Hello All,
These past 22 days have been GRUELING (except for last night). Studying 7 days a week, sleeping for 4-6 hrs a night, and repeating it for 22 days has worn out my body and my mind.
I took my final test today, Advanced IOS Unified Communications (VoIP) and passed with a 906. One of the hardest tests, however, I had the most time to prepare for this one.
In all, out of the 20 people who started only about 7 of them are going to leave with their certifications complete. This is still pretty good considering the last time I took my certifications, only 3 people out of 22 passed.
Cisco certifications are hard, very hard. I was reading in one college course that I could get my CCNA within a year. A YEAR!!! We do it here in a week. I was here for just over 3 weeks, and that covered 3 years of materials, they say.
I'd really like to hear from others on their certification experiences. For me, this is the hardest thing I have ever done. Some have shared with me...."I could go take all the tests in an afternoon, all 7 of them...because I know a lot about technology..only I have no incentive" I say HOGWASH! I don't know anybody who has ever taken a recent technology certification class/test who has come out saying, "That was easy!"
Anyway, it is done for another 3 years. Yep, 3 years is all the longer a Cisco certification lasts. There have been A LOT of new features and functions introduced in the past 3 years. While I was here, I was also remoted into work about 50% of the time during the day, and nearly ALWAYS at night. I changed roughly 1500 total lines of IOS statements. I changed a few routing protocols, removed Rapid-PVST+ and installed MST, put in VRRP, turned off some times, turned on other things. Overall, I am seeing about a 25% increase in performance.
So...goodbye from Ft. Lauderdale. It has been nice. Too bad we didn't get to enjoy the 70-80 degree weather.
Tom
Monday, November 22, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Day 16, CCNA/CCDA/CCDP/CCNP renewal, Fort Lauderdale FL
Hello all,
It has been a while since my last post. Let me show you why.
We are moving into the troubleshooting phase of the class. They pretty much take everything we learned, put us in front of a problem and say "Go fix it"
As I said in a previous post, this ain't easy. Five people out of 20 didn't pass the last test. The next test, tomorrow, 10 people aren't even going to attempt. This next test is a switching test. How hard can switching be? :)
If the only thing that someone is familiar with is 2 or 3, or even up to 100 computers/devices, switching is pretty much easy. Plug it in and turn it on. You don't have to worry about BPDU's, spanning tree loops, DHCP snooping, or any of the 100's of other issues that could happen. Once you get into the 100+ devices or multiple locations, layer 2 and layer 3 routing, and all the appropriate paths REALLY become an issue. What about Access Lists, Dyanmic NAT overload, EIGRP Stub and Sotally Stubby, or the Totally Not So Stubby routing protocols with summary addresses. Maybe routing protocol redistribution from OSPF into EIGRP. Now some may say, "But Tom, this is ROUTING!" A HA! Not layer 3 switches with InterVLAN routing. :)
In the long run, I do this all to be able to provide the very best to the Campbellsport School District.
As you see from the picture, I have my computer on. While I have been studying, and literally in class from before sun-up until after sun-down, and then usually until past midnight, I have been working remotely. Granted, I haven't been doing ALL of the same things I would have been doing if I didn't have to study for the tests, but I still have been doing a lot. I just compared all the code that has been changed on all the switches and routers since I have been gone; over 1500 lines of code changes!
And, for you techies, my most popular thing to type has been, "reload in 30" :) (This will reload a device in 30 minutes and restore the previous working config if what I type was bad).
Going to be a long night tonight.
Tom
It has been a while since my last post. Let me show you why.
As I said in a previous post, this ain't easy. Five people out of 20 didn't pass the last test. The next test, tomorrow, 10 people aren't even going to attempt. This next test is a switching test. How hard can switching be? :)
If the only thing that someone is familiar with is 2 or 3, or even up to 100 computers/devices, switching is pretty much easy. Plug it in and turn it on. You don't have to worry about BPDU's, spanning tree loops, DHCP snooping, or any of the 100's of other issues that could happen. Once you get into the 100+ devices or multiple locations, layer 2 and layer 3 routing, and all the appropriate paths REALLY become an issue. What about Access Lists, Dyanmic NAT overload, EIGRP Stub and Sotally Stubby, or the Totally Not So Stubby routing protocols with summary addresses. Maybe routing protocol redistribution from OSPF into EIGRP. Now some may say, "But Tom, this is ROUTING!" A HA! Not layer 3 switches with InterVLAN routing. :)
In the long run, I do this all to be able to provide the very best to the Campbellsport School District.
