Static IT Solutions | Blog

Windows Home Server in a Small Business Environment

Jonathan — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:11:14 +0000

With our focus on small business IT support, many of our clients don’t use a server. Most of them run their business from a few computers on a small network. Sometimes your business just isn’t big enough to justify the expense of installing Windows Small Business server.

This approach, besides being a headache for your IT guy also put your company’s data at risk. While a group of PCs configured in a peer-to-peer environment will get the basics done they don’t provide much security or file management. This results in usability issues, reliability issues and sometimes even data loss.

Why don’t all businesses use them? Traditionally servers are expensive and often require someone with technical skills greater than your typical small business owner to setup and maintain.

Recently, Microsoft introduced Windows Home Server (WHS). This server was designed to make it very easy for users to set up and maintain. WHS consolidates all of the complex administration utilities used on a typical server — such as the capability to manage disks and create users — into a single, simplified interface. Numerous wizards walk you through most of the tasks you might need to perform, such as backing up your data, creating and sharing folders for storing and streaming your digital content, and securing your data through restricted user accounts. Windows Home Server provides small and home businesses with many of the same features found in high-end network servers, but at about a quarter of the cost. And since it was designed for people without extensive technical knowledge, it’s very easy to setup, administer and maintain.

I am beginning to suggest this as an entry level server for home and small office users. Here are the most important features that apply to small business owners.

Scheduled Image Backups

As a small business IT consultant one of my biggest challenges is backups. A failed hard drive or accidentally deleted file can be disastrous. With WHS, this is no longer a problem. After you have installed the Windows Home Server Connector on each PC, You are one wizard away from creating an automated backup schedule. Just make sure that your computer is switched on and connected to your network when the backup time arrives, and your backups will be performed automatically.

You can use these backups to restore individual files, folders and even for entire systems. WHS performs an image-based backup of your PC, just like Norton Ghost or Acronis TrueImage would. So in the event of a hard drive failure or unrecoverable Windows error, instead of having to reinstall Windows and all your applications and devices, all you need do is start the PC using the Windows Home Server Home Computer Restore CD and select the backup image you’d like to restore.

Remote Access

With minimal setup and a supported copy of Windows you can remotely connect to your office PC using the WHS Remote Desktop feature. This will allow you to work on your computer as if you were sitting directly in front of it. This lets you access e-mail, files, applications and printers from just about anywhere with an internet connection.

Centralized Storage and Management

With Windows Home Server you can add and remove users, grant them specific privileges and configure individual user accounts to access only the shared folders that they need access to.

One of the most flexible and economical features about WHS is the way it handles storage. Using a technology known as Drive Extender, WHS makes it incredibly easy to increase your storage capacity. Simply plug in additional drives, whether they are internal or external, and the server will automatically allocate the new space. You don’t need to partition or format the drive. They are all seen as one large storage space, regardless of whether you’re using one drive or six drives. The same is true if you want to remove a hard drive from the system. WHS handles everything automatically — including moving any data that may be stored on that drive to another drive. To help protect your data, you can duplicate folders across multiple drives. This way if one of your servers hard drives fail, your data will still be safe and accessible.

This is not a solution for everyone Windows Home Server supports a maximum of 10 users. I look at it as an easy way to start transitioning your systems to a server based platform at a fraction of the cost of implementing a full blown server. If you have more than 10 systems and no server you really need Microsoft Small Business Server.

Windows Home Server is available from several vendors including IBM, Acer and Hewlett Packard. They are small, use very little power, don’t require a keyboard, monitor or mouse and are very quiet and unobtrusive. The only thing the server requires is power, good ventilation and an Ethernet connection.

If you are interested in an entry level server and have only a handful of users, contact us about adding a Windows Home Server to your network. It could be one of the best business investments you make.

