Some collections AT TECH REPUBLIC may help you more things on your network experience.
Training Part 1
Training Part 2
-WHAT IS SYSTEM RESTORE?
-WORKING WITH WIN2K ROAMING
PROFILES CORRELATE
-CLEAR TYPE
-DO YOU HAVE AN E-MAIL AND DOCUMENT RETENTION POLICY?
-APPLYING SECURITY TEMPLATES
-ADDING WINDOWS NT 4 COMPUTERS TO A WINDOWS 2000 DOMAIN
-WHAT TO DO IF YOU FORGET YOUR ADMIN
PASSWORD
-SHARING HELP FILES, PART 2
-SETTING UP A WEB SITE
-ALL ARE GUESTS
-NO PASSWORD, NO REMOTE CONNECTIONS
-THE LAUNCH OF A GPRS SOLUTION
-ENFORCE GOOD PASSWORDS ON THE NETWORK
-WIN2K SERVER NEEDS ITS SPACE
-FIND A FILE ON YOUR ORACLE SERVER
-RUN A COMMAND, REMOTELY
-CHANGE YOUR RETURN IP ADDRESS
WHAT IS SYSTEM RESTORE?
System Restore is another feature that has its roots in Windows ME. It
allows users to save all important system files, called creating a
checkpoint, and restore them later if something happens with the system. It is
essentially a feature that allows users to go back in time and undo all
changes to a system.
System Restore monitors system files and creates checkpoints at the time
of significant system events (e.g., driver and application installation)
and periodically (every 24 hours). Periodical restore points are only
created when the CPU is idle. Additionally, users can manually create
restore points through the System Restore utility found in Start | Programs |
Accessories | System Tools.
System Restore is enabled automatically once Windows XP is installed.
Keep in mind that System Restore requires at least 200 MB of free space on
each partition; otherwise, it is disabled and all previous restore points
are lost. When more than 200 MB of free space becomes available, System
Restore is turned on automatically.
By default, System Restore will use up to 12 percent of a user's hard
drive to store restore points. This means that users can store several
restore points on the hard drive, which are ready to be rolled back. The
exact number of restore points depends on the available space on the hard
drive. Larger hard drives have more restore points that can be saved. When
there is not enough space, older points are deleted. All restore points
are compressed using NTFS compression.
Back to top
THREE STEPS TO ENSURE A SMOOTH WINDOWS 2000 MIGRATION
The migration to Windows 2000 has the potential to cause major problems
for your support desk. Gartner offers this three-step approach to help
ensure a smooth transition.
http://clickthru.online.com/Click?q=7c-7N6ZIZWc-N3epXvOW3Go2RSaBsRR
IS IT EVER OKAY TO SKIP ACCEPTANCE TESTING?
This Developer Q&A article explains why it is important to do acceptance
testing, even though the client may have been involved in the
development process from the beginning.
http://clickthru.online.com/Click?q=91-EZdpQAzyX_EPSVyEMKpLVEruJdRR
ASP.NET: REVOLUTION, NOT EVOLUTION
Active server pages enter the world of object-oriented programming with
ASP.NET. Find out more about ASP.NET as you follow along with this
example and source code.
http://clickthru.online.com/Click?q=50-M_6BIR0XsZ0iAef4a5ikjtXoMsRR
IF YOU LIKE THIS NEWSLETTER, TAKE A LOOK AT OUR ENTIRE LIST
From weekly updates on what industry experts are saying to the best
daily software tips on the Web, TechMails fit into your busy schedule. Check
out all of our TechMails offerings, including the Enterprise Storage
Space, Internet Security Focus, and project management. You'll be glad you
did!
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WHAT TO DO IF YOU FORGET YOUR ADMIN PASSWORD, PART 1
With all the information administrators process daily, it's no wonder
that passwords are forgotten sometimes. If you choose not to (or can't)
assign yourself a new password, you have several options.
First, if you have Windows 2000 installed on a FAT or FAT32 partition,
you can use a DOS or Windows 9x boot disk to boot the computer and then
delete the SAM file in the \windows\system32\config folder. (This file
stores all users and their passwords defined on the local computer; if you
delete it, you'll delete all local users with it.) After you restart the
machine, you'll be able to use Administrator username with a blank
password. NOTE: Remember that you'll lose all user accounts defined on this
machine.
If Windows 2000 is installed on an NTFS partition, you have two
options--both of which require a bit of work. One option is to use a utility
that
allows you to read/write on an NTFS partition, such as NTFSDOS from
Winternals. You can then use a DOS or Windows 9x bootable floppy to boot the
computer and delete the SAM file.
Or you can delete the SAM file from another instance of Windows 2000 if
you don't want to fool with old bootable floppies. This requires you to
install a temporary instance of Windows 2000 on the same computer and
delete the file from there. After you log on to your original installation,
you can remove the temporary one.
There's a slightly different method you can try if you don't want to
lose all your existing user accounts. By default, Windows 2000 starts a
special screen saver (located in Logon.scr) when no one logs on for a certain
period of time. If you rename Cmd.exe to Logon.scr, the system will open
the command prompt under the system account instead of the screen saver.
Once you get the command prompt, type net user administrator
mynewpassword, where mynewpassword is the password you want to assign to the
administrator account. You won't have problems copying Cmd.exe to Logon.scr if
you have FAT/FAT32, but with NTFS, you'll have to come up with something
else (e.g., a new parallel installation of Windows 2000).
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
WORKING WITH WIN2K ROAMING PROFILES CORRELATE
UNIX PROCESSES WITH ORACLE SESSIONS
If you want to move outside of Oracle and see details for the session at
the UNIX level, you must correlate the Oracle PID with the UNIX PID. To
see details of these processes, you can write an Oracle script to filter
the UNIX ps output to only include these processes.
#/bin/ksh
sqlplus system/oracle@prodlive<<!
set pages 999
set feedback off
set echo off
set heading off
spool /tmp/run_pid.ksh
select
'ps -ef|grep '||spid||'grep -v grep'
from
v\$process
where
spid is not NULL
;
spool off;
!
# Execute the UNIX commands . . . .
chmod +x /tmp/*.ksh
Here's the output from this script. As you can see, the SQL*Plus script
builds the UNIX ps command for the Oracle PIDs and then executes the
command.
root> /tmp/run_pid.ksh
jjahn 3231 3129 0 08:12:17 ? 0:00 oraclePA
bbeckero 2482 2377 0 07:59:26 ? 0:00 oraclePA
scarf 2376 785 0 07:59:03 ttyp9 0:00 telnetd
brobins 2377 2376 0 07:59:04 ttyp9 0:01 runmenu50 pamenu
monte 1372 1 0 Sep 21 ? 5:58 /opt/hpnp/bin/hpnpd
imels 1886 1878 0 Sep 21 ttyp1 0:00 tee -a
This script allows you to see the start time for the UNIX connection and
view the cumulative CPU consumption for each task.
Don Burleson has written 12 books, published over 70 articles in
national magazines, and is editor in chief of Oracle Internals.
Back to top
BEST OF 2001: DATABASE DESIGN TIPS HELP KEEP YOUR INFO IN ORDER
You have enough to worry about without letting your databases be a
problem. That may be why the fourth most popular article of 2001 was our
database design guide. The article and download include more than 60 tips that
address database design.
http://clickthru.online.com/Click?q=54-l6HvIZK3CEfI4AFBssXt_9f5dsRR
IN DEPTH: DATA WAREHOUSE PLANS MUST FOCUS ON THE USER
Understanding how users will manage a data warehouse system may be the
key to the system's success. But how do you meet the unique requirements
of different user groups? This in-depth analysis from Auerbach
Publications offers details.
http://clickthru.online.com/Click?q=69-CY8iIoWOSqnu_W4Eex3tgxFILsRR
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TODAY AT TECH REPUBLIC
NATIONAL IDS: THEY'RE COMING, ONE WAY OR THE OTHER
A storm is definitely brewing over the issue of a national ID system.
Some favor a national ID standard, while others want to see a single ID
issuer--the U.S. government. Still others decry the concept altogether. Take
a look at these dissenting voices.
http://clickthru.online.com/Click?q=93-V4ZmQSdrF6o30BOYAJEGr1FOn9RR
TROUBLESHOOT YOUR WAY OUT OF ANY SITUATION.
Meet, and exceed, the expectations of your entire organization!
Get hands-on technical advice on reducing downtime, increasing
productivity, and performing the PC "magic" that your end users
rely on. With TechRepublic's PC Troubleshooter Resource Guide
you'll find the help, advice, and answers you need. Order your
easy-to-use, book and companion CD and find what you need,
wherever you are. Click Here to Order Yours:
http://clickthru.online.com/Click?q=da-dT-jQUP7_yO5tRIXr9CsJx-ADsRR
JUSTIFYING THE INVESTMENT IN WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY, PART 1
Complexity, performance, and price have inhibited the adoption of mobile
wireless solutions into the enterprise. But thanks to advances in mobile
data technologies and devices, mobile wireless solutions are now much
more affordable, interoperable, and easier to setup. However, the costs are
still high enough to warrant careful thought, particularly in harsh
business conditions where it's not so easy for IT managers to justify large
investments in wireless data applications.
Many enterprises have already invested in some type of basic wireless
infrastructure, such as PDAs and applications like mobile office, e-mail,
and calendar management. The first step towards realizing a measurable
wireless investment is to make access to these services available within and
outside of the office. The next step is to graduate from the basic
Personal Information Manager (PIM) applications to advanced applications like
field service and e-CRM. In this two-part series, we'll look at the
benefits and the return on investment (ROI) that justify an enterprise's
investment in wireless technology.
WHAT GAINS SHOULD YOU EXPECT OUT OF THE WIRELESS INVESTMENT?
There are three types of gains that are realized by the investment in
wireless technology: increase in revenues, reduction of costs, and the
development of a competitive advantage.
* INCREASE IN REVENUE is achieved by improving the number of sales when
your mobile sales force has access to the company database.
* REDUCTION OF COSTS is achieved by improving employee productivity and
reducing down time. The mobile workforce spends more time on
business-focused activities by dealing with e-mails and other information while
on
the move. A large part of the work that arises is dealt with in real time
as opposed to handling it at the end of the day or the day after. Time
that was previously spent traveling and waiting at airports, trains, and bus
stations is utilized by getting some useful work done. In addition,
collaborative working is extended to all mobile workers, and the benefits of
the wireless solution reach the entire team.
* A unique COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE is achieved by extending the wireless
CRM solution. Field staff handles calls more efficiently if they can be
contacted on the move. Technicians and field reps benefit greatly from
immediate access to customer data and information about similar problems.
FedEx Corp., for example, has been using a wireless e-CRM solution for many
years and has achieved productivity gains of two and a half times for its
couriers. In addition, FedEx customers are able to track shipments by
using mobile devices and AvantGo Inc.'s Mobile Internet solution.
http://clickthru.online.com/Click?q=a1-AfwtQ-ZJMEbddZ4TVl39cPEAgdRR
http://clickthru.online.com/Click?q=b6-llgUQCKVp1s2rcDG1rXiXUbnLsRR
THE COST EQUATION
Before you start evaluating the returns, you must be aware of the costs
and other considerations that are associated with running a wireless
solution. These include the following:
* INITIAL COSTS: These costs correspond to the analysis, prototyping,
and the implementation of a pilot program.
* OPERATIONAL COSTS: These costs include service charges, airtime costs,
and cost of device maintenance and upgrades.
* DEVELOPMENT OF APPLICATIONS: The adaptation of existing or development
of entirely new applications. You need to decide what applications to
extend to the mobile solution and to which employees it will apply.
* DEPLOYMENT: The deployment of software and hardware, plus the decision
to have an in-house, outsource, or hybrid setup. Deployment of a
wireless service is also associated with training and support, which is costly
and must be carefully evaluated.
The last and most important part of the wireless equation is the ROI
that an enterprise expects from wireless deployment. We'll cover that in
next week's column.
Puneet Gupta is a wireless and Internet technology writer and
independent consultant.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
OPTIMIZE CRM EFFORT BY MOVING TO WIRELESS
Customer relationship management (CRM) has become a key element of a
successful e-business strategy. This report from gantthead takes a look at
how the addition of a wireless component can boost the performance of your
CRM system.
http://clickthru.online.com/Click?q=cb-CjiIQJsQcgmTJ5Dx-J36eQd4HsRR
WIRELESS E-MAIL: ENTERPRISE OPTIONS
Wireless e-mail handhelds keep your mobile workers connected. Getting
all the features may be pricey, but the benefits might outweigh the
limitations. Here are your options.
http://clickthru.online.com/Click?q=e1-6RSNQxk1WvkosA9zx9JzA-U69RRR
TODAY AT TECHREPUBLIC
COMPANY FINDS RIGHT 'FORMULA' FOR SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
Until it found the right formula, Merrill Lynch's IT staff solved
systems admin problems with a lot of running around. Its new solution manages
real-time data on systems availability from transaction activities to Web
sites and everything in between.
http://clickthru.online.com/Click?q=f6-QkaIQMwQDgCRW-Vc6dDkFR6KmdRR
NEARLY ALL 2001 PREDICTIONS HIT HOME
TechRepublic columnist Tim Landgrave made five predictions concerning
the tech sector at the close of 2000, and one year later, it looks like the
visions that appeared in his crystal ball were quite clear. Find out
what this soothsayer foresaw in IT.
http://clickthru.online.com/Click?q=0b-0NK-INQadZcSyV0Tmw1WRC-HYsRR
ASK THESE QUESTIONS TO ENSURE TOP-NOTCH SECURITY FROM YOUR SERVICE
PROVIDER
Cyberattacks are on the rise, and many predict they'll only get worse.
Gartner provides a list of questions you should ask when negotiating with
service providers to make sure they have a high enough level of security
to protect your valuable data.
http://clickthru.online.com/Click?q=20-PoRFIRzIW493b422qp-EqZZ1QsRR
ARE YOU A VISUAL PERSON?
Tired of Visual Basic tips that assume you don't know the difference
between a FileSystemObject and a declared function? Our Visual Basic
e-newsletter, delivered Fridays, will advance your scripting skills to the next
level. Subscribe today!
http://clickthru.online.com/Click?q=35-d6zTIbIIY4Es1v1UcU8lGnyPc9RR
SMARTER-FASTER-BETTER WINDOWS ADMINISTRATORS!
As the Windows administrator, you're expected to know it all...
and now you can! Discover the information and tips you're looking
for with TechRepublic's searchable, easy-to-use, portable CD-ROM:
Tech Tips for Windows Administrators. Over 600 tips are at your
fingertips for managing and administering Windows NT, Windows 2000
Professional, and Windows 2000 Server. From security to remote
access, from software to networks... you'll be able to quickly
solve any Windows issue that comes your way.
http://clickthru.online.com/Click?q=94-rOwNQaIqVZhA6BjZ9leP8W4vJRRR
Back to top
DISABLING SYSTEM RESTORE
Although System Restore is a useful utility, it is a feature that some
users might still wish to disable. Microsoft does not recommend disabling
the feature; however, it may make sense to disable it on the data-only
partitions.
System Restore points are managed through the System Restore utility
found in the Accessories | System Tools folder in the Start Menu. This
utility is primarily used to create and restore the System Restore checkpoint,
but it is also used to change the System Restore Settings. Click on the
System Restore Settings, and the new dialog will appear. You'll have the
option to turn on the System Restore for all system hard drives or
disable it on individual drives.
If you select the drive and click the Settings button, you'll get a new
dialog in which you can disable the System Restore for the drive and
specify the amount of disk space you want to reserve for restore points.
