From the category archives:
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous stuff!
How do you solve a problem like Maria? How do you explain an idea like AuTechHeads?
AuTechHeads doesn't fit well to the 'usual' user group mould. It never has.
The group has always been as much - or perhaps is more - an idea as anything else. How do you sell an idea to people? I still don't think we know a good answer to that question.
I recall that some time back, someone on Twitter suggested that we were a Microsoft website. It was patently absurd, but I couldn't help but ask why. Far from what I expected - the roots of the group's name would be obvious - the response was that our (then) website used so much blue.
Blue. Because Microsoft sites used a lot of blue. Being the person who shovelled the site together, I honestly can't recall the branding colours of any other company being a consideration at any point. In hindsight, I probably wouldn't get involved in such a ludicrous conversation nowadays. The site, and the group, is what it is. We're not owned by any vendor or company. Site costs come from our own pockets, and site ideas come from ...
who is AuTechHeads? are you a blogger, a technician, an industry professional?
Do you have things that make you passionate about technology that are outside the norm?
Why are you here? what could the site do for you?
These are the questions that I have in my head every time I write a blog post. I am here because I love technology. I love printers, scanners, computers, routers, unified communications, network design, helping people with technology, you get the idea.
What the site does for me is hel ...
who is AuTechHeads? are you a blogger, a technician, an industry professional?
Do you have things that make you passionate about technology that are outside the norm?
Why are you here? what could the site do for you?
These are the questions that I have in my head every time I write a blog post. I am here because I love technology. I love printers, scanners, computers, routers, unified communications, network design, helping people with technology, you get the idea.
What the site does for me is help me learn about stuff that normally I would never hear about. I love reading blog posts about real people using technology to help their clients or their companies. I learn from others on this site. The site is a gateway to experiences - your experiences, whether a new technology or old, a new way to approach a problem, using technology, or how you worked out that a specific product that you work with every day can do things that the rest of us never dreamed were possible.
If you blinked and missed it, I had a job. I don't right now, but am hoping to change this pretty soon. The following happened when I did.
I have told a couple of vendors to check out this site, see if they can get interested and perhaps contribute to the content. Out of the blue, recently, one popped up as a review for the products that they sell. It was, essentially, one great big ad.
Angrily, I phoned the local representative and blasted him for getting one of his people to put up a patently obvious ma ...
If you blinked and missed it, I had a job. I don't right now, but am hoping to change this pretty soon. The following happened when I did.
I have told a couple of vendors to check out this site, see if they can get interested and perhaps contribute to the content. Out of the blue, recently, one popped up as a review for the products that they sell. It was, essentially, one great big ad.
Angrily, I phoned the local representative and blasted him for getting one of his people to put up a patently obvious marketing piece. He was as angry as I - the particular vendor doesn't engage in that type of marketing as it sullies their image, which is never an ideal thing to promote for a short term exposure, long term condemnation.
The ad originated from a serial blogger overseas, and this is where it got a bit squiffy. (I like that word, even though it isn't real)
The site admin on autechheads had removed the article. no problems with that, the vendor was a bit relieved. We managed to ...
Get your KMS Server ready for your new Windows 8 clients and Server 2012 OS's!
Hi,
Now that Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 are out, any company that uses KMS keys needs to add the new ones from Microsoft's Volume Licensing Service Center https://www.microsoft.com/Licensing/servicecenter/Downloads/DownloadsAndKeys.aspx
First, there's a hotfix for your existing KMS server available here:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2691586/EN-US
Once you request the hotfix, get the email and download it, and install. The install will require a reboot, so if you've got this on a critical server you're going to have to schedule a reboot.
A few change request forms and approval signatures later, you'll be finally ready to add your shiny new keys in.
Now, here's the installation instructions from the link above:
Installation instructions
If you have a KMS host that is running Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 or Windows 7 SP1, follow these steps to perform an upgrade: Install this update (KB2691586). Restart the computer when you are prompted. ...
