Seagate unveils storage appliances for small business

Seagate is strengthening its external storage portfolio for small business today with the announcement of three new BlackArmor product offerings. The first is a network attached storage appliance called the BlackArmor NAS 220, which will be released in 2 and 4TB configurations, and is designed to provide data protection for up to 20 computers.

It can automatically and continuously back up networked computers, features two USB 2.0 ports to connect external drives, printers or an UPS, and sports two hard disk drives that can be configured with RAID 0 and 1 options but are not hot-swappable. The NAS 220 will be available in July, priced at $430 or $700 depending on storage capacity.

Also new are two BlackArmor external hard drives. The WS 110 includes a single 1TB ($159.99) or 2TB ($309.99) external hard drive with backup and encryption software, plus eSATA and USB 2.0 interfaces. The PS 110 is smaller (500GB) and lighter than the WS 110, and goes for $159.99.

Source: techspot

Windows Home Server solves three problems for home networks

So now, here comes Windows Home Server, a work group server for a network of 10 computers or less. I've been beta testing it, reading what others are saying about it, and talking to colleagues who are working with it. The early returns are a lot better than I expected. Windows Home Server is trying to solve three problems:

1. Backups
2. File sharing
3. Remote access to files

Shawn MortonIn order to figure out just how well it accomplishes these tasks, I consulted my colleague Shawn Morton (right), the TechRepublic site manager, because Shawn is the most proficient consumer electronics dude that I know, and he has been testing Windows Home Server with live data. Shawn has a serious home network setup with a variety of PCs, an XP Media Center PC, an Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, and a ton of other stuff that I won't mention, otherwise you'll end up drooling like me.

Installation

"It's super easy to set up," Shawn said. He installed it on an unused PC that he equipped with several removable drive bays so that he could add more storage in the future.

He noted that it definitely felt like a beta install since there were odd Windows Server 2003 screens that popped up and the computer restarted itself 4-5 times in the process. It took about an hour to install, with the setup handling all of the partitioning and other basic steps that are part of a normal Windows installation.



File sharing and Backups

"It creates the shares for you," Shawn said, "and it's easy to point non-technical users to them." It is easy because Windows Home Server uses standard names such as "Music" and "Photos" and "Software" for the network file shares, so you don't have to remember any special character strings or drive letters.

Next, Shawn tried out the backups. "The whole automatic backup thing is really cool," he said. "It backs up your whole PC for you. I think most people don't backup, and they worry about the fact that they don't back up."

Shawn ran some backups and the process went smoothly. When I spoke with him, he was still getting ready to test the recovery of one of the backups using his son's PC.

Remote access

One thing that Shawn really liked was the remote access feature, which can be turned on to make the server accessible over the Internet via Microsoft's livenode.com domain.

"Being able to log into your server from anywhere on the Internet is great," Shawn remarked.

Full info here: http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/hiner/?p=448

Free Anti-virus Software Testing by Microsoft

Microsoft is testing an early draft of its free antivirus software, codenamed Morro. It says a trial version will be publicly released “soon” but didn’t confirm a date.

The firm first announced the project last November promising “comprehensive protection from malware including viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans.” It also said the system would be a small download and use minimal system resources – a clear challenge to some memory-hogging commercial rivals.

The package will replace OneCare, Microsoft’s previous paid-for security package which struggled to take market share away from the leading anti-virus software producers. The original timetable was that Morro would be ready sometime in the second half of 2009. It’s possible the release will be time to coincide with Windows 7, allowing enhanced security to be among the system’s selling points.

While the effects of Morro on rival businesses remains to be proven, it’s clearly caused some concern with investors. Stocks in both McAfee and Symantec fell after the announcement, while Microsoft stock rose.

Neither firm seemed concerned about the technical threat, however. Symantec told Reuters that a slimmed-down security system is not adequate for Internet users, while McAfee said it was confident it could compete with any rival given “a level playing field.”

That comment may have been a dig at the possibility of Microsoft bundling Morro with Windows. Although that would seem an obvious business strategy, there’s no indication Microsoft plans to do it. That’s likely because it would almost certainly lead to questions over competition policy...

Source: vista.blorge.com

RecordTS - Terminal Services and Remote Desktop Security Camera

RecordTS records remote desktop session activity when users connect to a server, a workstation, a Terminal Server, or a Citrix Server. All activity is recorded including keystrokes, mouse movements, file downloads, etc

RecordTS can be a powerful tool in your security arsenal and provide a useful way to log backup or migration procedures for future reference.

Key Features:

• Designed specifically for Windows Servers with Terminal Services or Remote Desktop enabled.
• Records all Microsoft RDP or Citrix ICA traffic, VNC & VMware
• Produces compact files for easy storage and playback.
• Video files are digitally signed for security.
• Capable of recording specific users and pre-defined times.
• VCR/DVR playback features (stop, pause, play, fast forward, rewind).
• Intelligent skipping of idle time within a recorded file.
• Configuarble keyboard shortcuts for quick rewind/fast forward playback
• Speed of playback can be adjusted dynamically.
• All properties of a recording (user info, times, addresses, etc) are displayed in special window.
• Export to AVI/SWF
• Powerful programming interface
• Automated storage of recording files
• Automated databasing of recorded info for faster searches
• Central management via a web console
• Centralized licensing

Instant, Affordable Computer Help for Small Businesses

f the browser balks when a small business owner is researching an important proposal, if malware menaces when the bookkeeper is performing the month-end close, one untimely hitch in one computer can do serious damage to the business's bottom line. With Comodo's new LivePCSupport service, business owners can cross, "Become computer expert," off their to-do lists.