How to Clear Your Browser Cache

Jonathan — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 21:51:11 +0000

One of the most common problems with your web browser is due to a corrupted cache. Follow these instructions to clear both the temporary internet file and Java cache from your computer:

From the list of procedures below, perform the applicable steps for your computer platform (Windows or Mac OS) and browser type. When finished, remember to close and re-open all of your browser windows.

Clear Your Browser Cache (Windows)

Internet Explorer (Windows)
1. Click Tools > Internet Options.
2. Click the General tab.
3. Proceed to the next steps (applicable to your browser version).

Internet Explorer 7 and 8
1. In the Browsing history section, click Delete. A new dialog box appears.
2. In the Temporary Internet Files section, click Delete files, and then click Yes to confirm.
3. Once the files have been deleted, click Close to save your changes and return to the Internet Options dialog box.
4. In the Browsing history section, click Settings.
5. Ensure the Every time I visit the webpage option is selected, and then click OK to confirm.
6. Click OK to save your changes and exit the Internet Options dialog box.

Mozilla Firefox (Windows)
· Click Tools > Internet Options
· Click the Privacy icon
· Click the Clear button from the Cache section
· Click the OK button to confirm clearing of cache, and exiting of the Internet Options dialog box.

Clear Your Browser Cache (Mac OS X)
Safari (Mac OS X)
· Click Safari > Empty Cache
· Click the Empty button to confirm
Firefox (Mac OS X)
· Click Firefox > Preferences.
· Click the Privacy tab.
· Click the Clear Now button in the Private Data section.
Internet Explorer (Mac OS X)
· Select Explorer > Preferences.
· From the Web Browser list, select Advanced.
· Click the Empty Now button in the Cache section.
· Ensure that the Always option is selected in the Cache section.
· Click OK to exit the Internet Explorer Preferences dialog box.

Clear Your Java Plugin Cache
Follow these steps to clear the Java cache. These steps will clear the Java cache for all installed browsers.
Windows
· If your version of Sun Java is 1.5 and above, we recommend you follow the instructions on the Sun web site: http://www.java.com/en/download/help/5000020300.xml Note: If your operating system is Windows Vista and your Java version is 1.6 or higher, the instructions on the Java web site are still applicable. However, some of the dialog boxes and fields names will be slightly different than those shown in the procedure on that page.
· If you have an older version of Java, follow these steps:
1. Click Start > Settings > Control Panel
2. Click the Java Plugin icon
3. Click the Cache tab
4. Click the Clear button and click OK to confirm
5. Note: Please repeat this procedure for each “Java Plugin” button in your Control Panel
Mac OS X
1. Navigate to the Java folder from your hard drive: HD > Applications > Utilities > Java.
2. Open the Java Preferences application.
3. Click on the General tab.
4. Click the Delete Files button (under the Temporary Internet Files section).

What is our favorite antivirus program?

Jonathan — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:21:29 +0000

We get asked this question all the time and the answer is Microsoft Security Essentials. Why do we like it? First of all it’s easy, lightweight, integrates into windows update and it’s free. While Microsoft has had it’s ups and downs in producing quality anti virus software, this one changes the game. The main reason that we recommend it is that it works. Anti-malware testing group AV-Comparatives.org not only gave Microsoft Security Essentials a top rating for malware removal, but now they’ve given it their best ranking in their performance test as well.

AV-Comparatives.org ran a series of tests like downloading, extracting, copying, and encoding files, installing and launching applications, and they also ran through an automated testing suite as well. When it was all over, Microsoft Security Essentials was one of only three products that both blocks and removes malware well, but it’s also very light on system resources.

Out of all the products tested, Microsoft Security Essentials was the best-performing free antivirus solution, and one of only two that received “very fast” on each of the real-world tests, earning it their top award: an “advanced+” ranking.

I have been recommending this application to friends, family and clients for some time now and was very pleased to see MSE ranked alongside the top paid apps in both malware removal and performance.