As you see from the picture, I have my computer on. While I have been studying, and literally in class from before sun-up until after sun-down, and then usually until past midnight, I have been working remotely. Granted, I haven't been doing ALL of the same things I would have been doing if I didn't have to study for the tests, but I still have been doing a lot. I just compared all the code that has been changed on all the switches and routers since I have been gone; over 1500 lines of code changes!
And, for you techies, my most popular thing to type has been, "reload in 30" :) (This will reload a device in 30 minutes and restore the previous working config if what I type was bad).
Going to be a long night tonight.
Tom
Friday, November 12, 2010
I PASSED! Day 12, CCNA/CCDA/CCDP/CCNP renewal, Fort Lauderdale FL
Hey all,
PHEW!!!! Pressure is off for a bit!
I passed my CCNP routing test with a 933. Not the highest score in the class, but the others had a little help.
I was one of the first 5 people in the test center, and the first one out. I came out of the test ~30 minutes after I started. We get 2 hrs to take the test. Some of the people thought I had a problem with the computer. When they came out they said, "DAMN!"
There were a few questions on the test that nobody expected, while I didn't share the 'actual' question, I was able to share enough so that some other people did better.
With the pressure off today, I came back to the room and crashed from 2-7 pm. Some of the guys came and got me, we sat out by the pool for a while and then went out to eat. Got to relax a bit, at least until tomorrow.
So now, with the levity. Anyone who knows me KNOWS I am not the stereotypical computer guy. I usually am the outspoken, to the point, and most of the time an offensive loudmouth who seems to always bring a gallon of fun to the party. I usually tell people that if I have offended them, "I am sorry!" and if I haven't offended you yet it is coming. :)
I have been getting a lot of teasing this boot camp. More than typical. Some of the old nicknames came up but I have some new nicknames too. Trust me, I give it right back. So far, none of the nicknames have really stuck yet, but there is always tomorrow. Still, I can lay my certificate on the table and say, "Beat that." :D
5 people didn't pass the test today, and these are guys who ONLY do this stuff. Day after day, they sit on a bunch of routers and switches and just configure, update, and manipulate packets. Feels pretty good to know, as one person said, "You got some serious skills, Rainman!" Yep, my metric is 100000 10 255 100 1500. :) (Trust me, that is funny)
Tom
PHEW!!!! Pressure is off for a bit!
I passed my CCNP routing test with a 933. Not the highest score in the class, but the others had a little help.
I was one of the first 5 people in the test center, and the first one out. I came out of the test ~30 minutes after I started. We get 2 hrs to take the test. Some of the people thought I had a problem with the computer. When they came out they said, "DAMN!"
There were a few questions on the test that nobody expected, while I didn't share the 'actual' question, I was able to share enough so that some other people did better.
With the pressure off today, I came back to the room and crashed from 2-7 pm. Some of the guys came and got me, we sat out by the pool for a while and then went out to eat. Got to relax a bit, at least until tomorrow.
So now, with the levity. Anyone who knows me KNOWS I am not the stereotypical computer guy. I usually am the outspoken, to the point, and most of the time an offensive loudmouth who seems to always bring a gallon of fun to the party. I usually tell people that if I have offended them, "I am sorry!" and if I haven't offended you yet it is coming. :)
I have been getting a lot of teasing this boot camp. More than typical. Some of the old nicknames came up but I have some new nicknames too. Trust me, I give it right back. So far, none of the nicknames have really stuck yet, but there is always tomorrow. Still, I can lay my certificate on the table and say, "Beat that." :D
5 people didn't pass the test today, and these are guys who ONLY do this stuff. Day after day, they sit on a bunch of routers and switches and just configure, update, and manipulate packets. Feels pretty good to know, as one person said, "You got some serious skills, Rainman!" Yep, my metric is 100000 10 255 100 1500. :) (Trust me, that is funny)
Tom
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Day 11, CCNA/CCDA/CCDP/CCNP renewal, Fort Lauderdale FL
Hey All,
Sort of quick update. "Re-Certification" is suppose to be easier that straight certification, right? WRONG! I am finding it just as difficult this time around as I did the first time. MANY things changed, or were just added because, as we know, technology changes all the time. The courseware seems to go through a revision every 12-18 months.
