Tips and Tutorials 750 posts
Get the tips, tricks and in-depth tutorials on Cisco, Microsoft, Linux, and VMware technologies to help you build your on-the-job skills and prepare for your next certification exam.
Best of TechEd 2010: Chicago Windows User Group Presentation
By Ed Liberman ⋅ June 17, 2010 ⋅ One comment
I just finished giving my presentation on my three favorite TechEd 2010 presentations at our local Chicago Windows User Group meeting. Below are the slides from the presentation which include most of what I talked about including the links to TechEd resources that I thought would be valuable. What I focused on was my three [...]
How to Install Sun VirtualBox and Widows 7 in Ubuntu 9.10
By Veronica Henry ⋅ June 17, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment
For many of us, the decision to transition from Windows to Linux (or Mac to Linux) was a thoughtful, decidedly analytical process. For others — those that lean toward a more adventurous approach at new technology adoption, perhaps the decision was easier. But one challenge that both camps share is evaluating whether or not all [...]
How To ThinApp OpenOffice in 7 Easy Steps
By Steven Warren ⋅ June 17, 2010 ⋅ One comment
ThinApp is a VMware product that allows you to virtualize desktop applications. ThinApp 4.5 allows you to move to newer Operating Systems (OS) such as Windows 7 by virtualizing applications and removing all dependencies and links to the OS. With application virtualiztion, the applications are OS agnostic. ThinApp will basically package and combine applications into [...]
My Favorite Windows 7 Tips and Tricks for IT Admins
By J. Peter Bruzzese ⋅ June 16, 2010 ⋅ One comment
As promised, here’s a quick screencast from my Windows 7 at Mach 5 session from TechEd 2010 in New Orleans. In the video, I’ll show demo my three favorite Windows 7 tips and tricks: 1. how to manipulate your Windows Experience Index and review the full scope of the Windows System Assessment Tool (WinSAT) 2. [...]
Top Free Virtualization Solutions
By Sean Wilkins ⋅ June 16, 2010 ⋅ One comment
In the current market there are a number of different virtualization solutions available, some of which are open source and some of which are not. This article looks at three of the most popular open source solutions: OpenVZ, Oracle’s Virtualbox and Citrix’s Xen. The first thing that must be understood is that each of these [...]
VMware 101: Which VMware Products Are Right For You?
By Veronica Henry ⋅ June 15, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment
When we think of VMware products, most of us automatically think about their line of server products. Perhaps, most notably, vSphere. But the VMware portfolio is chock full of other products in the server, desktop, and cloud spaces. In this article we’ll take a look at the top VMware products so that you may better [...]
3 Easy Ways to Stay Up-to-Date with Virtualization
By Veronica Henry ⋅ June 15, 2010 ⋅ 3 comments
The topic of virtualization has exploded in recent years. Companies looking for ways to cut costs and reduce the complexity of their networks have all realized the benefits of consolidation and virtualization. There are many vendors including VMWare, Citrix and even Microsoft operating in this arena. You might find yourself overwhelmed and wondering how best [...]
What Would I Do With A Server In My Home?
By Steven Warren ⋅ June 13, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment
You’ve used servers in the office on a day-to-day basis. Now, it’s time to start using a server at home. With Windows Home Server, you can easily back up, access, share, and store all your family’s digital media. A server in every home is what the Microsofties are spouting about with Windows Home Server. Is it [...]
J. Peter Bruzzese Windows 7 Tips Session at TechEd 2010
By Gary Eimerman ⋅ June 9, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment
J. Peter Bruzzese’s session Windows 7 at Mach 5 just kicked off and it’s a packed house. We’ve got every seat filled, people sitting on the floor in front, standing room only around the exterior of the room and people are even out in the hallway looking in! The session is all about Windows 7 [...]
How Do I Install Windows 2008 Server Core?
By Steven Warren ⋅ June 9, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment
I spent some time with Microsoft going over Windows 2008 Server Core while at TechEd 2010. Server Core has many advantages. For one thing the install includes only the bare minimum resources and functions which improves security and makes the server easier to maintain. Because Server Core installs less there is less to manage and [...]