Here is the article from PC Mag
http://blogs.pcmag.com/securitywatch/2009/12/av-comparatives_rates_anti-mal.php

Here is the report from AV-Comparatives
http://www.av-comparatives.org/comparativesreviews/performance-tests

Here is where you can download Microsoft Security Essentials
https://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

How do I change the default address book in Microsoft Outlook?

Jonathan — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:11:33 +0000

In many cases, Outlook will default to a blank Global Address Book. Most people use the Outlook Address Book. To change the default address book in Outlook for Windows, follow the steps below:
Outlook 2010
From the Find group on the Home tab, select Address Book.
In the Address Book window that appears, from the Tools menu, select Options… .
Under “When opening the address book, show this address list first:”, use the scroll-down menu to select the appropriate listing (i.e., Global Address Book, or Outlook Address Book).
To save the changes, click OK.
To close the Address Book, click the X in the top right corner.

Outlook 2007 and 2003
From the Tools menu, select Address Book… .
In the Address Book window that appears, from the Tools menu, select Options… .
Under “Show this address list first:”, use the scroll-down menu to select the appropriate listing (i.e., Personal Address Book, Global Address Book, or Outlook Address Book).
To save the changes, click Apply.
To exit, click OK.

How to use Autoruns for malware hunting.

Jonathan — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 00:57:00 +0000

One of my favorite tools for hunting malware is Autoruns from Sysinternls. When malware infects a computer it will register itself as an autorun in the registry. Autoruns are programs that start when the system boots up ensuring that the malware starts when Windows starts. Autoruns shows you these entries and allows you to remove them.

From the image you can see that there are lots of entries to look through. Here is how to find suspicious entries. First narrow down the list by clicking options and check Verify Code Signatures and Hide Signed Microsoft Entries.
Now scan the list looking for entries that are missing a description or publisher. If you are not 100% sure what it is, Google the entry and the search results should tell you if it is a malicious program. Once identified you can disable or delete the entry.

How to spot a Phishing scam

Jonathan — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:04:00 +0000

Phishing is electronic deception designed to steal your valuable personal data, such as credit card numbers, account data, passwords and other information.

Phishing messages take a number of forms, often appearing to come from a service that you trust like your bank, Internet Service Provider, credit card company or social networking site.
Phishing e-mails often include official-looking logos and other identifying information taken directly from legitimate Web sites and may include convincing details about your personal information that scammers found on your social networking pages.

No one is immune to these scams. The following example was recently received by numerous ISP customers and employees and includes six tell-tale signs of a phishing scam:

From: Technical Support Team [mailto:technsupportteam@mail2webmaster.com] (4)
Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2009 6:12 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients
Subject: Confirm your ISP (1) account information.

Dear ISP (1) Account Holders,

This is to inform all ISP account holders that upgrading/maintenance of our server has been schedule (3) for July 27, 2009 to help serve you better. You may experience login problems during this period. We are also having congestion due to the anonymous registration of accounts and on this note, we are deactivating some accounts that are no longer active and your account maybe (3) deactivated if no response to this e-mail within 1 week. (5)
To confirm and to keep your ISP account active during and after this upgrade and maintenance, you are advice (3) to e-mail your account information as below
* E-mail: (6)
* User ID: (6)
* Password: (6)
* Home/Office Address: (6)
* Date of Birth: (6)

Your ISP account shall remain active after we have successfully confirmed and upgrade (3) our server.

We apologise (3) for any inconvenience.

Thank you for your swift response to this notification.

Technical Support Team. (2)
Copyright © 2009
All Rights Reserved.

The six tell-tale signs – common to most phishing scams – included in the above example are:

Incorrect name or logo usage
Spacing and punctuation errors: often the result of careless “cut and paste” or “search and replace” functions – The success of these scammers rests with the volume of phishing, not necessarily the accuracy.
Misspelled words: often the result of a phishing scam originating in a country unfamiliar with our language and grammar
Misdirecting links: Check all links in an e-mail by moving your cursor over the link and then looking at your browser window. Phishing scammers frequently create legitimate-looking links that deceive viewers and misdirect them to another site altogether.
A sense of urgency, often coupled with a threat: features of phishing scams intended to scare the individual into acting quickly, without thinking the request through.
A request for your personal data: The main goal of phishing scams is the gathering of your personal data for financial gain. CenturyTel and other reputable businesses will not ask for your personal data via e-mail.