Instead of turning her attention away from the proposal or the accounts, the business owner can click the "LivePCSupport" icon on her desktop. LivePCSupport puts computer users in touch with Comodo experts, who can remotely fix many problems over the Internet. The icon opens up a chat window, similar to sending Instant Messages.

The business owner describes the PC problem or question. The Comodo troubleshooter connects to the subscriber's computer via the Internet. In many cases, the support technician can delete a file or change a setting to fix the problem. LivePCSupport subscribers enjoy the benefits of PCs and the Internet without having to be computer experts.

This affordable live computer support service includes many of the operations a business normally has to puzzle through, or to pay for an onsite visit for help with: Virus Diagnosis and Removal, PC Tune-up, Internet Login Protection, Email Account Setup, Software Installation, Printer Setup, Printer Troubleshooting, Green PC, and Computer Troubleshooting.

LivePCSupport differs from other support programs in that it is chat- rather than telephone-based. Telephone-based support services provide instructions over the phone. If the PC user is unaccustomed to computers, the instructions can be hard to follow. With hands-on support, Comodo's experts perform diagnose problems and then repair them via an Internet connection.

For more information about online tech support and Endpoint Security Manager for businesses, visit http://www.livepcsupport.com/business/pricing.php

Technical Support For Small Businesses

Today, businesses are striving to accomplish strong online presence. That is because the Internet has come up as a venue where marketing and advertising is focused in. Corporate are taking up the efforts to build their operations on online platform. Companies that are taking the initiative smoothly and are succeeding in their online goals are always accompanied with effective IT support services. Having online technical support besides your business is more important especially when most of your operations hinge on the network availability. Doing so would ensure that their operations would be sufficiently lucrative.

But the problem that most small businesses face is lack of funds and capital to have a full fledged technical support team. It costs so much to maintain and hire a information technology support for the online move. That is why small businesses are accelerating towards online computer support resources to cater their business to cater their technical support requirements.

Online technical support resources aim at delivering world class support and infrastructure to small businesses especially those who enjoy great reputation.

Basically, online technical support resource aims at assisting clients in adopting next generation networks for their respective necessary business operations. High performance is what online computer support centers ensure so that their consumers can move freely, more comfortably, accurately and more efficiently.

They offer specific IT products and breakthrough technical services that have been proven by the market to really help businesses make most of their computer networks to achieve the highest benefits possible.

On top of all, online computer repair companies help small businesses reduce costs. Thus, small enterprises now have alternative options. They don’t need to worry about prohibitive products and services that are required for running smooth IT operations.
If you are really planning to start your own small business but are worried about the projected costs of having an It department, you must consider availing help from online computer support resources. They will help you cover all your IT needs in the minimum budget. Moreover these resources provide you with 24x7 technical support.

How to Fix Your Small Business Server Errors?

Are you searching for ways to fix your server errors? Why not to get online technical support resources offering server support. They have got a complete task force of certified engineers and highly qualified technicians to manage your server resources, consultation needs, or requirements for the latest software patches and releases.

They provide you 24x7 supports through their centralized console. Everything is managed remotely over the secure Internet connection. It's no less than having a full-fledged IT staff. These certified technicians help you fix technical problems efficiently in form of proactive support. The person owning the computer uses it as himself. The only thing that differs is that it is being controlled over the Web. Small businesses are seeing buying server support as an ideal option than paying heavy amounts to personal system administrators.

Furthermore, small business technical support technicians don't make you go through the complicated process of unplugging all the wires, packing the system up in the car, dropping it off for several days, going back to pick up the PC and then set it all back up again. Online resources make it easy by handling everything directly through the Internet which allows them to handle their computer troubleshooting and repair needs. This makes it convenient for small businesses as well as individual computer users to get their problems fixed quickly.

You can expect rapid resolutions from these online technicians as they hold vast proficiency in handling and troubleshooting technical problems. With online technical support resources, you can avail a complete array of services for different server products to fulfill your server support requirements. Another advantage that is grabbing the attention of most small businesses towards remote server support services is the benefit of lower costs. You get all server support services at one price and availability of all things under one roof.

Moreover, server support solutions and online technical support resources deliver a full range of hardware and software support for advanced server platforms and associated technologies. You can also avail other support services such as computer support, technical support, exchange support, software support, etc. Online technical support resources always try to make it simple for customers to get their technical issues fixed fast.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Fix-Your-Small-Business-Server-Errors?&id=2066034

Reasons to Avail Small Business Technical Support Services

Small Business Computer Support introduces a comprehensive list of computer support functions pertaining to computer software, hardware, and communications. With the increasing scope of the Internet based services and the spread of high speed connections, it is now possible for small businesses to employ high qualified computer technicians to look after the maintenance of their business system resources, and to provide computer repair facilities 24x7.

Online tech support companies have professional and trained computer engineers who remotely manage your systems and prevent the need to haul them to repair shops, thereby saving you time and money. Most small businesses have approved of such services as they can now their computers productive and effective at all times.

Small business tech support eliminates the need for sending personnel to customers' offices to fix the issue. They provide support more quickly and efficiently than any in-house staff can with expertise being the sole reason. The complete procedure is done online using remote desktop connection. With your permission, the technicians remotely take hold of faulty computers, diagnose issues, and resolve them right away. Everything is being done before customer who enjoys the authority to control the actions taken on the computers.

Such server services are gaining in popularity primarily because of the convenience they provide to the customer. Another underlying benefit is the cost. The customer need not pay if the technician fails to resolve the issue. Moreover, everything is offered at the convenience of the customer's premises.