I am struggling with BGP (particularly iBGP route redistribution), PBR's (Path Based Redistribution) and pretty much all things IPv6 and IPv6 routing (RIPng, OSPFv6, EIGRP).
We have a test between noon and 5 pm tomorrow, depending how confident we are. I am hoping for 10pm if that give you a clue on how concerned I am on this test. I don't plan on getting much sleep tonight at all (typical anyway). I usually get 4-5 hours and then get right back after it.
The simplest way I can explain to anyone what a technology boot camp is all about is to tell you to go and try to get a drink of water from a firehose. And do this continually for 22 days straight for 18-20 hrs per day. Only stopping briefly to eat, sleep, go to the bathroom, and shuttle back an forth to the class.
One thing I wish is that I could share this experience in common with someone from K-12 technology. It seems that nobody really knows what I am talking about. Too often I hear, "Well, I could just go and pass all those exams in one afternoon, only I can't afford the tests or the time off to take them." Well..I'll share something with those k-12 'tech' people a little later.
Back to study!
Tom
Sort of quick update. "Re-Certification" is suppose to be easier that straight certification, right? WRONG! I am finding it just as difficult this time around as I did the first time. MANY things changed, or were just added because, as we know, technology changes all the time. The courseware seems to go through a revision every 12-18 months.
I am struggling with BGP (particularly iBGP route redistribution), PBR's (Path Based Redistribution) and pretty much all things IPv6 and IPv6 routing (RIPng, OSPFv6, EIGRP).
We have a test between noon and 5 pm tomorrow, depending how confident we are. I am hoping for 10pm if that give you a clue on how concerned I am on this test. I don't plan on getting much sleep tonight at all (typical anyway). I usually get 4-5 hours and then get right back after it.
The simplest way I can explain to anyone what a technology boot camp is all about is to tell you to go and try to get a drink of water from a firehose. And do this continually for 22 days straight for 18-20 hrs per day. Only stopping briefly to eat, sleep, go to the bathroom, and shuttle back an forth to the class.
One thing I wish is that I could share this experience in common with someone from K-12 technology. It seems that nobody really knows what I am talking about. Too often I hear, "Well, I could just go and pass all those exams in one afternoon, only I can't afford the tests or the time off to take them." Well..I'll share something with those k-12 'tech' people a little later.
Back to study!
Tom
Sunday, November 7, 2010
TEST DAY! CCNA/CCDA/CCDP/CCNP renewal, Fort Lauderdale FL, Day 7
Hey All...
JOY! I got a 974 out of 1000. Unfortunately, not the best score in the class
Had an interesting evening last night during the study time.
I finally had it. I have been here for 7 days now and not a single piece of fruit. What's up with that?! Florida and no fruit? So I went to the store and bought the biggest platter of fruit they had. I at about 1/3 of it last night. I figured I was going to pay for it later, but for now, it was good. There was all kinds of fruit on it, and some things that I never had before.....
So a little after 1 am I woke up and had to use the bathroom. My eyes were exceptionally puffy and felt sore as I made my way into the bathroom. I turned on the light and turned it right back off because the light hurt my eyes. I was itchy all over. Thank goodness I packed one of my back scratchers. (BTW, peeing in the dark, standing up....never a good idea in a bathroom.)
I began to realize something was wrong. I turned on the lights and pried open my eyes to see a more horrible site than usual. My entire face was swollen as if I was just fighting Mike Tyson, my entire body was covered in blotchy red dots, and I was itching all over the place. You guessed it, some sort of allergic reaction to something.
I stumble down stairs and ran into one of my classmates who promptly asked "What the H311 happened to you?!" He gave me a ride to the pharmacy, where, upon my entrance the lady took one look at me and said "Isle 1". I got some benadryl and within 30 minutes I was much better. I stayed up since then and just did some studying and went to school. I am a bit groggy and will probably sleep when I go back to the hotel.
So, to recap the week, I got scared with alligators, had some sort of bug, had an allergic reaction, no fruit, little sleep, passed a test. And now...repeat! :)
Tom
JOY! I got a 974 out of 1000. Unfortunately, not the best score in the class
Had an interesting evening last night during the study time.