Please remember these six indicators of phishing scams and you will make it that much harder for the scammers to hook you.

How to block malicious websites using the HOSTS file

Jonathan — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:10:00 +0000

Malware is often bundled with browser hijackers. Browser hijackers redirect web browser to rogue websites. These websites are dangerous because they are the storefronts set up to sell fraudulent products and services. Depending on your browser settings some of the websites opened by browser hijackers are able to infect your computer without any notification.

Find and open the HOSTS file.The Hosts file is located in WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc.
Open the file using Notepad or any other text editor.

Type an entry containing the website you want to block.The entry must have two parts: an IP address and the address of the website you want to block.

Choose 127.0.0.1 as an IP address, leave a space and then type the address of the rogue website. Here’s an example:

You can find a very comprehensive blocklist at http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.txt

For more information on the hosts file and how it can be used check out my earlier post HERE

How to use MSCONFIG

Jonathan — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:42:00 +0000

MSCONFIG, the Microsoft System Configuration Utility, is a handy tool you can use to manage startup applications.

This application has been bundled with all Microsoft Windows operating systems since Windows 98 except Windows 2000 however Windows 2000 users can download the utility as well. MSConfig allows a user to modify which programs run at startup, edit startup configuration files, and simplifies controls over Windows services. To launch this application click on Run type in ‘msconfig‘ and enter. This command will only run for users who have administrator rights.

How to install Firefox from a command prompt

Jonathan — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:57:00 +0000

cmd
ftp
open releases.mozilla.org
anonymous
anonymous
cd pub
cd mozilla.org
cd firefox
cd releases
cd latest
cd win32
cd en-US
type imagel
cd C:\get “Firefox Setup 3.5.exe”
bye
exit

List of how to enable the wireless radio on most laptops

Jonathan — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:42:00 +0000

ACER

Acer (General) – FN+F5

Aspire 1000/1640Z/1690/2012 – Launch Keys above the keyboard

Aspire 16xx (General) the satellite-like launch button above the keyboard

Aspire 2000 Series (less Aspire 2012, See Above) – Button on the Front of the Laptop

Aspire 3005 on the lower right-hand side of your laptop

Aspire 3500 –

Aspire 5612 sliding button on the side of the laptop

Aspire 9302 the blue button on the left-hand side of the laptop

Aspire 94xx (General) the key found below the Lock key

Aspire One, in the lower right corner of the palm rest is a small strip with a picture of an antenna on it. An LED to the right of the strip lights to indicate the wireless is turned on.

Aspire One Series ZG5 – Extensa 2000/2500 Series – Far Right launch button above the keyboard

Ferrari 3000/3020/3400/4000 – Button on Front of Laptop

Travelmate C Series – Far Left hot key and then choose WLAN from menu that appears

ADVENT

7086/7096 – Button next to the power button

7100 /7104 – Fn+F2

7201 – Wireless key top Right and then Fn+F2

8117 – Small slide switch on the Front of Laptop

ALIENWARE

M17x – Fn+F2

ASUS

ASUS (General) – Fn+F2 (some models may have a seperate switch)

F5R – Toggle switch located on the Left side of the notebook

G1S – This laptop supports multi-model switching of the wireless and bluetooth radios via the key command Fn+F2:

1st press: On both Bluetooth / On WiFi

2nd press: Off Bluetooth / On WiFi

3rd press: On Bluetooth / Off WiFi

4th press: Off Bluetooth / Off WiFi

BENQ

Joybook 5000u-d09 – Fn+F12

DELL

General – Fn+F2 or Fn+F8 or Fn+F12

600m – Fn+ F2

E6400 on the right above the headphone and microphone ports, (next to “Dell Wi-Fi Catcher” button.)