With Microsoft’s announcement and subsequent release of the
Microsoft Office 2013 preview last week, I’m sure many of you have downloaded
and installed the preview. Personally I am loving Office 2013 and using it on
all of my devices which range from a Samsung Slate to a Convertible Tablet connected
to dual 24inch Monitors. (but this is for another post)
Today Microsoft have released a critical patch for Outlook
2013 Preview that resolves a problem where mail was being unintentiuonally
de ...
With Microsoft’s announcement and subsequent release of the
Microsoft Office 2013 preview last week, I’m sure many of you have downloaded
and installed the preview. Personally I am loving Office 2013 and using it on
all of my devices which range from a Samsung Slate to a Convertible Tablet connected
to dual 24inch Monitors. (but this is for another post)
Today Microsoft have released a critical patch for Outlook
2013 Preview that resolves a problem where mail was being unintentiuonally
deleted from your Exchange Server.
The updates are available through the Microsoft Download Center and I’ve
included the links here for you:
MicrosoftOutlook 2013 Preview 32-bit
MicrosoftOutlook 2013 Preview 64-bit
...
what happens when a geek is introduced to amateur photography, gets a divorce, sells one house and buys another and starts working from home?
Hell in a handbasket time. With an extra helping of devils.
Whew.
I have just got a moment to update where I have been, what I have been doing and why I haven't visited for a while.
Firstly, I have been monitoring discussions here, but have not been in a position to respond. Earlier this year, I changed jobs. I have had 2 retrenchments in the same number of years (isn't the economy strong?) and my new employer has me working from home. This is not my idea of fun. Working from home is great if you are single, or have no kids. If you are married, it probably includes doing stuff around the house as your significant other thinks up ways to make your life hell. As it is, I have an ex-wife who feels that I am a babysitter for my kids on call. This is a big learning curve as that is not the case.
I am (still) working for an iSecurity distributor. I have had a very short time to understand some complex technologies, be in a position to explain them to resellers and yet, every day there is something new released for me to learn about. Many of ...
Today's blogpost is about password management. I have (what I think) is a
good solution that means you'll only need to remember a few small
details for all your online passwords.
(crosspost from my personal blog http://adamfowlerit.blogspot.com.au)
Hello,
Today's blogpost is about password management. I have (what I think) is a good solution that means you'll only need to remember a few small details for all your online passwords.
An entirely unexciting topic for most - including myself. You've all heard and possibly uttered phrases such as 'the longer the password the better' and 'use complicated passwords' which are of course true. Here's a blurb taken from Intel's Supplier Password rules via https://supplier.intel.com/Auth/PasswordRules.asp :
In order to protect your security, Intel has certain rules for choosing passwords.
Please read the following rules so that you will know how to choose a good password.
The following rules apply to all passwords:
The password must be at least 8 characters long.
The password must contain at least:
one alpha character [a-zA-Z];
...
A new friend in the System Center MVP stable!
While AuTechHeads isn't focused specifically on Microsoft technologies,
it's certainly a big part of the IT landscape in the ANZ region, and we do have our share of Microsoft experts around the joint. I didn't get around to posting this earlier, but I was privileged earlier this month to be introduced to a new MVP for System Center Cloud and Datacenter Mangagement, Rob Ford!
In line with the System Center 2012 release, Microsoft recently rolled the various MVP areas for System Center up to just two - System Center Cloud and Datacenter Management, and System Center Client Management and Security. Client Management and Security covers Configuration Manager and Endpoint Protection, while Cloud and Datacenter Management covers the rest of the System Center suite. My own MVP award for Data Protection Manager was therefore rolled up into the Cloud and Datacenter Management area, and until now I was the only one in Australia and New Zealand.
I don't have a full bio for him, but Rob specialises in S ...
This review will not use the word 'Phablet' or 'Tone' to describe this device.