I finally had it. I have been here for 7 days now and not a single piece of fruit. What's up with that?! Florida and no fruit? So I went to the store and bought the biggest platter of fruit they had. I at about 1/3 of it last night. I figured I was going to pay for it later, but for now, it was good. There was all kinds of fruit on it, and some things that I never had before.....
So a little after 1 am I woke up and had to use the bathroom. My eyes were exceptionally puffy and felt sore as I made my way into the bathroom. I turned on the light and turned it right back off because the light hurt my eyes. I was itchy all over. Thank goodness I packed one of my back scratchers. (BTW, peeing in the dark, standing up....never a good idea in a bathroom.)
I began to realize something was wrong. I turned on the lights and pried open my eyes to see a more horrible site than usual. My entire face was swollen as if I was just fighting Mike Tyson, my entire body was covered in blotchy red dots, and I was itching all over the place. You guessed it, some sort of allergic reaction to something.
I stumble down stairs and ran into one of my classmates who promptly asked "What the H311 happened to you?!" He gave me a ride to the pharmacy, where, upon my entrance the lady took one look at me and said "Isle 1". I got some benadryl and within 30 minutes I was much better. I stayed up since then and just did some studying and went to school. I am a bit groggy and will probably sleep when I go back to the hotel.
So, to recap the week, I got scared with alligators, had some sort of bug, had an allergic reaction, no fruit, little sleep, passed a test. And now...repeat! :)
Tom
Saturday, November 6, 2010
The DAY before testing! CCNA/CCDA/CCDP/CCNP renewal, Fort Lauderdale FL, Day 6
Hello all again,
So, it is the night before the FIRST big test, and I feel ready. Too ready. I hope I haven't peaked too soon. I have been through the materials 5 times now, and have practiced the labs a few times. I got OSPF, EIGRP, RIP down solid. I can do spanning tree in my sleep. I got access lists DOWN! I can setup a Frame Relay connection and troubleshoot it all day long! I can look at a /20 address and without doing any math, know all of the subnet, hosts and schemes. I am so ready!
We test tomorrow at 12:30 pm. The test 'should' take about 2 hrs.
I am feeling MUCH better today. Last night I had some good sleep with good dreams. I went to bed around 2am and it seemed like 5 minutes later and it was 6:30. My eyes were sooooo puffy today I was having a hard time keeping them open. Pretty much until lunch time I was doing the One-Eye thing just trying to stay awake. I was hearing everything and retaining it. I was just having a hard time keeping my eyes open.
I HAVE HAD IT! 6 days and not a single piece of fruit!!!! Tonight I went to the store and bought the biggest platter of fruit they had. I ate 1/3 of it. I am pretty sure I am going to pay for it later, but MAN it was good.
I hope that all goes well with the test. If it does, laundry tomorrow and then sleep.
6 days of doing this, it finally happened. I have lost contact with the outside world. Other than posting this blog and checking facebook, I haven't a clue of what is happening in the real world. I don't know who won any of the elections in Wisconsin. The only thing I do know is that one of our more liberal principals thinks we need to be in panic mode. :) I haven't and won't turn on the TV at all while I am here. It is just a distraction.
So, with that...I am going to wrap this up, turn back my clock 1 hr, and head off to beddie by time.
Tom
So, it is the night before the FIRST big test, and I feel ready. Too ready. I hope I haven't peaked too soon. I have been through the materials 5 times now, and have practiced the labs a few times. I got OSPF, EIGRP, RIP down solid. I can do spanning tree in my sleep. I got access lists DOWN! I can setup a Frame Relay connection and troubleshoot it all day long! I can look at a /20 address and without doing any math, know all of the subnet, hosts and schemes. I am so ready!
We test tomorrow at 12:30 pm. The test 'should' take about 2 hrs.
I am feeling MUCH better today. Last night I had some good sleep with good dreams. I went to bed around 2am and it seemed like 5 minutes later and it was 6:30. My eyes were sooooo puffy today I was having a hard time keeping them open. Pretty much until lunch time I was doing the One-Eye thing just trying to stay awake. I was hearing everything and retaining it. I was just having a hard time keeping my eyes open.
I HAVE HAD IT! 6 days and not a single piece of fruit!!!! Tonight I went to the store and bought the biggest platter of fruit they had. I ate 1/3 of it. I am pretty sure I am going to pay for it later, but MAN it was good.