Inspiron series (Less 5100, See Below) – Fn+F2

Inspiron 1510/500M/600M/1150 – Fn+F2

Inspiron 1505 – Wireless icon next to the time (lower right hand corner of screen) right-click & turn radio on.

Inspirion 1521 – Sliding switch (WiFi Catcher) is on the right side of the laptop (with light).

Inspiron 1525 – Wireless icon next to the time (lower right hand corner of screen) right-click & turn radio on. There may also be a little on/off switch on the side or front of the laptop that you need to check is on.

Inspiron 1720 – on/off switch on the left side of the laptop*

*Inspiron 5100 – No Built-in Wireless for this model

Inspiron 6000/8600/9300 – Fn+F2

Latitude D400/D500/D600/D610/D400/D500/D600/D610/D620/D800 – Fn+F2

Latitude D630 (D640 and Newer???) – toggle switch on the Left side towards the Front by the PCMCIA slots and headphone jack

Latitude E6400 – Fn+F2

Latitude X300 – Fn+F2Vostro 1500 – Big button on Left side at rear (No Fn+F# combo to toggle wireless on/off for this model.)

XPS1210 –

*Wifi activation on Dell d610*

Wifi on D610. You can also go to the BIOS by pressing F12 on boot,

In the WiFi section, choose 1 of the 3 options:

*(Off) (By Application) (By pressing Alt+F2)

E-MACHINES

E-machine (General) – FN+F2

E-System

3115 – Slide switch on Front of Laptop (Also has Fn+F5 function)

FUJITSU/SIEMENS

Fujitsu (General) – Fn+F10

Fujitsu/Siemens (General) – Use either the sliding “Wireless” button on the right-hand side of the laptop or use the Fn+F2 key comboSome models have the ON/OFF wireless button just below the touchpad.

*Amilo A & D Series – Button above the keyboard on top RightAmilo K Series – No Built-in Wireless for this model

Amilo L/EL Series – Fn+F1

Amilo La Series – Fn+F2

Amilo Li Series – Easy launch button (one of 3) on top of keyboard

GATEWAY

Gateway Laptop (Not Further Identified0 – Switch on side and then Fn+F2

7805u FX – Wireless toggle is on front right. Software switch is Fn+F2. Fn is not in normal position and is located on the bottom left of the keyboard where CTRL is typically located.

GERICOM

Cinema 16100 model use the Fn+F1 key combo

HP (HEWITT-PACKARD) / COMPAQ

HP/Compaq (General Older models) – Button on upper Left on keyboard deck

HP/Compaq (General Newer models) – Button on lower Left below keyboard

Compaq (General) Press and hold the antenna-button on the upper section of your keyboard

* Compaq Armada Services – No Built-in Wireless for this model

Compaq Pavilion ZX5190 – Wireless switch is on the keypad, slightly separate from the keys. It has a wireless symbol on it.

Compaq Presario – Button on the Back

Compaq Presario CQ Series – Button above the keyboard (antenna icon on button)

Compaq Presario M2000 – Button above the keyboard (antenna icon on button)

HP/Compaq 6910p Notebook PC above keyboard to left, 2 buttons to the right of the power button.(Wireless on/off LED is on the lower left. left of power/standby light.)

HP 600 – Button on lower Left below keyboard

HP NC4000/4010 – Button above Keyboard

HP NC4220 – Button on Left Side of Laptop Near USB Port

HP NC6000/6220 – Button above Keyboard

HP NX9010 – Button on Front side of Laptop

HP Omnibook 6200 – Button on Left side of LaptopI

BM / LENOVO

IBM General – Some models have the wireless slide button on the side of the laptop.

IBM DV series – use the antenna-like button found on the upper section of your keyboard.

IBM R40 – Use the Fn+F5 key-combo.

