2007 May

Well this is one less spammer to contend with. But I have to ask, how does taking this guy down actually stop spam from boxes already infected with the malicious code? Still, it does mean that he will be greatly inhibited with regard to new attacks in the near future. Not only that, but for [...]

Today, Peter writes:
Hi, Matt. Have tried converting my workplace across to Ubuntu “OO environment” but dismally failed (practically lynched by the users). My last hurdle now is to get my boss’ Evolution mail (6000+) back into Outlook. Have Googled my heart out and all roads lead to naught. It does not matter what intermediate steps [...]

Vista supports two different types of disks: basic disks and dynamic disks. The disk type you use will determine how the physical hard drive space is partitioned and the features that are supported. For example, if you decide to have Windows initialize physical disks as basic disks, you will be able to create primary and [...]

Oracle users: Simplify the way analytics are developed, used, managed and deployed, while leveraging your existing information technology infrastructure.
Integrate business analytics with InforSense IOE (In-Oracle Edition) which enables organizations to easily leverage existing Oracle investments, drive critical decision making and enhance productivity with advantages, including:

Reduced cycle times for developing and deploying flexible and re-usable analytics [...]

When I first heard about this, I honestly believed that I must have misunderstood. But no, no there really are cops chasing people around on Segways. Why, you ask? Apparently chasing crooks the old-fashioned way has become “outdated.” Am I just becoming too crunchy with people who cannot even find the time to walk anymore? [...]

Sometimes I worry about finding something to write, but this week I’m torn by which a plethora of options. Last week I mentioned that I would talk a bit about the “Prosecutor’s Fallacy,” but since then the June issue of Scientific American arrived with a good article on non-rational optimum decisions. That sounds like an [...]

The first time a computer reboots after being cloned by Sysprep, a Mini-Setup wizard starts. The Mini-Setup wizard prompts the user for information to customize the installation on the target computer. However, if you want to automate the Mini-Setup wizard you can use a Sysprep.inf file.
The Sysprep.inf file is similar to an answer file in [...]

Lock down all data on a computer using full disk encryption, rendering it unreadable on lost or stolen systems. This buyer’s guide includes vital evaluation criteria for purchase decision makers.
Interest in full disk data encryption is growing, and it behooves purchasers to stay as informed as possible. This thorough and complete analysis is packed with [...]

It took some time to hear back after he first contacted me on an unrelated matter, but Robert Stephens, founder of Geek Squad, has responded back to my invitation to have a town hall type meeting via GoToWebinar. Now the first time I brought this up, there was some question as to when it would [...]

Today, Pieter writes:
We have not been in touch for a long time, but suddenly I have a problem. Up to yesterday all my attachments were always listed nicely alphabetically. Suddenly I find today that the list is no longer alphabetical. How can I restore this?
Many thanks for your advice.
Pieter later on sent another email explaining [...]

After completing the steps outlined in part two of this series, you are ready to launch the Sysprep utility to clone the reference computer. From the command prompt, change to the Sysprep directory and type in the following command:
Sysprep /optional parameter
Here’s an outline of the Sysprep optional parameters.

-quiet Sysprep runs without displaying onscreen confirmation [...]

Learn all about how VoIP Fax Technology can benefit you and your company.
Learn about VoIP Fax technology, terminology and ITU protocols in this guide that explains how integrating Fax over IP (FoIP) with VoIP networks leverages and adds value to converged network architecture.
Get your free eGuide!

If you remember the ’80s, you remember McGruff, the crime dog. Well here the other day, I learned that McGruff is now helping people to keep their home networks and PCs secure. Considering the crappy job most security companies have done at educating Joe User about the importance of PC security, I am actually thrilled [...]

I’ll be heading for TechEd next week in Orlando, Florida.
Richard Campbell and I will be recording some RunAs Radio interviews on the Virtual TechEd stage, and I am looking forward to catching up a bit in terms of the latest and greatest IT technology. The past several months of my work (and life) have been [...]

The first step in using Sysprep to create a disk image is to setup up the reference computer. This entails installing the operating system, any service packs, software applications, and configuring settings that you want applied to the target computers. Once you’ve tested the image to and confident that it’s configured the way you want [...]

Would you know what the ideal patch process looks like? Breaking the patch process into basic pieces, this paper recommends a simple-to-use approach.
This ideal approach is based on IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) and COBIT process control concepts, including the benefits of an ITIL and COBIT and the assurance that your patch process will be consistently [...]

Considering that I have always built my own desktop machines (always will most likely), you might be surprised to hear me state that I believe building your own notebook is a total waste of time. Don’t get me wrong, it can be done easily enough. However the value seems to get lost in the shuffle [...]

There are many different methods an administrator can use to automate the installation of Windows XP. One of the most popular and efficient methods is referred to as disk duplication where a pre-configured operating system is cloned and copied onto another computer. This method is an ideal choice when you need to install [...]

Secure Computing Corporation, a leading enterprise gateway security company, today announced SnapGear with TrustedSource, a newly enhanced version of its award-winning all-in-one Internet appliance for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and remote offices. The new version of SnapGear marks the third Secure Computing product integration with TrustedSource, the company’s global reputation system, and also delivers [...]

Eliminate dropouts and frustration by preventing the impact of interference.
Common items can cause interference and “break” your wireless network causing dropouts and frustrated users. In this paper you will learn how interference affects your network and what to do to mitigate its impact. Based on empirical studies by renowned expert Craig Mathias of the Farpoint [...]