Robert Computer Technical & Business Analysis Blog

Free Desktop Sharing - Great Tool

2011-11-09T23:59:00.000-08:00

Chrome Remote Desktop is a great free resource to use. It’s great when helping others to troubleshoot issues on their computer. This extension is still in beta testing. Take the challenge and use it to help a friend or relative with computer issues when you can’t be physically present.

For example let's say your friend sends you an email that he just cant figure out how to use a "sumif" equation in Excel. So you tell him to share his computer through the Chrome browser and Wahla! you have access to show him how to do this equation, without having to be physically there.

Take the following steps:

· Download Google’s Chrome browser.
chrome.google.com

· Get the extension to control another desktop screen.
Go to chrome.google.com/extensions
Type “control screen” in the search bar.
Select “Chrome Remote Desktop”

· Sign in with your Google account

· Click the “add to chrome” button in the top right corner

· Click “Install”

· Now whenever you open a new tab in the Chrome browser “Chrome Remote Desktop” is there for you.

· Click on “Chrome Remote Desktop”

· See what privacy you are losing and giving to Google to view.
Decide to allow access and continue.

· Now Google keeps it very simple they provide only two options:
1- Share this computer
2- Access a shared computer

If you choose to share your computer then a number will appear that you will need to provide to the person that will share your computer.

If you choose to access a share computer you will need the number that appears for that user when they select to share their computer. Having this number will allow you to connect with their computer.

Chrome Remote Desktop BETA › Share

Move MS SQL to MySQL

2010-04-14T09:20:00.000-07:00

Transferring databases? A great way to do this is through the easy to use simple program MSSQL to MySQL. Using the trial version I successfully transferred the ITAssets database from MS SQL 2005 to MySQL.

Once you've downloaded and installed the program it is easy to use. The following screen shots display the steps used to move the ITAssets database.

Note: When using the trial version only 5 records will be moved.
http://www.convert-in.com/mss2sql.htm

Visual Basic :Write Record to File

2010-03-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

Setup Domain Controller and DNS

2010-03-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

Step by step guide

Using Icon Sets in Excel

2010-03-04T16:39:00.000-08:00

To create a table that displays a colored object rather than a value follow these steps:

Create a table.
If your table will be a yes or no then use either a zero or one as the value.
Select all values (zeros and ones).
Click on Conditional Formatting in the Home tab.
Move your cursor over Icon Sets and then select an Icon type.
To have only the icon displayed, click on Conditional Formatting in the Home tab
Click on Manage Rules.
Click on Edit Rules
Select the Show Icon Only check box in the lower right of the form.

Watch this video to see how it's done.

Server Role: Processadmin

2010-03-03T08:01:00.000-08:00

QuickBooks: Using Account Numbers

2010-03-01T10:27:00.000-08:00

By default on QuickBooks the account numbers option is disabled. You may have been saying, "help, I can't enter the account number." If you are an effective bookkeeper or accountant you need to label your accounts by number.
Here is how to turn on this option.

First, on the menu strip go to the Edit tab and select Preferences.Next, click on the Accounting tab in the right pane. Select the Company Preferences tab in the center pane. Check the Use account numbers check box.
Finally, you can enter an account number for each account.

SQL Server 2005: Windows Authentication Mode

2010-03-01T08:05:00.000-08:00

There are two authentication modes in SQL Server 2005 one is Mixed mode that allows all users from differing Operating Systems to gain access by requiring a user name and password, separate from those given to gain network access. Windows Authentication mode allows only Windows based Operating Systems to gain access. It is claimed to be much more secure because users in this case would not need a separate user name and password from their network credentials and they would not have the opportunity to write their credentials on a sticking note that they keep under their keyboard.

According to Susan Sales Harkins and Mike Gunderloy article SQL Server: Design for security from the start,
published by TechRepublic, recommend using Windows Autehntication mode when possible.
They state that, "Windows Authentication is integrated with the Windows security system, which provides more
features than SQL Server Authentication and is generally easier to use, more efficient, and more secure"
(2003, Harkins & Gunderloy)

Works Cited:
S. Harkins & M. Gunderloy. (2003). SQL Server: Design for security from the start. TechRepublic. Retrieved on March 01, 2010 from http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-5035150.html

Debugging Function: Visual Basic.Net

2010-02-25T12:44:00.000-08:00

Databases: Transactions & Locks

2010-02-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

Auditing a Shared Folder

2010-02-18T07:02:00.000-08:00

Windows 7 and Server 2008 both have the feature to audit File Share. As stated by Microsoft, "This security policy setting determines whether the operating system generates audit events when a file share is accessed." We will be using this feature as other Systems Administrators do to detect if there has been intrusion. Remember that to stop the intrusion, effective firewalls are necessary.
Follow these steps to use Audit File Share:

Open Local Security Policy by clicking the Start button, typing secpol.msc into the search box, and then clicking secpol.‌ If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
In the left pane, expand the Advanced Audit Policy Configuration folder. Expand System Audit Policies - Local Group. Double-click on Object Access.
In the right pane double-click on Audit File Share.
In the Audit File Share Properties window select the Configure the following events: check box. Then select the Success check box and the Failure check box to audit both successful and unsuccessful attempts to access a shared folder. Then click OK.

Source: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd772690%28WS.10%29.aspx

WAMP: MySQL

2010-02-05T15:01:00.000-08:00

The debate was between whether or not MySQL when installed from WAMP would work on Server 2003 with SQL Server 2005 installed. The concern was that with the IIS already running that Apache would have a conflict. I installed WAMP. The WAMP notification icon was yellow indicating that one service was running. When I tried to start all services I received an error.
I was able to access MySQL, create add records to a table I created in a database I created.

Follow these instructions modifying names with your own.

Click on the MySQL console in WAMP Server.
When promted for a password hit enter (password is blank).
To Create a Database
type:
CREATE DATABASE database_name

To create a Table
type:
USE database_name; Create Table table_name (column_one text NOT NULL, column_two text NOT NULL, column_ID int(5) NOT NULL default '0' , PRIMARY KEY (column_ID) ) TYPE=MyISAM;

To add records to the Table
type:
USE database_name; Insert into table_name (column_one, column_two, column_ID) values ("value1", "value2", value3);

To display specific columns
type: USE database_name; Select column_one, column_two From table_name;

I learned how to create a database in MySQL from the MySQL Manual.
I learned how to create a table in MySQL from netadmintools.com.
I learned how to add records to a table from webdevelopersnotes.com

SQL Server 2005: Creating a View

2010-02-05T07:54:00.000-08:00

Another day at work:
Let's say your boss wants to see orders with a line total less than $5. He is planning on writing up the Sales people who have made such orders. He just wants the line total.

Hint: The table used is sales.salesorderdetail.

In a New Query type:

USE AdventureWorks
Select SalesOrderID, LineTotal
FROM Sales.SalesOrderDetail
WHERE LineTotal
Order by LineTotal

Execute and you will see two columns the SalesOrderID and the LineTotal. The Line Total will be ordered (sorted) least to greatest because of the "Order by" command.
If you want to know more about views see The Code Project article about Views.

Listing Files in Fedora

2010-02-01T08:36:00.000-08:00

Fedora is a flavor of linux.
To list files in a specified directory use the ls command.

Option Description
-a Lists all filenames & --all
Lists all filenames

-A
Lists most filenames (excludes the . and .. special files)
--almost-all

-c
Lists filenames in column format

--color=n
Lists filenames without color

-d & --directory
Lists directory names instead of their contents

-f
Lists all filenames without sorting

see more ls command options

SQL Server 2005: Delete Table in Database

2010-01-29T08:57:00.000-08:00

Using T-SQL statements, Microsoft's version of SQL (Standard Query Language).
To delete a table in a database let's use this example.
Database called Textbooks. Table called Publishers.
Type
Use Database Textbooks
Go
Drop TABLE Publishers

Among the great SQL resources of Books Online, Microsoft support, MSDN Online, Codezone, and Technet; SQLAuthority.com is useful.

If you've had an error attempting to delete tables, but receiving the message that the database "is currently in use."
See http://blog.sqlauthority.com/2007/12/07/sql-server-fix-error-3702-cannot-drop-database-because-it-is-currently-in-use/

System's Request

2010-01-01T07:03:00.000-08:00

When submitting your system's request ensure that you've included all the variables including ROI and Initial Cost. Make sure to also explain how beneficial this new system will be.

For example, it is amazing how certain banks and credit unions have leapfrogged other competitors and left them in the dust. The technology and updates that have enabled members to access their accounts from a computer or phone has become more user friendly, increasing the utilization, and customer satisfaction.

Access can't append all the records in the append query

2009-12-01T17:46:00.000-08:00

I am using tables individual by month. After converting my Select query to a Make Table query I managed to leave the Sales Dollars field blank (at this point it went unnoticed) . I continued, and created a Select query from the New Table (created from the Make Table query) that required the user to enter a parameter value (month) and then converted the query into an Append Query. At this point I ran into the
Error: "Access can't append all the records in the append query."
Research: I researched two sites one by Allen Browne and the other by Microsoft. Allen Browne's site was the most informative on understanding this error.

I recognized that the "null fields" or blank fields were the cause of the problem.
At this point I back-tracked and noticed that my Sales Dollars field was blank.
Hypothesis: Fixing the Sales Dollars field will allow all the fields to be appended.

I recreated the query that was originally made into a table. I ensured that Sum was selected in the Total section in Design View.
Solution: Fixing the Sales Dollars field allowed all the fields to be appended.

