Exchange Trouble Leads to Learning

Why is it that I always learn best by fire? Why can't I sit down with a tech book and read about issues, problems and tools BEFORE I have a fire to put out? Oh well, I don't. I usually only learn tech tricks by having to put out fires on the job. This was the case last week when our main Exchange server stopped sending mail and started to hold all the messages in the queues.
I had not had to track anything in the queues before this, so looking at and using the Message Tracking Center Tool was new to me. I found some useful information on how to do this at two sites; Computer Performance and Amset.info.
But for quick information on how to get to your queues, what you should see, and some quick troubleshooting tips I recommend these sites to get you started. And by all means, check out you queues, see how messages normally flow so that when you do have a problem you will know how things should work and may just be able to quickly resolve your trouble.

Symantec System Center Console

Pushing NAV to client PCs

I don't have to go into SSCC too often, and I tend to forget from time to time exactly how to push the client software to new computes, so I thought I would document it here and then if it helps someone else, well great.

After opening SSCC and unlocking my server group, I need to choose my server from the left hand pane. Once I have done that, I go up to Tools -> ClientRemote Install and accept the default option for the Location, then in the next box, I need to choose the PC names from the left box and move them to the right box. Once I have picked all the new PCs, I can click on the Finish button and NAV will install on the PCs that I chose.

The next step is to figure out how to add computers that aren't on the list. . .

Vista System Tray Trick

If you were looking for an awe inspiring article or some super helpful tips on how to run your network, I am afraid I am about to disappoint. But I have said from the first day I posted here that I would be putting tips up that I wanted to remember, and so that is what I am doing today.

Greg Shultz, a regular author over at the Microsoft Windows Blog on TechRepublic, posted a Windows tip for XP yesterday, so I thought I would post the Vista version of putting personalized text (only up to 12 characters) in the time area of your system tray.

1. Go to Start -> Control Panel -> Regional and Language Options2. From the Formats tab, chose the box at the bottom right labled "Customized this format."

3. Choose the Time tab from the box that pops up.

4. In the "AM symbol" and "PM symbol" you can add any text you want.

5. Apply your changes and ok your way out.

Burn an Autorun CD

Most people probably know how to create an autostart CD, but just in case someone doesn't know, or just in case I need to do this away from my work PC, I am putting the basics down with links that I need/use.

I like to create all of my CDs using a great little tool called UltraISO. I didn't get free CD creating software with my laptop, and I know this program already, so it is what I use. You can use whatever software you want to setup your files for burning. I have used Nero in the past with some success, but I like this program a bit better.

Once you have all of your files ready to burn, you will need to add a couple of files, including WinOpen. You can get a copy of these files plus better instructions than I have included here on the Duckware site. There lots of options with this program, so check the website for all you can do with this.

Hamachi Instant VPN

Ever since hearing about this great little tool from Steve Gibson's Security Now! podcasts I have gotten a ton of use out of Hamachi.

I needed to access my desktop from outside our NAT at my last job. I needed to let an Exchange consultant into our server here for a one time fix. I needed to change a setting on my backup job here on a server, but I was at home. I wanted to check my email from an insecure wireless access point in a public location.

There are times when you need a VPN solution that is not over complex or expensive, like the instances mentioned above. I have found that in these times, Hamachi does everything that I need it to do.

If you are new to VPN entirely, I recommend this site to help you get your head around the idea. If you know what a VPN is and you know you need one, give Hamachi a try. It is easy to install, very easy to use, and best of all, it is free for personal use.

Also, I highly recommend a subscription to Steve Gibson's Security Now podcast for anyone new to computer support who needs to get up to speed on all things security related.

Mac Inventory Software - iInventory v7.4

We need to be able to tell what software programs, and specifically which versions of programs, are installed on all of our Mac desktops and laptops, but the boss didn't want to purchase anything. So, here I am searching form something that will do the trick quickly and for free.

I found a program that I like, iInventory v7.4, but I will need to do some testing before the jury is in with their final decision. I am installing the client on two Macs right now. My two test systems are a brand new MacPro and a PowerMac, and so far so good.

I was able to create an agent to install on both systems, and was able to run and then import all of the information. The agent builder is easy to use, and the software itself is pretty intuitive. The software has a network scanning feature and says it is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux which does indeed seem to be the case. The program comes with some canned reports, but they are very basic and I will need to create custom reports after I clean the data up a bit.

Overall, great tool for free, and I have the option to upgrade to a paid version if I need/want to.

Free AV Tool - avast!

I needed AntiVirus (AV) for my new laptop, and since I hate Norton, I quickly uninstalled the free trial version that came pre-installed on my laptop and decided to give avast! a look.

I had read reviews and noticed that it had received several awards, and a quick look at their website indicated that I could use avast! 4 Home Edition free of charge. I quickly installed it, accepted the defaults, and have been happy ever since.

It has a very easy to use interface and works pretty well in the background without being too intrusive. The Home Edition comes with the following features: simple user interface, resident protection, P2P and IM shileds, network shield, web shield, automatice updates, integrated virus cleaner, and support for 64-bit windows.

I highly recommend this product if you are looking for a free tool to use on your home PC.

Facebook Widget Troubles

It seems Facebook is the latest toy that hackers are using to spread adware and malicious code.

According to an article posted yesterday at NetworkWorld, there is a widget called "Secret Crush" that you can add to your Facebook account. Just like most widgets, in order to use it you have to forward it on to some of your friends and encourage them to use it as well. After forwarding it on, it is supposed to tell you your secret crush.

The article says that the widget doesn't work and never does tell you about a secret crush. Instead, you are rewarded with spyware software that sends you ads.

One more way for my kids to wreak havoc on my home network. . .wooo hooo.

Fun with E-cards

So today was mostly about moving wires and jacks around for an office move that has to happen today, and other than getting to punch down a couple of jacks for the first time (phone and network), I don't have much tech info to share today.

I did however find a fun site that will let you send E-cards to your family and friends using their photos, or your own flickr photos. The site is delivr. I used a stock photo they had and emailed a Happy New Year card to my parents who quickly told me how much they enjoyed it.

Next up, making a personalized thank you card to my brothers to thank them for hosting the Christmas festivities! I could sure waste a lot of time with this fun gadget!

Searchers Beware

I am about to send out an email to all of my users, warning them to be very careful when they do a Google search.

I many different blogs this week about this problem. Alex Eckelberry over at Sunbelt blogged about this on Monday drawing much attention to the issue. Alex's article showed how a search on some common tech terms led to several exploits that could infect a system that is left vulnerable.

According to an article posted last night over at InformationWeek it seems that Google has deleted many of the malicious pages, but that the other popular search engines are being targeted as well.

This just serves to remind all us tech folks to keep telling our users that they simply have to make sure their operating systems are up-to-date, that they have anti-virus programs installed on all their PCs, and that they are always careful about web sites that they visit. I will have to be sure to also email this warning to all of those "non-paying" customers I have like Mom and Dad.

Great Site and YouTube Help

Last night my daughter asked me if I could download the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special to my ipod so she and her grandmother could watch it on the TV. She had found them online at YouTube but wanted to see them on the big screen. I said, "sure I can do that," before realizing that I had actually never done that.

I had read through a couple of articles and message board posts that had me wondering just how possible this task was, when a further look down my Google search page revealed that my favorite daily blog, lifehacker had an article and a recommendation for me.

I read and then quickly downloaded iTube (also called Ares Tube). I am very happy to say that it was incredibly easy then to download and import the YouTube clips I wanted. In no time at all I had my daughter and mother quite happily watching Charlie Brown, which got me in bed at a very decent hour.