Hi readers,
I have been trialling out the new Samsung Galaxy Note. For those of you who haven't heard or seen this phone before - it's huge. Huge compared to any other phone you've seen with a 5.3” WXGA (1280 x 800) screen. Check out the official specs here: http://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/galaxynote/note/spec.html?type=find
The first thing that came to my mind when deciding if I wanted to test this device was this Dilbert comic:
Source: http://www.dilbert.com/2012-02-23/
So, can a device still be a good phone, while being large enough to be a tablet? After playing around with it for a while, my personal answer is 'yes', but it's still not the best solution for every scenario.
The first thing I noticed about the phone after taking it out of the box, was the size. Suprisingly the phone is quite light, thin and study despite this. After realising I also needed to put the battery in, it was still quite light. Pow ...
Data. We save it, store it, back it up and access it as we need to. We grow larger and larger storage capabilities to fit it in, we implement backup regimes with SAN / NAS and Virtual Tape Libraries to avoid "slow" transfers to tape. We end up using tape anyway. Security is often overlooked as the clients are complacent, but now is the time to at least educate them of alternative options. There is no such thing as too much security, each vendor has a role to play in an environment, and they are only too happy to assist.
Data. We save it, store it, back it up and access it as we need to. We grow larger and larger storage capabilities to fit it in, we implement backup regimes with SAN / NAS and Virtual Tape Libraries to avoid "slow" transfers to tape. We end up using tape anyway.
How many companies and departments have a disaster recovery solution in the works, either being implemented or planned? What happens if that strategy is called into action due to a hardware failure or malicious action?
If I told you that the main cause of data loss through deletion or removal by malicious action is actually from an internal source, ignoring the Internet and external users for a moment, how can you ensure that it doesn't happen? What implementations are there in the market that account for internal user attack?
Most firewalls sit at the gateway. they probe for signatures that identify external behaviours, they don't look back in. If the user is behind the gateway and firewall, in the "safe" zone, how can a sy ...
Intregration is a scary thing to many Admins and Engineers...
Hi,
An opinion piece here, so please poke holes and post criticisms below.
Lately I have been going through a lot of system changes at work. That is to say, more than normal, and most at the early stages. We've been stuck in a state of limbo, mainly because the several systems we want to upgrade or change all talk to each other in one way or another. I'll first briefly outline one house of cards, and then move to what should have been done better, generally speaking (or typing as the case may be).
We are on Exchange 2007, and want to go to Exchange 2010. That's not too difficult you may think, you can build your whole new Exchange environment and move a few mailboxes over for testing, then just do a mass mailbox migration over the weekend and everything's great.
This would be true, if several other systems weren't leveraging off of Exchange 2007. Firstly, voicemail. Our phone system will pass unanswered calls through to the Unified Messaging Exchange 2007 server, which means ...
So the last post I wrote was 3 months ago. A lot changes in 3-months. The products I was advocating at the old company (they retrenched me for commercial reasons) are still there, and are great, I am just not selling them anymore.
One of the comments on my old post about backup hit a chord. It was about small users, backups and tapes.
I am a mac user. I have been for several years, even when I was only using a PC, I would skin it up to look like a mac. (sad, right?) Anyway.
Apple gives all apple users a ...
So the last post I wrote was 3 months ago. A lot changes in 3-months. The products I was advocating at the old company (they retrenched me for commercial reasons) are still there, and are great, I am just not selling them anymore.
One of the comments on my old post about backup hit a chord. It was about small users, backups and tapes.
I am a mac user. I have been for several years, even when I was only using a PC, I would skin it up to look like a mac. (sad, right?) Anyway.
Apple gives all apple users a product called time machine. Smart mac salespeople convince you to buy an external hard drive. So I back up once a day, all my data is duplicated and goes into the drive. PC users have similar options, home users back up so as to save valuable photos & documents.
The basics of backup are there.
What happens when a small to medium business has lots of data? Do they:
a) Back up every day?
b) Backup once a week?
c) Backup every day to th ...
Quick post to let everyone know that the AuTechHeads are getting together for social drinks on December 3, 7pm after Infrastructure Saturday. We're meeting at the Villager in Brisbane.