Wrap-up: make sure all your fields match with "Sums" and the appropriate "properties" and don't attempt to match blank sells with content cells.

Tripwire, Magicnotes, and Smartpackets

2009-11-25T18:31:00.000-08:00

Tripwire came up on one of my Wireshark reports.

"Tripwire is a tool that aids system administrators and users in monitoring a designated set of files for any changes. Used with system files on a regular (e.g., daily) basis, Tripwire can notify system administrators of corrupted or tampered files, so damage control measures can be taken in a timely manner"(Ubuntu Geek, 2008).

As indicated by the the IANA Port Numbers report (2009), port 3023 TCP and UDP is for Magicnotes, port 1169 TCP and UDP is used for Tripwire, and port 3218 TCP and UDP is reserved for EMC smartpackets (IANA, 2009).

References

(April 23, 2008). Ubuntu Geek. List of security tools available in Ubuntu. Retrieved on November 25, 2009 from http://www.ubuntugeek.c om/list-of-security-tools-available-in-ubuntu.html

(November 25, 2009). IANA. Port numbers. Retrieved on November 25, 2009 from http://www.iana.org/assignments/port-numbers

Data Backup & Recovery

2009-11-16T14:31:00.000-08:00

Let's say you've got a notebook (laptop) with a small amount of HardDrive (HDD) space. So, you get an external hard drive and move your files over to the external HDD to create more space on your PC. You think to yourself, great I moved the files off my computer to the external HDD and now I've backed up my files. Incorrect!

A LifeHacker article suggests that a user take advantage of three distinct backup styles.

Use an external HDD to copy files from key locations in your computer. For example, the Documents folder.
Create an image of your notebook's HDD with imaging software like Ping.
Backup your files online.

Read the You're Backing Up Your Data the Wrong Way LifeHacker article.
If you've got the money to do this it is worth your time. Build a file server where you can store vital information on a mirrored HDD dedicated for file storage. This is something simple, but if you'd like to go all out and create more possibilities then a server is what you want. Keep your files backed-up by using RAID 10.

An attack on Open Source

2009-11-12T17:37:00.000-08:00

The Oracle-Sun merger is causing many people to throw their hands in the air. Some are doing it with excitement while others are fearing that this merger could destroy the powerful free source program MySQL.

“In Linux there actually is fierce competition between Oracle's flagship product and MySQL,” Mueller said. “MySQL really has already made its presence felt at the high end of the market where Oracle generates most of its revenues and profits, and is a pretty painful, hurtful competitor to Oracle because of its open-source nature and extremely aggressive price structure. What the market needs is for MySQL to continue that trajectory.”...Read the entire article at the Examiner.com.

CASE Tool: d'zine

2009-11-05T18:25:00.000-08:00

D'zine is Open Source. This looks great for those who code and need to create class diagrams from what they have already coded.
The following are features and as stated in d'zine web page:

Open Source CASE tool for OOAD.
Draw use case ,interaction ,class ,deployment ,ER Diagrams.
Code generation in C++ and java.
Normalise your ER diagrams and generate SQL code.
Reverse engg design from code.
Just put in your Java or C++ code and generate class diagrams.

Excel 2003 Menu: UBit Menu

2009-11-03T16:29:00.000-08:00

Tired of the 2007 Microsoft Office Ribbon? Want your 2003 Office Menu?
Go to http://www.ubit.ch/software/ubitmenu-languages/
Install the Ubit menu and then open an MS Office product like Excel.
I believe this is a temporary fix and I would recommend that everyone learn how to get around in version 2007 of Microsoft Office with the new Ribbon.

Amazon.com Widgets

NetStumbler,Cyberspace and Other Network Tools

2009-10-30T11:16:00.000-07:00

There are many tools and utilities that can help a Network Administrator. One must know what tools are available, how to use them, and what their legal parameters are.

Stated to the point in a Wiki article (2009),

NetStumbler (also known as Network Stumbler) is a tool for Windows that facilitates detection of Wireless LANs using the 802.11b, 802.11a and 802.11g WLAN standards. It runs on Microsoft Windows operating systems from Windows 2000 to Windows XP.
Commonly used for:
- Wardriving
- Verifying network configurations
- Finding locations with poor coverage in a WLAN
- Detecting causes of wireless interference
- Detecting unauthorized ("rogue") access points
- Aiming directional antennas for long-haul WLAN links

I find that "unauthorrized ('rogue') access points" refers to access points intended for spoofing.

After searching a little on Wardriving I found that it is the act of recording and then usually mapping Wifi points. It is not piggybacking another person's or entity's network. Which is punishable by law.

Read your state laws for "breaking and entering" in cyberspace at http://www.ncsl.org/IssuesResearch/TelecommunicationsInformationTechnology/ComputerHackingandUnauthorizedAccessLaws/tabid/13494/Default.aspx

An interesting point to consider is that when wardriving with NetStumbler, there is communication between the network and you as a war-driver. Thus, there could be legal issues.
Lets look at some articles that have to do with Network tools like Nmap, Wireshark, and Netstumbler.

Preston (2001) a writer for the Journal of Law and Policy expressed many valid points in 2001, which are still valid today. He extensively cites many court cases including State vs. Allen.
And states that basic defense methods like firewalls "that [prevent] port scans but not nmap-type OS fingerprinting might establish a strong case for liability against a nmap scanner...the cost of preventing nmap-type OS fingerprinting might be found minimal; the court might assign liability only where the defendant used other means to get the information".

Cited List

(2009).Wikipedia. Retrieved on October 30 2009 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NetStumbler
Preston, E. (2001). Finding fences in cyberspace: privacy and open access on the internet. Journal of Law & Policy, Spring 2001, Vol 6, Issue 1,B3. Retrieved on October 30 2009 from http://grove.ufl.edu/~techlaw/vol6/issue1/preston.html

Use an Input Form in Excell

2009-10-27T19:28:00.000-07:00

If you need someone to input information into Excel, but they are not Excel savvy create a Data Input Form. This Data Input Form will allow a user to input data easily, similar to a form in Access.
First, you will need to build your Excel workbook as you would like it formatted, organized, and formulated to connect with other worksheets inside your workbook.
After you have created your workbook with all the necessary columns follow my video tutorial.

Click on the Customize Quick Access Toolbar on the Quick Access Toolbar at the very top of the page to the left of the MS Office button.
From the drop down menu click More Commands...
From the Choose commands from drop down box select All Commands
Scroll down to Form... in the commands box below
Select Form... and then click the Add>> button and click OK
Now click the Form button on the Quick Access Toolbar and then you'll define the form according to how you created your worksheet.
Input your first data set.
Click the New button and that data now appears on your sheet.

Accounting Industry Software: Microsoft Dynamics

2009-10-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

Microsoft is launching its new accounting software package into the market to compete with the current market leaders Quickbooks and Peachtree.

According to the InvestWiki, Intuit.Inc owns "79% of the retail tax preparation software market with TurboTax , and 89% of the small business accounting software market with Quickbooks"(InvestWiki, Retrieved on Oct 22, 2009 from http://www.wikinvest.com/stock/Intuit_(INTU)

Take a look for yourself at this "new" software.
Click here to take a test drive. Yes, you must use Windows Internet Explorer and Install their Active X control for the Test Drive.
The appearing compatibility and ease of use makes it very appealing; however, questions comes to mind, about setting it up through the network (servers involved), reliability, efficiency, and maneuverability.

With the current price I don't believe small business owners will convert from Quickbooks to Microsoft Dynamics. See add (demo 3).

I believe Microsoft will become a large competitor with financial software. How much of the market they will take, I don't know.
Learn more about Microsft Dynamic for yourself at http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/asmartmove/default.mspx

Port Scanning with Nmap: The How To

2009-10-21T11:16:00.001-07:00

Tutorial Article Nmap: A valuable open source tool for network security by Michael Cobb.
I found this article very useful to learn more about the general Scanning fundamentals.
See how to spoof ports, fragment packets, scan to determine the Operating System, and save reports to your computer.

The Reference Guide to Nmap
http://nmap.org/book/man.html

This is a site with helpful tips. This is a page is associated with the above page.
http://nmap.org/book/man-port-scanning-techniques.html

New Technology: Google Voice

2009-10-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

Google Voice, bring more organization to your phone. Appears useful for business. It's Free

http://www.google.com/googlevoice/about.html

Give your phone life.

But what are the agreements with phone numbers you use -now that Google could see all you phone numbers, as well as those who you call and those that call you- what stops them from selling your numbers to calling agencies or having your numbers put all their calling lists for the future?

Restoration & Backup: Ping

2009-10-12T10:13:00.000-07:00

Better than Ghost and Free. It's Ping.
Learn more about the great abilities of Ping to partition and format disks as well as data restoration and backup.
http://ping.windowsdream.com/

Career: Microsoft Certifications

2009-10-09T15:04:00.000-07:00

This site lists and explain with requirements the many certifications that are possible through Microsoft.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/bb291022.aspx

See Certifications from Windows 7 to MS Office to Server 2008 for Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist.

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcts.aspx#tab2

Protecting Your Network: Sniffing

2009-10-07T12:48:00.000-07:00

When sniffing your network you need to be able to recognize the "captures".

In Wireshark's Wiki, sample captures are listed so that you can recognize

Crack Traces
Viruses
Protocol Traffic
Wifi

Also it is important to be able to recognize the varying methods of attacks. Wikipedia explains a number of attacks and also gives some prevention tips.