Emergence of companies has enabled both established and start-up businesses to make use of cutting edge technology to readily fix their nasty computer errors and problems. These companies have highly trained technicians who maintain professional conduct along. They provide the expertise that small businesses require to leverage finest technical support for efficient working.

Online vendors dealing in small businesses computer support boast to have distinct plans which are tightly integrated to enable small businesses leverage the best computer support and tech support benefits at price suitable for rigid budgets. These plans are made after taking everything including companies' potential, future growth, and number of computers into consideration.

Source

Small Business Server - Truth or Myth?

There are many different articles about Small Business Server telling you what you can and cannot do with this product.

Some of us think SBS is not scalable, has a lot of restrictions and is meant only for really small businesses.

The truth is, you can do a lot with your Small Business Server and scalability options are quite impressive.

* SBS provides SharePoint Services - Truth. Your team members can communicate and collaborate with each other using this internal solution. It is easy to setup and manage.

* You cannot add additional Servers to SBS - Myth. You can add additional servers to your SBS domain with small limitations: there can be only one domain in your SBS network; there can be only one server running SBS; SBS server must be the root of AD forest.

* SBS provides ISA Services - Truth. With the premium version of SBS your network will get the firewall technology that will help you secure and protect your business.

* SBS requires different hardware than MS Windows Server 2003 - Myth. Windows Server 2003 technology is a foundation for SBS platform, therefore SBS can use any hardware that is approved for Windows Server 2003.

* SQL Server 2005 Workgroup Edition is included in SBS - Truth. This is a very powerful, integrated data management and reporting solution included with SBS premium edition. It will help your business run data-driven application with easy configuration and management.

* Most of the applications don’t run on Small Business Server - Myth. If your applications run on Windows Server 2003, chances are they will work on Windows SBS. Like I mentioned above, SBS platform is based on Windows Server 2003 and 99% of the time the performance will be exactly the same.

Source: http://www.trainsignaltraining.com/

How to Share any Folder via a Built-in Web Server?

You’re probably aware that OS X includes the powerful Apache Web server; you enable this server on the Sharing System Preferences panel by activating the Web Sharing service.

In OS X 10.5 (this hint won’t work on OS X 10.4), the bundled version of the Python programming language includes its own simple Web server. Using this simple Web server, you can easily make the contents of any folder on your machine available via a Web browser.

In Terminal, first cd to the folder you’d like to make available via the Web server. For example, cd ~/Pictures to switch to your user’s Pictures folder. Next, you activate Python’s built-in Web server with this command: python -m SimpleHTTPServer (and yes, capitalization counts). Press Return, and you’ll see a message stating Serving HTTP on 0.0.0.0 port 8000 .... The important bit there is the port number (8000).

To access the server from the machine you’re running the Python server on, switch to a Web browser, and enter http://localhost:8000 (replace 8000 with the port you used, if you didn’t use the defaut) in the URL bar. When you press Return, you’ll see a listing of all files in the directory. Depending on what types of files are there, and which browser you’re using, you can then click on files to view them in the browser. In my testing, Firefox works better than Safari, as Safari wants to download file types it doesn’t know how to handle while Firefox will often let you open them with a helper application.

To access the server from another machine on your network, you need to know the server computer’s name. You can find this in the Sharing System Preferences panel, in the aptly-named Computer Name section of the panel. Just below the computer’s actual name, you’ll see a line that begins Computers on your local network can access…, followed by the name they’ll need to use to do so. Typically, this is simply the Computer Name followed by .local—so if the machine’s name is OctoMac, for instance, you can then access the server by entering http://OctoMac.local:8000 in your browser’s URL bar.

For access outside your network, you’ll need to open port 8000 in your router—and be aware that there’s no password protection on this simple server, so anyone could technically look at your files.

When you’re done with the Web server, return to Terminal on the host machine and press Control-C. You’ll probably see a bunch of messages flow by in Terminal, but that’s fine—the server will stop, and you’ll get the Terminal command prompt back. As I stated up front, I’m not sure how much real-world use you’ll get out of this hint, as you can do similar things with file sharing, Back to my Mac, screen sharing, FTP servers, and more…still, I found it interesting, and it’s an amazingly quick way to share a given folder with another machine on a temporary basis.

Source: macworld.com/article/140370/2009/05/pythonserver.html

Google Launches Network to Promote Small Business

Google announced the launch of a new initiative called the Small Business Network in an effort to contribute what it can to the success of small businesses, which are Google's bread and butter.

"It's no secret that small businesses play a key role in Google's success as a company and drive the economy as a whole," says David Fischer, Google's VP of Global Online Sales and Operations. "AdWords, AdSense, Apps – you name it – have all grown because small businesses use them. Because of that, increasing their bottom line is very important to us."

The Small Business Network is designed to promote business-friendly policies at the federal and state levels. Fischer says the company asked itself, "What can we do to help broaden the collective voice of small business both on Capitol Hill and in the states? We want to know about the issues that are important to our small business partners so that we can better invest in their goals and objectives and ultimately, their success."

While Google's intention is to take on a variety of issues, the company is getting started right off the bat with increasing broadband access and preserving an open Internet.

The network takes full advantage of Google's Moderator tool, which allows interested parties to share their thoughts and others to vote them up and down, creating a sense of priority among them. Google is hoping that they will be able to use the Network to help encourage lawmakers to grant funds to ISPs to create broadband access for small businesses around the U.S.

Source: webpronews.com

Wireless Internet Security: Secure Your WIFI Communications?