The graphical user interface does not provide the only means of
disabling System Restore. You can also use VBScripts. Here is a sample script
that disables System Restore on the D: drive:
Set SRP = GetObject("winmgmts:\\.\root\default:SystemRestore")
eSRP = SRP.disable("d:\")
Save this to a file with a .vbs extension and run it. You can also
script other actions, as well.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FORGET YOUR ADMIN PASSWORD, PART 2
In part one, the last solution we suggest if you forget your admin
password is to manually type different passwords. An even more efficient
method is to use various password-cracking utilities. These utilities will
actually do the same thing you do when you try different passwords--just at
a faster rate. There are a number of good online resources where you can
find such utilities, including @Stake Research Labs.
http://www.atstake.com/research/redirect.html
Are you wondering why you should use a password-cracking utility? You
might be thinking that you should just write a tool that would directly
change the password in the SAM file. This is exactly what several utilities
do. You just run them and specify the account for which you want to reset
the password. (Of course, you won't be asked for the old password.)
One of the utilities that includes this functionality is ERD Commander
2000, allowing you to boot the computer from a set to floppies and then
manage your computer in an environment similar to Windows 2000's own
Recovery Console. ERD Commander 2000 includes the password command, which
allows you to reset the password of any user account (including
administrators). You can find the ERD Commander 2000, another utility called the
Locksmith (which you can use to reset passwords), and more on the Winternals
Software Web site. NOTE: Both of these utilities cost a fee.
http://www.winternals.com/
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
BEST PRACTICES FOR MANAGING PINs AND PASSWORDS
When all that stands between a user and critical information is an
eight-letter password, you need to make sure that you have an effective
password policy in place. This Gartner Research Note offers a comprehensive
list of strategies for keeping passwords secure.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00320010313ggp03.htm&fromtm=e030
MEMBERS SHARE PASSWORD HORROR STORIES
If you work in IT support, you know full well the problems that
passwords can create for forgetful users and your busy staff. In this selection
of member comments, read some members' nightmarish password experiences.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00320010125det01.htm&fromtm=e030
TODAY AT TECHREPUBLIC
ARE WOMEN CRACKING IT'S GLASS CEILING?
Women in IT have long dealt with salary inequity, but a new study
purports that experienced female techies now earn 7 percent more than their
male counterparts. We'll present more of the study's findings and tell you
why some experts find them suspect.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00520020111gcn01.htm&fromtm=e030
CONSIDER THESE FACTORS WHEN DETERMINING ROI ON A CMS
As IT budgets tighten, there's a strong demand to prove return on
investment when mapping out big projects, such as implementing a CMS solution.
We'll show you how to determine ROI so you can move ahead with your CMS
project.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00520020111goo01.htm&fromtm=e030
SET UP EXCHANGE 2000 TO HOST MULTIPLE DOMAINS
In its role as a robust, enterprise-ready mail server, Exchange 2000
offers some slick features for companies that need to host multiple domain
names. See how to set up Exchange 2000 for two separate business units
with their own mail domain names.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00220020111del01.htm&fromtm=e030
BUILD A BETTER MOUSE-OVER
From XML to Active Server Pages, design aesthetics to database
connectivity, our Web Development Zone TechMail, delivered each Tuesday,
provides
the concise information you need to keep your skills sharp. Don't let Web
technology pass you by. Sign up right now!
http://www.techrepublic.com/techmail_signup_maillink.jhtml?thislist=e055&fromtm=e030
TechRepublic TechMails may contain links to sites on the Internet that
are owned and operated by third parties. TechRepublic, Inc. is not
responsible for the content of any such third-party site.
Back to top
PC TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS FOR RISING IT STARS!
PC Troubleshooting is a tough job that only gets tougher;
as technology advances, your job becomes more complex.
Keeping systems up and running is your primary goal...
you were hired to prevent downtime and keep the wheels
of business turning by maintaining, troubleshooting, and
supporting desktops, laptops, printers, and all other
peripherals. TechRepublic's PC Troubleshooter Resource
Guide 2002 book and CD-ROM are loaded with the information
you need to face each challenge - from the simple to the
simply confusing - with confidence.
Click Here to Order Yours:
http://www.techrepublic.com/promotion.jhtml?pc=E23833 NAME="74"
WHAT'S HOT AT NETADMIN REPUBLIC?
NATIONAL IDs: THEY'RE COMING, ONE WAY OR THE OTHER
A storm is definitely brewing over the issue of a national ID system.
Some favor a national ID standard, while others want to see a single ID
issuer--the U.S. government. Still others decry the concept altogether. Take
a look at these dissenting voices.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00220020109cnt01.htm&fromtm=e102-3
AVOID GETTING BLACKLISTED: STOP RELAYING SPAM
If your mail server is set up for open relaying, you could unwittingly
contribute to the problem of Internet e-mail spam. See how one company
overcame its relaying problem and learn how to determine whether your
servers are open or closed to relaying.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00220020110tmg01.htm&fromtm=e102-3
PRESERVE PERMISSIONS WHEN TRANSFERRING FILES ON WINDOWS SERVERS
Copying files on Windows servers may sound like a simple task. But if
you inadvertently lose the permissions on them, you could keep users from
accessing the files they need. Here are several ways to copy files and
ensure that you retain the permissions.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00220020108ern01.htm&fromtm=e102-3
PC TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS FOR RISING IT STARS!
PC Troubleshooting is a tough job that only gets tougher;
as technology advances, your job becomes more complex.
Keeping systems up and running is your primary goal...
you were hired to prevent downtime and keep the wheels
of business turning by maintaining, troubleshooting, and
supporting desktops, laptops, printers, and all other
peripherals. TechRepublic's PC Troubleshooter Resource
Guide 2002 book and CD-ROM are loaded with the information
you need to face each challenge - from the simple to the
simply confusing - with confidence.
Click Here to Order Yours:
http://www.techrepublic.com/promotion.jhtml?pc=E23833 NAME="66"
WHAT'S HOT AT TECHREPUBLIC.COM?
INSTANT MESSAGING THREATENS ENTERPRISE SECURITY
Users covertly using IM services to communicate inside or outside the
LAN are endangering corporate enterprises. A new managed service promises
to plug the firewall holes created by IM, and in effect, pull IM out of
the basement and into the boardroom.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00520011218sss01.htm&fromtm=e101-5
SET UP A PostgreSQL DATABASE SERVER ON LINUX
MySQL gets a lot of attention as an open source database for Linux, but
there is another player in the game, PostgreSQL, that offers many
advantages of its own. See how to set up the industrial-strength PostgreSQL
database server.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00220020102low01.htm&fromtm=e101-5
MICROSOFT'S MCSA THREATENS TO TOPPLE MCSE
The MCSA is a new Microsoft certification that is planted squarely
between a minimal MCP and the full MCSE. Is it going to be worth your time and
trouble? Will MCSEs become a rarity? Join the debate!
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00320020102wtn01.htm&fromtm=e101-5
TELL US ABOUT YOUR GOALS FOR 2002
For many IT professionals, January is the time of year when we complete
the annual review process. It's also a time when many are asked to create
short-term and long-term goals for this year. Share your priority plans
for your IT department or tell us about your career goals.
mailto:CIO@techrepublic.com?subject=Goals%20for%202002
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
BUYERS SHOULD KNOW BEFORE A PURCHASE WHEN SOFTWARE SUPPORT ENDS
Disclosing at the time of purchase when software version support ends
can help differentiate between software publishers. Software maintenance
becomes easier by helping customers better plan for costly migrations.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00620011026ern01.htm&fromtm=e101-5
PREVENT SYNCHRONIZATION ERRORS WITH .NET OBJECTS
The .NET Framework includes easy-to-use support for creating
multithreaded applications. Developers new to free-threaded programming
techniques
should exercise caution, however, as the potential for hard-to-find errors
looms large for the unwary. Learn tips to prevent errors.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00800180222adm01.htm&fromtm=e101-5
THIS WEEK'S FEATURED DOWNLOAD
PROJECT COMMUNICATION PLAN
Clear communication with team members, customers, and stakeholders is
key to managing expectations and ensuring project success. This project
communication plan can help you determine the most efficient and effective
modes of contact.
http://www.techrepublic.com/download_item.jhtml?id=r00520011221moc01.htm&fromtm=e101-5
Did you know that TechRepublic has more than 450 free downloads in our
Downloads Center? Look for ready-to-use IT forms and templates,
checklists, tools, and white papers.
http://www.techrepublic.com/downloads.jhtml?fromtm=e101-5
Cut through your web logjams with SyncSort - FREE TRIAL
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logs and chomping up to 90 percent off of database load time!
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TODAY AT TECHREPUBLIC
FOUR MONEY-SAVING TIPS FROM MEMBERS
With the economy still in a down cycle, saving money is more important
to enterprises than ever. Here are some proven cost-cutting tips sent in
by four TechRepublic members that you might implement for a client or use
to help your own firm save money.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00720020114bla01.htm&fromtm=e101-5
LEARN TO NAVIGATE .NET IO STREAMS
Does .NET's streaming IO model have you feeling a little adrift? Get
your bearings on this new programming feature here.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00820020111adm02.htm&fromtm=e101-5
NEW PLUG AND PLAY VULNERABILITY IN WINDOWS POSES CRITICAL THREAT
This edition of The Locksmith takes an in-depth look at the recently
revealed vulnerability in the Universal Plug and Play feature of Windows
98/Me/XP. See why security experts are so concerned about this OS flaw.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00220020114mco01.htm&fromtm=e101-5
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ARE YOU A CIO WHO COMMANDS ATTENTION?
Even leaders of the pack need help from time to time. Each Wednesday,
noted columnist Bob Weinstein offers advice and strategies on how to assess
and hone your skills in his CIO Focus newsletter. You'll also reap the
benefits of regular profiles of fellow CIOs to see what philosophies they
ascribe to their success. Follow this link to automatically subscribe.
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STOP THAT PROCESS IN ITS TRACKS
Task Manager allows users to easily kill most processes. However, there
are some situations where you need to use another utility because the End
Process command fails. For example, if you try to kill Winlogon.exe or
Csrss.exe, it will produce the following error: "The operation could not
be completed. Access is denied."
This error appears even when logged on as an administrator. The reason
for this is that some processes start under a special System Account, and
administrators, by default, cannot kill such processes.
To overcome this minor hurdle, use the Kill.exe utility from the Windows
NT 4 Resource Kit. This utility kills all processes. From the command
line, just type kill.exe and the process ID, which is found in the Task
Manager on the Process tab.
NOTE: Winlogon.exe and Csrss.exe were used as examples. Do not try to
actually kill them. If you do, your system will stop and you'll receive the
Blue Screen of Death.
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WINDOWS 2000 SERVER E-NEWSLETTER for January 15, 2002
THE SWITCH IS ON TO WINDOWS 2000 SERVER
It's an endless marathon keeping any server up and running
efficiently 24/7/365. To make life easier, you're converting
to Windows 2000 Server - but are you prepared to install,
configure, and maintain this powerful new server network alone?
Want a little expert advice before diving in? Make the right
decisions the first time with TechRepublic's Windows 2000 Server
Resource Guide. Get tips to maximize its potential, improve
efficiency and security, and do it all with confidence!
http://www.techrepublic.com/promotion.jhtml?pc=E06844 NAME="34"
INDEXING SERVICE IN WIN2K
The Indexing Service that ships with Windows 2000 reads and extracts
information from your documents and creates special indexes that allow you
to perform extremely fast searches. For example, a normal search through
several GB of your documents might take several minutes. Yet the
information on the documents that have been indexed with Indexing Service will
take only a few seconds. The Indexing Service can index HTML and text files,
Microsoft Office 95 and later, Internet mail, and news documents. (Third
parties can create additional filters for their document formats.)
You can access the Indexing Service through the Computer Management
console in the Administrative Tools folder. After you expand Services And
Applications, you'll be able to index any specified documents or perform
queries on them.
The Indexing Service stores all data about a group of indexed documents
in catalogs. By default, the service creates the System catalog, which
includes all documents except certain system and temporary files. The
service also creates an index of your Web documents if it finds Internet
Information Services (IIS) installed on the computer. Of course, you can
create a new catalog and specify which documents you want to index.
To search for something in your documents, click Query The Catalog item
under your catalog. Special For will appear where you'll be able to
specify the query. You can open this file and see how the querying works.
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USING ABSTRACT DATATYPES IN ORACLE
One of the shortcomings of Oracle7 databases was the inability to model
grouped data columns. For example, if we want to select all the address
information for a customer, we need to select and manipulate
STREET_ADDRESS, CITY_ADDRESS, and ZIP_CODE as three separate column statements
in our
SQL. With abstract datatypes, we can create a new datatype called
FULL_MAILING_ADDRESS_TYPE and manipulate it as if it were an atomic datatype.
Fortunately, Oracle8 allows us to do the same type of grouping with the
CREATE TYPE syntax.
CREATE OR REPLACE TYPE full_mailing_address_type AS OBJECT
( Street VARCHAR2(80),
City VARCHAR2(80),
State CHAR(2),
Zip VARCHAR2(10) );
Once defined, we can treat FULL_MAILING_ADDRESS_TYPE as a valid datatype
and use it to create tables.
CREATE TABLE
customer
(
full_name full_name_type,
full_address full_mailing_address_type,
);
Now that we've defined the Oracle table, we can reference
FULL_MAILING_ADDRESS_TYPE in our SQL, just as if it were a primitive datatype.
insert into
customer
values (
full_name_type('ANDREW','S.','BURLESON'),
full_mailing_address_type('123 1st st','Minot','ND','74635');
Next, let's select from this table. Below we see a very different output
than from an ordinary SELECT statement.
SQL> select * from customer;
FULL_NAME(FIRST_NAME, MI, LAST_NAME)
----------------------------------------
FULL_ADDRESS(STREET, CITY, STATE, ZIP)
----------------------------------------------------------------
FULL_NAME_TYPE('Andrew', 'S', 'Burleson')
FULL_MAILING_ADDRESS_TYPE('123 1st st', 'Minot', 'ND', '74635')
Don Burleson has written 12 books, published over 70 articles in
national magazines, and is editor in chief of Oracle Internals.
Copyright 2002 CNET Networks, Inc. All rights reserved. TechRepublic is a
registered service mark of CNET Networks, Inc.
CREATE & MANAGE YOUR IT VENDOR RELATIONSHIPS
Selecting an IT vendor for your project is often an overwhelming
process... from defining the project and listing possible vendors,
to sending RFIs, reviewing responses, and interviewing top prospects.
Stay organized with TechRepublic's IT Vendor Management Tool Kit, an
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<------------------------------------------->
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WHAT'S HOT AT IT MANAGER REPUBLIC?
DEPLOY XP WITH USUAL PRECAUTIONS, DESPITE SECURITY FLAW
Microsoft announced a security vulnerability in Windows XP just as
deployments were about to begin. Gartner says you shouldn't let the
vulnerability bug you but warns that you should be careful
when deploying the new OS.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00620020111ern02.htm&fromtm=e106-2
IN DEPTH: SURVEY REVEALS BENEFITS OF WEB-BASED EDI
Web-based EDI use is on the rise. However, before you make
the switch or implement EDI technology, take a look at the results of an
Auerbach Publications survey on how organizations are using
the technology.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00620020115nor01.htm&fromtm=e106-2
APPLY HOTFIX TO RESURRECT MS ACCESS LICENSES
The human resources department cannot establish terminal
sessions after a terminal server is deployed. There's a problem
with the terminal server client access licenses and how they
work with pre-Win2K devices. Here's how a hotfix resolves
the issue.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00620020115gcn01.htm&fromtm=e106-2
----------------------------------------
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE
One TechRepublic member asks, "What path should I
take to achieve my goal of becoming a project manager?"
You've been there before, right? We want to know what
advice you would give to a developer or a programmer who
wants to move through the ranks. How did you do it?
Drop us a line and let us know.
mailto:itmanager@techrepublic.com?subject=moving%20up
----------------------------------------
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STAY ON TOP OF THE CRM WAVE
Join the growing number of subscribers to the CRM News Update. Each week
we bring you the latest developments in customer relationship management
technology. Make our e-newsletter the place to go for information about
trends and products in the CRM market. Sign up now--your subscription
will be processed immediately.