Know This: E-mail Hoaxes, Authorities to Reference, Firewalls

2009-10-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

I received an e-mail today "warning" about the "postcard virus". I became unimpressed at the large quantity of people that continue sending this e-mail without verifying its validity. After completing some simple searches through Google's search engine, I found many articles dating back to 2001, identifying this e-mail as a hoax.

Urban Legends at About.com http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_postcard_virus.htm
Hoax-Slayer http://www.hoax-slayer.com/postcard-virus-hoax.shtml
CNET Forums http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6132_102-0.html?threadID=284646
Truth or Fiction http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/a/a-card-for-you.htm
Anti-virus Software at About.com http://antivirus.about.com/od/emailhoaxes/p/postcard.htm
Break the Chain http://www.breakthechain.org/exclusives/postcardvirus.html
Perry Internet Consulting http://blog.perryweb.com/?p=148
Snopes http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/postcard.asp
Sophos http://www.sophos.com/security/hoaxes/sectorzero.html
Winferno http://articles.winferno.com/antivirus/postcard-virus/
Norton Community http://community.norton.com/norton/board/message?board.id=nis_feedback&thread.id=1310
Virus Busters http://virusbusters.itcs.umich.edu//hoaxes/virtual.html

When this e-mail is continually re-forwarded, precious time and email bandwidth are wasted. This is disadvantageous for a company.

Sophos recommends this policy to avoid hoaxes.

Don't Fall for a Virus Hoax http://www.sophos.com/pressoffice/news/articles/1999/11/va_hoaxes.html#prevent

Check the Authority that the author references in this case McAfee, Microsoft, and CNN. Also the major firewall vendors post the current virus threats on their individual sites.

McAfee http://www.mcafee.com/us/threat_center/default.asp
Symantec (Norton) http://www.symantec.com/norton/security_response/threatexplorer/index.jsp
Zone Alarm http://smartdefense.zonealarm.com/tmpl/body/virus/sdrc_virusMain.jsp
AVG http://www.avg.com/us-en/top-threats

The e-mail also referenced Microsoft's authority.

Microsoft http://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/

CNN was also referred to. Here is the search for "postcard virus" within CNN.

http://search.cnn.com/search.jsp?query=postcard%20virus&type=news&sortBy=date&intl=false

Consumer search lists the top Firewalls

http://www.consumersearch.com/firewalls/best-pc-firewalls

These are two free Firewall providers

Careers: Computer Systems Analyst

2009-10-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

From the research a Computer Systems Analyst is expected to have a bachelor degree; however, there are entry level positions.
The job duties are many, but generally the duties will be within these categories:

"Planning, designing, installing and developing new computer systems
Revamping existing computer systems for new tasks
Networking computer systems with others
Preparing cost-benefit and return-on-investment (ROI) reports for management
Testing and debugging new or revamped computer systems and the networks on which they communicate" (John Steven Niznik. (n.d.). computer systems analyst jobs. About.com . Retrieved from About.com: Tech Careers on October 5, 2009.).

The Annual Salary as of May 2006 was

"Median: $69,760
The middle 50 percent make between $54,320 and $87,600 a year
The lowest 10 percent make less than $42,780
the highest 10 percent make more than $106,820

Median annual salary and earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of computer systems analysts in May 2006 were:

Professional and commercial equipment and supplies wholesalers $81,080
Computer systems design and related services 71,680
Management of companies and enterprises 71,090
Insurance carriers 69,990
State government 61,340"(Career Overview. (n.d.). Retrieved October 5, 2009, from Overview.com: http://www.overview.com/career_summaries/Computer_Systems_Analysts.htm).

Here are a few sites to see for yourself what the current employers are looking for in Computer Systems Analysts.

Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos042.htm
Career Overview http://www.overview.com/career_summaries/Computer_Systems_Analysts.htm
Job Search on CNNMoney.com http://jobsearch.money.cnn.com/a/all-jobs/lis/q-Business+Systems+Analyst/fdb-1
Job Opportunity at Dow http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?job_did=J3F1ZT6L4YV8KBB89Q1&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=a12ad2aa1edd4ffe8354c07db8ac674e-308103525-KC-5&ns_siteid=ns_us_g_jobs%2Banalyst%2Binfo_

Works Cited

John Steven Niznik. (n.d.). computer systems analyst jobs. About.com . Retrieved on October 5, 2009 from About.com: Tech Careers: http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/computerjob13/a/systems_analyst.htm

Career Overview. (n.d.). Retrieved October 5, 2009, from Overview.com: http://www.overview.com/career_summaries/Computer_Systems_Analysts.htm

A College Learning Model adapted to the Workplace

2009-09-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

There is a unique college learning model that would be well suited to train workers for new tasks and assignments. The learning model that LDS Business College has designed is a 3 step repetitive cycle.
The principles can be applied to different aspects of the learning process.
They are

Prepare
Teach One Another
Ponder and Prove

I would like to think of these steps as cyclical, meaning that passing through the three steps once will not produce the maximum result.

As I think of the word prepare many ideas come into my head, "a Boy Scout is always prepared", "prepare for the unexpected", and "prepare for the worst". I would apply the Prepare principle in the job setting by first, studying an enterprises history before going to the job interview. Prepare can also be seen from an angle that a future employee would need to have developed certain skills learned desired principles before applying to a position. Another way of interpreting the Prepare principle is that the employer would encourage use of notes, made by the employee, created to make a knowledge base and thus a more effective and efficient work flow throughout the business.
It is a known fact that when one teaches a skill that skill is reinforced into the teacher. When we teach others, we give our selves the opportunity to strengthen the knowledge we gained previously. Also when one teaches they receive commentary from those they teach, whether peers or not, and this commentary can be used as constructive guidance to strengthen the teacher's developing knowledge. If we teach what we know than we reinforce that knowledge and also strengthen that knowledge by following constructive guidance. If employees are encouraged to teach the new skills to other employees than the retention level of these new skills will increase.
When I say Ponder and Prove, I simply mean that one needs to think about a task or problem before attempting to resolve it hands on. For example, if a pop-up error window appears as you are designing a company worksheet, do you click through the error message without reading what the possible errors could be and repeat the same process again and again, but expecting a different result? The purpose of pondering and proving is to use methodical and systematic problem solving when approached with problems. Formally stated, know the problem, research the problem, search for solutions, from your research determine a course of action and prove that it works or prove it infective. When your result is infective, research further and continue the process until you've proven a hypothesis effective.

Restated in my words this would the learning model to implement in training employees.

Be Prepared
Reinforce material through teaching and take constructive guidance
Use Systematic Problem Solving

To learn more about LDS Business College's recent activity go to http://www.utahcampuscompact.org/ldsbc.html
The LDS Business College website ldsbc.edu
For more information on the LDSBC Learning Model click here.
Picture of LDSBC learning model created by LDSBC and I take no ownership for its structure or design.

PC Slow After Login? Small Changes, Quicker Startup

2009-09-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

Problem: Slow Start-up time after login to windows.
We all know that you have a computer or have used a computer that has taken several minutes just to start-up after the logging-in to Windows.
The change is simple, you need only go to one place to choose which programs will initiate at startup.

Research: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Remove-Unwanted-Startup-Programs-As-Fast-As-Possible&id=685807

Hypothesis Tested and Proven:

Click the Start Button
Open the "Run" program
Type msconfig into the text field
Click on the Startup tab
Choose which programs you want to begin at startup by clicking on the box. The boxes with green checkmarks will begin at startup.

Note to user: Please, either search on the internet about each startup program before deselecting it or don't touch it at all. Obviously, some startup processes are necessary for windows startup.Conclusion: With a little research weather it be on the internet, through an acquaintance, or in a manual, a person can find the solution to almost any computer problem.

Data and Process Modeling: DFD

2009-09-24T17:40:00.000-07:00

Setting-up Wireless on the Network Security Toolkit (NST)

2009-09-18T15:44:00.000-07:00

This link will give you detailed steps on how to set-up your wireless on you Network Security Toolkit.
http://24.97.150.195/nstwiki/index.php/Wireless_Setup_Tips#Detailed_Steps

Boot Live CD
Run the command "setup_x". After configuring the display you'll be returned to the console prompt.
Run the command "init 5"
Right click the desktop. Select NST WUI, then Documentation and then NST WUI Start Page (w)
Login using "root" for "User Name" and your original password for "password"
Using the menu bar, select Networking, then Wireless, and then WPA-PSK Setup
Select your wireless interface. Click AP Scan. Choose your SSID. Enter the PSK (key). Click Perform WPA-PSK Setup.
Close the Firefox browser. From the terminal window, run the command: "init 3". From the console prompt run the command "init 5"

The Main Page for NST Wiki http://24.97.150.195/nstwiki/index.php/Main_Page
You can check out the latest news about NST at http://networksecuritytoolkit.org/nst/index.html

Learning about Snort

2009-09-18T14:31:00.001-07:00

I found some very informative articles about Snort.

Linux Journal http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/4668
SWiK http://swik.net/snort

Figure 1: Snort Architecture by Nalneesh Gaur of Linux Journal

The Linux Journal will provide you with information about the architecture, Snort rules, the principles upon which Snort is based, some examples of what the back end or output will be, and also great diagrams like the one above to help grasp the concept.