Your wifi communications are not as secure as you may think. Others can listen to your data, sometimes as easily as to a radio broadcast!

How do I know this?

In a school where I used to work as the IT/Network administrator, I had to set up a wireless network that would be shared between teachers and students. Knowing how clever the teenagers are, the administration was adamant to know just how secure their data would be, so I have been asked to do extensive research on this.
In a short time I was able to:

* Identify the computers and their owners that are logged on the network.
* See who is logging onto which email accounts.
* Log people's email login information.
* Log people's email messages.
* Target a specific computer and gather data about the pages they visit, including the content of the pages themselves.
* Log any FTP login and password.
* Display any of the data/passwords in an accessible time table, revealing in-depth information about who visited what and when.

A little disturbing, no? Fortunately, this was a project done purely for research, and none of the data was ever used for any purposes other than identifying ways how to improve our network security.

Source: examiner.com

AppGate Security Server based on Open Solaris

With Open Solaris a free edition of the AppGate Security Server and support for virtual environments is offered.

With this version of the Security Server, AppGate enables all users to access files regardless of platform and without installing any client software. Users only have to point their web browser to the AppGate Security Server and log in to the system in order to access remote files. The AppGate Security Server performs authentication and authorization, and depending on the user's role, authentication method, client configuration, etc., the server can make different files available to its users.

Version 9 is based on Open Solaris which makes it easy to have the AppGate server run in virtual server environments. The AppGate Server can run in a virtual server, be remotely managed and can in turn control access to other physical and virtual servers. This enables new architectures to be built in a secure way. In addition version 9 fully server support Windows 7.

AppGate security servers build on existing functionality such as:

* Application Layer Firewall
* Mobile & Fixed VPN
* Granular & Role based Access Control
* End-point Security with device check.

Source: net-security.org/secworld.php?id=7278

Configure TS Session Broker using Route Robin

Terminal services session broker is responsible to route incoming TS connections between two or more servers, to the right terminal server. When the TS Session Broker receives an incoming connection, it checks first to see if that user has an existing session on a terminal server in the farm. If they do, then the connection goes to that terminal server. If they don’t, then the Session Broker will redirect to the terminal server with the lowest number of sessions.

If you are going to use Route Robin for load balancing you need to create two or more A records with same host name

Example:

A record terminal 10.0.0.1
A record terminal 10.0.0.2
A record terminal 10.0.0.3
A record terminal 10.0.0.4

So now if you try to connect to “terminal” you will be randomly redirected to one of the servers in the list.

To configure TS session broker:

• Open Server Manager
• Navigate to roles.
• Press on “Add Roles”
• Select Terminal Services from the list of roles and then Next to continue.
• On the resulting information screen click Next to proceed to the Role Services screen where the TS Session Broker option needs to be selected

Add Terminal Servers to the TS Session Broker :Settings need to be applied on TS Session Broker server only

When TS broker roles is installed , you will notice new security group in “local Users and Groups” named “Session Directory Computers”

You need to add your Terminal Servers computer account to that group.



Joining Terminal Servers to a TS Session Broker: Settings need to be configured on Terminal Servers only

* Open Terminal Services Configuration tool :tsconfig.msc
* Under TS Session Broker click on Member of farm in TS Session Broker



Source

Steps For Exchange Server 2007 Support And Troubleshooting

Microsoft along with the release of the operating system ensures that it provides tools for troubleshooting purpose also. Microsoft in addition to Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-ins in exchange server 2007 has also provided the Exchange Management Console, the Exchange Management Shell, Active Directory Users and Computers. Exchange Server support for a small to large organizations is available through Exchange server support website or through calling in Microsoft. Some of these tools are installed with Microsoft Windows, some with Exchange and some are optional for specific usage. Information about the utilities is mentioned below for the reference.

Application Deployment Wizard (exapppacker.exe) is one such tool which is used to package and deploy Exchange store applications on the Exchange store. We can access this tool for Exchange server support by Clicking Start > All Programs > Exchange SDK > Exchange SDK Development Tools > Application Deployment Wizard. This can be downloaded from Microsoft Exchange Server Support package disc or Exchange SDK Development Tools.

Exchange Server Database Utilities (eseutil.exe) is used to perform offline database procedures, such as defragmentation and integrity checking. For the issues related to database errors in Exchange Server, we can access this utility through command prompt > :Program FilesExchsrvrbin. This utility does not require any Microsoft Exchange Server Support CD since it gets installed while the Server Setup.

Exchange Store Tree View Control (Extreeview.ocx) is used to display a hierarchical list of node objects that corresponds to folders in the Exchange store. For the issues related to directory listing in Exchange Server, we can use this tool by clicking Start> All Programs> Exchange SDK> Exchange SDK Development Tools> Exchange Explorer. We have to install this utility from Exchange server 2007 support disc provided by Microsoft.

RPC Ping utility (rpings.exe and rpingc.exe) is used to confirm the remote procedure call (RPC) connectivity between the computer that is running Exchange and any of the client workstations on the network. This can be used from Command Prompt and has to be downloaded and installed from Exchange Server 2003 Support Resource Kit Tools.

Telnet (telnet.exe), WinRoute (winroute.exe) are used to troubleshoot Exchange mail flow and extract the link state information for an organization. These can be used from Command Prompt and has to be downloaded and installed from Exchange Server 2003 Support or Exchange Server 2007 Support Resource kit.

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/software-articles/tools-for-exchange-server-2007-support-and-troubleshooting-790954.html

Small Business Computer Support Services

Your small business encounters numerous security threats, some more obvious than others. These events can lead to data loss, cause harm to your competitive advantage, or spoil your daily operations. With increasing technology thefts and security violations, computer security has become a critical part of your overall IT infrastructure.