IBM Thinkpad (General) – Most have software switch or button on Left hand side.

IBM Thinkpad (model not further identified) wireless switch on Front edge of case.

IBM T43/X32 – Fn+F5 -Click “Turn On”

IBM ZD series use the antenna-like button just below the “Lock” key.

Lenevo – button on the front

On most models, Fn+F5 opens the menu to display the wireless radio statusLenovo T-61 – Slide button on the front of the laptop

Lenovo X61 – Front edge on the bottom half of the clam shell, to the right of center and facing somewhat downward as the bezel is beveled there.

MEDION

General – Fn+F1 or Fn+F2

MSI

General – Antenna-like button close to the power switch

U100 – Fn+F11

PACKARD BELL

Easynote B3600 use the Fn+F1

EasyNote E2/MV46/008 – Fn+F1

Easynote W7730, Antenna-like wireless button on the side of the laptop.

MZ36-U024 – Fn+F2

PHILIPS

General – Fn+F2 key combo

X54 – Antenna-like button close to the power switch.

SAMSUNG

General – Blue button found in the middle section of the keyboard

SHARPGeneral – Fn+F2

SONY

General – Software Switch, “Wireless Device Switch icon” in systems tray (Gray square labled LAN)

(Many models use both a physical and a software switch)

Sony Vaio (General) – Switch on front left

VAIO (General, not further identified) – Button (or slide switch) on the Front Left or Right side

VAIO – VGW-AW125T – Button on Front Left, below keyboard

VAIO – VGN-AX570G – Button on Front Left

VAIO – VGN-B2560 – On top left of Keyboard (light say’s wireless when on)

TARGA

Companion 811 – Fn+F2

TOSHIBA

General – Fn+F5 or Fn+F8 or physical switch

A100-078 – Sliding button on the right-hand side of the laptop

Eqium Series – Slide switch on Front of Laptop

Libretto Series – Slide switch on Left hand side

M1 & M2 – Switch on Left side of Laptop, towards Front

M40 and M70 – ON/OFF antenna-like button.

Portege & Qosmio Series – Slide switch on the Left hand side

Quantium Series – Slide switch on the Left hand side

R100 – Switch on Right side of Laptop

Satego Series – Slide Switch on the Right hand side

Satellite (General) – Physical switch on front of case, below keyboard deck, to left of center. (FN+F8 shows wether wireless communications is enabled or disabled. )

Satellite (Model Not further identified) – On the Front of case, below keyboard deck, to left of center, (may require Fn+F8 to turn on)

Satellite 1400/1405 – (may/maynot have wireless) For models w/wireless radios, right side of case, below Floppy Drive.

Satellite L355D-S7825 – switch is on the front edge of the case, below keyboard just left of center.

Satellite A60-S1662 – Slide switch on right side between USB Port and Mic & headphone jacks

Satellite Pro – On the Side or Front

TE2000 – Switch on Left side of Laptop, by volume control

Tecra 2100 – Switch on Left side of Laptop, by volume controlFN+F8 shows whether wireless communications is enabled or disabled. _____________________________________________________________________________For MAC/Apple Based ComputersMAC OS X 10.4.x (Tiger & Earlier)Open MAC Hard Drive > Applications > Utilities folder > Set the Configure pull-down to Airport. Make sure the “Airport Power:” says On. (This is the status or your Mac’s Airport card.) If not, click “Turn Airport On” button.

MAC OS X 10.5.x (Leopard)Click on the: Apple Icon > System Preferences > Network > Airport > Airport Power – On/OffAirport power can also be toggled off/on fom the WiFi idon on the top bar menu.

_______________________________________________________________
This list is a compilation of information gathered both internally and externally by numerous tech support agents from a variety of sources. It is not all enclusive and is subject to change as more information is gathered on both older and newer, makes and models of computers & wireless radio equipment. Please leave a comment if your model is not listed and we will add it as soon as possible.