From Snort's home site snort.org I found that 4 programs are required before installing Snort:

Libpcap
PCRE
Libnet
Barnyard

As well there were programs to help and assit Snort like Oinkmaster.
http://www.snort.org/downloads/additional-downloads/#oinkmaster

You can download you Snort Rules at snort.org as well.
http://www.snort.org/start/rules

For information on Snort, read Docs from Snort like Snort Manual.
http://www.snort.org/start/documentation

Implementing Information Systems

2009-09-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

A SWOT analysis aids in strategically examining a company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

S-Strengths
W-Weaknesses
O-Opportunities
T-Threats

This can be applied to an IT department to identify human, technical, and financial resources.

If you see the need for a systems request or someone else mentions they need IT support, it is probably for one or more of the following reasons:

better performance
improved services
reduced cost
more information
stronger controls
support for new products and services

When you decide you want to implement a new information system consider these internal factors:

Strategic Plan
Top Managers
User Requests
Information Technology Department
Existing Systems and Data

Also consider these external factors:

Technology
Suppliers
Customers
Competitors
The Economy
Government

Snort Install Round One: no C compiler (gcc)

2009-09-15T09:48:00.000-07:00

I downloaded Snort from http://www.snort.org/downloads. I downloaded the 2.8.4.1 version.
This site http://www.securityfocus.com/infocus/1421 has the instructions to install Snort. This is where I got the instructions to install 'libpcap'.
It also has instuctions on trouble shooting and understanding SNORT
I downloaded libpcap-0.8.1 from http://sourceforge.net/projects/libpcap/.
As I read the Install.txt file I found how to use the command console to install libpcap.

I entered the following into the console
su ---to bring up the root
usergzip -d -c libpcap-0.8.1.tar.gz tar xvf - ---then all the files were listed inside
cd libpcap-0.8.1/ ---going into the folder now
./configure ---and then it configured the setting of computers settings as well it checked the C compiler (gcc ) and recieved a works... no as well as the configure: error: intallation or configuration problem: C compiler cannot create executibles.

Then from there obviously the 'make' commands would not work because the config could not make a file in MakeIn folder adjusted to my system.

After searching through all the following documents and sites I Downloaded cc-4.3.4.tar.gz from http://gcc-ca.internet.bs/releases/gcc-4.3.4/ a mirror of gcc.gnu.org. I'm not sure what to do from here?
How do I install this gcc since I didn't have one.
What is a gcc? It must have something to do with a compiler.

These are the links of numerous sites I have searched inorder to find a solution:

GCC talking about it latest releases http://gcc.gnu.org/
http://www.gnu.org/ is very interesting site talking about opensource software and what they offer to all.
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/programming-9/gcc-compiler-..-245576/
This is a linux forum telling me that if I don't a gcc, then to go and get one from gcc.gnu.org
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-software-2/checking-for-c-compiler-default-output...-configure-error-c-compiler-cannot-create-183861/
This is one of the many forums that had the same error from different programs or different Linux Operating Systems.
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=356729
Well with a similar error on the compiler not compiling executable files I followed this forum and found this result...from a user.

I GOT IT! The problem was in the kismet instillation, not the driver like i thought.
Solution:
install libpcap 0.8
./configure
make dep
make
make install
I knew it was something stupid.
I tried 'make dep', but difference since I believe the problem lies with the fact the comiler doesn't work.
http://tcpick.sourceforge.net/?t=1&p=INSTALL
is another link that I hoping would help me.
I read some of the code that looked rather similar to the instruction code from other forums.
It also reffered me a URL different from the one than I had already downloaded the program 'libpcap'
http://www.nabble.com/-MacPorts---21062:-Snow-Leopard,-fresh-install,-can%27t-install-any-ports-td25281545.html
This is another piece of info I found on MacPorts.
Okay well I figured it out for anyone who cares... the Xcode installer that you download from Apple does not install the Unix development package. You have to use the one included on the Snow Leopard disk.
http://www.securityfocus.com/infocus/1421
this is where I got the instructions to install 'libpcap'.
It also has instuctions on trouble shooting and understanding SNORT
http://www.snort.org/downloads
I downloaded what I could see as the latestt SNORT from this site.
http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Jaunty#setchangeenablerootpassword
this site taught me how to change the 'root' password

I was also reading the Install.txt from libpcap, but it only gave me thesse errors to choose from: If configure says:
configure: warning: cannot determine packet capture interface
configure: warning: (see INSTALL for more info)

Advanced Speadsheets with Microsoft Excel: Beginning

2009-09-08T18:41:00.000-07:00

Pondering: Starting with today's work the first exercise proved simple and purposeful because of the pre-reading and examples I completed. The examples became, as discussed in class, more difficult to understand and less practical. I find the business, finance, and managerial viewpoint and application of Information Systems very interesting.
Learning: One must read the text before assuming that the exercises are inapplicable to the text. Read, learn, before you work.

Cell Phone Fix- No Sound

2009-06-18T22:15:00.000-07:00

If you encountered a similar problem than this information will be very useful to you. In fact a good quantity of users experience this problem about a year and a half after purchase, that they cannot hear the sounds from their phone when they make a call.
Many say that they had recently used an ear jack so that they could talk hands free and after removing the ear jack their button sounds and conversations were frustratingly unheard.

Error / Problem: No Sound on cell phone when conversing. No sound from keyboard.

Verify that on the volume of the buttons and conversation settings the status of "Ear jack-In" is on the top. This verifies that the phone still believes the ear jack is plugged in.
Go ahead replug your jack back into the phone... the sound is back and the phone works fine with he jack plugged back in. However, to get the phone to work without the jack plugged in will take a small effort of work on your part.

Research: I read various forums to figure out that many users experience this same difficulty with their phones. All of their solutions were obsolete, but got me thinking of what hadn't worked and what could work. My proposed solution was based off of a USB port problem that I had experinced months prior.

Hypothesis:

Plug in ear-jack.
Turn phone off.
Pull out the battery for 10 seconds.
Remove the ear-jack. Reinsert the battery.
Turn phone on.

Results: Positive result confirmed. The phone functions as normal without the ear-jack needed.

Afterthought: Problems have similar steps that can be used to solve them. Also, forums are the greatest. They allow common folk to see an error that has beset many and after analyzing, can find a solution whether stated or not.

Forensic Computer Tools

2009-05-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

PhotoRec proved to be a huge help.
Some one whiped thier hard drive, but as all should know it's difficult to really erase everything off your hard drive; so I used PhotoRec a free open source tool used to recover lost files. It will recover picture files, web files, word proccessing documents and more.

Give it a look http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/PhotoRec

USB device not recognized

2009-05-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

Problem: I have had some trouble with my XP sp3 PC. My mouse and printer still function; however, the mass storage devices, like my 500GB External HDD and my flash drives, bring up the error "USB Device not Recognized. One of the USB devices attached to this computer has malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it."

Reserach:
I searched some support articles through Microsoft's support website, only to find that all their solutions didn't function.

This article,however, provides a great deal of options.
http://www.ntcompatible.com/Desperately_need_help_---_USB_Devices_Not_Recognized_t32356.html

Hypothesis: I have al;ready tried to update drives, scan for updates in hardware, reboot my computer, and change power settings on my USB Root Hubs.

I am going to now attempt unplugging all the USB drives and then turning off the computer and then unplugging the cable from the wall.

Yes, it worked...All is well!

Did you Forget your Windows Admin password?

2009-05-05T22:36:00.000-07:00

Use Ubuntu.
This link is has a great tutorial for how to reset the password as well as a link on how to get Ubuntu.
Ubuntu is will save you.
Source: http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntucat/how-to-reset-a-windows-xp-password-with-ubuntu/comment-page-1/

Set-up Print Server

2009-04-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

Great information from a blog
http://www.theblog.ca/print-server-how-to

Know the IP address for the Printer and then set it up on each client comuter.

I suspect the problem might be the new router.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4452276_set-up-wireless-printing-home.html

Computer Forensics

2009-04-28T08:19:00.000-07:00

A great article on new software that will lead the industry in Computer Forensic investigations.
source: http://www.slideshare.net/EdisonHsiun/dc-31-solution-of-the-forensic-data-recovery-presentation

A very useful page. http://www.datatriage.com/blog/hard-drive-recovery-for-your-valuable-data.html

HD Doctor Blog

A blog about hard drive recovery, hard drive repair, computer forensic and so on…
URL: http://www.hddoctor.net

Computer Forensics and the Corporate world.
source: http://search.techrepublic.com.com/search/computer+forensic.html

Forensic Software
source: http://www.forensic-computing.ltd.uk/tools.htm

Article with instructions on Recovery of HDD failure.
source: http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/how_to/4294038.html

Article from LifeHacker to use PhotoRec to recover lost data. -Open Source- "Free"
source: http://lifehacker.com/software/data-recovery/recover-lost-files-from-a-wiped-hard-drive-197336.php

Stellar Data Recovery's: Windows, Photos, and Hard Drive Recovery.
source: http://www.stellarinfo.com/

Download PhotoRec & TestDisk
link: http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/TestDisk_Download

Lavasoft has TOP THREATS to computer listed

2009-04-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

Top Threats
W32/Elkern.C
Worm/Bagle.FJ
Worm/Mytob.AP
Worm/Mytob.CD
Worm/Mytob.AD

see more...click here

Computer Reboots and "lsass" file error

2009-04-22T07:19:00.000-07:00

1. Boot into the recovery console using your Windows XP CD.
2. Type: CHDIR sytem32 and press Enter.
3. Type: CHDIR config and press Enter.
4. Type: Rename Security Security.bak and press Enter.
5. Type: Copy C:\Windows\repair\security and press Enter.
6. Type: Exit and press Enter (this will restart your computer).