Small businesses necessitate that additional steps must be taken to secure data on their desktops and workstations. To get the work done, you can look forward to any good technical support company like iYogi Business Services.

From preventing virus from your computer, averting hackers to access PC, blocking unauthorized access to key company data and helping enforce your computer security, their computer support technicians offer you a comprehensive array of PC security services to protect your small business data.

Here, you can avail services like spyware removal solutions to PC security problems, Install critical system updates, personalized solution to meet your computing needs, and remove unnecessary clutter slowing down your PC. Such tech support resources offer you the best value of your money and can advise the best computer as well as technical work-outs for your small business. Even if you are just a beginner, you don’t need to worry. Tech support technicians ensure to provide you with the best solutions for your technical queries at their own level.
Whether your small business has computer related needs pertaining to computer hardware or software, you can consider tech support resources as a one stop shop for all your computer support requirements.

Tech support resources hire professional staff that can help customers with everything without letting them down on their expectations. They usually take your computer problem through remote session and manage your systems over the Internet. This help[s you to eliminate the expense and headaches of hiring, training, and managing your own internal IT staff.

You earn advantages by having more highly trained support available to you to keep your systems operating at peak efficiency and effectiveness at all times as tech support resources run their services 24x7. This saves you time and money because you are not experiencing downtime waiting for any tech support personnel to get them back into operation.

Server Migration Solution for Windows 7 Server

Microsoft is already providing customers running its Windows Server operating system with the necessary resources to streamline the process of migrating not only server roles, but also operating system settings, and even data to Windows 7 Server. The Server Migration solution for Windows Server 2008 R2 is, according to the Redmond company, the one-stop-shop for all the resources necessary to migrate from Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, or Windows Server 2008 R2 to Windows Server 2008 R2.

“Server role migration guides - we currently have migration guides for the top 5 server roles and for BranchCache, a new feature in Windows Server 2008 R2. Our guides provide you with step-by-step instructions to migrate server roles or features end to end,” revealed a member of the Windows Server Division. “Windows Server Migration Tools - we also provide you a set of Windows PowerShell cmdlets to help you automate migration steps. Migration cmdlets currently support two server roles and one feature (DHCP, FSRM and BranchCache), operating system settings and data.”

Windows Server 2008 R2 is indeed still far from finalization, but the software giant has already made the jump to the successor of Windows Server 2008. According to the Redmond company a single box out of the servers powering Microsoft.com is still running Windows Server 2008, with the rest having been upgraded to Windows Server 2008 R2 Beta.

“The Windows Server Migration Tools, and most migration guides, support cross-architecture migrations (x86-based to x64-based computing platforms), migrations between physical and virtual environments, and migrations between both the full and Server Core installation options of the Windows Server operating system, where available,” the Windows Server Division representative added.

Source: Softpedia

Install iSCSI Software Initiator on pre-Windows Server 2008

For many environments, iSCSI storage is a great solution. One of the foremost benefits is its lower cost on the server side. Unlike expensive fibre channel interfaces, iSCSI storage can be provisioned on standard Ethernet interfaces, which are readily available and affordable. Windows Server 2008 has an iSCSI Software Initiator to connect to iSCSI storage that is built into the operating system. This functionality is not native to prior versions of Windows Server.

Microsoft recently released the 2.08 version of the iSCSI Software Initiator to download for both Windows Server 2003 and Windows 2000 Server. (Windows XP is also supported for this installation.) This is very helpful, as iSCSI has become quite popular. And while many admins are implementing Windows Server 2008, plenty of IT pros may want to assign this storage type to their Windows Server 2003 and Windows 2000 Server systems.

Installing this add-on is straightforward, but there is one relevant option about multi-pathing that depends on your storage system. If your storage system has a software driver, you may not want to select that option. These systems would be any software virtualization or management layer for the storage to make the actual disk access “obscure” from the target. You should check with your storage administrator or product support if you are not sure about this question.

After a quick reboot, the system is ready to connect to storage over the newly installed iSCSI Software Initiator. The beauty is that the configuration at this point is the same for Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2003, and Windows 2000 Server (and Windows Vista and Windows XP if used); they all have the same configuration engine with this update. Configuration is accessible via the iSCSI Software Initiator applet in the Windows Control panel.

Get More Info here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/A/E/9/AE91DEA1-66D9-417C-ADE4-92D824B871AF/uGuide.doc

Configuring explicit Run As on Windows Server 2008

Default installations of Windows Server 2008 provide the User Account Control (UAC) security component to manage contexts in which applications run. The default configuration is to Run As the logged in user or simply to Run As Administrator. The issues with the latter option are that it does not specify any user name in particular, and it only refers to local administrative permission. Don’t bother pressing [Shift] and needlessly exploring various right-click menus. To get the explicit Run As functionality that you need for best practice permission assignment, you need to go to the SysInternals bag of tricks.

ShellRunas version 1.01 from Sysinternals (which is now part of TechNet) will get the job done. Downloading ShellRunas is straightforward and performing the following one-liner enables the tool:

shellrunas /reg

This command will install the Run As option on the Start Menu for use in the Windows Shell. Figure A shows a Windows Server 2008 server with the Sysinternals tool installed.



The ShellRunas command can also work without being installed completely for special one-time iterations of the command. Further, it can be uninstalled with the unreg parameter if you want to remove it from certain configurations. Ironically, adding this tool does not modify the existence of the Windows Secondary Logon service, which provides the functionality to use alternate credentials.