All
AuTechHeads members are welcome, attending Infrastructure Saturday
is
not a prerequisite so please spread the word and RSVP ....
Hi All,
Quick post to let everyone know that the AuTechHeads are getting together for social drinks on December 3, 7pm after Infrastructure Saturday. We're meeting at the Villager in Brisbane.
All
AuTechHeads members are welcome, attending Infrastructure Saturday is
not a prerequisite so please spread the word and RSVP so we can book the
venue with correct numbers.If you're a new member or you're looking to meet some new people in the group please come along and introduce yourself.
If you're interested in sponsoring this event or future events please get in touch with any of the core team members.
Where: The Villager, 185 George Street, Brisbane
When: 7pm - lateWhat: Drinks (Beer & Wine) + Snacks & a lucky door prize all sponsored by TechSmith !
Numbers are limited
RSVP by November 30
It’s that time of year again…for the first time. Monday
night will herald the first AuTechHeads Melbourne MeatupTM. We hope
you can join us for what is sure to be the first of many fantastic foody and
geeky occasions. There's a rumour floating around that the one and only Mr Jeff
"Jeffa" Alexander, Microsoft IT Pro Evangelist, will be joining us
for the festivities. Please come along for a fun evening of geekery and eatery!
Yes, we know it's next Monday, and a school night, but
hopefully ...
It’s that time of year again…for the first time. Monday
night will herald the first AuTechHeads Melbourne MeatupTM. We hope
you can join us for what is sure to be the first of many fantastic foody and
geeky occasions. There's a rumour floating around that the one and only Mr Jeff
"Jeffa" Alexander, Microsoft IT Pro Evangelist, will be joining us
for the festivities. Please come along for a fun evening of geekery and eatery!
Yes, we know it's next Monday, and a school night, but
hopefully we will see you there!
Venue has been confirmed as Squires Loft City Steakhouse at
12 Goldie Place, Melbourne 3000, booked for 7.30PM. RSVP is mandatory for numbers reasons, so
please use the registration form below or tweet us. Please hit either @hjmcmanus or @chrisbrownie
up on Twitter.
Officical hashtag is #MelbourneMeatUp so check it out!
Link to map of venue here.
...
Having issues with the battery life in your iPhone 4S? Take a read of these tips to try and improve your battery life.
If you had a read of my iPhone 4S review, you would have noticed my mention of the poor battery life. Since I posted, the battery life has hovered between dodgy and horrible. This has also been noticed by a lot of users - in fact there is a 192-page thread on the Apple forums about it, with plenty of suggested fixes. After trying a number of these, I *seem* to have nailed the problems. I won't guarantee these as complete fixes - as I'll detail later, I think there is more afoot than just a few settings. First, I'll bore you with a bit of history, my first day with the iPhone 4S.
After reading about the improved battery life in the 4S, I had a great first day with the phone. After actually getting it and turning it on from about 8:30am, playing with it for the morning, and then doing a full restore from my old phone. Apart from the charge while the restore was going on, I didn't charge it for the rest of the day. Played lots with it in the afternoon and had about 10% charge left by 11pm that ...
If you've been living under a rock, you would probably know that Apple released the iPhone 4S on the 14th of October, to much noise and hullabaloo. I was one of those who trekked out early to pick one up on the day of release. Now the noise has gone away, and I've had it for just over a look, let's take a look at it and see how it goes.
If you've been living under a rock, you would probably know that Apple released the iPhone 4S on the 14th of October, to much noise and hullabaloo. I was one of those who trekked out early to pick one up on the day of release. Now the noise has gone away, and I've had it for just over a look, let's take a look at it and see how it goes.
As a point of reference, I had an iPhone 3GS for over 2 years, didn't upgrade when the 4 came out, and have been struggling with iOS 4 on the slower processor for some time. So naturally, an upgrade to a 4S would be a sizeable one, regardless of the features of the new phone.