If all goes well, your PC should work. If not try this:

Quote from above:
"I had this problem and managed to fix it without a reinstall.
Create the disc at www.ubcd4win.com on a good pc and boot off of it on the bad one. Once in go to Start, Programs, Registry Tools, Registry Restore Wizard. Tell it where Windows is installed (C:\Windows usually). Then pick the date that you want to roll back to. I chose the one closest to todays date and it recovered it fine. Reboot and bingo! It's back. (Well it was for me...!)"

Source: http://www.askdavetaylor.com/lsassexe_system_error_every_time_i_boot_windows.html

Realtek NIC Drivers

2009-04-22T07:03:00.000-07:00

http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/downloadsView.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=6&PFid=6&Level=5&Conn=4&DownTypeID=3&GetDown=false#RTL8100B(L)/RTL8100C(L)/RTL8101L/RTL8139C(L)/RTL8139C(L)+/RTL8139D(L)/RTL8100(L)/RTL8130/RTL8139B(L)

http://www.realtek.com.tw/search/default.aspx?keyword=driver

Set-up Wireless Access Pointer as a Repeater

2009-04-22T07:02:00.000-07:00

Repeater Mode: In repeater mode, the AP functions to extend the range of the wireless network. It receives a signal wirelessly from another AP, and then passes it on to its own wireless clients. The repeater must have its SSID, Channel, and Encryption settings the exact same as the AP whose signal it is to repeat. The user must also enter the LAN MAC address of the main AP. The repeater does not need to be hardwired to anything (except a power source; at least until we get wireless power ). Wireless repeating is often a proprietary solution, and may not work in a mixed brand environment.

Source: http://www.dslreports.com/faq/10929

Linksys by Cisco's knowledge base: http://linksys.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/linksys.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=4200

Wireless Access Points:

My Computer Keeps Rebooting

2009-04-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

This website has some interesting tips to address this problem.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/89386-45-windows-continuously-restarts

http://www.5starsupport.com/xp-faq/1-44.htm

Install Error 0x800706F8

2009-04-08T09:12:00.000-07:00

Upon installing Windows Server 2008, I encountered this error after only a minute of installation processes beginning.
"Windows cannot install required files. Make sure all files required for installation are available, and restart the installation. Error Code 0x800706F8"

In researching the issue, I found that the DVD driver firmware needs to updated.
source: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090306063127AAKXzQ5

After further searching< I find that I might have possibly burned the ISO at too fast of a speed.
source: http://www.techsupportforum.com/microsoft-support/windows-vista-support/145482-vista-can-t-find-all-required-files-during-installation.html

I will post the results.

Computer Laws

2009-03-31T12:07:00.000-07:00

Keep up to date with your Computer Laws. These affect you.
I have provided three links to aid your search.

An Issue, What's the Answer?

2009-03-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

Network Administrators are required to provide 5 years of e-mail back-up when sued.

A small business of less than 500...can use Google to do company e-mail through Google Apps.

Who would be responsible to provide the 5 years history of email at a suit, the Network Admin of the sued company or Google?

Security Companies

2009-03-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

RSA Security a company dedicated to information system security.
They have some neat ideas and handy products to help prevent loss.
http://www.rsa.com/node.aspx?id=1155

Port Numbers

2009-03-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

Valuable and detailed information on computer ports.
http://www.iana.org/assignments/port-numbers

Tip of the day: move your communication channels of the normal ports up to higher port numbers.
This will make it more difficult for the average hacker's low number port scan to detect your port communication.

project: Server

2009-03-16T11:16:00.000-07:00

Problem 1: Monitor will not detect motherboard.
Problem 2: DVD drive will turn on only if the IDE cable is not plugged in.

Possible solutions:
1a. The four pin power cord is not drawing sufficient power for the required eight pin.
2a. The drive isn't labeled as slave.

Research: After talking with a couple of other technicians I found that my proposed solutions were inocrrect and that the issue probably dealed with my power supply in form or another. After attempting to to get the mother board to boot up with just one stick of ram and just the processor plugged plugged in, the power would have been easily been sufficient, but the it still didn't boot.

Power supplies have an option on running on 115 Volts or 230 Volts. The standard for U.S. appliances is 115V.

Result: I flipped the switch to 115 Volts and the computer booted up just right.
I have a server with three 500GB SATA HDDs, an AMD x5200 Athalon processor, two 2GB sticks of DDR2 RAM, one 40GB IDE HDD, and one DVD drive.

My next step is to install Microsoft Server 2003 as the OS on the 40GB IDE HDD.

Reflecting: A simple check as to the U.S. voltage standard and my power supply's state as to whether the switch needed to flipped or not , would have saved much time.

Setting up Raid-5

2009-03-12T16:34:00.000-07:00

I am building a Server. I am using three 500GB SATA HDDs.

After I constructed the server and plugged everything together, I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything.

I consulted Microsft's Help and Support for more inofrmation on setting up Raid-5. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/323434

My one worry a becomes the note that the system files and boot files cannot be on the same disk.

I am going to Install Windows Server 2003 as the OS.

Computer Repair-Business Thoughts

2009-03-03T10:33:00.000-08:00

I have thought about doing part-time work as a Computer Technician and I have also wondered what all is necessary to start a computer repair business and what to avoid.

Some of these forums will give a good insight into preparation and what to expect.
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r21686763-ATT-ConnecTech-Jobs
http://www.techexams.net/forums/jobs-degrees/40343-starting-computer-repair-business.html

There was talk of OnForce. Apparently they are the company that AT&T's ConnecTech uses. This is the OnForce link for their Service Pro Help Topics.
http://help.onforce.com/pros/

This is an opinionatetd article against working with OnForce. http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/232/RipOff0232335.htm

Looking at Buying Mircosoft Products

2009-02-19T12:42:00.001-08:00

Amazon.com Widgets

Books: Server 2008 & Infomoration Systems Management

2009-02-19T12:03:00.000-08:00

Backup your files with Norton's Ghost

2009-02-19T12:00:00.001-08:00

Online Schooling- WGU

2009-02-17T13:09:00.000-08:00

There are a great number of E-colleges as we can call them, but one that was mentioned to me lately is the Western Goverenors University.

Take a look at the College of Information Technology.

It appears that you only pay twice a year and there is not a limit on how many classes you can take.
Look at their tuition page.

CheckOut Espy

2009-02-17T13:06:00.000-08:00

Espy designs databases
Learn more about Espy at espy.com.

Business to Business E-commerce.

2009-02-17T12:13:00.000-08:00

B2B E-commerce through low start up costs.
fotolia.com
Use fotography skills to take pictures and sell them online to businesses who would use them in the design of their websites.

And B2C E-commerce through low start up costs
monkeysurvey.com
Use script and designer skills to design programs to run surveys.

Amazon.com did not a low start up cost.

AVG states that 43% of Computer Users Annually Lose Data. What’s the truth?

2009-02-11T12:49:00.001-08:00

In reading a CRS Report for Congress dated back to September 2006, I gathered some startling statistics as to lack of surety IT professionals had in their own systems. They state: that "an August 2006 study by the Elk Rapids, MI-based privacy management research company Ponemon Institute found that only 37% of information technology professionals believed their company is effective at preventing data breaches (Deborah Rothberg, "IT Pros Say They Can't Stop Data Breaches," eWeek, August 30, 2006 at [http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,2010325,00.asp?kc=EWRSS03129TX1K0000614]) . Citing a lack of resources and high product costs as barriers to preventing data leakages, only 43% believed their company would detect a large data breach (involving more than 10,000 customer records) more than 80% of the time (Sponsored by Port Authority Technologies, independently conducted by Ponemon Institute, National Survey on the Detection and Prevention of Data Security Breaches, August 28, 2006, at [http://www.portauthoritytech.com/resources/downloads/wp_Ponemon_Institute_Study.pdf]).

With companies cutting budgets in the current economic challenge, what is stopping companies from not spending the necessary measures to ensure the integrity of their data. Yes, of course for the competitive edge companies will want to protect databases that hold information pertaining to new-release products, customer profiles, and financial data. But, what about employee data, is it safe? We understand that laws are place, but no one finds out about these losses unit someone tells, and that is usually forced by a Federal Agency that comes to audit the system or another auditing agency. Will these groups be paid off, are their ethics left in the system, is there enough government funding to pay these auditors? Our economy has a great deal to do with our security.

After searching and researching credible sources, I found one site from Pepperdine University. They actually cite their sources; whereas, the two sites using this claim to sell a service to back-up data, did not cite their sources. The article states that information loss has many sources, but they only credited forty percent of data loss to hardware failure (David M. Smith, PhD, The Cost of Lost Data). From the sources cited from the university's article I would trust the information as credible. With 40% of hard drives failing, I personally if I were a hard drive manufacturer I would invest into research searching for the way to improve the life a hard drive. I would then develop the hard drive and use it as a great marketing for my companies name as the company with quality hard drives. If this could be proven, it would raise the question to large business and government entities to switch to a more reliable hard drive. So there is a business opportunity waiting to explode.

I end with my statement that yes, it is a great idea to back up files in some form or another whether this be by trusting a company to encrypt your information and uploading to their site, where they probably use hard drives setup on a RAID 5 to prevent data loss. If you decided to do the same the files would be with you, under your responsibility to protect and maintain replacements of the hard drives. Because it's RAID 5 you can pull out a faulty Hard drive of the three and insert the new one and the data will be restored.