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MANIPULATE YOUR PAGEFILE.SYS
The page file, also known as the swap file, is one of the most important
files on the Windows NT system. Without the page file, the system would
still boot, but it would appear to be standing still instead of running.
Think of the page file as an extension of the computer's memory. When
several applications run at the same time, more memory is required than
what the computer contains. When this happens, the operating system copies
the applications that are currently not running to a file on the disk,
which frees the memory for running applications.
By default, Windows NT creates a page file on the system drive in a file
called Pagefile.sys. You can change the size and location of the file
but not its name. Here's how:
1. Open Control Panel, double-click the System icon, and go to the
Performance tab.
2. Click the Change button and the Virtual Memory dialog box will
appear. The page file settings exist on this dialog box.
It's possible to have more than one Pagefile.sys. In fact, a page file
can be placed on each partition. Depending on the system setup, this can
have either good or bad side effects. We'll discuss this in greater detail
in future Windows NT tips.
----------------------------------------
ARE YOU READY TO SHOW WHAT YOU'RE WORTH?
Adding certifications to your resume will let the rest of the IT world
know that you have expertise and are motivated to do the work necessary to
prove it. Each Friday, let Erik Eckel Network+, MCP+I, MCSE, keep you up
to date on the certifications available and how to study for them by
signing up for our IT Certification Corner e-newsletter. Your future
awaits--automatically subscribe now.
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JUSTIFYING THE INVESTMENT IN WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY, PART 2
In part one, I talked about two parts of the wireless equation: the
kinds of benefits one can expect and the types of costs associated with such
a solution. This time, I'll continue with the last and most important
part of the wireless equation: return on investment (ROI).
QUANTIFYING ROI
There are intangible benefits from improved service, including better
customer relations, but such gains are difficult to immediately translate
into dollar returns. However, benefits such as efficiency and productivity
enhancements are easily translatable into tangible returns. In
particular, this applies to sales, the technical workforce, and management
professionals. Middle management and executive-level professionals are paid
quite well, and so even an hour saved during the day by using mobile services
quickly adds up to substantial savings.
According to Infowave, annual ROI for mobile wireless applications is
$390,000. This figure considers 100 mobile workers, with an average pay of
$65 per hour, save 1.2 hours per day and produce a productivity gain of
15 percent. Of course, ROI will be lower the first year because of the
fixed infrastructure and service costs. And another study from Gartner Group
estimates that employee productivity improves 30 percent by using
wireless services. These returns don't include specific benefits, such as the
timely availability of stock prices and other information that is
extremely valuable to financial, banking, and other mission-critical industries.
Similarly, every extra service call or deal closed per day by sales and
the technical workforce means extra dollars--directly and indirectly--to
the company's bottom line. According to data from various sources,
productivity gains of 30 percent are also expected in field service sectors. A
large number of enterprises are therefore keen on wireless e-CRM
solutions. Gartner Group estimates the wireless e-CRM market will achieve $900
million in 2002.
http://www.infowave.com/
http://www.gartner.com/
Compared to a complete mobile enterprise solution, wireless LANs provide
the benefits of mobility within a campus only. However, they still offer
substantial productivity enhancements like real-time information access,
easier workspace reorganization, and better collaborative work
environments. Industries such as production, warehousing, healthcare, education,
finance, and retail can expect substantial returns out of investments in
wireless LAN solutions. Once a complete mobile solution is implemented,
most of the back-end setup can be reused. Estimates from Cisco suggest that
organizations will achieve an average of $164K annually from wireless
LAN implementation. This figure includes implementation-related savings
only. On top of this, productivity-related returns can be expected.
According to Cisco, respondents estimate per employee savings of over $450 per
year. In addition, WLANA estimates the payback time for a WLAN
implementation to be less than a year.
http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/tln/wlan/wlan_benefits.html
http://www.cisco.com/
http://www.wlana.org/
Although there are a variety of modeling techniques available to
evaluate ROI, simple calculations that involve average time saved per day,
average employee cost, estimated percentage productivity improvements in field
service, and sales give an adequate estimate of the expected ROI. The
aforementioned studies estimate typical values for these. Make use of these
or estimate your own. When using estimates from third-party studies,
it's wise to estimate conservatively, because these findings are normally an
average of a large segment of the industry and therefore may not
completely apply to you. Once the gains have been calculated, a particular
vendor's offering can be evaluated.
Finally, when calculating ROI, evaluate it in the short term. Wireless
technologies, standards, and solutions are changing so rapidly that if the
payback period is in years, you might be forced to reevaluate your
wireless solution even before you get any returns on investment. Aim for an
ROI such that investment can be recovered in months.
Puneet Gupta is a wireless and Internet technology writer and
independent consultant.
----------------------------------------Back to top
DEVELOP THE MASTER PROJECT PLAN
You're tasked with keeping a project running smoothly, so you need to be
ready for potential issues to rear their ugly heads. Turn to us for
help. Sign up now for our Project Management Blueprint e-newsletter,
delivered each Thursday, and get the resources you need.
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Facing Windows 2000 Professional Migration?
A new operating system means a learning curve for everyone from
administrators to user. Need some expert help to guide you through
this process? Look no further! You'll be installing, configuring,
and maintaining Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional with confidence
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up front will determine how much troubleshooting you do later...
so don't go it alone!
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<------------------------------------------->
CLEARTYPE
ClearType, one of the new technologies included in Windows XP, uses the
design of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) found in notebooks and other
portable devices, including desktop computers. LCDs consist of thousands of
pixels too small to be discernible by the human eye alone. In traditional
font rendering, each pixel is either "on" or "off"; when the
computer
displays a character on the screen, it turns these pixels on or off.
Every pixel on an LCD screen is comprised of three smaller elements
called subpixels: one red, one green, and one blue (RGB). ClearType
manipulates these individual subpixels, which allows for much smoother fonts.
To enable ClearType:
1. Right-click on the desktop.
2. Go to the Appearance tab.
3. Click the Effects button.
4. Check this option in the Effects dialog box: Use The Following Method
To Smooth Edges Of Screen Fonts.
5. Select ClearType from the drop-down box.
6. Click OK.
After you close the Display Properties dialog box, Windows XP will turn
on ClearType.
After ClearType is enabled, the fonts will appear smoother and without
sharp edges. The final output on the screen varies from LCD to LCD.
-
DON'T GET KNOCKED OUT BY SECURITY FLAWS
There's an old boxing truism, "every fighter has a plan. . .until he
gets hit." Part of the wisdom is that you should know your strengths and
weaknesses before you step into the ring and not discover them during the
match. The same holds true for data security: Know your system
vulnerabilities well before putting security measures into place. If not, you
risk
shoring up areas that pose little risk, while leaving yourself open for
cyberattacks from unexpected fronts. System administrators and IT managers
who fail to closely examine their system's vulnerabilities may
underestimate their opponent's prowess and overestimate their own defenses.
Proper IT vulnerability assessment is a structured, methodical approach
that gauges what threats are likely to prey upon technical assets. This
white paper lays out the considerations and procedures that should be
included in an effective vulnerability assessment and illustrates the
importance of each aspect.
TITLE: Vulnerability Assessment Guide
PUBLISHER: Symantec Corporation
PUBLISHED: Dec. 1, 2001
FORMAT: PDF
GET IT NOW!
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FIND INFORMATION IN RELATED REPORTS FROM OUR RESEARCH INDEX!
* VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENTS
http://researchindex.techrepublic.com/data/rlist?t=996776707_91480058
* DATA SECURITY
http://researchindex.techrepublic.com/data/rlist?t=itmgmt_10_50_20_28
----------------------------------------Back to top
HOW SECURE ARE YOU?
Where do vulnerabilities lie on your network? What are the latest
security updates and fixes? How can hackers infiltrate your system? If you
can't answer these three questions without hesitation, then your network is
in immediate danger. Don't delay--sign up right away to receive our
Internet Security Focus e-newsletter every Monday, and start your week with a
sigh of relief.
http://www.techrepublic.com/techmail_signup_maillink.jhtml?thislist=e044&fromtm=e036
THE SWITCH IS ON TO WINDOWS 2000 SERVER
It's an endless marathon keeping any server up and running
efficiently 24/7/365. To make life easier, you're converting
to Windows 2000 Server - but are you prepared to install,
configure, and maintain this powerful new server network alone?
Want a little expert advice before diving in? Make the right
decisions the first time with TechRepublic's Windows 2000 Server
Resource Guide. Get tips to maximize its potential, improve
efficiency and security, and do it all with confidence!
http://www.techrepublic.com/promotion.jhtml?pc=E06844
<------------------------------------------->
FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH GROUP POLICY
Group Policy is a feature in Windows 2000 that replaces Policy Editor
from Windows NT 4.0 and basically allows administrators to enforce user
settings. Here are several of the uses for Group Policy:
* Define which settings users can change, such as the desktop and screen
savers.
* Define security settings, including the length of passwords and user
rights.
* Install applications for users automatically.
It sometimes confuses users when they have too many features. A good
example of this is logon scripts. Since there are three ways to assign
scripts to users--Group Policy, Windows NT 4 policies, and the Profile tab of
Users Properties in Computer Management--many administrators don't know
which one to choose.
The most advanced and flexible method is Group Policy. Group policies
let you define four scripts: a logon script, a logoff script, a startup
script, and a shutdown script. You can find the settings here: Windows
Settings\Scripts (under both Computer Configuration and User Configuration).
You'll want to use this method whenever possible.
It isn't possible to use Group Policy in an environment with Windows NT
4 computers. In such cases, you'll have to use old Windows NT 4 policies.
(NOTE: Windows 2000 clients still "understand" these policies.)
You can also assign a logon script on the Profile tab of Users
Properties in Computer Management; however, this method is rarely used because
it's not very flexible.
----------------------------------------Back to top
XP'S INTEGRATED BURNING ENGINE
To burn a CD, it's usually necessary to install third-party software.
But Microsoft has finally made it possible to bypass the need for special
software by including an integrated burning engine in Windows XP. This
engine allows files to be saved on a CD from any application with the Save
As option and Windows Explorer to be used to burn files to a CD using drag
and drop.
If you have a CD burner or CD-R/RW device, Windows XP should
automatically detect it. Verify this by right-clicking in Windows Explorer on
the
burning device's drive and selecting Properties. In the dialog box that
appears, you should see the Recording tab. This tab includes the settings
you can configure for your CD burner or CD-R/RW device.
To burn a CD, select the desired files in Windows Explorer and drag them
to the burning device's drive. These files are first saved in a
temporary location on your hard drive. When you are ready to burn them on a CD,
right-click on the CD burner or CD-R/RW device in Windows Explorer and
select Write These Files To CD. A wizard appears that guides you through the
process.
----------------------------------------
PC TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS FOR RISING IT STARS!
PC Troubleshooting is a tough job that only gets tougher;
as technology advances, your job becomes more complex.
Keeping systems up and running is your primary goal...
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Guide 2002 book and CD-ROM are loaded with the information
you need to face each challenge - from the simple to the
simply confusing - with confidence.
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<------------------------------------------->
WHAT'S HOT AT NETADMIN REPUBLIC?
USE WIN2K'S NETSH TO MANAGE NETWORKING
To streamline the configuration of Win2K network interfaces, WINS
servers, DHCP servers, and RRAS servers, you need to learn how to use the
built-in NETSH utility. Get up to speed with this detailed tutorial and
downloadable cheat sheet.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00220020118van01.htm&fromtm=e102-3
XIMIAN UNVEILS EXCHANGE CLIENT FOR LINUX AND UNIX
Ximian, long an open source software company, will do business the
proprietary way with a new software package that lets Linux computers connect
to Microsoft Exchange Server. Judge the merits of Evolution, Ximian's new
e-mail client.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00220020116cnt01.htm&fromtm=e102-3
LEARN HOW NETWORK LOAD BALANCING CAN JUMP-START PERFORMANCE
When administrators try to resolve network performance problems, they
sometimes overlook the possibility of a traffic load imbalance. Yet network
load balancing can provide significant performance gains. Here's a look
at various load-balancing options.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00220020115mul01.htm&fromtm=e102-3
----------------------------------------
Back to top
NOVELL RELEASES A FLURRY OF NEW PATCHES
With nine updates and patches from Novell, NetWare admins will be busy
this week. An advisory from CERT and Trend Micro reports on seven new
viruses rounds out this edition of the Exterminator.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00220020116ern01.htm&fromtm=e102-3
----------------------------------------
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
DHCP AND DNS ARE CRITICAL PARTNERS IN WIN2K
Name resolution is a key trouble spot in any network, and Windows 2000
has made Windows networks rely much more heavily on DNS--with a little
help from DHCP. See how the critical partnership of DHCP and DNS works in
Win2K.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00220011105wrr01.htm&fromtm=e102-3
HOW TO AUDIT YOUR INTERNET SECURITY POLICY
The Internet is a business requirement for many organizations, but an
Internet connection is a constant vulnerability. Learn how to establish and
maintain a good Internet security strategy.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00220010418van01.htm&fromtm=e102-3
As technology advances, the demand and necessity for
seamless connectivity and stable access to servers and
networks is increasing exponentially. TechRepublic's
Administrators' Guide to VPN and Remote Access delivers
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and install remote access links, administer and support
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<------------------------------------------->
VOICEXML: AN ALTERNATE INTERFACE TO WIRELESS INFORMATION
When thinking of wireless information access, WAP phones and devices
like PocketPC and Palm immediately come to mind. However, there is an
alternate "voice enabled" interface that is attractive to business
users and
consumers alike. And considering the input and display limitations of many
wireless devices, the voice interface can be used to extend services to
phones that are not data capable.
VOICEXML FOR VOICE-BASED APPLICATIONS
VoiceXML is an XML-based standard that allows the development of
HTML-like applications. This allows users to access Web-based information with
ordinary phones. The process involves voice-based input and responses. The
VoiceXML page is located on a Web server on the Internet or intranet.
When the user calls a specific phone number, the call is placed on a voice
gateway, which consists of the multimedia elements (that convert voice to
text and vice versa) and a VoiceXML interpreter. The voice gateway then
accesses the Internet and fetches the VoiceXML page by using existing
Internet technologies, such as HTTP. This HTML-like page gives information
to the gateway for necessary voice prompts to be made by the user. An
example of this is "say movie for movie listings or say stocks for stock
information." The user responds, and the voice input is captured by the
gateway, converted into text, and sent to the Web server. The Web server then
sends back another VoiceXML page that contains the response or further
queries for the user.
Access to this information is typically via voice portals. It is even
possible to customize access to information that's needed on a regular
basis, such as stock headlines, customer records, and directories. VoiceXML
is also used to provide messaging services, including e-mail. Another
benefit of the VoiceXML application is that it can access the same backend
information store as existing Web applications.
SETTING UP VOICEXML SERVICE
VoiceXML applications do not require any special software on the client
side. The speech-related infrastructure that requires specialized
telephony and voice conversion hardware, plus powerful speech recognition
software, is avoidable by using "voice gateway" services from a
specialized
service provider, such as Tellme Networks and OracleMobile. The OracleMobile
platform also supports other wireless technologies, including WAP, SMS,
and one-way pagers. Once in place, these applications can be developed,
extended, or expanded.
http://www.tellme.com/
http://www.oraclemobile.com/
You'll find that VoiceXML fills in the gaps where other wireless
technology fails to deliver. An audio-based application is suitable for specific
information access, such as stock information and customer records.
Field service professionals are able to find information and complete service
forms with the use of an ordinary telephone. For more information about
this technology, visit the VoiceXML Web site.
http://www.voicexml.org/
Puneet Gupta is a wireless and Internet technology writer and
independent consultant.
---------------------------------------- Back to top
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
CAN VOICEXML SPEAK TO WEB DEVELOPERS?