Source: http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/datacenter/?p=557

Easy way to Configure Router through Windows server 2000

Routing, which is included in Windows 2000 Server, is a process that forwards packets from one network to another. I usually use hardware routers that are highly optimized, but sometimes these routers are too expensive for smaller networks.

Windows 2000 Server provides an easy way to configure the router. All you need are two network interfaces that are connected to separate networks. To configure the whole thing, you’ll use a wizard that’s part of the Routing And Remote Access service.

1. On the Start menu, select Programs | Administrative Tools and then click Routing And Remote Access.
2. Right-click the server listed in the left part of the MMC console and select Configure And Enable Routing And Remote Access. When the wizard appears, click Next.
3. Select the Network Router and click Next.
4. Verify that the TCP\IP is listed and click Next.
5. Select No and click Next.
6. Click Finish.

You’ve just configured your Windows 2000 computer as an IP router. If you want to undo this routing, simply right-click the server from the list in the MMC console and click Properties; on the General tab, disable the Router check box.

Source: http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/window-on-windows/?p=482&tag=rbxccnbtr1

Performance Logs and Alerts in Windows Server 2003’s Computer Management Console

The Computer Management Console’s Performance Logs and Alerts snap-in allows you to monitor the performance of specific Windows Server 2003 system resources.

The Performance Logs and Alerts snap-in contains two objects — System Monitor and Performance Logs — which I will cover in more detail in this tip.
System Monitor

The System Monitor object displays a real-time representation of the counters you select to monitor. The System Monitor does not record any of the monitored items. You can change the counters selected and add them in any combination.

When using the System Monitor, you can display the results as one of the following types:

* Line: Displays a line graph with each selected counter having its own line running from left to right horizontally.
* Histogram Bar: Displays each counter as its own bar with a value of 0 to 100.
* Report: Displays the values of the data dynamically in a dialog box. There are no graphics associated with the Report view.

What are counters?

A counter is an instance of a system property tracked by the System Monitor or logged by performance logging. Counters allow you to add physical representations of dynamic system data one component at a time. Many counters also allow different representations of the data they represent; for example, you can have disk I/O represented as a total or as a percentage.

Follow these steps to add counters to the System Monitor:

1. Select the System Monitor Object in the left pane of the Computer Management Console.
2. Right-click anywhere on the graph displayed in the right pane.
3. Select Add Counters. This will display the Counters dialog box for the local system.
4. Select the component you wish to view the counters for and then select the Individual Counter and click Add.

For example, you can add one of many counters related to Memory. When you click Memory, the list of available counters appears. Some of these counters have multiple instances. For example, Processor will have more than one instance for each core in a dual core processor; these instances appear in another window when you select a counter.

When you select a counter and the appropriate instance(s) of that counter, click the Add button to add the counter to the System Monitor. When you finish adding counters, click OK to close the dialog box and view the System Monitor with your counters in place.
Performance Logs

The biggest difference between System Monitor and Performance Logs is that you can trigger the Performance Logs events to sample counters at given intervals, whereas the System Monitor runs continuously.

You can store the Performance Logs reports in the following formats:

* Text file (comma delimited): Stores data in a comma separated values text file.
* Text file (tab delimited): Stores data in a tab delimited text file.
* SQL Server: Stores data in a SQL Server database.
* Binary File: Stores data in a binary file accessible by the Performance Monitor.

The other major difference is that Performance Logs can use counters and traces (instead of counters), but System Monitor can only use counters.

Trace logs log items triggered by events. If you create a trace log, you can configure your trace to monitor occurrences of events for selected properties. This way, any time an event occurs involving the property selected, the trace log records it.

For example, you can monitor events against the NT Kernel on the system. Select the properties to monitor for inclusion in the trace, and then whenever these properties are involved in an event, the trace will log the action.

If you learn to use the logging tools in the Performance Logs and Alerts snap-in, it will help you reduce the amount of time it takes you to find problems in your Windows Server 2003 systems.
Get more information on snap-ins

* Managing a Windows Server 2003 system with the Computer Management Console
* Using the Windows Server 2003 Computer Management Console Event Viewer snap-in
* Using the Computer Management Console’s Shared Folders snap-in
* Using the Computer Management Console’s Local Users and Groups snap-in in Windows Server 2003
* Using the Windows Server 2003 Computer Management Console’s Device Manager snap-in

Source: http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/datacenter/?p=304

Windows Server 2008 Core Configurator

Deploying Windows Server Core 2008 is now easier thanks to this great chap from Israel. He created an outstanding tool with the main configurations to setup a Server Core.



Windows Server 2008 Core Configurator Features:

Product Activation
Configuration of display resolution
Clock and time zone configuration
Remote Desktop configuration
Management of local user accounts (creation, deletion, group membership, passwords)
Firewall configuration
WinRM configuration
IP configuration
Computer name and domain/workgroup membership
Installation of Server Core features/roles

Source: http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/microsoft-infrastructure/windows-server-2008-core-configurator-23489

Small Business Computer Support Services

Whether you own a home business or small scale business, you must have noticed the pace of change in technology. For a non-tech person, it is virtually impossible to stay abreast of increasing advancements in technology. Fortunately, there is a variety of computer support and online computer help resources to restore a sense of security when faced with technical complexities.

Emerging at the top of the chain of computer support options is online PC repair. The latter has become an effective service offering the best to companies’ especially small businesses and is best suited to assist customers with troubleshooting computer problems, virus and spyware infections, and other critical issues such as the blue screen of death error. As such, online personal computer repair has proved its mettle for most issues.