Sources:
CRS Report for Congress, Data Security Breaches: Context and Incident Summaries, Updated September 28, 2006
http://ipmall.info/hosted_resources/crs/RL33199_060928.pdf

The Cost of Lost Data, David M. Smith, Pepperdine University
http://gbr.pepperdine.edu/033/dataloss.html?addcomment=1&savecomment=1&messaged=Your%20comment%20has%20been%20submitted%20for%20processing.&#listcomments

Two site making this claim in order to sell their service:
http://www.barbarabrabec.com/Computertalk/carbonite-online-backup-program.htm Carbonite hosts AVG.

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Will-You-Survive-a-Computer-Disaster?&id=1893908

Geographical Information Systems at the Recreational and Social side

2009-02-05T13:05:00.001-08:00

Geographical Information Systems have brought the outdoorsman to technology. Many forms of recreation are now used with GPS and other mapping devices. From their old days of maps and compass many have gone to the new technology of GPS and thrown away the old. Today, there are recreation activities that have been designed solely around using the GPS. Geocahiong a beefed up version of hind and go seek mixed with treasuring hunting and computers has a large number of participants worldwide. To explain the game: the hider, places their cache in some hidden, no conspicuous location, records the locations' coordinates with their GPS and then logs it into an internet site for crazed geocahers to go find. Beyond the sport of Geocahing , games have been invented for the specific use of the GPS (http://www.utahgeocachers.com/games-local.php).

Wherever you might be, either you yourself or another person nearby is using a GPS device or Map system from their phone. Many people use GPS devices to make driving an easier task. With a mobile application called "Dodgeball" you can see if you have any friends within ten blocks (Levy, 2004). With all this technology changing daily personal life and the business world one could wonder how this came to be that we could have such ease to finding locations though just googling a zip code a store name and seeing exactly where we need to go. This technology was coming to life in the 1960's and it was a great factor in helping decide where to place ski runs in Utah (Levy, 2004).

Without a doubt Geographical Information Systems have changed how the middle class moves from point A to point B throughout their day. Indefinitely the GPS has brought not only valuable information, but as well fun filled recreation times. Now consider to yourself about beginning your very first geo cache. If you don't have a GPS find someone who does and begin your new recreational hobby today. And don't forget the Geographical Information Systems next time you use MapQuest or Google to find directions.

References

Levy, S. (2004). Making the ultimate map. (cover story). Newsweek, 143(23), 56-58. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=buh&AN=13241522&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Boost you Resume

2009-02-03T13:35:00.000-08:00

Get Online Credentials
http://www.expertrating.com/jobs/Managerial-jobs/B2B-Jobs-jobs.asp
They give help in giving credentials for those who seek a jb from B2B. ATM Repair.

Spread the word about your skills as a ATM Repair Technician
http://www.atmmachine.com/atm-techs.html

Preparing to be an ATM Repair Technician
http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/100763.html

Network Discovery will not turn on

2009-02-03T09:45:00.000-08:00

In my Server box I am running Windows Server 2008

Error: Network Discovery will not turn on.

Hypothesis: Find the port or the program name for Network Discovery and Netlogon, access it through a search inside of the windows firewall exceptions tab and Netowrk Discovery should turn on,

Research:
Learn how to Add programs into Windows Firewall Exception list.
Go to http://www.clearapps.com/help.html#faqa9

Microsofts lists posts and their application protocal and the service names at http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/support/articles/ref_net_ports_ms_prod.mspx

After my research I was stilled in a state of confusion, so I turned to a student and he helped me.

These are the steps we took

Go to Windows Firewall, click on the advanced tab and click the "Restore Defaults" button.
Click on the Exceptions tab and click the boxes for NetLogon and Network Discovery.
-At this point Network Discovery still was not turning on.
I went back and turned on File and Printer Sharing as well.
We turned on some more of the services that can be found through going to administrative tools. -This is not very useful because, I don't remeber what we turned on.
We were able to turn on Network Discovery, but we were not able to turn on Printer sharing.
To fix this problem we unistalled the printer and reinstalled it.
Printer sharing was turned on succesfully.

Reflection: this post becomes useless at step four because the reader does not which services to turn on inorder for them to have the same success as author of the blog. I can definatley Imrove my taking of notes when I fix computers, but as for this case I also need those who fix the problem to write down the solution steps as they go.

Creating a Home Folder for Users

2009-01-29T09:24:00.000-08:00

Share the Users folder by doing an advanced share.
Go to Active Directory Users and Computers on the server Double Click the Users folder and then Right-click a user and select Properties.
Select the Profile tab.
On the Home Folder option: click Connect, select a drive (ex. H: )and type file://127.0.0.1/users/%25username%25

Creating a Home folder is very useful to keep all the documents on the Server. Also, the folders can have quotas placed on them, to prevent your users from doing storing massive amounts of junk on your server. Great way to prevent loss of data on work stations and manage speed up the work stations by keeping them more free of user documents.

Server 2008 ignores my selection to Turn on Network Discovery

2009-01-27T11:33:00.001-08:00

I click apply after selecting "Turn on Network Discovery", however, rather than having the green circle appearing, the gray bleak circle with "Off" remains.

Research: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/948613

Hypothesis: If I create a new role in the Firewall to allow connection through Port 5357 then Network Discovery will turn on.

Results: The bleak circle with "Off" remains after opening Port 5357.

Hypothesis: Look deeper into the Firewall and keep it simple.

Current Results: I entered into the Firewall and tried adding a program "Network Discovery" in the exceptions tab, but I have not had positive results yet in finding such a program.

Cyberwarefare

2009-01-21T19:54:00.001-08:00

OU's in the Active Directory

2009-01-20T13:19:00.000-08:00

Check out the OU's in the domain.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727085.aspx
http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=32080
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/technologies/directory/activedirectory/default.mspx
These are three sites that offer more infor on Active Directory and OU's

Career: Getting Started

2009-01-20T11:58:00.000-08:00

Both companies help place people in IT jobs. When you have a degree.
Robert Half
SOS Technology

Active Directory Issues: “a Primary Domain Controller (PDC) cannot be contacted.

2009-01-20T10:56:00.001-08:00

Error: Domain that was supposed to be created upon the install of Active Directory is nor appearing and creating errors of shutdown and communication.

Research: support.microsoft.com http://support.microsoft.com/kb/903654

Hypothesis: If I uninstall Active Directory by typing dcpromo /forceremoval into the command promt with admin user right. Then ensure that the latest update is installed on Server 2008-service pack1. Then reinstall Active Directory using a Static IP than yes it will be able to see my domain and the computer will quit crashing.

Result: The initial attempt to type dcpromo /forceremoval did not complete the task as desired. The Active Directory was still in existence.

And an interesting, note two pictures and my google chrome are now none existent.

Hypothesis: click remove role and follow directions.

Result: Success on the removal and now I am reinstalling Active Directory

Hyppothesis: Start install of AD

Error: Fun new error: on the reinstall I select to choose my own static IP address. It won't let me continue. I check and view my network connections and their properties. My preferred DNS server is 127.0.0.1

On the network map it should be 172.16.1.11

Oh great goodness the new recommendation is that I continue with the exact same method that I preformed the first time, that yes failed the first time. Ooooh now I'm steaming mad.

So I go through the ordeal once again with the result of "not successful"

The errors I receive upon trying to enter the Active Directory Domain and Trusts are:

Firstly, "You cannot modify domain or trust information because a Primary Domain Controller (PDC) cannot be contacted. Please verify that the PDC emulator for the current domain and the network are both online and functioning properly."

Secondly, "The configuration information describing this enterprise is not available. The server is not operational."

Research: This site might have a solution http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc780487.aspx I'll search it.

Just as I was about to ready to delete and reinstall Server 2008, when I received some advice.
In the first place I should have looked at the event viewer to do systematic problem solving.

Hypothesis: Enable and start the Server service and the Netlogon service and active directory should work

Result: Yes, Windows Server 2008 automatically has the Server service disabled, I enabled it and then had to Start it and then start the Net logon service. We’re all smiles now.

Don’t use an Operating System in your Business

2009-01-15T13:13:00.001-08:00

How would you enjoy cutting your electric bill, conserving space by getting rid of those bulky PC towers and having more control as an IT manager?

WSYE has developed terminals that can attach to the back of the monitor. They are about the size of a home router. They are small. They prevent many IT nightmares caused by users and are very reliable.

In an
article from PR Newswire, Marc Driessen Vice President, Dynamic Manufacturing Solutions, Inc states "Easy to maintain, easy to deploy and easy to administer. What more could we ask for,"

Wyse and VMware Customers Champion Thin Clients as Ideal Desktop Virtualization Endpoint Based on Low TCO, Rich Multimedia Capabilities, Ease-of-Use and Security :Virtual Desktop Adoption Continues to Grow as Wyse Combines Hardware and Software Solutions for Best-in-Class End-User Experience. (16 September). PR Newswire. Retrieved January 15, 2009, from ABI/INFORM Dateline database. (Document ID: 1555342781).

The Wyse S10 is a great choice for dependability. As the CTO I could use this software to manager the "thin clients". The price range these of fine pieces of hardware is expensive. WYSE has a spot just for Enterprises to buy from. The idea is that the power, space, and time that will be saved will make this cost well worth your pennies.

You should try one for free from WYSE.

Learning-Autometed Syestems Inc.

2009-01-15T13:00:00.000-08:00

Find out who they are http://www.asiweb.com/.
give me a comment after your search.
They have career oppenings.
It is interesting to read their Job requiremnts etc.