VoiceXML, a new version of XML, allows users to interact with the
Internet via voice-recognition technology by using a voice browser and/or the
telephone. Here's a quick overview for Web developers.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00720011008hml01.htm&fromtm=e048
VOICE GATEWAYS LET WEB DEVELOPERS HEAR VOICEXML
VoiceXML can combine the universality of speech with the power of the
Web. We'll introduce you to some "voice gateway" providers that enable
developers to access VoiceXML content from Web sites.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article_guest.jhtml?id=r00720011015hml01.htm&fromtm=e048
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<------------------------------------------->
GROUPING USERS
Windows NT supports user groups by placing users together and applying
the necessary permissions to the entire group, rather than each individual
user. To create a group, select which users will be placed in the group,
and then assign permissions to the group as a whole. Even if you only
have to assign permissions to two users, it is important to create a new
group first, and then assign the necessary group permissions.
Using group permissions instead of individual settings allows greater
control of administrative tasks and provides for easier troubleshooting.
For instance, if you assign permissions directly to a user and he or she
transfers to another department, you'll have to look through all relevant
files and folders to change each of his or her permissions. With user
groups, when a user moves to a new position, simply start the User Manager,
identify the user, and click on the Groups tab. The user can then be
easily removed from the previous group and assigned to a new group that
corresponds to the new position.
The same holds true if you have a new user. Instead of going through
each folder to grant permissions, just look for a group of users that
require the same permissions and put the user in that group. This makes it
easier to revoke or assign user permissions by simply adding or removing
users from the group.
ADDITIONAL NEWS HEADLINES
* WIRELESS OFFICES--A HACKER BOON?
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1105-823253.html
* COMPAQ BLADE SERVERS GO ON SALE
http://news.com.com/2100-1001-823742.html
* XIMIAN CHANGES OPEN-SOURCE LICENSE
http://news.com.com/2100-1001-823734.html
* RED HAT TO OFFER HIGH-END LINUX VERSION
http://news.com.com/2100-1001-823736.html
* INTEL'S ITANIUM: PLAN B IN THE WORKS
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1103-823583.html
ADDING WINDOWS NT 4 COMPUTERS TO A WINDOWS 2000 DOMAIN
Some organizations maintain both Windows NT 4 and Windows 2000
computers. While these operating systems are quite similar, they're different
enough to cause problems in certain situations. For example, when joining a
Windows NT 4 computer to a Windows 2000 domain, the following error may
occur:
"The machine account for this computer either does not exist or is
unavailable."
Windows 2000, by default, allows users to create up to 10 computer
accounts in the domain. If more accounts are created, this error message will
appear. However, there are solutions.
One solution is to use a domain administrator account to join the
computer to the domain. A second solution is to pre-create the computer
accounts in the Active Directory. Here's how:
1. Go to Administrative Tools | Active Directory Users And Computers.
2. In the console, select Computers.
3. Choose New.
4. Click on Computer.
5. Add the computer account name for all the computers that will join
the domain.
<------------------------------------------->
Back to top
WIRELESS CRM AND THE ENTERPRISE
Customer relationship management (CRM) is an integral part of any
successful business strategy. CRM applications have seen impressive growths,
particularly in the last few years. International Data Corporation (IDC)
estimates that worldwide CRM service revenues will achieve over $120
billion by 2004. Businesses are also becoming increasingly mobile. Cahners
In-Stat predicts that by 2004, 60 percent of the workforce in the United
States alone will be using wireless devices. Considering the extreme
competitive pressures in many vertical industry segments, there is a clear need
for extending and expanding CRM.
Wireless holds the key to improving CRM. Wireless enables a host of new
applications to the mobile sales force and customers that are not
possible with the existing CRM implementations. Mobile access to sales
information, customer data, and online transactions like reservations and stock
trading is an essential part of a wireless CRM system. Most major CRM
vendors, including Pivotal, PeopleSoft, Inc., OracleMobile, and Siebel, now
have wireless solutions for their CRM applications.
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USE REMOTE DESKTOP TO CONNECT TO A REMOTE COMPUTER
Remote Desktop and Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) are two new
features in Windows XP. Remote Desktop allows you to connect to a remote
computer and see its screen as if you were working on it directly. ICF prevents
TCP/IP traffic from accessing your network and computer.
Since ICF blocks all network traffic by default, it's necessary to open
it a bit in order to connect to a computer that's behind a firewall.
Remote Desktop uses TCP port 3389; therefore, you'll have to open this port
on your firewall. If you use another third-party firewall, consult the
manual for opening its port. If you use ICF in Windows XP, follow these
steps on the remote machine (the machine you want to connect to using Remote
Desktop):
1. Open the Network Connections folder (located in the Control Panel).
2. Right-click on the firewall connection and select Properties.
3. Click the Settings button on the Advanced tab.
4. Check the Remote Desktop box on the Services tab.
5. Close all of the dialog boxes.
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WHY NETBEUI?
Many users are disappointed that Microsoft discontinued support for
NetBEUI, as a number of networks still use this protocol. Administrators face
the challenge of determining whether they should continue using NetBEUI
or implement TCP/IP. The answer for most users is TCP/IP, but some
administrators aren't willing to leave NetBEUI. They believe that it's much
easier to configure than TCP/IP and provides more security. This isn't
necessarily true, however.
TCP/IP does require some administration. Every computer that
participates in a TCP/IP requires at least an IP number and a subnet mask.
Additionally, computers might require the IP address of a DNS server and a
router.
By comparison, NetBEUI requires no configuration.
Still, the truth is that Windows XP (and other, older Microsoft
operating systems) completely automates TCP/IP's configuration. For example, if
you have three computers that need to participate in a network, you simply
hook them up, and the computers will automatically obtain an IP address
and have the ability to communicate with one other. If you have one
computer with an Internet connection, you just share this connection, and the
other computers are able to access the Internet. Everything is automated;
you don't have to configure anything yourself.
NetBEUI supporters might argue about TCP/IP security. Since NetBEUI is
not a routable protocol, no one can hack into NetBEUI-only machines via
the Internet. While this is true, they forget one thing: Even though
NetBEUI isn't routable, it is bridgeable. This is especially important with
cable providers because other customers might be able to access a computer
if not manually prevented. Windows XP ships with an integrated personal
firewall that can secure Internet connections and prevent intrusions.
As you can see, the myths about NetBEUI vs. TCP/IP are outdated. There
are few compelling reasons for not choosing TCP/IP over NetBEUI.
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---------------------------------------- Back to top
DO YOU HAVE AN E-MAIL AND DOCUMENT RETENTION POLICY?
How does your firm assure that valuable correspondence conducted via
e-mail is archived? Are duplicates of your contracts and other important
documents on file in a fire-safe area? We'd like to publish a model e-mail
and document retention policy. If you think you've got a good one, send it
to us. If we use yours, we'll send you a TechRepublic coffee mug.
MICROSOFT NETBEUI SUPPORT DISCONTINUED
Like Windows 2000, by default, Windows XP uses TCP/IP, which has become
a standard network protocol. With Windows XP, Microsoft decided to
discontinue support of the NetBEUI (NetBIOS Extended User Interface) network
protocol. While Microsoft has done a great deal to make the configuration
of TCP/IP as simple as possible, you can still install NetBEUI manually if
needed (although this is not recommended by Microsoft). To install
NetBEUI:
1. Go to the \Valueadd\MSFT\Net\NetBEUI folder on your Windows XP CD.
2. Copy Nbf.sys to the %SYSTEMROOT%\System32\Drivers folder.
3. Copy Netnbf.inf to the %SYSTEMROOT%\Inf folder. (Note that this
folder is hidden.)
4. Open the Network Connections folder (Start | Control Panel | Network
Connections).
5. Right-click the network card that you want to add NetBEUI to and
click Properties.
6. Click Install on the General tab.
7. Click Protocol and then Click Add.
8. Select NetBEUI Protocol from the list and click OK.
9. Restart the computer.
(Note: Although you can install NetBEUI from the Windows XP CD,
Microsoft doesn't support this network protocol.)
SECURITY TOOLKIT FOR WINDOWS NT 4
As part of the security initiative called Strategic Technology
Protection Programs, Microsoft released a special toolkit that helps secure NT
systems. This toolkit includes a set of tools and documents that, when
managed correctly, keeps the system secure. Also included in the toolkit are
utilities, service packs, and patches. These include the following:
* IIS 4 Security rollup
* IIS 5 Security rollup
* Windows NT 4 Service Pack 6a
* Windows NT 4 Security rollup package
* Windows NT 4 Service Pack 6 for Terminal Service Edition
* Internet Explorer 5.01 SP 2
* Internet Explorer 5.5 SP2
* Internet Explorer 6
* Security Bulletin fixes: MS01-008, MS00-095, MS00-070, MS00-052
* IIS Lockdown tool
* URLScan
* Hfnetchk.exe
* QChain.exe
Administrators will benefit from these tools and updates. For instance,
the IIS Lockdown tool locks the IIS server by removing unnecessary
components. URLScan is an ISAPI filter that monitors URL requests and rejects
them based on filters. QChain.exe lets you install several hotfixes
without having to reboot the system between each installation. Hfnetchk.exe
examines the system and compares it against the online database of critical
patches. The utility then provides a warning if all critical patches
aren't installed.
DOMAIN DFS ROOT
When you run the distributed file system (DFS) root wizard, you have an
option to create a stand-alone DFS root or a domain DFS root. Stand-alone
DFS roots store the topology on a single computer, while domain DFS
roots use the Active Directory (AD) to store the DFS configuration. The
domain DFS root also supports fault tolerance, Domain Name System (DNS),
multiple levels, and automatic file replication.
If you have a Windows 2000 domain, consider using domain DFS roots.
Because of the AD replication, all domain controllers store the DFS
information, thus allowing for fault tolerance. For example, if one domain
controller is unavailable, clients can connect to the DFS share through some
other domain controller.
Another advantage of domain DFS roots over stand-alone DFS roots is that
you can create additional replicas of your shared folders. For example,
you can store the same shared folder on two servers. If one is
unavailable, the domain controllers will refer clients to the other server.
Any client using DFS client software can connect to DFS shares. Note
that Windows 95 with DFS client software is available as a separate
download, while Windows 98, Windows NT 4, and Windows 2000 include the necessary
software.
Back to top
ADDING USERS FROM THE COMMAND LINE
Some administrators complain about the lack of command line utilities in
Windows NT. While it's true that NT does not have as many command-line
utilities as UNIX systems, there are several tasks that can be performed
from the command line.
One of the tasks is adding users. To create a user from the command
line, type net user username password /add /domain, where <username> is
the
new user's username, <password> is his or her password, and <domain>
is
the domain for the account. The specification of a domain is optional.
Here are some additional settings:
The user's home directory: Add /homedir:\\server\homefolder to the net
command.
A script: Add /scriptpath:script.bat to the net command.
Adding the user to a group: Add the user to a local group by typing net
localgroup groupname user /add, where <groupname> is the name of the
group and <user> is the username.
The complete command to create a user includes his or her home folder
and logon script. For example:
Net user John JohnPassword /add /homedir:\\server\users\john
/scriptpath:logon.bat
Finally, the commands can be combined and placed in a script for
automated execution.
DTCP: THE WIRELESS CONTENT WATCHDOG
The IEEE 1394 wireless data standard is one of many transmission formats
vying for supremacy in the post-fixed-line network arena. However, as
many analysts have warned, wireless connectivity carries with it an
inherent insecurity: Would-be eavesdroppers and hackers can tap into wireless
transmissions with little more than a transceiving antenna. Worse, wireless
networking holds the potential for intellectual property and copyright
abuses, as proprietary content, like music and video, can be captured and
pirated in digital quality directly off unprotected airwaves.
Enter the Digital Transmission Content Protection (DTCP) protocol.
Designed specifically for the protection of digital television broadcasts,
DTCP applies encryption and authentication measures to wireless
transmissions, including the IEEE 1394 standard.
This free white paper discusses the capabilities and potential
applications of the DTCP security protocol. If your wireless network will
traffic
sensitive or proprietary data, DTCP is among the many piracy
countermeasures you should consider.
TITLE: Digital Transmission Content Protection
PUBLISHER: Wipro Technologies
PUBLISHED: Jan. 1, 2002
FORMAT: PDF
Back to top
SHARING HELP FILES, PART 2
Sharing help files is a useful feature; however, before using it, you'll
need to know some additional facts.
* You can't share help files on older operating systems, such as Windows
2000 or Windows ME. Also, older operating systems can't use Windows XP's
shared help files. You can only share help files on Windows XP and newer
operating systems.
* You can't use help files from multiple operating systems at the same
time. Although you can have several help files installed, you can only use
one at any given time. To use another help file, you must switch the
help content.
If you've installed help files from Windows XP and Windows .NET Server
on your Windows XP computer and you perform a switch from Windows XP to
Windows .NET Server help files, the switch is permanent. To go back, you
must perform another switch.
Here's a trick for performing a temporary switch:
1. Open Help And Support Center from the Start menu.
2. Open another instance of the Help And Support Center.
3. Switch the Help content in this second instance.
4. Use the content.
5. Close the second instance (the window in which you switched the Help
content).
6. Close the first instance of Help And Support Center.
It's very important that you close the windows in the correct order. If
you fail to do this, you will have to manually switch the Help content
MOBILE DATA SYNCHRONIZATION
Synchronization technologies hold the key to bridging the gap between
real-time and near-real-time mobile computing and information access
models. With the rapid growth in the mobile PC and handheld markets--Meta Group
predicts that by 2004, each corporate knowledge worker will have three
to four different computing and information access devices--there is a
need for a comprehensive wireless synchronization solution.
Near-real-time mobile applications make use of available applications on
mobile devices to add or extract information. Data on these devices are
periodically synchronized with the data on corporate servers, or it is
synchronized based on certain triggers. Such applications do not require a
continuous connection and are easier to deploy. They also offer a unique
advantage for vertical industry segments and applications like sales
force automation (SFA), customer relationship management (CRM), supply chain
management (SCM), and telemetry. In addition, ROI can be realized much
faster when using this kind of mobile application model.
Synchronization applications consist of software that manages the
synchronization process and a connectivity mechanism between two devices or
between a device and a database. The applications work by keeping track of
changes made in a device and updating another device (or database) when
the synchronization process is started. First-generation synchronization
technologies operated on devices that were based on the same platforms. The
next generation of synchronization technologies works with diverse
devices, OS and data type combinations, and in the always-on connection and
offline mode.
THE WIRELESS ELEMENT
Wireless is an essential element in any effective synchronization
solution. Different kinds of wireless technologies play a role at different
levels. Technologies like Bluetooth, Infrared Data Association (IrDa), and
wireless LANs (802.11b) allow for direct synchronization between the
mobile device and the PC. WAP or client-based applications based on the J2ME
or BREW platform can be used to synchronize via the Internet. Bluetooth
can also connect to a mobile terminal, such as a GPRS handset, and
communicate with a company intranet via the mobile network.
Multiple wireless access technologies need support that differs from
support for devices and operating systems. Solutions from Palm Computing's
Extended Systems support various technologies, including Bluetooth, IrDA,
and WAP. Also, fusionOne offers SyncML synchronization technology based
on Qualcomm's BREW platform, which allows CDMA-based mobile devices to
synchronize using fusionOne's two-way OTA synchronization service.
CONVERTING FROM FAT TO NTFS
Windows NT 4, by default, supports two file systems: FAT and NTFS. FAT
is an older file system that is compatible with older operating systems.
However, it is fairly limited and not very secure. FAT supports only 4-GB
partitions and doesn't provide a mechanism for users to protect their
files. NTFS, on the other hand, is a secure file system that supports
partitions up to 2 TB.
Many users will want to take advantage of the benefits of NTFS. If you
are currently using FAT but want to merge to NTFS, you have two options.
