo (beta) you can stream your ooVoo video conference over UStream... for say a panel of experts or goofballs producing some funny content all in a video chat room broadcasted live to the web.Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02979718341462242394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-8044430510144428952008-09-21T19:49:00.003-04:002008-09-21T19:52:59.213-04:00Sprint Touch Diamond<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4gv4b3WKLs8/SNbeTmpRj3I/AAAAAAAAAUM/cBzL5KdY5II/s1600-h/touchdiamond-onsprint.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4gv4b3WKLs8/SNbeTmpRj3I/AAAAAAAAAUM/cBzL5KdY5II/s320/touchdiamond-onsprint.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248626844119437170" border="0" /></a><br />Ok.. so in a very curious quiet nature, sprint finally has the Touch Diamond. I have been waiting for this for a while and had only thought that maybe they'd have the diamond by the end of this year or beginning of next year.<br /><br />Check out sprint.com or htc.com for more details on the diamond.Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02979718341462242394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-88711871257990002992008-09-06T22:05:00.002-04:002008-09-06T22:13:00.479-04:00XBOX 360 Issues Revealed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/09/rrod.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/09/rrod.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Ok. So the first time I received the 'red ring of death' on my XBOX 360, I was very upset. I didn't know what to think besides being angry at Microsoft. When I found out that they covered it under warranty, I was thrilled. The second time I received the 'red ring of death' on my XBOX 360, I was pissed. I now own my third XBOX 360, replaced twice by M$. The only good thing about this is that they keep extending the warranty for the XBOX red ring issue. They admit to the problem and openly replace consoles that are having this issue. I respect that.<br /><br />Here's a great article on why the XBOX 360 had issues: In short, there were many issues with heat sinks, cheap chips, and improper testing which is all identified by M$ memos and actions.<br /><br />Click here for the story, including an in-depth report if you really want to see it! <a href="http://gizmodo.com/5046314/the-shocking-inside-story-of-the-epic-defects-that-killed-millions-of-xbox-360s">Link</a>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02979718341462242394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-65155293561227238222008-09-01T22:00:00.005-04:002008-09-03T23:18:53.866-04:00IE What? Firefox What? Announcing Google Chrome<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sitepoint.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/google-chrome.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://www.sitepoint.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/google-chrome.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Ok. So I started testing IE8 and was pleased with all of the new features (visible to the end user). I also saw that it rendered pages much quicker and the IE7 browser and even faster than Firefox for the pages I tested (feel free to ask which ones). <br /><br />Then, it hit me. I decided that Firefox 3.1 is much more customizable and works better than IE on many many sites so I switched. I have the same features (webchunks insteak of webslices, auto complete, etc) and don't have as many compatibility issues. And I was happy with it.<br /><br />Now, Google announced (<a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=8UsqHohwwVYC&printsec=frontcover">in comic book form</a>), Google Chrome. This new browser, yes web browser, is built from the ground up to be more secure, faster, and better than any browser out there. It's completely open source to the extent that you can take their browser and make it what you want (much like Firefox). The beta version of Chrome comes out tomorrow (9-2) and I will be testing it! I'm not sure I've been this excited about a web browser in a while....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/chrome1-480x391.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/chrome1-480x391.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Long story short, I ceased my IE8 testing at this point. I'm playing the field a bit more before I decide on a favorite browser.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Link to Official Google Blog:</span> <a href="http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2008/09/fresh-take-on-browser.html" target=new>Here</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Link to Slashdot's review of Google Chrome:</span> <a href="http://www.slashgear.com/google-chrome-browser-announced-integrated-search-improved-javascript-0114996.php" target=new>Here</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Link to Google Chrome:</span> <a href="http://www.google.com/chrome" target=new>Here</a> <span style="font-style:italic;">(not available until 9-2-08.)</span>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02979718341462242394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-57294911219062196752008-08-31T20:23:00.003-04:002008-08-31T20:23:56.620-04:00Do you read this blog? Tell me!If you read this blog, look to the left and make yourself a follower! All three of you, don't forget to click that! haha.. latrJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02979718341462242394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-68694669433858525412008-08-30T14:28:00.003-04:002008-09-03T23:18:53.866-04:00IE8, the personal betaOK all,<br /><br />Some of the new features of IE8 (Accelerators, Web Slices...) and the fact that it's new is really making me want to participate in a beta. I am fully aware that this could result in a system restore or even worse... but I have to .. bleeding edge right?<br /><br />I will blog about my experiences with it.. installation, ease of use, crashes, and rendering issues.... feel free to check back for updates on my experience with IE8 Beta 2.Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02979718341462242394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-52690164353787204632008-08-30T14:01:00.004-04:002008-09-03T23:21:32.415-04:00Which cause should we donate to?Is it bad that I feel more compelled to donate money to polar bears and animal shelters than Ethiopians after watching all these commercials?<br /><br />You decide. Watch the following videos and you tell me which one you'd rather donate to. I'd probably donate to the animal shelters and anti-cruelty agencies.... that one is sad.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">WWF (<a href="www.wwf.org">www.wwf.org</a>) - Save the Polar Bears</span><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pIy2XniVIuw&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pIy2XniVIuw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sarah McLachlan wants you to save the animals (ASPCA)</span><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9gspElv1yvc&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9gspElv1yvc&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />I think that all organizations should take notes when they see these videos... they make me want to cry.. haha. If you can find me a sad poverty video or something along those lines, then I will include it to this post.... but these people know how to make a sad video!Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02979718341462242394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-70334482743386672272008-08-29T17:08:00.004-04:002008-09-03T23:18:53.866-04:00M$ has released IE8 Beta 2 for public<a href="http://ieblog.members.winisp.net/images/IE8Blog2.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://ieblog.members.winisp.net/images/IE8Blog2.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Hey everyone! M$ has released IE 8 Beta 2 for public download! Youcan download and test it on your own computer (obviously at your own risk). Switched.com has done a review on it and posted it at the link below.<br /><br />Link: <a href="http://www.switched.com/2008/08/29/internet-explorer-8-beta-2-released-to-public-hands-on/" target=new>Here</a>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02979718341462242394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-33536626281765970802008-08-24T15:23:00.003-04:002008-09-03T23:20:58.371-04:00Network Storage for Home<a href="http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheadername1=Content-Type&blobheadername2=Content-Disposition&blobheadervalue1=image%2Fjpeg&blobheadervalue2=inline%3B+filename%3DNAS200-M.jpg&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1130873031798&ssbinary=true"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheadername1=Content-Type&blobheadername2=Content-Disposition&blobheadervalue1=image%2Fjpeg&blobheadervalue2=inline%3B+filename%3DNAS200-M.jpg&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1130873031798&ssbinary=true" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Hey, for anyone looking to network their storage, backup their files automatically over the network, and connect your existing USB hard drives so that investment isn't wasted... Cisco Systems has a device for you at under $100!<br /><br />Check it out here: <a href="http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1175233152539&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper&lid=5253976915B01" target=new>Link</a>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02979718341462242394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-16430714363645090282008-08-24T15:20:00.001-04:002008-08-24T15:21:08.739-04:00Hey, take a synth of that viewOk. When Microsoft Live Labs launched photosynth.net, I thought it was pretty interesting. You can make 3D models of pretty much anything just by taking a bunch of photos and synthing them together using their FREE photosynth application (Sorry Mac users, Windows/IE only application). I played around for a few taking pictures of my office and a cowboy. I am only 51% on the synth scale so i've got some work to do but you get the point.<br /><br />View my Office Synth here: <a href="http://photosynth.net/view.aspx?cid=52fae074-52a3-4c9c-a352-1c5d55c8f0bb&i=0:0:7&z=473.54131214376&g=0&p=0:0&m=false&c=0.225994:-0.146135:0.0313692&d=-1.8073:0.128327:0.100719">Link</a>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02979718341462242394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-21857675326781590422008-08-11T19:04:00.002-04:002008-08-11T19:05:46.650-04:00iphone kill switch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/dead-iphone-tm.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/dead-iphone-tm.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />So Apple does have a kill switch for applications that will kill them right off of your iphone. Interesting. For all the right reasons, apple can kill an app from your iphones, rendering it harmless if it is malicious; however, when does it draw the line at malicious?<br /><br />Read more <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/08/apple-sells-60.html">here</a>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02979718341462242394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5743153117615748725.post-64228393033260052462008-08-11T18:52:00.002-04:002008-09-03T23:21:11.780-04:00Want to be invisible? Berkeley is helping<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4gv4b3WKLs8/SKDDVKlG74I/AAAAAAAAASw/udSx-UoT_Lo/s1600-h/invisible_jacket.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4gv4b3WKLs8/SKDDVKlG74I/AAAAAAAAASw/udSx-UoT_Lo/s200/invisible_jacket.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233397535389183874" /></a><br />Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, say they have created materials that bring them closer to creating invisibility cloaks. <br /><br />"Scientists hope the research can lead to improved antenna performance, reversing the Doppler effect, higher-resolution optical imaging, nanocircuits for high-powered computers, and, eventually, cloaking devices that could render objects invisible to humans."<br />Doesn't it always start out as a good idea?<br /><br />Link <a href="http://www.informationweek.com/news/hardware/peripherals/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=210001982">here</a>Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02979718341462242394noreply@blogger.com2