Microsoft’s Desktop Virtualization Offering
By Steven Warren ⋅ June 8, 2010 ⋅ One comment
If you are in the process of reviewing desktop virtualization offerings for your infrastructure, here is a cheat sheet on what Microsoft brings to the table. Let’s begin by defining desktop virtualization. Desktop virtualization is simply a way to separate a personal PC/Laptop environment from a physical machine through a client/server environment. Basically, a virtualized [...]
Top 10 Linux Distros
By Veronica Henry ⋅ June 3, 2010 ⋅ 4 comments
Back in the late 90′s, I tried Mandrake Linux. It was one of only a handful of distributions (or distros) at the time and as my job was too entrenched in Microsoft technologies, I didn’t make the switch then. Today that number has grown exponentially. According to Distrowatch, a website that tracks linux distributions, there [...]
VoIP Signaling Protocols
By Stelios Antoniou ⋅ June 2, 2010 ⋅ One comment
Now that you’re familiar with the VoIP essentials we can move on to VoIP protocols which are detailed in today’s article. Next time we’ll cover the VoIP Architecture, how to prepare your network for VoIP and how to activate VoIP which will get you to a good start with VoIP. Introducing VoIP Signaling Protocols Today [...]
How to Troubleshoot Common PC Hardware Problems: Part 2
By Mike Rodriguez ⋅ May 27, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment
In our last article, Troubleshooting Common PC Hardware Problems – Part 1, we went over some troubleshooting tips and ideas to follow for various hardware issues. So far, we’ve gone over what to do if your computer system won’t turn on, and how to identify POST (Power-On Self-Test) codes and their meanings. In this article, [...]
Top 9 Linux Productivity Tips and Tools
By Veronica Henry ⋅ May 26, 2010 ⋅ 3 comments
One of the benefits of Linux is its flexibility. You can customize virtually every aspect of the operating system to suit your needs. In order to assist those new to Ubuntu I’ve compiled a list of tools that will enhance your productivity: • Application/Task Launchers • Keyboard Shortcuts • [...]
How to Troubleshoot Common PC Hardware Problems: Part 1
By Mike Rodriguez ⋅ May 25, 2010 ⋅ 3 comments
When it comes to hardware, some techs may have trouble figuring out what steps to take to troubleshoot and repair the internal and external components of a computer system. Should you just replace the component? Should you try software troubleshooting first? Has the component gone bad, or the motherboard? And what’s with all this dust?! [...]
How to Implement IPv6 and Configure a Cisco Router to Use IPv6
By Tracey Wilson ⋅ May 20, 2010 ⋅ 2 comments
Implementation of IPv6 is spreading across the globe and network professionals are put in the spotlight as this new protocol is added to their organization’s network infrastructure. The CCNA 604-802 exam requires candidates to have a good understanding of IPv6 and how to implement the protocol. In my previous article, IPv6 Addresses: Form and Function, [...]
How to Create a Security Policy and Configure a Firewall
By Steven Warren ⋅ May 20, 2010 ⋅ 3 comments
As network security is becoming more important than ever, having a sound understanding of common firewall configurations and best practices for creating a security policy that fits your environment are also increasing in importance. Understanding what a firewall is, how it functions and how it can be used to your advantage is a good start [...]
Migrating From Exchange Server 2003 and 2007 to Exchange 2010
By Veronica Henry ⋅ May 19, 2010 ⋅ 4 comments
In my last post, we covered the new features of Microsoft Exchange Server 2010. It appears that many organizations are ready to take the leap and migrate to the new version. Today we take a look at the upgrade process from Exchange Server 2003 and 2007 to Exchange 2010. Migrating from Exchange 2003/2007 to Exchange [...]
CWNA Exam Prep: RF Antennas and Mounting Methods
By Mike Rodriguez ⋅ May 13, 2010 ⋅ One comment
Certified Wireless Network Administrator certifications are an invaluable asset in the enterprise networking job market. According to Certification Magazine’s 2009 Salary Survey, CWNAs earn an average of $94,150 in the Unites States. While many wireless technologies that are tested on the CWNA exams change rapidly as technology and security needs grow in terms of software [...]