Image (c) Apple, 2011
The Apple iPhone 4S is the latest smartphone from Apple. In many ways an upgrade from the iPhone 4, the new device sees Apple enter the dual-core mobile processor era, with the 1GHz A5 dual core chip with 512MB RAM. Apple claim the A5 processor improves graphics performance by up to 7 times, and while it's hard to ga ...
Geekin' Out At The Chalk - SMBiT Professionals Brisbane, in association with Alan Burchill and Bryce Telfer, present:
Sunday Spotlight Streaming Session 10:00 - 17:00, 23 October, 2011
G'day All (and anyone else listening in),
Just a heads up to let you know that SMBiT Professionals Brisbane is running a Spotlight Session this coming Sunday (2011-10-23) at the Chalk Hotel in Woolloongabba where we're delving into Group Policy with Alan Burchill and Remote Desktop Server with Bryce Telfer as related (in particular) to an SBS 2011 environment.
The event will be streamed live for financial SMBiT Professionals members in our SharePoint site, under the Brisbane sub-site.
For everyone else, the event will be streamed free (of cost, password, however not advertisements) at:
http://www.justin.tv/hiltont
http://www.Ustream.tv/channel/SMBiTPro-Brisbane
So, feel free to get your geek on with us this weekend - the show starts around 10:00 AM and will be over just in time for us to watch the Rugby Union final! :)
...
The new Telstra 4G service, read inside to find out my initial experience and quick tests to see how it performs.
Hi,
Thanks to Telstra, I've been given a 4G card to trial - so let's see how we go! This is just a quick 'Out of the box' experience and not intended as a full review or guide.
First, I've put the SIM into the rather short and fat 4G modem, and plugged that into my laptop. It's autodetected and kicked off an installer. Several minutes later, the installer is done and launches the Telstra Mobile Broadband app! But, it's saying 'Cannot detect SIM card'. What have I done wrong?
I pull out the modem, open it up and switch the SIM card around the other way. It's not too clear as to which way it's supposed to go, but looking at the manual it does confirm I had it incorrectly inserted. Back in it goes, and look it's now detected and showing me signal strength! I click the 'Connect Now' button and am instantly connected.
The Telstra Mobile Broadband program pops up a top news story, as well as giving me links for some Online Services - BigPond H ...
In the month of November, join Shane Hoey (PowerShell MVP) and Chris Brown as they run some free (as in free beer) PowerShell virtual workshops. If you're interested in learning or refining your PowerShell skills, or you know of any system administrators who may be, this could be well worthwhile.
In the month of November, join Shane Hoey (PowerShell MVP) and Chris Brown as they run some free (as in free beer) PowerShell virtual workshops. If you're interested in learning or refining your PowerShell skills, or you know of any system administrators who may be, this could be well worthwhile.
PowerShell is undeniably revolutionising the way we administer systems, and will, in no time at all, be a mandatory skill for sysadmins everywhere. If you’ve not learned it yet, have a passing interest, or would like to brush up on your skills, please sign up below (did I mention, it’s free?).
Please click here and check out our website, PowerShell Down Under for more info!
...
Backups are the difference between happy management & upset management with unemployed staff. Better to do it than not, after all, what have you got to lose?
A few years ago, I had a coffee cup that stated, with a picture of a homeless man busking: "Software Meltdown, Data Destroyed, Didn't do no Backup, Now I'm Unemployed". I used to trot that cup out at meetings with clients, vendors, you name it, the cup was at nearly every meeting I attended. Then it crashed. I didn't drop it, it just died when I was on holidays. When I bought it, there were two cups exactly the same. A smart bet would have been to buy the second cup as a backup when this exact situation occurred. I didn't. When the cup was cracked and unusable, I realised that my attitude was that I would be ok, it would last forever.
I treated data exactly the same way, up until the day the cup broke. I kept everything locally, I didn't use the H: drive set up on the server for me, I didn't even bother to save my Outlook PST file. As is the way with data, it grew. the outlook data grew until one fateful day, without warning, it crashed the system. When I rebooted, I got the chilling message that a ...