2005 January

Everyone knows that Linux makes a great Web server. Some network administrators even use it in conjunction with Samba to create file servers that Windows workstations can access as easily as Windows NT/2000 file servers. However, if you want to use your Linux server as a print server, you can do that too. The most […]

A couple of weeks ago, I appended to one of the Monty Hall paradox articles a classic teaser that seems as though it cannot be solved. In fact, the very simplicity of the puzzle is the secret of its lasting charm. This teaser puzzle is extremely simple, and it can be solved.
Assume a hole […]

The Schema is a representation of the contents that can be stored within Active Directory. It’s made up of classes, attributes, and class properties. It defines the different kinds of objects and the information associated with each type of object that can be stored in Active Directory.
The Schema is made up of two different components: […]

An “open letter” to Microsoft…
Once again,commenters everywhere are espousing opinions on Microsoft’s latest statements regarding the company’s plans to disallow updates for pirated copies of Windows (and other software).
We all know taking that position results in one primary problem: Unpatched computers get infected or overrun and then bombard computers of others - making victims of […]

“Hey! Did you get my e-mail?”
Ironically enough, this is now one of the most frequently asked questions that most of us - even Fortune 500 executives - get asked these days. “Of *course* I got your e-mail! I just haven’t had time to sift through the pile of bytes yet this morning. Or maybe your […]

I’m not only going to assist network administrators in the upgrading from Exchange 5.5 on Windows NT 4.0 to Exchange Server 2003 on Windows Server 2003, but I’m also going to help point out some issues that need to be addressed before that process is initiated. I will briefly explore NT4 domains and how they […]

Once a computer account is created within Active Directory it can be configured using the properties window, just as you can do with group and user accounts. You can view or edit the properties of a computer account by right clicking the account and selecting the Properties option. The properties window for the account appears.
Some […]

I had to perform somewhat of a retreat on a troublesome installation today. Background first: The client called in mid-December, wanting help getting high-speed Internet and a wireless network setup for him and his wife. I’m already pretty familiar with the client as I set up their son’s wireless network last Fall, not to mention […]

The other day I decided to change to using passphrases instead of single passwords on my Windows accounts. Aside from the minor headache of having to remember I made the change at all, it’s been a good thing.
That is, until today.

wTicker is an advanced feed aggregator that comes loaded with many unique features. Besides RSS Feeds, it also supports gathering information from Usenet, e-mail, or even local eventlogs.
While loaded with features, this is most certainly a software for more advanced users - the documentation is sparse, and we found it very difficult to figure […]

Fremont, California, January 27, 2005: Corsair Memory, Inc., a global
leader in ultra-performance DDR memory modules for PC gamers and
enthusiasts, today announced a water cooling kit that enables greater
overclocking performance by cooling Intel and AMD processors far more
efficiently than conventional heatsink/fan air cooling units.
Branded simply “COOL,” this kit was designed for ultimate ease of
installation; it […]

Just got off of a Skype call with Brandon Watts and man, did we ever have a good time! We spent the better part of our conversation making plans for our upcoming Podcast: Changing Media.
We are both pretty excited about the show that we’re putting together too. As a matter of fact, just in the […]

Welcome to Just Ask Matt! Today, Carl writes:
Matt,
A friend of mine recently got a new computer
with XP, but as life now goes, they don’t even give you a recovery disk. Whats the best way of backing up the OS and the programs on this machine? I’m also guessing you must live close to me, as […]

I spent the better part of the day yesterday trying to fix my laptop. I had a bunch of processes running that I didn’t recognize. I knew that the processes along with the daily popups could mean only one thing – spyware. I tried my usual tools for removal – the new […]

Obviously, patching and fixes are critical tasks in IT work. Not only do we need to worry about various operating system-related patches, but also other applications our company uses to conduct business daily. It’s been a struggle to keep up with the constant barrage of software patches and fixes from all vendors, not just Microsoft. […]

Recently, Microsoft has been publicizing the idea that if you want to have a truly secure network, there are five primary areas on which you must focus your efforts. These areas include perimeter defenses, network defenses, application defenses, data defenses, and host defenses. In this article, I’ll discuss network defenses as they apply to Microsoft’s […]

You can learn a lot from the experience of providing security consulting. Unfortunately, most of the lessons have little to do with your job, save finding ways to keep it. It would seem there is a dilemma inherent to security consulting, a job with no such thing as a happy customer.

Like most of us, I am a Wi-Fi user, simply because that is all I need. I am not sure how many of you have heard of WiMAX, but it is stated to be the future of wireless technology. The real question is: Which one is better?

The Schema is a representation of the contents that can be stored within Active Directory. It’s made up of classes, attributes, and class properties. It defines the different kinds of objects and the information associated with each type of object that can be stored in Active Directory.
The Schema is made up of two different components: […]

Security is a balance between allowing the right people easy access to a resource and preventing unwanted interlopers from getting their hands on information you don’t want them to have. Samba has a long list of configuration options that allow you to fine-tune security to exactly what you need. Here are some of the important […]