E-Collaboration

2009-01-15T12:14:00.000-08:00

Linked-in is your business social network.
Get linked it at linkedin.com
Get built

Making the Install of an OS Simpler

2009-01-08T10:23:00.001-08:00

In a work place there can be many workstations. And with all the jazz about these new Operating Systems, you as an IT person could spend all your useful hours wasted by individually installing the OS to every workstation manually. Now shouldn't there be an easier method. Yes, and there is.

Through the use a server (which you should have with more than 5 workstations) the installation of the OS on many workstations becomes like a hot bath, pleasurable and relaxing.

There a few methods one can use if there are going to enjoy life.
The first being, the use of Windows Deployment Services through Windows Servers 2003 & 2008. This is a great tool that will help you use disk images to do the install to workstation computers.

The second is the Unattended Install procedure. This requires the use of XML files. For sample XML files go to www.Microsoft.com

A neat article I found called "Install multiple OS Without Cds" take a look.

Hypothesis: this should work outside of VirtualPC. I will do these installs through the server I am building at home.

Results will be posted soon.

Microsoft Server 2008-problem install

2009-01-06T14:00:00.000-08:00

Well the task was rather simple and intersting to see the different text boxes pop up from the entered script commands.

I keep wondering why that error initially came up.

To see the simple instructions, I followed to fix the problem click here.

The install as a whole was time consuming.

The automated install would be a nice alternative to this manual install.

I wonder how ghosting works...?

Possible jobs

2009-01-06T12:50:00.000-08:00

Information technology auditor
From $40,000 to $65,000
15% of the jobs in the USA are in the West. The median salary in $51.2K
check source-salary.com

Senior Information Technology Auditor - $65-80k plus bonus!
Duties:- Managing SAS 70 Review engagements
- Conducting IT Audits and IT Control Reviews
- Performing Network Vulnerability Assessments
- Assisting with Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 internal control projects
- Reviewing, documenting, evaluating and testing general controls in a wide range of environments
- Preparing reports on findings and recommendations as a result of the audit work performed.
Requirements:
- 2+ years IT audit experience
- Ideal candidate will have experience with both information systems and auditing.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, accounting or finance.
- Master's degree a plus
- Financial Institution experience a plus
- CISA preferred
- Up to 50% travel
check source

Business Development Manager - Cyberwarfare

Duties: Other specific duties will include: shaping assigned new business campaigns; monitoring campaign progress and execution; proposing campaign restructure where appropriate; proposal capture lead; protecting and growing existing programs. The manager should be familiar with Department of Defense Program, Planning, Budget and Execution processes, and acquisition strategies. BS degree in an engineering discipline and a successful track record of 12 or more years business development experience. Position requires experience with OSD, Military Services, Intelligence Community and other Federal Agencies. Strong knowledge of DoD Electronics Communications desirable. Familiarity with IO/RF products is desired. TS/SBI security clearance required.

Basic Qualifications: Outstanding communication skills (verbal and written) are required; key responsibilities include articulating strategy and direction to senior management, articulating key customer requirements and needs to project teams, and communicating the company's skills and product capabilities to the customer - Knowledge of the Department of Defense Program, Planning, Budget and Execution process, and acquisition strategies is essential to focus general and specific capture and technology investment strategies for the business area. Also requires knowledge of competing companies and their systems. - Strong leadership and organizational skills are needed to influence others while building and maintaining relationships (internally and externally) critical to technology development and program capture. - Must be self-directing as this position will have wide latitude to identify and pursue opportunities within the given technology genre. BS degree in an engineering discipline and 12 or more years business development experience. Must have DoD customer experience. TS/SBI security clearance required.
$100,000.00 USD - $150,000.00 USD Annually
check source

Careers and Pay

2009-01-06T12:18:00.000-08:00

A great site to see pay scales for jobs.
http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layouthtmls/swzl_salaryrangenarrowjob_40_IT07.html

Put Vista on your external USB Hard Drive

2008-12-01T11:00:00.001-08:00

Error message: "Windows cannot be installed to this disk. Setup does not support configuration of or installation to disks connected through a USB or IEEE 1394 port."

Research: Forum with similar problem and included success story http://www.911cd.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=14181&st=1720

Hypothesis: 1. Install Vista on an IDE HDD (An Internal Hard Drive)

2. Make a Bit by Bit copy of this partition with Winhex to your USB hard disk from an external PC.

3. Go to step 7 in the forum. I don't quite understand this step. For me it appears rather complicated.

Results: …? Let's see what happens.

Relflection:

What's an IP Address?

2008-11-21T10:09:00.000-08:00

An IP Address can be compared to an address used for sending and recieving packages.
An IP address is split into 4 sections.
Like your the address you write on a letter: you put the name, the street address, the city, state, postal code, and the country.
The subnet mask makes a division in the address, defining which part of the address corresponds to the network and the other to the host computer.

You could as well think of it as a phone number.
You have a specific number people use to call you.
As well you can use specific phone numbers to reach other people.
IP addresses don't have to be unique to just you at every moment, but you interent provider will provide you with one while it is in use and then rotate your address if you so choose.
To see more info on IP addresses see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_address#IP_subnetworks

Should I download Google Desktop?

2008-11-21T09:48:00.001-08:00

This depends upon the performance of the system you are using.

For example, the Basleine, or normal performance for my Vista box:

The performance of my Vista box after downloading Google Desktop:

From what I see the system is having to read more times from the disk and then as well the system memory is being used more by Google Desktops appearance.

For more info see http://desktop.google.com/features.html

Why to Baseline your Vista PC

2008-11-12T09:44:00.001-08:00

Vista uses a much larger amount of the CPU and Memory. Baselining will allow you to see the normal operating status of your computer.

To give you an example; I am a user on a Vista PC. My "computer" begins to slow down, the time to change from one program to another is increased and as I type in my word processor program I can type faster than the screen can display it.
A performance issue we have with my "computer". If I had previously created a baseline, then I would be able to look at current operating status of my "computer" and find what the disturbances are that are causing this bottleneck by comparing the current "slowed" status to the past "normal" status. By doing this I can look recognize a problem and find a solution.

What you want to look for when creating a baseline are these 3 factors: CPU performance, RAM/Memory performance, and Physical Disk/Hard Disk performance.

Using my PC you will see a good baseline

By accessing The Reliability and Performance Monitor we can see a live current view of what is happening to our "computer" at current. As you look in the left pane and open the monitoring Tools below the Reliability and Performance Monitor click on Performance Monitor. In the Center Pane now click on the green plus at the top of the screen and an counter. By doing this you will be able to have a good look at really what level your computer is performing at and by this you will create a good baseline.

We are going to track these three in our counter:

% Processor Time

Disk Read Byte/sec

Memory: Available Mbytes

Tracking

REFLECTION:
To baseline a computer is as an athlete having performance check-ups before switchin to a new training plan.

I have learned that if I had known the information on the imortance of and how to baseline my friend's computer would not have the perdicament it has now.

To baseline a computer is to your own ability and equipment before embarking to climb a mountain.

Static IP Addressing - troubleshooting

2008-10-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

When you place a Static IP Address you could run into problems.

When you see the screen, check for these possible errors.

1. Know your network range. For every network there is a range of IP address used. Your Static IP Address must be within this range.

Example IP Address 172.16.5.12

Of course we are talking about private networks, behind routers and other devices.

Know the range of the network.

2. Do not duplicate. Your network will have an address for the Default Gateway and possibly the DNS Server. If youtype the same address as either one of these address you will not be able to conect to the internet and will most likely recieve error message like these:

A quick easy way to see the duplicate is:

2a-1. Click the Start button

2a-2. Type cmd

2a-3. Cick cmd.exe

2a-4. Type ipconfig /all in the command prompt

2a-5. Now look at IPv4 Address to the right is

To fix this:

2b-1. Click Control Panel and click Classic View

2b-2. Click Network and Sharing

2b-3. Click View Status

2b-4. Click Properties and click Continue

2b-5. Select IPv4 and click Properties

2b-6. Type 172.16.2.11 to in the IP Address box to test it.

3. NO zero in the Y field. The IP Address has 4 parts (boxes) w,x,y,z. In the Y field you can not type 0.

Protect your computer against brute force attacks

2008-10-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

Today is the day, today you will learn how to protect your computer from brute force attacks.
I will be using Windows Vista to demonstrate this.

First you need to access you Advanced User Controls
1. Click the Start button, click All Programs, click Accessories, click Run and type userpasssword2
With Vista click OK
2. Click the Advanced tab, select the Require users to press Ctrl+Alt+Delete check box, and click OK

Now to lockout the accounts after 5 incorrect attempts to log in.
I was not successful in finding out how to accomplish this task in XP.
The only one we wont be able to lockout will be the built-in Administrator account.
1. Click the Start button, click Control Panel,and click Administrative Tools
With Vista click OK
2. Double-click Local Security Policy
3. In the left window pane expand Account Policies and click on Account Lockout Policy
4. Double-click Account lockout threshold, type 5 and click OK
5. Double-click Account lockout duration, type 5 and click OK

Click OK as many times needed and close all windows.
Log off and you will notice that the next time you log on you will be required to hold Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
You have now made it very difficult for someone to break into your computer.

Brute Force Attacks

2008-10-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

I looked up brute force attacks and brute force hacking this is a link with some great info on protecting passwords on your computer. You should read this article, click here. Know what's out there.
The author gives insight into what really has to take place, and more so time wise.

