Archive Page 5
Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2) is a cumulative service pack that includes the latest updates and provides enhancements to security and stability. In addition, it adds new features and updates to existing Windows Server 2003 features and utilities. SP2 can be installed directly on the following operating systems:
- Windows Server 2003, x64 Editions
- Windows Server 2003 R2, x64 Editions
- Windows Server 2003 Compute Cluster Edition with Service Pack 1
- Windows Server 2003 Storage Server R2, x64 Editions
- Windows XP Professional, x64 Edition
- Windows Server 2003 Itanium-based Editions
- Windows Server 2003 Editions (all 32-bit x86)
- Windows Server 2003 R2 Editions
- Windows Storage Server 2003 R2 Editions
- Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2
Download: Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 for x64 Editions
Download: Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 for Itanium-based Systems
Download: Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (32-bit x86)
I was recently asked to install backup software on our support staff’s computer. The software not only had to be able to backup the contents of the My Documents folder but also synchronize with the backup file server and vice versa.
My first thought was to use XXCOPY and run a scheduled task every evening. However, I recently read about SyncToy, an easy to use application developed by Microsoft that allows you to backup and synchronize with just a click of a button.
SyncToy can backup files in the following way:
- Sync Copies new and updated files in both directions. If you rename or delete a file in one folder, that action is replicated in the other.
- Echo Copies new and updated files, and performs deletes and renames only from the left folder to the right.
- Subscribe Copies updated files from right to left, and only if the file already exists on the left. Changes made on the left will not be replicated to the right.
- Contribute Copies new and updated files on the left to the right, while ignoring deletions.
- Combine Keeps multiple machines in lockstep by copying files that exist on one side but not the other. Files that are deleted or renamed on either side are not affected or replicated.
The software also understands UNC file naming (e.g. \\MyServer\Joe_Blogs\My Documents Backup\) as well as local drive mappings and paths (E:\MyDocs_Backup).
The only issue that I came accross was that SyncToy needs the .NET Framework installed before it can run.
Once installed I configured SyncToy to backup the My Documents folder to the server. The backup took only a couple of minutes, which was impressive considering that it had to transfer a couple of gigabytes of data across the network. Next time the backup is run it will only need to change the files that have recently been updated, so that should only take a couple of seconds.
Download: SyncToy
Download: .NET Framework
UniveRSS is a 3D RSS feed reader for Windows Vista. It leverages the Windows Presentation Foundation and provides a stunning way of visualizing RSS feeds and their content. It introduces a full-screen 3D universe where galaxies represent the folders of your RSS feed directory, and the stars are represented by the spinning cubes that hold the feed information. Size and position of the feed cubes indicate how many unread items they contain.
UniveRSS - a 3D Vista RSS reader
I bet you didn’t know that Microsoft Windows Vista includes a two-way firewall.
Unfortunately, the outbound filtering has been disabled. I’m not quite sure why Microsoft made this decision but from a security point of view it would have made perfect sense to have it enabled by default. I suspect it’s due to Microsoft not wanting to frustrate customers when their internet dependent applications suddenly stopped working.
Windows Vista Firewall: How To Turn On Outbound Filtering
- Click the Start Button (Windows Orb)
- In the search bar type “wf.msc” and press the Enter key
- Click the Windows Firewall Properties link
- Change Outbound connections from Allow (default) to Block
From the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security properties you can also configure additional rules for incoming as well as outbound connections.
At the bottom right hand corner of the Windows Vista desktop you will see the Network and Sharing Center icon.
The Network and Sharing Center allows you to take control of your computers’ network connectivity. It’s an area where you can check the connection status and visually view your network. It can also be used for network troubleshooting.
How To Animate the Network Icon in Windows Vista
Right click the Network and Sharing Center icon and select Turn on activity animation. This feature is particularly useful when troubleshooting data transfer problems.
Have you ever wanted an @msn.com email address without having to sign up to their MSN internet service?
It’s pretty simple. The link below will take you directly to the Microsoft website that will allow you to register for an @msn.com email address.
Obtain @msn.com email address
In this tutorial I will be showing you how to backup and restore your Microsoft Outlook email.
Firstly I’ll explain what the file is that we’re backing up. The Personal Folder file (.pst) is place where Outlook stores all of its data. The (.pst) file usually contains the Inbox, Sent, Deleted, Calendar and Contacts folders. When you backup this file you will be backing up all of your Outlook information.
How To Backup Outlook Email
- In Microsoft Outlook. Click File > Import and Export
- You will now see The Import and Export Wizard
- Select Export to a file. Click Next
- Select Personal Folder File (.pst). Click Next
- Select the folder that you wish to backup. This is usually Mailbox – Your Name
- Click the Browse Button and choose a location to save the file *Hint – Save to desktop. Click Finish
- Name the file and Select No Encryption. Click OK
You have now created a backup of your Outlook file. As an extra backup precaution, I suggest burning the file to a CD or DVD.
How To Restore Outlook Email
- In Microsoft Outlook Click File > Import Export
- Select Import from another program or file. Click Next
- Select Personal Folder File (.pst). Click Next
- Browse to the (.pst) file that you want to import. Click Next.
- Click Finish
Microsoft has also released an automated backup utility, which allows you to schedule regular backups of your Personal Folders file.
Outlook 2003/2002 Add-in: Personal Folders Backup
In older versions of Windows you would usually have to buy third party software to be able to partition your hard disk from within Windows. In Microsoft Windows Vista you can now resize partitions from the new Disk Management console.
How To Resize Partitions in Windows Vista
- Click the Start Button (Windows Orb)
- Right click on Computer and then select Manage
- If prompted by User Account Control, click Continue
- In the Computer Management console tree, expand Storage and then click Disk Management
- Right click on the partition that you wish to resize and select either Expand or Shrink to change the size of the partition
Microsoft has said that partitions can be resized without the fear of data loss. However, to be safe rather than sorry always backup your data first.
Have you ever accidentally deleted, saved or modified a file which you were working on but failed to back it up?
Microsoft Windows Vista includes a useful technology called Shadow Copy, which allows you to restore your document to a previous state. Shadow Copy creates a snapshot of your files as you work on them, this will allow you to retrieve your work if it’s been accidentally deleted.
In Windows Vista, Shadow Copy is automatically enabled by default and creates copies of your files on a scheduled basis. Only incremental changes are saved, so minimal disk space is used.
To access Windows Vista Shadow Copy:
- Right click a file or folder and select “Restore previous versions”
- Select the file that you wish to restore
- Click Restore…
The file will be restored its original location.
Note* Restore will restore the old file. The newer version will be deleted.
There maybe a time when you need to use Windows Live Messenger from work or at school but you are unable to do so because it’s either blocked by a firewall or your unable to install it.
To get around this you can use MSN Web Messenger from a web browser. All you need to do is temporarily disable any pop up blocking software that you have installed, enter your username and password and you can message your family or friends directly from within the browser.
Compatible Browsers:
Internet Explorer
Mozilla Firefox
Note* I’m not encouraging you to bypass the rules that your organisation or school has in place regarding instant messaging. The above scenario is for example purpose only.