Every good small business technical support company first diagnoses your computer problems through an online session or over the phone. Online PC repair is most helpful for small businesses at the time of troubleshooting software problems. Starting out with simple issues such as those of installation of any software programs to critical like fixing blue screen of death error, you can contact these technicians for anything related to your PC.

Likewise, online PC repair is the simplest, cheapest yet the most self sufficient service for small business computer support to sort out any kind of software defaults. Also it eliminates a need for you to hire full time IT staff, thereby saving loads of money.

The ongoing fierce competition has led several computer support centers to launch service packages including a comprehensive array of support services for different purposes. For ex: You can ask for a Small Business Support pack to fulfill your individual computer needs. You may also ask your support technicians for customized solutions depending upon specific business needs.

Small businesses are finding support sessions useful as they offer support to meet the criteria of your business. Whether it's a sudden server crash or virus outbreak, you can be assured to get your computer problems solved onsite within no time.

By working with a company that offers a combination of computer technician services and online PC repair, small businesses can avail the IT support services they need without the heavy price tag associated with it.

Source: http://www.articlebiz.com/article/223021-1-small-business-computer-support-services/

Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 Beta Released

Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 Beta is the beta release of the next generation of Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008, which is a stand-alone hypervisor based product, first released in September 2008.

The new Beta contains the same virtualization feature-set as Hyper-V that is part of Windows Server 2008 R2 Beta. Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 now includes:

• Processor and memory support: Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 Beta now supports up to 8-socket physical systems and provides support for up to 32-cores. In addition, Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 Beta supports up to 1TB of RAM on a physical system.

• Updated Hyper-V Configuration Utility: The Hyper-V Configuration utility is designed to simplify the most common initial configuration tasks. It helps you configure the initial configuration settings without having to type long command-line strings. New configuration options have been added for R2 Beta including:

• Remote Management Configuration

• Failover Clustering Configuration

• Additional options for Updates
  

• Failover Clustering: The initial release of Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 did not include support for failover clustering. However, with Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 Beta, host clustering technology is included to enable support for unplanned downtime.

• Live migration: Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 includes support for live migration. Live migration enables customers to move running applications between servers without service interruptions.

With live migration and failover clustering, customers receive high availability and dynamic migration capabilities for both planned and unplanned downtime.

download Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 Beta.

Source: http://vmblog.com/archive/2009/01/12/microsoft-hyper-v-server-2008-r2-beta-available.aspx

Guidance How to Use Small Business Server Support Services?

Are you looking for ways to troubleshoot your server errors ? Why not to avail experts’ help at online resources offering server support services. They have got a team of Microsoft Certified System Engineers to manage your server resources, consultation needs, or requirements for the latest software patches and releases.

Here, you are provided with 24x7 assistance through remote sessions which is no less than having an IT staff. These certified technicians help you resolve errors efficiently in form of proactive support. The person owning the computer uses it as himself, apart from the fact that it is being controlled over the Internet. Small businesses find buying server support as a better option than paying hefty amounts to system administrators.

Moreover, online technicians don't make you go through the process of unplugging all the wires, packing the PC up in the car, dropping it off for several days, going back to pick up the PC and attempting to set it all back up again.

Since these technicians hold vast experience in handling and troubleshooting technical problems, you can expect immediate solutions for most of your small business technical support requests, and guaranteed response times for other support issues.

With online server support resources, you can avail a comprehensive array containing a variety of services for different server products to cater your server support requirements. Another benefit that is attracting most small businesses towards remote server support services is the benefit of lower costs. You get all server support services at one price and availability of all things under one roof.

In addition to server support solutions and services, online technical; support resources deliver a full range of hardware and software support for advanced server platforms and associated technologies. You can also avail other support services such as computer support, technical support, exchange support, software support, etc. Online tech support resources always try to make it convenient for customers to get their technical issues resolved fast.

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/information-technology-articles/server-support-services-487671.html

Cisco Planning to Sell Servers With Virtualization Software

Cisco plans to start selling servers equipped with virtualization software as early as March, The New York Times reported on Monday, a move that could position it for tough competition with Hewlett-Packard Co and IBM.

The report, citing people with knowledge of the company's plans, said Cisco aims to sell a server combining hardware and virtualization software from Cisco and VMWare Inc, in which Cisco holds a small stake.

Cisco's move into the server services market has long been a target of speculation, with technology websites over the past few months calling it by the code name "California."

Company officials were not immediately available for comment.

Analysts have said a new server product is likely to be aimed at data centers, which Cisco has identified as a key growth area as an explosion of consumer-generated content and a shift to Web-based software in business operations has meant increasing data traffic.

But analysts have also said it could be a difficult move, noting that it would turn IBM and HP, with whom Cisco partners in selling its other network equipment, into rivals.

Cisco, the world's biggest network equipment maker, has been expanding into a wider range of products and services, as growth slows in its traditional routers and switches business.

Its expansion into unified communications systems, which tie together e-mail, phones and other tools over Internet networks, has already led to greater competition with another partner, Microsoft Corp.

From: http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSTRE50J0A020090120

How To Install and Run Windows 7 Beta

What you'll need:

• A DVD burner, and a blank DVD
• Minimal system requirements per Microsoft:
• 1 GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
• 1 GB of system memory
• 16 GB of available disk space
• Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128 MB memory (in order to enable Aero theme)

Download page: https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/beta-download.aspx

If you're not familiar with beta versions of operating systems, read the "New to beta testing?" section; otherwise, proceed toward the bottom of the page, select your version (32- or 64-bit), and hit Go. You'll need to sign in to your Windows Live account at this point — if you don't have one, you can create one (click Sign Up Now). Interesting fact: as I was writing this article, I had to go back and forth through these steps quite a few times. With only one Windows Live ID, I was awarded 4 different Product Key (no more, no less) – I think only Product Key per Windows Live account would make more sense.