The first option is to wipe out FAT partitions and format the partitions
with NTFS. In this case, you'll have to back up your data and reinstall
the operating system. Another option is to convert the file system to NTFS.
This method will preserve all your data.
To convert from FAT to NTFS, type convert x: /fs:ntfs in the command
prompt and replace x with the drive letter of the partition you want to
convert.
NOTE: There are several disadvantages of file system conversion. When
Windows NT 4 is reinstalled on the NTFS partition, the setup secures the
system files. However, if you convert from FAT to NTFS, the convert utility
does not secure the files, and you are left with an unsecured system.
Another disadvantage of file system conversion is performance. When you
execute a fresh format, the metadata required for NTFS are placed in one
place at the beginning of the disk. During conversion, the metadata can
get scattered throughout the disk, which has a negative impact on
performance. The performance is also greatly affected by the default cluster
size, which is set to 4 KB when you fresh format and a mere 512 bytes when
you conver
Presents your
WINDOWS 2000 SERVER E-NEWSLETTER for February 26, 2002
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APPLYING SECURITY TEMPLATES
After you create a custom template or decide to use one of the
predefined templates, you'll need to apply it to the computer(s). You can use
several tools to do this. If you manage a lot of computers that need the same
security settings, then the best way to configure the security on your
network is to import the template into a Group Policy. Here are the
step-by-step instructions on how to do it:
1. Open the Active Directory Users And Computers console.
2. Expand the container for which you want to apply the template and
open its Properties dialog box by right-clicking on it and selecting
Properties.
3. Go to the Group Policy and click New to create a policy.
4. Type the name of the new policy and then click Edit.
5. Browse to Computer Settings | Windows Settings | Security Settings.
6. Right-click on the Security Settings node and select Import Policy.
Select the template you want to apply and click Open.
7. Once you're done, wait for the Group Policy refresh cycle or type
secedit /refreshpolicy machine_policy /enforce to get an immediate refresh.
If you're in a Windows 2000 domain with Active Directory, you can still
apply security templates, just not through the Group Policy. To set the
security on a local computer, use the Local Security Policy console
located in the Administrative Tools folder.
If you aren't in a Windows 2000 domain and still want to automate the
application of security templates on several computers, then use the
powerful command-line utility Secedit.exe. This utility (which we mentioned in
the previous tip) will let you do much more than just apply security
templates. To get help on Secedit, run it without any switches.
----------------------------------------
Back to top
DISPLAY RAM MEMORY USAGE FOR SPECIFIC SQL STATEMENTS
Editor's Note: TechRepublic is preparing for the March 4 launch of our
sister site, Builder.com. As part of this exciting new product, you will
notice that yournext Oracle e-newsletter will carry the Builder.com brand.
Builder.com is a new resource for a new kind of developer. We recognize
that top developers do more than just write code. To be successful today,
developers need to deliver the technological innovations and ideas that
drive business. Builder.com and its e-newsletters will be dedicated to
uncovering those ideas and innovations.
Oracle9i has the ability to display RAM memory usage along with
execution plan information. To get this information, you need to gather the
address of the desired SQL statement from the V$SQL view. For example, if you
have a query that operates against the NEW_CUSTOMER table, you can run
the following query to get the address.
select
address
from
v$sql
where
sql_text like '%NEW_CUSTOMER';
88BB460C
1 row selected.
Now that you have the address, you can plug it into the following script
to get the execution plan details and the PGA memory usage for the SQL
statement.
select
operation,
options,
object_name name,
trunc(bytes/1024/1024) "input(MB)",
trunc(last_memory_used/1024) last_mem,
trunc(estimated_optimal_size/1024) opt_mem,
trunc(estimated_onepass_size/1024) onepass_mem,
decode(optimal_executions, null, null,
optimal_executions||'/'||onepass_executions||'/'||
multipasses_exections) "O/1/M"
from
v$sql_plan p,
v$sql_workarea w
where
p.address=w.address(+)
and
p.hash_value=w.hash_value(+)
and
p.id=w.operation_id(+)
and
p.address='88BB460C';
Here's the listing from this script.
OPERATION OPTIONS NAME input(MB)
LAST_MEM OPT_MEM ONEPASS_MEM O/1/M
------------ -------- ---- ---------
-------- ---------- ---------- ----
SELECT STATE
SORT GROUP BY 4582 8 16
16 26/0/0
HASH JOIN SEMI 4582 5976
5194 187 16/0/0
TABLE ACCESS FULL ORDERS 51
TABLE ACCESS FUL LINEITEM 1000
You can see the details about the execution plan along with specific
memory usage details. This is an exciting new advance in Oracle9i, and it
gives the DBA the ability to obtain a very high level of detail about the
internal execution of any SQL statement.
Don Burleson has written 12 books, published over 70 articles in
national magazines, and is editor in chief of Oracle Internals.
----------------------------------------
Back to top
CHANGES TO TASK MANAGER IN WINDOWS XP
Microsoft made minor improvements to the Task Manager in Windows XP.
When you run it (the simplest way is to press [Ctrl][Shift][Esc]), you'll
see five tabs. The first three will be familiar to Windows NT/2000 users.
The other two are new to Windows XP.
The Applications tab lists all applications you are currently running.
Use this tab to end running applications, to switch between them, or to
run new ones. The Processes tab displays more detailed information about
the processes that are running on your system. It displays the name of the
executable, the user account under which the process is running, the CPU
usage, and the amount of memory the process is using. You also have the
option to end running processes on this tab. The Performance tab displays
the graphs for CPU and memory usage and some additional counters, such as
the amount of memory allocated to the system cache, the total amount of
memory used by the kernel, and so on.
The Networking and Users tabs are new to Windows XP. By default, the
Networking tab displays the network utilization graph for your network
adapters. You can add additional counters on this tab by selecting the Select
Columns option on the View menu. You can set additional options on the
Options menu. The Users tab lists all users currently logged on to your
computer (either locally or through Remote Desktop). You can send users
messages and, if you have the proper permissions, you can also disconnect
them or log them off. When you disconnect someone, his or her programs
continue running on your machine. When you log someone off, his or her
programs are closed, and the session is disconnected.
Notice also that the Shut Down menu in Task Manager performs the same
tasks as the Start menu. You can shut the machine down, log off, put the
computer into hibernation or standby, restart the computer, or switch the
user.
Back to top
SETTING UP A WEB SITE
Before your newly installed Web server can host a site, you must first
configure the server to support the published content. Here's how:
1. Open the Internet Service Manager utility found in Start | Programs |
Windows NT 4.0 Option Pack | Microsoft Internet Information Server.
2. Click the computer name.
3. In the dialog box that appears, go to the Directories tab.
4. Click the Add button.
5. In Directory Properties, select Browse and then browse to the folder
that will hold the site's HTML files.
6. To create a virtual directory, select Virtual Directory and type the
name of the directory as you want it to appear on the Internet in the
Alias box. The users will access the information in the form of
http://clickthru.online.com/Click?q=6f-3x79IOLlbN1-Pua3ChgJTH4WPTRR
7. If you want to create a virtual server, select Virtual Server and
type an IP address for the server. Choose Home Directory when you browse the
Directory Properties. The users will access the information in the form
of http://clickthru.online.com/Click?q=84-CCOyQ602yvYM37MZwyTupkWkZvrR
of the server in DNS.
8. Click OK twice.
This will complete the Web site set up. Before going to production,
check the Web server settings. To do this, click the computer name in the
Internet Service Manager and go through all the tabs.
----------------------------------------
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
WINTONET: RUN WINDOWS APPS IN A MIXED ENVIRONMENT
WinToNet delivers Windows applications to diverse client desktop
environments. Running on a Windows NT 4.0 or 2000 server, this software lets
Linux machines and other clients run Windows applications using only a
Java-capable browser.
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BE HONEST: WOULD YOU HIRE YOURSELF?
A successful climb up the career ladder may depend on how well you
assess your performance at each rung along the way. Answer these questions
from Bob Artner to help you reach the top tier of your career.
SECURITY TEMPLATES DURING INSTALLATION
When installing Windows 2000 on a computer, there's more to the setup
route than file copying from the CD to the hard drive. The longest part of
the installation process is from the routines that configure the system.
These routines set the security on the files, the folders, and the
Windows 2000 Registry.
If installing Windows 2000 on an NTFS partition, the setup will set the
appropriate security on files and folders on this partition. It's
possible to manually check the permissions, but you could get lost in all the
folders. An easier way to get the list of default permissions for Windows
2000 is to check the Knowledge Base article Q244600. These permissions are
only set on clean installations. If upgrading from Windows NT 4, the
existing permissions don't change. This means that the machines upgraded
from Windows NT 4 will not have the same level of security as machines on
which you perform a clean Windows 2000 installation.
http://clickthru.online.com/Click?q=eb-HlpoQkD1IXBs_erdmVCpYFNItpyR
The reason for this is because the new default permissions in Windows
2000 are much more restrictive, and some older applications might not work.
If you test your applications under Windows 2000 and want to have the
same level of security when upgrading existing Windows NT 4 servers, apply
the basic security template that's appropriate for the computer. For
instance, use Basicwk.inf for Windows 2000 Professional computers,
Basicsv.inf for Windows 2000 Server computers, and Basicdc.inf for Windows 2000
Domain Controllers.
REGISTERING ORACLE DATABASES IN ACTIVE DIRECTORY
HELP CLIENTS USE MICROSOFT ACTIVE DIRECTORY TO FIND ORACLE DATABASES
The interoperability between Microsoft's Active Directory and Oracle
databases can be a boon for organizations that use both. Here's an example
of how you can register Oracle databases in Active Directory and connect
them.
http://clickthru.online.com/Click?q=91-EZnpQAzgXWDE4auMIDpIV24fnsnR
CONSULTANTS NEED TECHNOLOGICAL FORESIGHT TO CAPITALIZE ON GROWING
SECTORS
TechRepublic members predicted the government, healthcare, and financial
services sectors will be hot consulting service consumers in the coming
year. Find out where consultants should focus their skill-building
efforts to stay competitive this year.
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DOWNLOAD THIS CODE REVIEW CHECKLIST TO EASE QA ON JAVA PROGRAMS
Formal code reviews offer a structured way to improve the quality of
your work. You'll be on your way to better programs and happier clients with
the help of this checklist for reviewing Java code.
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----------------------------------------
TAKE OUR CONSULTANT ETHICS SURVEY
In light of the Enron scandal, has your consulting business moved to
adopt an ethics policy or revise what it has on the books? Take our survey
on the use of ethical codes in your organization.
http://clickthru.online.com/Click?q=d1-ulOzQpE-nwAhbd-1nxS4nVSmyunR
----------------------------------------
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
CTT+, MCT: PROGRAM CHANGES MEAN NEW CHOICES FOR CONSULTANTS
Bolstering your consulting experience with trainer certifications can
help you land contracts in which training is part of the job. Be aware that
there are some recent changes to MCT and CTT+ exams.
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MAKE THE MOST OF MICROSOFT PROJECT WITH THESE TIPS
If your project resources are geographically diverse, you can use these
two Microsoft Project macros to automatically assign resources to tasks
based on location and to change the default duration for new tasks.
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UNLOCK XP'S HIDDEN FEATURES
Back to top
Most users will notice the obvious enhancements in Windows XP, such as
the new user interface, which is more colorful and user-friendly than the
gray interface in previous versions. But some of the best new features
are often those you never notice. Locking is one such feature.
You may have noticed that you can't move the taskbar and toolbars in
various Windows XP applications. For instance, if you open Internet
Explorer, you can't move either the Address bar or the icon bar. The same is
true
in Windows Explorer. This is because all toolbars are locked by default.
In order to move them, you must first unlock them. You can do this by
right-clicking on the toolbar and selecting the Lock The Toolbars option.
The check should disappear from the context menu. You can now move the
toolbars around. Once you have positioned the toolbars, lock them once more.
This will prevent you from accidentally moving them. The same locking
feature is implemented on the Taskbar. Simply right-click on a free area of
the Taskbar and select Lock The Taskbar.
UPDATE YOUR DRIVERS BEFORE A PROBLEM OCCURS
When computers malfunction, users tend to blame the operating system or
hardware. However, often times a driver is the source of the problem.
Drivers execute in a special privilege mode--the kernel mode--and have
direct access to the operating system code and computer memory. Thus, a
bad driver could cause your computer to crash or overwrite and corrupt your
data.
Third-party programmers write the device drivers that ship with Windows
NT. Since the latest version of NT is several years old, make sure your
drivers are updated. To play it safe, don't install the various alpha and
beta drivers that are available over the Internet, as they have not been
thoroughly tested. The best way is to look for special WHQL-certified
drivers, which have been put through rigid testing in Microsoft Windows
Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) and are deemed more stable. Visit Microsoft's
Web site for more information about driver testing.
http://clickthru.online.com/Click?q=d0-vjDhQWW1roLt0LD7XgJs-GxekteR
Microsoft's Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) is the central place to
find certified drivers. Check HCL before buying new hardware. If the
hardware is not on the list, think twice before making that purchasing
decision.
Presents your
WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY E-NEWSLETTER for March 7, 2002
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DELL'S TRUEMOBILE GPRS SOLUTION
The fate of General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) as a viable mobile data
solution has been surrounded by confusion and uncertainty. Delays in the
availability of GPRS-capable mobile phones and computing devices raises
questions about the shelf life of GPRS, given that 3G networks have
already started emerging. However, recent launches of GPRS-enabled products and
analysts' predictions that GPRS will be profitable, with a life of at
least five to eight years, are generating a renewed activity in GPRS
circles. A clear indication of this excitement was displayed at the 3GSM World
Congress, where GPRS was on the spotlight.
Besides providing always-on connectivity, GPRS can theoretically offer
packet-switched data up to 171.2 kbps, but data transfer rates of 20 to 30
kbps should be expected. Even at these data rates, GPRS is suitable for
a host of enterprise data applications, especially since the user is
charged only for the amount of data exchanged vs. the entire time of the
connection.
Back to top
THE LAUNCH OF A GPRS SOLUTION
Dell's TrueMobile GPRS solution, which was launched on Feb. 12, 2002, in
the U.K., exemplifies the kinds of GPRS-based services that should soon
hit the market. In fact, Dell plans to roll its solution across Europe
throughout 2002.
TrueMobile GPRS is a complete mobile wireless WAN solution. It features
a GPRS PC card that comes integrated with a notebook computer. In
addition, it includes all the necessary software and a SIM card from one of the
two network operators in the U.K. with whom Dell has an arrangement for
GPRS services.
Here are some of the beneficial features of this new offering from Dell:
* There is notebook computer integration, so no setup hassles.
* There are two separate packages available, one for corporate and one
for individual users.
* The notebook users are always connected, which allows e-mail to be
composed and sent instantly. Plus, the user is charged only for the amount
of data exchanged.
* Network connectivity is extended from office buildings or public areas
with wireless LAN connectivity to the entire region covered by the
mobile operator.
* Regularly used services such as Web access and Microsoft Exchange
e-mail are immediately available.
Here are a couple of the solution's shortcomings:
* Dell only offers a complete made-to-order GPRS-ready notebook
computer. Dell's TrueMobile 5000 GPRS PC card is not available as a separate
add-on.
* Currently, the service is available only with two operators in the
U.K. Roaming is currently not possible. However, roaming for BT Cellnet
service should be announced in the near future.