I hope that all goes well with the test. If it does, laundry tomorrow and then sleep.
6 days of doing this, it finally happened. I have lost contact with the outside world. Other than posting this blog and checking facebook, I haven't a clue of what is happening in the real world. I don't know who won any of the elections in Wisconsin. The only thing I do know is that one of our more liberal principals thinks we need to be in panic mode. :) I haven't and won't turn on the TV at all while I am here. It is just a distraction.
So, with that...I am going to wrap this up, turn back my clock 1 hr, and head off to beddie by time.
Tom
CCNA/CCDA/CCDP/CCNP renewal, Fort Lauderdale FL, Day 5
Hello all,
Well, then end of day 5. I wish I could say the end of a week. We have school tomorrow and Sunday too. There aren't any weekends or time off. 22 days of straight classes, 10 hrs in class and 5-8+ hrs of studying out of class.
Our class is fighting being sick. Some got really sick; I am about in the middle of the pack. I have dropped 5 lbs in 3 days and haven't been eating. Yet, things still seem to be coming out of me. I think, hope, and pray that we are all coming out of it.
Class was good today. We went through some VLSM, EIGRP, OSPF and other things. We got our class picture taken at the end of the day. I'll be getting that online as soon as I get it.
I'd like to share a few observations I have made, as a Northerner coming to the south. Things I would not have even imagined had it not been for being here.
1. If you don't speak Spanish, you are in the minority. Now I do know I mumble quite a bit, but I have never been asked to repeat myself so many times, "W h e r e i s t h e t o i l e t..." Now I know to just say "Banjo".
2. No matter how long you run the cold water, COLD water never comes out of the tap. Thus, I believe, the reason for water coolers EVERYWHERE.
3. Where I am staying and as far as I can see, this whole area is within 2-3 feet from being completely below sea level. The largest change in elevation I have seen in the past 5 days is a curb!
4. In the North, you can tell that a car is getting old because it begins to rust. In the south, vehicle age is determined by how many smashed or missing body parts there are on a vehicle.
5. All the street signs are in English; I think that is why nobody follows them. THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND! 25 MPH means nothing. Down the busy road, it has been common that we take off from the stop light as fast as the car can go; reaching 60-70 mph, so that we can be first, 1 mile later, at the next stop light.
6. "Pool closed do to cold weather". It got down to 58 degrees today. Not that I was planning on using it, but, it is a heated outdoor pool. Just sayin.
7. Nobody says "come with" or "bubbler"; as in "You going to come with to the bubbler?"
8. Florida isn't really the "south", it is more like Cuba-North. I have been looking for southern sweet tea on menu's and nobody serves it. They do serve all these Mexican drinks though.
9. Isn't Florida where they grow fruit? None of the places that cater-in sell any fresh fruit sides. I am going through withdraw not having ANY fruit. Did have some fried banana like thing today. Still not fresh fruit. Being sick, I don't want anything heavy. I did rice and beans today, with a chicken hot pocket for dinner.
10. And this might be a Northern thing....Yogurt is NOT a meal...it is a SNACK! Being sick, however, yogurt has been friendly to me. :)
We have a test on Sunday afternoon. We have class still tomorrow, study time on Sunday morning, and then the test. I'll keep you all informed.
Tom
Well, then end of day 5. I wish I could say the end of a week. We have school tomorrow and Sunday too. There aren't any weekends or time off. 22 days of straight classes, 10 hrs in class and 5-8+ hrs of studying out of class.
Our class is fighting being sick. Some got really sick; I am about in the middle of the pack. I have dropped 5 lbs in 3 days and haven't been eating. Yet, things still seem to be coming out of me. I think, hope, and pray that we are all coming out of it.
Class was good today. We went through some VLSM, EIGRP, OSPF and other things. We got our class picture taken at the end of the day. I'll be getting that online as soon as I get it.
I'd like to share a few observations I have made, as a Northerner coming to the south. Things I would not have even imagined had it not been for being here.
1. If you don't speak Spanish, you are in the minority. Now I do know I mumble quite a bit, but I have never been asked to repeat myself so many times, "W h e r e i s t h e t o i l e t..." Now I know to just say "Banjo".