Auditing File Access- take a look at what's being accessed on your computer

2008-10-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

You must be a user with administrator privileges to audit.

If you have kids or other persons who access the same computer take a look at what they are accessing.

You can use this in many forms and could even assign this to certain programs such as games, media files, etc. Windows Vista Home edition is great to do this as well using the Parental Controls inside the Control Panel.

As I show you a little bit you will understand how the wide array of options that are avaliable in Auditing.

I am running Vista Business. You will notice this from the images.

1. Click Control Panel

Click Classic View, if not enable already

2. Click Administrative Tools

3. Double-click Local Security Policy and Click Continue

4. In the left pane, expand Local Policies and click Audit Policy

5. Double-click Audit object access. This option enables auditing for file access.

6. Select the Success and Failure check boxes, because you want to have the option of seeing either the successes or failures of a user (in this case accessing Windows Meeting Space).

7. Close all open windows

8. Click the Start button and go to All Programs

9. Right click Windows Meeting Space and click on Properties

10. Click the Security tab and click on the Advanced button

11. Click on the Auditing tab and click Continue and then click Continue once more to pass the User Account Control

12. Click Add

13. Type Everyone, click Check Names, and click OK. You are now doing to be able to see every user in your audit. If you desired to only audit a select few users, you would need to input thier user names one by one. Another option to adding one by one is adding a group (now if you are intending to narrow the selection from more than just the Users group, than you would have to create a group within the MMC.)

14. To keep in simple, we will look to see if the program is executed or not. Select the Success and Failure check boxes of the traverse folder/ execute file option (second row from the top).

15. Click OK four times to close the dialog boxes

16. Click the Start button and go to All Programs

17. Click Windows Meeting Space

18. Close Windows Meeting Space

19. Close all windows

20. Click the Start button

21. Right-click Computer and click manage from the drop down menu

22. In the left pane expand Event viewer, expand Windows Logs and click on Security

23. Notice the extensive list of events logged. Right-click Security in the left pane and click Filter current log

24. In the Event sources box, select Security-Auditing

25. In the Task category box, select File System

26. In the Keywords box, select Audit Success and Audit Failure.

27. Click OK and look through the displayed events.

28. Double-click on the most bottom event, notice that the user account is listed (the image shows u1 as the user name.

All in one, Protect your Computer

2008-10-06T09:34:00.001-07:00

This Product seems truly amazing. Zone alarm has the appearance in their description to be invisible and impenetrable.

The "Root & Boot" protection really caught my eye. They protect down to the kernel-level in the Operating System. As well, this will protect your operating system during start-up.

They as well claim to have the #1 Firewall. This firewall seems to have some teeth. It not only detects malicious programs it disables them. As well, it makes you invisible to hackers, stealth mode. To see how well your computer ports are protected go to https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2. (Shields up is a trustable site).

As well it has Antivirus, Anti-spyware, ID theft protection, Anti-spam, and Wireless PC protection.

http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/catalog/products/zonealarm_internet_security_suite.jsp

Brute force attack program

2008-10-04T23:28:00.000-07:00

A program called "Cain & Abel" that hacks your SAM for local passwords.
click here to go to Youtube and view the video.
I found plenty more "scary" videos" about hacking, however you can protect yourself if you know how.
Read my Protect your computer against brute force attacks.

fake- Changing admin user passwords on XP through limited user account

2008-10-04T21:36:00.000-07:00

Problem
So last night I challenged my young 8th grade brother to hack into the home computer.
I have reason to hate XP with a stirred passion.
I came home today (the next day) and he (from his limited account) had changed all the passwords of the accounts including my account which was an administrator account; however, he could not gain access to an account that had two names separated by the "&" symbol (eg. Greg & Ginger). This account was the first user created upon installation.

Go to Total Results in red below and that will get the real answer to where this all began.

Method used to enter
Command prompt. There is no need to 'run as Administrator' as in Vista. Thus anyone can change your passwords and then enter your account.

Hypothesis
This "&" is a way to protect your account.

Test
place the " on both sides of the name (eg. "Greg & Ginger") using command prompt

Result
I entered the account; the hypothesis is invalid.

However, going on with this problem that is going to become an adventure.

Hypothesis
Will this same thing work from a limited account on my other computer it is an XP with service pack 3 as well?

Test
Run cmd from the limited account

Results
unable to change any administrator accounts from this limited account.
The "System error 5 has occurred. Access is denied" comes

Hypothosis
Can I run a batch file from this limited account and add users?

Test
write batch file to add 10 users

Results
As the batch file ran. The "System error 5 has occurred. Access is denied" was displayed every time a user was attempting to be added.
This user has no permission, in other words no ability to change anything, even through this pitiful command prompt program.

Hypothesis
Can I change the passwords of other administrator users on this (computer 2) as well from an administrator account?

Test
Once again, use command prompt, but from one of the admin accounts to change the password of another account.

Results
Yes, an administrator account can access anyone else including other admin users.
Let's think up something more effective.

Total Results
After talking with my brother, he had actually had changed his account to administrator when he found my parents account logged in and ready to go. Log off when you are not physically at the computer. Users are the greatest weakness in this security.

Little note on the end, my brother as well, created an admin account that he could access by going into safe mode and accessing Administrator account that no one had blocked by password or any other from of renaming. My brother gives thanks to Youtube.
After he gained access he began the same command prompt on the other computer though his new admin account and changed my password, etc.

Next... How to change the password and rename your Administrator account
...and then later how to script the process and have an Administrator user enabled through a back door.

I can't login- my password is incorrect?

2008-10-03T10:49:00.000-07:00

How could this be my "username or password is incorrect"?

Hold on to your business chair and get control of your breathing.

Did you slow your pulse down?

Let's get this solution to your finger tips.

1) You will need access to an administrator account that is on your computer box. If you don't have the password to that account find the perosn who does and ask them to help you by following instructions 2-5 (in red).

If you are the administator on your computer and you are not over a network (there is help you should seek from the IT head over your network, now!, however if not), then you can access the Administrator account that is accessible through safe mode, if it has been left untouched then it will called Administrator and have a blank password. You enter Safe mode by hitting the F8 key as your computer begins start up- before you reach the login screen. Select enter Safe mode with Command Prompt. The last set of instructions (in blue) here will probably be more useful for the command prompt.

2) Right click on Computer and from the drop down menu click manage.

3) You have inciated the MMC, now select on Users/Groups.

4) Two folders should appear, click on the Users folder.

5) A list of users should appear in the center pane of the window. Right click the user, of whom you want to reset the password (eg. Frank). Now click Reset Password from the drop down menu. Reset thier password and you are good to go.

Note: A nice feature of MMC is you can force this user to change thier password when they next login. You do this by Right clicking the user and then clicking on the Properties option. From here, there will be a window with 3 tabs, you want the first tab. Select the check box "user must change password upon next login".

1) Run Command Prompt as Administator

2) Type net user to see a list of users.

3) Select the user of whom you want to change the password by typing net user user1 *
where user1 is the name of the user you want to select (eg. net user Bob *)

4) Now type in the new passowrd, nothing will show as you type, press enter when your done

5) Confirm the passowrd and type it again, then press enter again.

The password has been reset

Trouble Shooting: Cannot log in - password is incorrect

2008-10-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

Problem

John Smith cannot login to his Account, he recieves the error message " The user name or password is incorrect"

Hypothosis

Reset password running command prompt as Administrator.

Results of Hypothosis

retrieved information on the JSmith account by typing net user JSmith

Attempt 1: with results of failure caused from lack of knowledge on how to read scipt.

Atempt2: This is the correct form of 'how to reset the password, however here I come across another problem.

The Problem is that the Command Prompt will not allow me to imput any character, it will not respond, now that I have asked to reset the password.

Hypothosis on new problem

What what would happen if I pressed enter even though the command prompt wont respond to other inputs from the keybord?

Results of Hypothosis on new problem and Conclusion to original problem

The command prompt does not display any characters as you type the on new password prompt or on the confirm password promt.
If you ever type in characters and you forgot what they where you can press enter and it will take you the confirm passowrd prompt, press enter agian. It will then display the message "The passwords do not match." and it will skip a line and then begin the prompt again asking you to "type a new password for the user: ". Type the new password. Type it again for the confimation and if the passwords match for both inputs you will recieve the message "The command completed successfully".

As well you cannot save a file that is read-only you must right click the document and deselect the read-only check box.

I am sure who ever has just recently read this is laughing with great amusement at this fantastic learning process.

Scripting

2008-10-03T08:33:00.000-07:00

Symptom/ Challenge
How do I add multiple user accounts to windows Vista by scripting?

Hypothesis
Learn what scripting is?

Conclusion
This site teaches the basics to understand scripting
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/scriptcenter/hubs/start.mspx

1) Open notepad
2) write net user userx /add (eg. net user Rob /add)
3) save as bat file (eg. user.bat)
4) run the file as administrator

Reflection
In opening up command prompt as administrator you can see all the users
to get help type net user /?

2008-09-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

Know the cyber weather.
What is the internet threat level for today. click here

Hardware Raid

2008-09-17T09:32:00.001-07:00

Hardware RAID is using hardware that is dedicated to control the array, instead of doing array control processing using software.

Here is an interesting link
http://www.pcguide.com/ref/hdd/perf/raid/conf/ctrlHardware-c.htmlctrlHardware-c.html ctrlHardware-c.html

Hardware RAID has better system performance than the Software RAID
See the following link http://www.pcguide.com/ref/hdd/perf/raid/conf/ctrlSoftware-c.html