Overall, the solution looks particularly suitable for enterprises with a
relatively large mobile sales force and mobile executives. The corporate
solution package includes installation services for complete setup. To
allow access to enterprise information, such as Microsoft Exchange e-mail,
leased line connectivity is required between the GPRS network and the
company intranet. Optimization software from BroadCloud Communications is
included in the solution, which provides fast, efficient, and reliable
access to a range of applications, such as e-mail, attachments, and Internet
content. This kind of software solution is required for increasing the
effective data speed and cutting costs by saving bandwidth. Visit the
BroadCloud Communications Web site for more information.
http://clickthru.online.com/Click?q=99-4mtyQAd2Qq4qvB02xB_G8grbBmnR
Dell's TrueMobile GPRS solution will be available over BT Cellnet in the
U.K. in March of 2002. The pricing for BT Cellnet GPRS services is 30
British pound for 20 MB per month and 50 British pound for 50 MB per month,
with 1.0 or 1.5 British pound per additional MB used, depending on the
package. Of course, a leased line is also required to be able to access
the corporate intranet.
To conclude, such kinds of services have the benefits of a
packet-switched mobile data network, such as GPRS, and at the same time avoid
the
limitations of small mobile devices. As far as the enterprise market is
concerned, mobile data cards will be the most interesting solutions for GPRS,
as well as 3G.
Puneet Gupta is a wireless and Internet technology writer and
independent consultant.
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Back to top
ALL ARE GUESTS
Among the many changes that Microsoft made in Windows XP are some minor
yet very important changes in the security model. If you have a local
network, you'll definitely want to know them. If you're not connected to a
network and other users don't remotely connect to your machine, this
information will not affect you.
If you're running a network and have Windows XP Home Edition or Windows
XP Professional in a workgroup (not in a domain), you'll need to know
that all inbound network connections are authenticated as Guest. In other
words, when someone tries to access files on your machine, they are
authenticated as Guest on your machine, even if they have defined a different
username and password. All remote connections are treated equally: Everyone
who tries to access the remote computer will have the same permissions.
It's very important to realize that any user who can access your computer
from the network can access the shared files.
This puts your sharing infrastructure in an all-or-nothing mode. Either
you allow all users access to your shared file or deny access to
everyone. This might work fine in a home environment, but it's not recommended
for corporate networks.
To disable this feature and return to the old per-user permissions:
1. Open the Local Security Policy console in the Administrative Tools
folder.
2. Browse down to: Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security
Settings\Local Policies\Security Options.
3. Double-click on the Network Access: Sharing And Security Model For
Local Accounts.
4. Change the settings from Guest Only to Classic. This feature is, by
default, set to Classic when Windows XP Professional is joined to a
domain.
MAKE USE OF WINDOWS NT'S ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLES
Variables are special reserved memory locations that hold data. While
constants include fixed values, variables can change during the execution
of a program.
The same principle applies to environmental variables. They store
special Windows NT settings and properties that are used by the operating
system and other applications. There are two groups of environmental
variables. System variables hold information that concerns the whole system,
such
as NUMBER_OF_PROCESSORS and windir. User variables, on the other hand,
are specific to each user, such as TEMP and USERPROFILE.
One way to locate and change NT's environmental variables is through the
graphical user interface (GUI). Simply go to My Computer, select
Properties, and click the Environment tab. System Variables are listed in the
top box and User Variables are listed below.
A second way to access NT's environmental variables is by using the SET
command. Just open the command prompt and type SET. This method is a bit
more powerful and displays the entire list of environmental variables.
The full power of environmental variables can be unleashed in your batch
files. However, scripts are not the only way to make use of variables;
you can use them almost everywhere in Windows NT. Here are a couple
examples:
* Open the Start menu and select Run. In the Run box, type %windir% and
press [Enter]. Windir is the variable that holds the path to your NT
files.
* When you employ the User Manager to create a new home directory, type
\\server\%username% as the home directory. The USERNAME variable will
automatically be replaced with the actual username
SUMMARY OF SERVICES
Windows 2000 is a modular operating system (OS). This means that, for
the most part, you can decide whether you want to install the programs that
ship with the OS. However, applications such as the Web Server and the
Terminal Services need to run all the time--even if there aren't any users
logged on locally. (Note: When users log on, they don't have direct
access to the applications.) These applications, which are run by the OS on
the startup, are called services.
To see all the services running on the computer, open the Services
console from the Administrative Tools folder. You'll see a list of all the
services installed on the system, along with other pertinent information.
Here's a brief rundown of the four columns on this screen: Description
provides a short introduction to the service, Service Status indicates
whether the service is stopped or running, Startup Type says when the service
is started, and Log On As is the account privileges the service uses.
If you right-click on a service, you can Start, Stop, Pause, Resume, or
Restart it. If you select Properties, you'll get a dialog box with
additional information, including the executable filename of the service,
recovery options, and the service that depends on this service.
You can also use the command-line utility NET to manage services. In the
command prompt, type net start ServiceName to start a service, and type
net stop ServiceName to stop a service.
MANAGED VPN SERVICES BUYING GUIDE
Not every enterprise can afford to deploy and manage a proprietary
virtual private network (VPN). However, many of these same enterprises,
particularly small businesses and startups, desperately need the secure remote
computing and multipremise networking that a VPN can provide.
Simply e-mailing or instant messaging key data and correspondence
between parties via "public" services can open a Pandora's box of
security
nightmares and place enterprises at the mercy of frequently unavailable
servers and software. Because of this, the market for managed VPN services was
born. Managed VPN services provide enterprises with access to virtual
private networks at a cost far lower than that of bringing the requisite
technology and personnel in-house. Yet cheaper doesn't always mean better,
nor does outsourcing always ensure a reasonable price.
This analyst report compares managed VPN services from 19 leading
providers, showing similar offerings side by side to ensure accurate
comparative analysis. Before you place your data traffic under the watchful eye
of
a third party, be certain that the cost and service you are contracting
is competitive and reliable.
TITLE: VPN Briefing: Managed VPN Services
PUBLISHER: Giotto Perspectives
PUBLISHED: Jan. 31, 2002
FORMAT: PDF
PRICE: $250
Back to top
NO PASSWORD, NO REMOTE CONNECTIONS
Simplifying security was one of Microsoft's top issues in Windows XP.
Making the user interface more user-friendly wasn't difficult; the biggest
challenge was to maintain security and not open the computer to everyone.
Passwords are one of the security chain's weakest links. Most users use
passwords that are too easy to guess; sometimes they even use blank
passwords (no password at all). This might seem extremely insecure, but it
really isn't if you're running Windows XP.
By default, Windows XP doesn't accept remote connections with blank
passwords. For example, you might have a computer at home that you alone use.
If you aren't concerned that other family members might do something on
your computer that you don't want, you could use a blank password and be
protected from the outside world (the Internet). Since you have a blank
password, Windows XP automatically blocks any network connections with
your username.
This means, however, that you won't be able to connect to your computer
remotely. If you want to disable this feature, you can turn it off:
1. Open the Local Security Policy console in the Administrative Tools
folder.
2. Browse down to: Computer Configuration | Windows Settings | Security
Settings | Local Policies | Security Options.
3. Double-click Accounts: Limit Local Account Use Of Blank Passwords To
Console Logon Only.
4. Check the Enabled option.
WHY THE COST-BASED OPTIMIZER MAKES FALSE CHOICES
The cost-based optimizer (CBO) will sometimes make a false choice in
favor of a full table scan, especially in Oracle7 and Oracle8. Several
situations can lead to this problem. Here are some conditions to watch out
for:
* HIGH WATER MARK TOO HIGH: When a significant number of deletes has
taken place within a table, the high water mark may be far higher than the
actual number of populated blocks. Hence, if relying on the high water
mark, the CBO will often incorrectly invoke a full table scan.
* WRONG OPTIMIZER_MODE: If the OPTIMIZER_MODE is set to ALL_ROWS or
CHOOSE, the SQL optimizer may favor full table scans. If you want fast OLTP
optimization, be sure to set your OPTIMIZER_MODE to FIRST_ROWS.
* POOR STATISTICS: If tables have grown significantly and the tables
have not been reanalyzed to repopulate statistics, then you may get false
full table scans because the CBO thinks the tables are still small.
* SKEWED INDEXES: If a candidate index in a query has skewed values,
then the CBO might incorrectly choose a full table scan. For example,
consider a query that asks for rows where REGION=SOUTHERN. You have an index on
the Region column, but only 1 percent of the entries are for the
Southern region. In the absence of column histograms, the CBO does not know that
the Southern region has high selectivity, and so it chooses a full table
scan.
Don Burleson has written 12 books, published over 70 articles in
national magazines, and is editor in chief of Oracle Internals.
----------------------------------------
EVERYONE IS NOT EVERYONE EVERYWHERE
The security model of operating systems based on the NT kernel (Windows
NT 4, Windows 2000, Windows XP, etc.) uses user accounts and groups to
assign permissions. Most of these groups and accounts are created by the
administrator; however, some are built into the operating system. The
Everyone group, which is present on all NT systems, is one such example.
Although it's helpful that Microsoft used the same group on all systems, they
are not consistent; the Everyone group has a slightly different meaning
on each system.
In Windows NT, the Everyone group represented all users, including those
who connected with their username and password, Guest accounts, and
so-called anonymous users who had no username and password. In Windows 2000,
the Everyone group still includes anonymous users and guests, but
Microsoft added another group, called Authenticated Users, which doesn't include
anonymous users and guests. This has changed yet again in Windows XP
where, by default, anonymous users are not included in the Everyone group.
The Everyone group still includes the Guest accounts, however. The
following list will help you memorize this.
WINDOWS NT 4:
Everyone means everyone--anonymous users and guests.
WINDOWS 2000:
Everyone still means everyone--anonymous users and guests. Authenticated
Users include all users who have a username and password. It does not
include anonymous users and guests.
WINDOWS XP:
Everyone does not include anonymous users but it does include guests.
Authenticated Users include users who have a username and password.
You can, of course, change this behavior and add anonymous users back to
the Everyone group.
1. Open the Local Security Policy console in the Administrative Tools
folder.
2. Browse to Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security
Settings\Local Policies\Security Options.
3. Double-click the Network access: Let Everyone Permissions Apply To
Anonymous Users.
4. Check the Enabled option.
Back to top
TRACK DOWN INFORMATION ABOUT GPS TECHNOLOGY
Global Positioning System (GPS) is a technology that accurately derives
the location of a user. By using a GPS device, the position of the user
can be determined at any place on or above the Earth. Once the location is
established, the user can be tracked as he or she moves. The accuracy,
flexibility, and cost of GPS--the only cost of the service is the GPS
device--makes it very suitable for a host of consumer and business
applications. In fact, the worldwide GPS equipment market is expected to reach
$60
billion by 2005, up from about $19 billion in 2001, according to a report
from Allied Business Intelligence (ABI).
GPS technology is based on the Navigation System with Timing and Ranging
(NAVSTAR) satellite system, which is a constellation of 24 satellites
that orbit the Earth at altitudes of about 12,000 miles. Each satellite
continuously broadcasts accurate timing information using precise atomic
clocks that measure time to three billionths of a second. The satellites are
positioned so that, most of the time, the GPS device receives signals
from six different satellites. The system also consists of five centers on
Earth for monitoring the satellites. However, the component of real
interest is the GPS receiver, which accurately measures location by using the
signals received from multiple satellites.
Types of positioning techniques include:
* ABSOLUTE POSITIONING: By using signals received from different
satellites, such devices can provide an accuracy of 15 to 100 meters.
* DIFFERENTIAL POSITIONING: Such techniques use a reference control
point on the ground apart from the satellites to increase the accuracy from
0.5 to 5 meters.
* OTHER GPS SOLUTIONS based on techniques like RTK Float and RTK Fixed
can be used to extend the accuracy from 20 cm to 1 meter and 1 cm to 5 cm
respectively.
The military is, without a doubt, the largest user of GPS. Typical
business applications include fleet management, transportation services,
courier services, telemetry, public safety services, medical services, vehicle
navigation, mapping, and surveying. Most business GPS applications
consist of a GPS device that's associated with a wireless transmitter, which
continuously transmits location information to a central server or
application. This data is then used for tracking, navigation, or other purposes.
For example, the AerTrax automatic vehicle and mobile asset location
system allows field units to transmit GPS data periodically or as a response
to a command. This data is then displayed in the form of street-level
maps.
Theft prevention is another important application for GPS. A stolen car
that's fitted with a GPS radio is easily tracked. There are products,
such as GPS Vision from Immobiliser, that allow users to track their
GPS-fitted vehicles via an Internet-based application. Businesses can also
secure their valuable assets by integrating small GPS devices coupled with a
radio transmitter.
Location-based services (LBS) are expected to be extremely valuable
mobile applications in the coming years. GPS can enable accurate
location-based services to mobile users, and thus will be the handset technology
of
choice for location-based services. Over 70 percent of handsets using LBS
are estimated to have GPS or Assisted GPS (AGPS) solutions. Businesses
may also be interested in applications, including employee tracking and
information services, over mobile networks that provide location-based
services. Orange in Israel, for example, offers a mobile workforce application
with WAP and STK. The location of all the workers can be seen on a map
of the country.
GPS is a very powerful medium that can greatly assist in the management
of mobile businesses. In addition, GPS devices are becoming smaller and
less expensive, plus integrating GPS devices into any application is a
relatively simple task. Take some time to investigate how GPS can benefit
your organization, as remote tracking and monitoring applications are much
more practical and viable today than they were in the past.
Puneet Gupta is a wireless and Internet technology writer and
independent consultant.
Back to top
STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGY PROTECTION PROGRAM
Most of you have probably heard of Bill Gates' recent e-mail about
Microsoft's Trustworthy Computing initiative, which says the company will
focus its attention on security for now rather than new features. However,
many IT pros are unfamiliar with Microsoft's implementation of the
Strategic Technology Protection Program (STPP) late last fall. This initiative
consists of two parts: The first one helps customers "Get Secure,"
while
the second part informs customers about how to "Stay Secure."
http://news.com.com/2009-1001-817210.html
Following the release of this initiative, Microsoft released the
Security Tool Kit, which includes security updates for known vulnerabilities and
several tools that allow customers to secure their systems. (The next
Windows 2000 Server TechMail will discuss the Security Tool Kit in more
detail.)
As part of the STPP, Microsoft now offers support groups that can help
users resolve problems with various security issues, such as viruses.
(Contact your local Microsoft office for more details about the support
groups.) The company also created two newsgroups about security,
microsoft.public.security and microsft.public.security.toolkit. The newsgroups
provide
security information about specific products, as well as overall
security updates. Users can access these newsgroups via any NNTP browser
(msnews.microsoft.com).
CREATE PASSWORDS THAT WON'T JEOPARDIZE THE NETWORK
Passwords are one of the most important pieces in the network puzzle. If
users have weak passwords, the security of the network is compromised.
Here are some guidelines for creating effective passwords in Windows NT.
A good password should:
* Be seven characters long.
* Include lowercase and uppercase letters.
* Include numerals and special symbols, such as !,$, and #. In fact,
some older password cracking utilities are not able to crack passwords that
contain special symbols.
* Be different than 5-10 previous passwords.
* Be changed every 30-45 days.
A good password should NOT:
* Include any known words from a dictionary.
* Include any of the user's nicknames or names of his or her relatives.
* Include a user's username.
* Include any dates from a user's personal life, such as his or her
birthday.
* Include any historical dates and/or events.
* Be too long or too tough for the user to remember.
* Be written in a "safe" place.
Back to top
IS XP PROFESSIONAL BEHAVING LIKE XP HOME EDITION?
Even though Windows XP Professional is a single product, it behaves
differently based on the domain membership. For example, computers running
Windows XP, which are not joined to a domain and that are part of a
workgroup, have settings that behave like those found in computers running
Windows XP Home Edition. Once you join the computer to a domain, however,
Windows XP Professional begins to behave like Windows 2000 Professional.
The only difference between these two "modes" are their default
settings. You can change them, but the initial settings depend on whether the
computer is in a domain or a workgroup. The following are a few of the
default settings (Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. Additional
default settings may exist that are different for workgroups and
domains.):
WELCOME SCREEN: The Welcome Screen is only available if your machine is
in a workgroup. Once you join a domain, the Welcome Screen (and all
related features, like Fast User Switching) is not available.
