2008 April

This actually surprised me, as I was fairly sure something was clearly not right about selling OS X on a non-Mac. But as you can see from Engadget, the Open Computer is indeed very real. So I guess this means we can put aside thoughts of vaporware or men working of out of dimly lit […]

Do we take email reliability/deliverability for granted? I’m talking about email that traverses the Internet (e.g. outside of internal corporate email delivery, which there should be no question about reliability).
It seems to me that I’ve had an increase in the number of complaints/reports from some of my clients about lost emails in the past […]

It is possible to experience complete cluster failure, meaning both cluster nodes as well as the cluster disk fail. This article describes the steps to perform when repairing a failed cluster.
Repairing a failed cluster is a four-step process:

Restore the first node.

Restore the cluster disk.

Restore the second node.

Test the repaired cluster.

The first step in repairing a […]

Learn how to address these critical enterprise challenges with dynamic disk-based data protection.
With data protection becoming more distributed and IT resources increasingly constrained, businesses need a centralized data protection strategy that can manage multiple backup and recovery jobs.
[Get your free white paper, Windows Enterprise Data Protection with Symantec Backup Exec, today!]
Lockergnome has joined forces […]

Attention Windows XP users, there are some items of interest that are sure to tickle your fancy once SP3 goes live. Yes, there is a delay, but I applaud Microsoft in this instance as it shows that that are playing this one smart. Hence NOT rushing things to market.
I have read through the PDF explaining […]

Have to admit, it has been awhile since I have seen something so completely ‘head-scratchingly’ lame that I just could not hold it in any longer. Now normally, if we were to hear about something cool like being able to do something with a mobile phone, it is generally with the intent of enjoy the […]

The Quorum resource is an integral part of Cluster Service. Because the Quorum resource is used to determine the cluster configuration at any given moment, failure of the Quorum will prevent Cluster Service from starting. If a shared disk fails, it will affect only the resources that depend on that shared disk (that is, cluster […]

Learn how mobility can bring out the true potential of conferencing, messaging, and collaboration.
This free white paper explains how increased mobility can be the catalyst that makes one-button conferencing, unified and instant messaging, rich presence, real-time collaboration, and other ROI-driven applications work harder. These Unified Communications (UC) applications are uniquely suited to be used in […]

So like many desktop Linux users drank of the Ubuntu Kool-aid once again and as expected, I am finding myself both loving it while also being disappointed with issues that were totally preventable.
Fix number one- Loving PulseAudio, it was a long time coming and it brings us to even set to Windows Vista. I can […]

I’m pulling my hair out (what I have left, anyhow) trying to find a good home/home office wireless router that includes all the features I need. Granted, I’m a bit of a power user, but I’m honestly a bit surprised I can’t find what I want out there somewhere. You’d think someone would build it. […]

Many people end up being out of the work force for extended periods of time for various reasons such as family, injury, availability, opportunity, and so on. When it comes time to re-enter the work force you may find that you are left with a gap in your resume. This is something that recruiters and […]

Learn more about software challenges that lie ahead and how business software should evolve to adapt with the new environment.
Microsoft believes that the key to helping businesses become more agile and productive in the global economy is to empower individual workers — giving them tools that improve efficiency and enable them to focus on the […]

Despite my own meltdown over a frustrating mishap with Dell’s chosen shipping agency, Dell provides the services they promise - a PC built to your specs. Those looking to buy a PC for bargain basement prices who then have the audacity to expect semi-local reps to answer the phone instead of someone who happens to […]

RunAs Radio talks to Garth Jones about SMS 2003 and its new version, System Center Configuration Manager 2007. Configuration Manager takes over where SMS left off, handling software distribution, updates, asset management, even working with Windows Deployment Services to do bare metal installations!
Garth Jones is the founder of the Ottawa Windows Server User Group (OWSUG) […]

If you launch a program such as Internet Explorer when you have not established a connection to the Internet, Vista will automatically go ahead and attempt to establish an Internet connection. Users sometimes have multiple dial-up connections, one of which is designated as the default connection. When Vista attempts to establish a connection, it uses […]

Learn how to eliminate risk in your IT environment.
This ForwardView Web show describes how security appliances, which incorporate an array of security functions, can help you ward off security breaches without breaking the bank or hiring more IT staff.
This Web show was featured in ForwardView, the premier IBM eMagazine that provides growing businesses with the […]

Biting my tongue as hard as I can, I am unable to believe the following statement.
“XP will hit an end-of-life. We have announced one. If customer feedback varies, we can always wake up smarter, but right now, we have a plan for end-of-life for new XP shipments“
Steve Ballmer stated clear as day that he […]

This was a long time coming. As neat as the OLPC project was in the beginning, it was due for a change as it was simply not meeting the needs as initially thought. And while the idea of Windows XP might not be my first choice, it is a darn sight better than the “sugar” […]

In terms of security, only a few folders are accessible with password-less file sharing, and although anybody with access to the network can access them, the damage an intruder can do is limited to stealing or modifying just the files in a few folders that are known to be public.
Passwordless file sharing has two disadvantages: […]

Learn how to protect your business from an unexpected disaster by implementing an Enterprise Content Management (ECM) solution. Significantly improve productivity, streamline business processes, and reduce the time and cost of managing routine business documents and information.
The unfortunate rise in business disruptions from natural disasters, accidents, and human intervention increasingly proves how business continuity and […]