The details

Download size: 2,557,416KB (2.5GB)

The beta expires on August 1, 2009

Windows 7 FAQ

You will not be able to upgrade from the beta version to the official release.

Preparation

I opted for a dual-boot with my Vista installation. To do so, I had to resize my current Vista partition: go to Start > Control Panel. If your Control Panel is in Classic View, simply select Administrative Tools. If not, click System and Maintenance, Administrative Tools, Create and Format Hard Disk Partitions.

Select your main partition (probably C:), right-click and pick Shrink Volume. If you're lucky, you'll have some available space to be shrunk ("Size of available shrink space in MB" — Windows Vista is very peculiar when it comes to this; don't expect this shrinkable part of your hard drive to be as big as your empty space on the drive). I was barely able to squeeze 16GB out of this, even though I have more than 100GB of space left.

If you have less than 16GB (16,000MB) of available shrink space available, I strongly recommend against trying to dual-boot with Windows 7. If you're adventurous, though, you should be able to find some tutorials online on how to get around Vista's partition management tool's restrictions.

Windows XP users can access similar disk management tools by going to Start > Programs > Administrative Tools > Computer Management > Storage > Disk Management.

ISO

The Windows 7 file comes in ISO format (a disk image), which you'll need to burn to a DVD (sorry, a CD won't do!). The easiest ( and free!) way to do this is imgburn.

Installation

To install Windows 7, you'll need to pop in the DVD you just burned, restart your computer, and boot from the DVD.

First, you'll pick your language, time, currency, and keyboard in an environment that looks very much like Vista's. Clicking Install Now will set things into motion.

After accepting the License Terms (which I did not scrutinize — I'm guessing someone else will!), you pick your installation option (Upgrade or Custom – I picked Custom for obvious reasons). Next, you're prompted to choose your partition.

Important: Unless you don't care about your Vista installation, make sure you pick the newly-created partition!.

In what looks like Vista's installation process, you'll be going through "copying files", "expanding files", "installing features", "Installing updates", and "Completing installations." Be prepared for a restart (in which the newly-created boot menu behaves perfectly). Next, setup "is starting services" – and then you'll have time to go get a drink or two... or three... or four...

If you're into nice graphics, the Windows 7 logo may impress you (I sure liked the "Starting Windows" graphics!) — if not, you'll just have to sit through the "setup is preparing your computer for first use" and "checking video performance" screens.

Next — and this is where things actually start happening — you get to enter your username and a computer name (no password yet). Next, you enter the product key (you did get one, right!?!), upon which you're urged to "Automatically activate Windows when I'm online."

The "Setup Windows" screen will be familiar to anyone using Vista, with options to have Windows "help protect your computer."

A reboot will bring up the quintessential boot menu, and you'll be prompted for your "computer's current location" (Home, Work, or Public). Next, the "Homegroup" question is up (more on that later), and that's it: you've got Windows 7 running.

Source: http://www.enterpriseitplanet.com/networking/features/article.php/3795621

Microsoft Small Business Server 2000: Win2K Svr

Microsoft's Small Business Server 2000 (SBS) claims to offer small businesses an easy way to support internal or external networking and business applications. Indeed, it's a good option for larger companies that have access to tech support. But although Microsoft says SBS is ideal for companies with fewer than 50 employees, we found that managing and maintaining the suite required significant technical expertise. Rival client server suites, including Novell and IBM also suffer from the same drawback, but they cost less, making them more economical for small businesses. Newer options, such as outsourcing or open source solutions may require less technical expertise and carry a lower price tag.Microsoft's Small Business Server 2000 (SBS) claims to offer small businesses an easy way to support internal or external networking and business applications. Indeed, it's a good option for larger companies that have access to tech support. But although Microsoft says SBS is ideal for companies with fewer than 50 employees, we found that managing and maintaining the suite required significant technical expertise. Rival client server suites, including Novell and IBM also suffer from the same drawback, but they cost less, making them more economical for small businesses. Newer options, such as outsourcing or open source solutions may require less technical expertise and carry a lower price tag.

What does it do?

These days, if your office has more than one computer, printer, scanner, or Internet connection, you need a network. Why? Say you manage a small medical practice with several physicians, nurses, and receptionists. Each receptionist needs a computer to take appointments and keep patient records. But to avoid duplication and overbooking, the receptionists must share a common database. That's where a small-business server comes in. These software packages not only connect every PC to a common server (and thus to one another), they also allow several computers to share a single printer or Internet connection (for surfing or e-mail). And these things are precisely what SBS aims to do.

To find out how SBS works for small companies of various sizes (a 10-employee office with no technical expert; a 50-employee office with an in-house technical expert; and a 100-person company with either a small IT staff or an outside consultant), we installed SBS three separate times on a 1.5GHz Pentium III with 2GB of RAM and 120GB of drive space. After each simulation, we wiped the server and performed a fresh installation. (Keep in mind that because Microsoft limits the number of items on a single network to 50, you'd have to buy a second server license to set up a 100-person network.) For each test, we set up intranets and Internet connections, deployed software to client PCs, and compared SBS to traditional small business software rivals, such as IBM and Novell, as well as newer options, such as outsourcing and open source solutions.

Source:http://reviews.cnet.com/other-os/microsoft-small-business-server/4505-3678_7-3634572.html