ADMINISTRATOR LOGON: When Windows XP Professional is in a workgroup, the
Administrator account doesn't appear on the Welcome Screen by default.
It appears in Safe Mode. (As previously mentioned, the Welcome Screen is
not available when you join a domain.)
SIMPLE FILE SHARING: Computers in a workgoup have a simplified user
interface for file sharing. After you join a domain, you receive the more
customizable interface found in Windows 2000. If you want to use this
interface while in a workgroup, open the Tools menu in Windows Explorer and
select Folder Options. On the View tab, clear the check box in front of
"Use
simple file sharing (Recommended)" at the bottom of the Advanced
settings list.
SECURITY MODEL: In a workgroup, all incoming connections are
authenticated as guest (this was discussed in a previous TechMail tip entitled
"All
are guests"). This feature is disabled by default once you join a domain.
SIMPLIFIED USER INTERFACE PROMOTES FILE SHARING
Because Windows XP is a consumer operating system built on the NT
kernel, Microsoft had to simplify XP's detailed security permissions for home
users. Operating systems based on the NT kernel (e.g., Windows NT, Windows
2000) have a strict security model that requires extensive planning.
However, home users typically don't need such detailed settings and could
easily become confused by them.
To make file sharing easier, Microsoft implemented a new, simplified
user interface. All users need to do is right-click on a folder and select
Sharing And Security. Windows XP then provides two options. The first
option allows users to drag and drop files or folders to a Shared Documents
folder in order to share them with all other users on the local computer.
These folders are then accessible to all users who log on to the local
computer.
The second option allows users to share folders for use by other users
over the network. Microsoft recommends that users go through the Network
Setup Wizard. If you already have your network properly configured, you
can skip the wizard. When you share a folder, you must provide a share name
and specify whether you want other users to have the ability to change
the files you have shared.
Although the user interface is easy to use, the disadvantage of the
simplified user interface is that little can be configured. Most experienced
users, and users who worked with Windows 2000, will probably want a more
advanced interface. If so, you can bring back the old, advanced interface
from Windows 2000 by selecting Folder Options from the Tools menu and
then removing the checkmark from the Use Simple File Sharing (Recommended)
option on the View tab.
The old interface will allow you to specify more detailed permissions
for your files and folders. After you turn off this option, you'll see two
new tabs. The Sharing tab is where you specify the permissions for users
who remotely connect to the share. The Security tab allows you to specify
the NTFS permissions for the selected files or folders, just as you can
in Windows 2000.
Back to top
ENFORCE GOOD PASSWORDS ON THE NETWORK
In a previous tip, we discussed the importance of having good passwords
to safeguard data on the network. While it's relatively easy to inform
users about password do's and don'ts, ensuring that they incorporate this
knowledge into practice is extremely difficult. Fortunately, a small
Windows NT application can help.
Microsoft includes a password filter DLL in its service packs, beginning
with Service Pack 2. This DLL, Passfilt.dll, enforces a few good
practices for passwords. The password requirements are hard-coded and cannot be
changed. When Passfilt.dll is installed and running, it makes sure
passwords:
* Are at least six characters long.
* Contain characters from three of the following four categories: upper
case letters, lower case letters, numerals, and special characters.
* Do not contain usernames or any part of a users' full name.
To install Passfilt.dll, follow these steps:
1. Install the latest NT service pack.
2. Copy Passfilt.dll from the Service Pack distribution to the
%systemroot%\system32 folder.
3. Start regedt32.exe.
4. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa.
5. From the Edit menu, click Add Key and add the Notification Packages
registry key. If the key already exists, skip to the next step.
6. Select Notification Packages.
7. From the Edit menu, click Add Value and add the FPNWCLNT registry
value name of REG_MULTI_SZ data type. If this value already exists, select
it and choose Multi String from the Edit menu.
8. Type PASSFILT for the value data.
9. Exit the Registry Editor.
Repeat this process on all Windows NT 4 computers. If there are numerous
machines, consider creating a script that completes this process
automatically.
Back to top
WIN2K SERVER NEEDS ITS SPACE
When you install Windows 2000 Server on machines, it requires a lot of
planning--especially if the machines will run Active Directory. Before
selecting and sizing the partition on which to install the operating system
(OS), consider the needs of both you and the OS.
Windows 2000 requires at least 1 GB of free hard disk space. The exact
amount of space depends on many things, from the number of server
components you choose to the files system and the amount of memory you install.
Windows 2000 automatically calculates the size of the page file by
multiplying the amount of RAM by 1.5. For instance, if you have 512 MB of RAM,
the page file will be around 768 MB. In this case, you'll need at least
1 GB and 768 MB for the OS. Of course, you can place the page file on
another partition. Since you'll also install applications on your server,
you need at least 4 GB for the OS (not including any applications). The
best practice is to install the OS on one partition, applications on another
partition, and user data on a third partition.
If you're wondering why Windows 2000 uses so much space, check the
system folder. You'll notice the Driver Cache file, which includes the
Driver.cab file. This file stores all the drivers and allows you to plug in the
devices. The OS will then install the correct drivers automatically.
Another folder that requires a lot of space is DllCache. This folder
stores backup copies of all important system files and works together with
Windows File Protection (WFP). If you or a program deletes or modifies a
system file, WFP will restore the original system file from the DllCache
folder.
Even though you could delete the system folder and the DllCache folder
and save around 400 MB of space, Microsoft doesn't recommend it
USE THIS SCRIPT TO FIND DDL STATEMENT STATISTICS
When monitoring activity within an Oracle database, Oracle
administrators need to know the details about the creation of a table or index,
such
as the date and time. Oracle has a new column called CREATED within the
DBA_OBJECTS view that you can use to display the data about an object's
creation. This can be a critical report in a production environment when you
must keep an audit of DDL statements.
Here's a script to produce a great management report that shows all
tables and indexes created within the past 14 days.
alter session set nls_date_format='YY-MON-DD HH24';
set pages 999
column c1 heading 'Date/time|created'
column c2 heading 'Object|Type' format
a20
column c3 heading 'Object|Name' format
a40
select
created c1,
object_type c2,
object_name c3
from
dba_objects
where
created > sysdate-14
order by
created desc;
This report returns complete statistics for all recently created DDL
statements. Below is a sample of the report.
Date/time Object
Object
created Type
Name
------------ -------------------- ---------------------------
02-FEB-27 07 TABLE
ORACHECK_FS_TEMP
02-FEB-26 10 TABLE
GL_TRANSLATION_INTERIM
02-FEB-26 10 INDEX
GL_TRANSLATION_INTERIM_N1
02-FEB-26 10 SYNONYM
GL_TRANSLATION_INTERIM
02-FEB-26 10 INDEX
GL_POSTING_INTERIM_N1
02-FEB-26 10 SYNONYM
GL_POSTING_INTERIM
02-FEB-26 10 INDEX
GL_POSTING_INTERIM_N2
02-FEB-26 10 TABLE
GL_POSTING_INTERIM
02-FEB-25 08 PROCEDURE
MC_LOAD_RESOURCE
02-FEB-20 15 VIEW
MC_MPS_BREAKUP
02-FEB-15 13 DATABASE LINK TEST2.WORLD
02-FEB-15 12 DATABASE LINK TEST.WORLD
Don Burleson has written 12 books, published over 70 articles in
national magazines, and is editor in chief of Oracle Internals.
The Handspring Treo is a converged device that adds mobile voice
capability to the PDA. Treo targets the enterprise user by offering a single
device for the user's voice, data (wireless e-mail, Internet/intranet
access), multimedia (audio, video, gaming), and computing (PIM, downloadable
applications, CRM, etc.) needs. Currently, the device supports Global
System for Mobile Communications (GSM) for mobile voice and data connectivity.
However, Handspring plans to expand to other cellular technologies such
as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and 3G.
http://clickthru.online.com/Click?q=c8-2lPnQWOJzG-Gi4mMJ2pPTP94hjeR
Treo is basically a Palm (3.5.2H) PDA with monochrome display,
speakerphone, 16-MB memory, and standard PDA functions like PIM. The device is
available in two formats: the Treo 180, which has a small keyboard and a
rocker switch for inputting information, and the 180g, which replaces the
180's keyboard with a Graffiti writing area. On the outside, the only thing
that distinguishes the Treo from a PDA is its antenna for wireless
telephony functionality. Treo is currently priced at around $400.
Treo's telephony functions are well integrated into its PDA functions.
For instance, it allows you to place a call directly from the address
book. Further, telephone numbers can be dialed using either key shortcuts or
the on-screen keyboard. With its wireless network connectivity, Treo
brings functions such as SMS, WAP, i-Mode, and e-mail, directly into the PDA.
The Treo is definitely heavier than most of today's cell phones, but at
147 grams, it's still light enough to carry comfortably in your pocket.
Back to top
DATA CONNECTIVITY
Treo's data connectivity is currently available only through GSM
networks and is comparable to data connectivity using your existing cell phone.
Unlike the BlackBerry, which supports instant e-mail messaging, to access
the Internet or e-mail from Treo, a dial-up connection must be set up
with your ISP. Connection time varies, typically taking 2-30 seconds, and
once connected, you can't make or receive calls. However, with these
integrated data functionalities, Treo should be a treat to use over a General
Packet Radio Services (GPRS) network. (Note: A software upgrade will be
required, when it becomes available.) Handspring is also working on its
own e-mail application with an integrated SMS functionality to alert the
user about new e-mail and has plans for a higher-end color display device
with "push" e-mail functionality like the BlackBerry.
For the enterprise user, Handspring offers a separate Treo Mail service.
The Treo Mail corporate edition allows users to wirelessly send and
receive e-mail from e-mail accounts behind the company firewall. The service
supports Outlook, so the mail on Treo can always be synchronized with
your desktop. It also uses 128-bit encryption and provides enough
flexibility to control the way e-mail gets delivered to your Treo device. A
standard Internet e-mail solution is also available. Printing is supported via
an IR connection to the A6 pocket printer.
THE LIMITATIONS
Treo's most obvious limitation is battery life (Handspring claims a talk
time of 2.5 hours). It also has a relatively lower resolution monochrome
display than other PDAs, and its PDA form may not make it the most
attractive mobile phone. In addition, some may find the small keyboard an
inconvenience. Finally, Treo lacks a synchronization cradle, although a
synchronization cable is available.
Integrated or converged devices will clearly be the preferred device
type in the near future, and manufacturers are gearing up. Handspring, for
example, has plans to move entirely to converged device solutions. As the
prices of integrated devices fall, they should become attractive
solutions for enterprises in terms of usage and versatility.
We'll continue this discussion next week as we look at the RIM
BlackBerry 5810.
Puneet Gupta is a wireless and Internet technology writer and
independent consultant.
DIVE IN TO PRINT POOLING
The main reason printers are shared on the Windows NT network server is
to centralize printer resources and ultimately save money. However, when
multiple printers are shared on the network, bottlenecks can occur. Users
may send all of their print jobs and thus overload a single printer,
while other printers are sitting idle. Print pooling can solve this problem.
Without print pooling, the user has to specify which printer on the
network he or she wants to use. If there are two printers and the user
selects the busier of the two, he or she has to wait until previous print jobs
are completed. However, when print pooling is enabled, the print server
automatically selects the printer according to which printer port is the
first to respond. Of course, this method should only be employed if all of
the printers are set up in the same room, so users don't have to search
for their print jobs in various locations.
It's easy to incorporate print pooling. When adding a printer, check the
Enable Printer Pooling option in the Add Printer Wizard. By selecting
this option, you'll be able to specify several ports to which the printers
are connected. For instance, if you have two printers, one on LPT1 and
another on LPT2, you can select both ports. If you already have a printer
installed, click it and select Properties. On the port's dialog box, make
sure the Enable Printer Pooling option is checked.
ADD POLEDIT TO YOUR TOOLBOX, PART 2
If you have several Windows 2000 Server machines that aren't part of a
domain, it's practically impossible to manage them centrally. As you know
from the previous tip, Group Policy is only supported on machines that
are part of a domain. If you want different policy settings for different
users, you have to use the old Policy model.
Perform the following steps on all computers that must receive the
policy:
1. Run the Poledit.exe tool.
2. On the File menu, select Open Registry.
3. Double-click the Local Computer, expand Network and then System
Policies Update.
4. Select the Remote Update check box.
5. Select Manual under the Update Mode.
6. In the Path For Manual Update, type the network path to your
Ntconfig.pol file (e.g., \\server\share\ntconfig.pol).
7. Click OK.
8. On the File menu, click Save and then exit the System Policy Editor.
After you do this, restart the computer. Now Windows 2000 will also use
the policies defined in the Ntconfig.pol.
NOTE: Editing the registry can be risky, so be sure to have a verified
backup before making any changes.
Back to top
ESTABLISHING GOALS FOR SECURITY EFFORTS
Security solutions for computer systems aren't foolproof, impregnable,
or immune to failure--nor will they ever be. Security measures aren't
intended to achieve the impossible goal of making your IT assets invulnerable
to cyberattack. Instead, they are intended to mitigate the risk of such
an attack succeeding. The same principle is at work in IT as in the
parking lot of your local supermarket: Locking your car door doesn't preclude
a thief from breaking the car window to achieve access; however, the act
of locking your car door will discourage most thieves who will typically
look for an easier target. The goal of your security solution should be
to discourage hackers from intruding into your system, and the best way to
achieve that goal is by matching your level of security with the value
you place on your assets. Put more simply, how much of a risk can you
afford to take in protecting your assets? The less risk you can afford, the
greater security you need.
This free white paper discusses the philosophy behind security as risk
management. Find out how you can assess your level of risk and deploy
security measures appropriate for your organizational needs.
TITLE: The True Meaning of Security
KNOWING HOW TO ASK FOR HELP IN XP
Even the experts don't know everything. Sometimes they come across a
problem and can't find a solution. In such cases, it's time to ask for help.
However, you don't have to call a friend or use some type of instant
messaging program. Instead, you can ask for help directly from the Help and
Support Center.
Open Help and Support and click the Support button. On the screen that
appears, take a look at the options provided in the Support pane. The
first one, Ask A Friend To Help, allows you to initiate a Remote Assistance
session with a friend. With Remote Assistance, your friend, the remote
"Expert", sees your desktop and is able to help as if sitting right
next to
you.
The second option is Get Help From Microsoft. This option allows you to
directly send an incident to Microsoft. You can use this method to send
your query over the Internet instead of having to call via the phone.
The final option, Go To A Windows Web Site Forum, allows you to ask for
help in an online help forum. This Web site forum is simply a front-end
to the NNTP server, which runs the newsgroups. Although the newsgroups are
run by Microsoft, Microsoft employees typically do not answer the posts.
Instead, posts are answered by other users who are interested in
assisting others. You'll also come across Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals
(MVPs), who have been recognized for their volunteer spirit and
willingness to help others. You can learn more about MVPs on Microsoft's Web
site.
EXPORT AND DOCUMENT PERMISSIONS
Permissions are granted and viewed through the Security tab in Windows
NT Explorer. However, this graphical user interface (GUI) tool does not
provide a way to export and document all of the permissions for a given
user. Fortunately, the Resource Kit utility perms.exe can help.
Perms.exe lists all permissions for a given user on certain files,
directories, or the entire drive. The results can be output to a text file and
observed for changes that happen over time. This utility is very simple
to use. All you need to know is the username and the name of the
directory or file.
Here are some sample commands:
* perms administrator c:\--This will list all the permissions granted
for an administrator on files located on the c:\ drive.
* perms administrator c:\ /s--This will list all the permissions granted
for an administrator on files and subdirectories located on the c:drive.
* perms administrator c:\ /s > file.txt--This outputs the data to a text
file.
Back to top
CREATE SHARES REMOTELY, PART 1
Folder sharing allows you to make the folder content available for use
throughout the entire network. To share a folder, you simply right-click
it, select Sharing, and then specify the share name. Now users can connect
to this share with \\servername\sharename. To share a folder, you also
have to work on the computer that will hold the share.
In order to share a folder on a remote computer, you need to configure
the Computer Management console. Follow these six steps to configure the
console:
1. Open the Computer Management console from the Administrative Tools
folder.
2. Right-click Computer Management (Local), click Connect To Another
Computer, and type the name of the remote computer. Click OK.
3. Expand the Shared Folders node. Right-click the Shares node and
select New File Share.
4. Select the folder you want to share and then type the Share Name and
the Share Description (if you like). Now click Next.
5. In the next dialog box, select the permissions you want to assign to
the share and click Finish.
6. Close the Computer Management console.
Next time, we'll teach you how to create shares on a remote computer
from the command line.
Back to top
FIND A FILE ON YOUR ORACLE SERVER
One of the most confounding tasks for Oracle professionals is locating
relevant files on the Oracle server. These files include trace and dump
files needed for diagnostics, the Oracle alert log file, and other
miscellaneous files on the server. Some of the specific files you may need to
locate include the tnsnames.ora file, the listener.ora file, and the
sqlnet.log file.
The UNIX syntax for locating files is the same for Linux, HP/UX, AIX,
and Solaris, and it's uniform among Korn Shell, Bourne shell, and Bourne
Again Shell (BASH). Below is the syntax for both UNIX and Windows.
UNIX:
find . -print|grep -I alert|more
WINDOWS:
dir /s alert*.log|more
Once you've located the directory for a trace or dump file, the next
step is to locate the most recent file in the directory. Below is the syntax
for both UNIX and Windows.
UNIX:
ls -alt *.trc|head
WINDOWS:
dir *.trc/O-D|more
You can also use SQL*Plus scripts to accept values, and you can use the
SQL*Plus HOST command to shell out to the operating system to locate
files. Here's an example of such a script:
prompt "please enter the name of the file to find: "
accept &filename
host find / -print|grep -I &filename
Don Burleson has written 12 books, published over 70 articles in
national magazines, and is editor in chief of Oracle Internals.
RUN A COMMAND, REMOTELY
If you need to run a command on a remote computer, look no further than
the Remote Command Service (Rcmd.exe) that ships with the Windows NT
Server 4.0 Resource Kit. Two components assist in the process: a server
component, which runs on a remote computer, and a client, which runs on a
local computer. The server component is implemented in Rcmdsvc.exe and runs
as a service.
Follow these steps to install the server component:
1. Copy Rcmdsvc.exe and Oemnsvrc.inf from the Windows NT Resource Kit to
the %SYSTEMROOT%\SYSTEM32 folder.
2. In the Control Panel, open Network.
3. Select Services.
4. Choose Add.
5. From the Network Service list, specify the Remote Command Server,
click OK, and then close.
6. According to the documentation, the computer doesn't need to reboot,
so click No.
7. In the Control Panel, select Services.
8. Choose the Remote Command Server and click Start.
After installation, you can connect to the server component by using the
client utility, which is implemented in Rcmd.exe.
NEW SMART MOBILE DEVICES, PART 2
The convergence between mobile phones and handheld computing devices is
occurring from two directions. First, traditional PDA vendors like RIM
and Handspring are beginning to integrate mobile phone functionality into
their PDAs. Second, cell phone vendors like Nokia and Ericsson are adding
more and more PDA-like applications to their mobile phones. Handspring
and RIM have recently developed integrated PDA and mobile phones that
provide voice, wireless data, and computing functionalities in one unit. In a
previous mail, we looked at Handspring's TREO 180. We'll continue our
discussion with another promising device, the BlackBerry 5810.
http://www.nokia.com/
http://www.ericsson.com/
http://www.handspring.com/products/treo/index.jhtml?sub_nav_section=Overview&prod_cat_name=Treo
BLACKBERRY 5810, RIM'S NEW VOICE INITIATIVE
RIM has focused on enterprises with its BlackBerry range of PDA-like
devices. The BlackBerry 5810 is RIM's converged device: a messaging device
and mobile phone in a single package. With the look and feel of the
BlackBerry 857 and 957, the 5810 sports standard PDA features like PIM but adds
wireless features like SMS, browser, wireless e-mail, and wireless
telephony that's based on the North American 1900-MHz GSM/GPRS cellular
networks. Always-on e-mail and high-speed wireless data access are available
when using GPRS. For European and other markets, RIM offers the 5820, which
also supports always-on wireless data connectivity using GPRS.
http://www.rim.net/
http://www.blackberry.net/
http://www.blackberry.net/products/handhelds/blackberry5810.shtml
http://www.blackberry.net/developers/uk/handhelds/specifications/blackberry5820.shtml
ABOUT THE BLACKBERRY 5810
Like the Treo, BlackBerry's telephony functions are well integrated with
standard PDA functions. However, this device doesn't have a
speakerphone, so you must use an earbud-style headset for phone calls. At 133
grams,
the BlackBerry is slightly lighter than the Treo's 147 grams. The 5810
uses a QWERTY keyboard for input and a trackwheel for navigation and comes
with 8 MB of flash memory and 1 MB of SRAM. The display is monochrome at
160x160 resolution. This device currently targets GSM/GPRS markets in
North America, with wireless service initially available via AT&T and
VoiceStream. The BlackBerry 5810 is expected to be available for around $500,
retail.
http://www.attwireless.com/blackberry/
http://www.voicestream.com/blackberry/
FINALLY, THE LIMITATIONS
While the BlackBerry 5810 is a great device for the mobile business
user, some of the visible limitations are the form factor, the absence of a
speakerphone, and the low-resolution monochrome display.
Regardless of which path you follow, one thing is clear: Converged
mobile devices are the wave of the future.
Puneet Gupta is a wireless and Internet technology writer and
independent consultant.
Back to top
TAKE CONTROL WITH DISCOVERY AND CONTROL
Internet Connection Sharing (ICS), which is built into Windows XP,
allows you to easily share one connection to the Internet with other
computers. Strictly speaking, ICS is not new; it was included in previous
versions
of Windows (Windows 98/Me and Windows 2000), but Windows XP's version
includes some new features.
One of the most useful features is Discovery and Control, which allows
you to monitor the shared Internet connection from a remote computer. When
you share an Internet connection, Windows XP automatically broadcasts
information about the connection to all other computers on the local
network.
Discovery and Control uses the Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) protocol
to inform other computers on your network of this connection. They then
obtain a new icon in the network connections folder, indicating that they
have successfully "discovered" a shared Internet connection. They use
this
icon to monitor the connection: They can monitor the status of the
connection, the connection speed, the duration of the connection, and other
properties.
You can also give users permission to connect and disconnect the shared
Internet connection. To do this:
1. Right-click the shared Internet connection.
2. Select Properties.
3. Check the Allow Other Network Users To Control Or Disable The Shared
Internet Connection option on the Advanced tab.
Part one described how to remotely create shares in Windows 2000. Now
we'll teach you how to create shares on a remote computer from the command
line.
First, you'll need a utility from the Windows NT 4 Resource Kit called
Rmtshare.exe. (That's right--it's not included in the Windows 2000
Resource Kit, even though it works in Windows 2000.) The recent version of the
utility is currently on a Microsoft FTP server in the Rmtshar.exe archive.
http://www.microsoft.com/ntworkstation/technicalresources/ResourceKit/default.asp
NOTRACK ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/bussys/winnt/winnt-public/reskit/nt40/i386/
To create a remote share, type "rmtshare \\server\myshare = c:\test",
where c:\test is the remote folder you want to share and myshare is the
name of the share you're creating. If you want to remove the share, type
"rmtshare \\server\myshare delete".
You can also define permissions to the new share and add a description
by adding the /REMARK: "insert your own description text" switch.
Permissions are granted by adding the /GRANT switch and specifying the users and
permissions (/grant user:permission).
BALANCE CONVENIENCE AND SECURITY WITH ACTIVE DIRECTORY
Windows network administrators are no doubt familiar with Active
Directory (AD), the system that manages users and groups within a Windows
environment. A typical Active Directory is composed of a single-forest design,
which allows for ease-of-use, simplified maintenance, and, often to the
surprise of even experienced administrators, comparatively poor network
security. Although a multiforest Windows AD design is more cost-intensive
and labor-intensive to oversee and maintain, the core division of network
access significantly improves network security. While not every
organization's network requires this level of preventative design consideration,
many administrators rule out a multiforest AD before carefully considering
whether such security measures are warranted.
This free white paper discusses how you can determine the appropriate
level of Active Directory complexity for your organization's security
needs. Find out when you can safely avoid the complexity of a multiforest AD,
and learn when the higher costs and care required to deploy a multiforest
Active Directory are plainly worth the investment. Above all, if you
determine that a multiforest AD is necessary, learn how to implement and
administer such a design so that the added expense is minimized.
TITLE: Best Practices for Designing a Secure Active Directory
TUNE ORACLE9i WITH HIDDEN PARAMETERS
Oracle has numerous "hidden" parameters that you can use to change the
internal behavior of Oracle. As you may know, all hidden parameters begin
with an underscore character.
Officially, Oracle states that you should never change the hidden
parameters unless directed by Oracle technical support, but most expert Oracle
DBAs commonly adjust these parameters to improve performance. Oracle uses
these hidden parameters to individualize the internal behavior of the
mechanisms for SGA memory management, object management, and hundreds of
other internal mechanisms.
Many savvy Oracle professionals adjust the hidden parameters to improve
the overall performance of their systems. However, because these are
"undocumented" parameters, most Oracle professionals rely on
publications
such as Oracle Internals to get insights into the proper settings for the
hidden parameters.
http://www.oracle-internals.cc/
For example, whenever you're experiencing index contention (as evidenced
by process waits), you can try adjusting the following parameters.
* _DB_BLOCK_HASH_BUCKETS: This parameter defaults to two times
DB_BLOCK_BUFFERS, but it should be the nearest prime number to the value of two
times DB_BLOCK_BUFFERS.
* _DB_BLOCK_HASH_LATCHES: This parameter defaults to 1,024, but 32,768
is a better value.
* _KGL_LATCH_COUNT: This parameter's default is the least prime number
greater than or equal to the number of CPUs. You can often reduce
contention by resetting this value to two times the number of CPUs plus one.
It's easy to display hidden initialization parameters. Here's a script
that I use:
Connect system/manager as sysdba;
select
a.ksppinm
name,
b.ksppstvl
value,
b.ksppstdf
default,
decode
(a.ksppity, 1,
'boolean', 2,
'string', 3,
'number', 4,
'file', a.ksppity) type,
a.ksppdesc
description
from
sys.x$ksppi a,
sys.x$ksppcv b
where
a.indx = b.indx
and
a.ksppinm like '\_%' escape '\'
order by
name;
Don Burleson has written 12 books, published over 70 articles in
national magazines, and is editor in chief of Oracle Internals.
PUT A PATCH ON UNIVERSAL PLUG AND PLAY
Although Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) has several interesting
features, such as ICS Discovery and Control, it can also cause a great deal of
trouble.
In December, a group of security experts discovered two serious flaws in
the UPnP implementation of Windows XP. The first, a buffer overrun
vulnerability, could allow a hacker to take complete control of a system.
According to Microsoft Security Bulletin MS01-059, an attacker could send a
malformed directive and thus enable code to run with XP's system
privileges.
The second vulnerability, a denial of service vulnerability, could
enable an attacker to either slow down or completely stop the system. A hacker
could also use the system in a distributed denial of service attack to
flood a third-party system with bogus requests.
Since UPnP is enabled by default, this is a serious problem, which
should be immediately addressed. You have two options: to either disable the
SSDP Discovery Service or install a patch. Disabling SSDP Discovery
Service is a more drastic step, which will disable the ICS Discovery and
Control functionality. Another, more useful method is to download and apply a
patch. You can find additional information, including the patch, in
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS01-059.
SAVE TIME AND MONEY WITH USB IN WINDOWS NT
Universal Serial Bus (USB) is slowly eliminating older technologies,
such as serial and parallel ports. Here are some of its key advantages:
* USB is fast, supporting data transfer rates of 12 Mbps.
* USB allows users to connect and disconnect devices, even when the
computer is turned on.
* USB has the capability of connecting more peripheral devices (up to
127) at once, including mice, keyboards, joysticks, scanners, printers, and
modems.
The bad news for Windows NT is that it doesn't support USB. There are
some software packages and device drivers that use USB and are compatible
with NT, but these are rare and may not provide complete universal
support. If you want to try USB under NT, consider purchasing the WinDriver USB
at Jungo, USB For Windows NT 4.0 from BSQUARE Corporation, or Iomega
Corporation's Zip 100MB USB drive.
Back to top
CHANGE YOUR RETURN IP ADDRESS
When someone portscans your IIS 5.0 server or observes the packets sent
from your server, he or she can see the internal IP address of your Web
server. If you use NAT, other users will be able to see your internal IP
address in the packet header. Someone who is serious about hacking your
Web server might find this information useful.
If you decide that you want to put a stop to this behavior, you can
configure IIS 5.0 to return a URL instead of the IP address in the
Content-Location header. Follow these steps to configure IIS:
1. Open the command prompt.
2. Change the directory to \inetpub\adminscripts.
3. Type adsutil set w3svc/UseHostName True. (Notice that there isn't a
space between w3svc and /UseHostName.)
4. Restart the Web server service.
HTTP packets will no longer contain the internal IP address of your Web
server.
Of course, if your server isn't behind NAT and you use public IP
addresses, then you don't need to change anything. Public IP addresses are
visible, which is something you can't change.
ACCESS XP'S ADDITIONAL UTILITIES
Although the most important product on the Windows XP CD is the
operating system itself, the CD also includes additional applications that are
not installed during the Windows XP setup. If you insert the CD in your
CD-ROM drive, you'll receive several options in the autorun dialog box.
Selecting Perform Additional Tasks allows you to run some of them, but not
all are accessible through this dialog box.
You can find most of them, however, in the folders on the CD. You should
take a look at two folders in particular: support and valueadd. The
support folder contains:
* Support Tools in the Support.cab file, which is a minicollection of
former Resource Kit utilities.
* Application Compatibility Toolkit (Act20.exe), which includes several
utilities that can help you run older applications on Windows XP.
* Files and Settings Transfer wizard (Fastwiz.exe), which allows you to
transfer user settings from machines running older Microsoft operating
systems.
* Remote Desktop Connection client (Msrdpcli.exe), which allows users to
connect to a Windows XP Remote Desktop from machines running older
Microsoft operating systems.
* Deployment tools like Sysprep.exe in the Deploy.cab file.
The valueadd folder contains:
* Citrix ICA Win32 client software (ICA32.exe).
* Terminal Server Client for the Handheld PC.
* Phone Book Administrator.
* WMI ODBC driver.
* NetBEUI.
* User State Migration Tool.
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RESOLVE REPLICATION PROBLEMS RAPIDLY
Active Directory uses a multimaster replication model in which any
domain controller can make changes to the database. When you make changes on
one controller, those changes replicate to other controllers. The
multimaster model has advantages and disadvantages; a major disadvantage is that
troubleshooting the model can become complicated. There are several
utilities that can help you troubleshoot.
One is the Repadmin command-line utility, which is part of the Support
Tools utilities that ship with Windows 2000. Repadmin can provide you with
a lot of information about Active Directory replication. The only
requirement is that you know how to interpret the results. Basically, anyone
who is very knowledgeable about Active Directory will find this utility
quite useful. You can use Repadmin to initiate the replication, display
replication vectors, display replicated changes, and more.
Another useful utility that ships with Support Tools is the Active
Directory Replication Monitor (Replmon.exe). This utility displays the
replication topology in a graphical format. Graphical interface also monitors
the status and performance or replication.
For more information about Repadmin and Replmon, refer to the online
help section for Windows 2000 Support Tools