2. No matter how long you run the cold water, COLD water never comes out of the tap. Thus, I believe, the reason for water coolers EVERYWHERE.
3. Where I am staying and as far as I can see, this whole area is within 2-3 feet from being completely below sea level. The largest change in elevation I have seen in the past 5 days is a curb!
4. In the North, you can tell that a car is getting old because it begins to rust. In the south, vehicle age is determined by how many smashed or missing body parts there are on a vehicle.
5. All the street signs are in English; I think that is why nobody follows them. THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND! 25 MPH means nothing. Down the busy road, it has been common that we take off from the stop light as fast as the car can go; reaching 60-70 mph, so that we can be first, 1 mile later, at the next stop light.
6. "Pool closed do to cold weather". It got down to 58 degrees today. Not that I was planning on using it, but, it is a heated outdoor pool. Just sayin.
7. Nobody says "come with" or "bubbler"; as in "You going to come with to the bubbler?"
8. Florida isn't really the "south", it is more like Cuba-North. I have been looking for southern sweet tea on menu's and nobody serves it. They do serve all these Mexican drinks though.
9. Isn't Florida where they grow fruit? None of the places that cater-in sell any fresh fruit sides. I am going through withdraw not having ANY fruit. Did have some fried banana like thing today. Still not fresh fruit. Being sick, I don't want anything heavy. I did rice and beans today, with a chicken hot pocket for dinner.
10. And this might be a Northern thing....Yogurt is NOT a meal...it is a SNACK! Being sick, however, yogurt has been friendly to me. :)
We have a test on Sunday afternoon. We have class still tomorrow, study time on Sunday morning, and then the test. I'll keep you all informed.
Tom
Friday, November 5, 2010
CCNA/CCDA/CCDP/CCNP renewal, Fort Lauderdale FL, Day 4
Hey all,
Not much happening today, that I didn't make happen :(
My eyes are getting poofy again, and it is only 4 days into it. The first test is usually the killer. It is on Sunday afternoon. I have gone through 350 study questions so far in the last 4 nights. While they are great questions, they take a while to go through as you try to figure out how they got a certain answer. Sometimes it is obvious, other times you just wonder if they got it wrong.
We did a lot of layer 2 switching today, particularly Spanning Tree Protocol, root bridge selection, BPDU's, and all that jazz. I am running PVRST+ on the school network. It good. Then I learned about MST and thought, HEY! This is pretty cool! I should do that....(when I am 1000+ miles away from work). 3 hrs later I got it all configured...Ooops!
Then, about half way through this whole thing, I get to thinking, I bet the days of Layer2 switching are really numbered. I completely blew up my layer 2 stuff, yet layer 3 was working fine...hum.... Now...I can't do that with everything in my network yet, but someday I will! Layer 3 all the way down to the device. Some of you might think, "Well heck yes Tom, where have you been!" I heard about it about 8-10 years ago, but thought it was a long way off.. Time flies!
More tomorrow.
Tom
Not much happening today, that I didn't make happen :(
My eyes are getting poofy again, and it is only 4 days into it. The first test is usually the killer. It is on Sunday afternoon. I have gone through 350 study questions so far in the last 4 nights. While they are great questions, they take a while to go through as you try to figure out how they got a certain answer. Sometimes it is obvious, other times you just wonder if they got it wrong.
We did a lot of layer 2 switching today, particularly Spanning Tree Protocol, root bridge selection, BPDU's, and all that jazz. I am running PVRST+ on the school network. It good. Then I learned about MST and thought, HEY! This is pretty cool! I should do that....(when I am 1000+ miles away from work). 3 hrs later I got it all configured...Ooops!
Then, about half way through this whole thing, I get to thinking, I bet the days of Layer2 switching are really numbered. I completely blew up my layer 2 stuff, yet layer 3 was working fine...hum.... Now...I can't do that with everything in my network yet, but someday I will! Layer 3 all the way down to the device. Some of you might think, "Well heck yes Tom, where have you been!" I heard about it about 8-10 years ago, but thought it was a long way off.. Time flies!
More tomorrow.
Tom
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
They Call Me, "Mr. Gullible", CCNA/CCDA/CCDP/CCNP renewal, Fort Lauderdale FL, Day 3
Hello all,
I posted a link to the exact location I am staying. It may help to see where I am to understand the story.
However, first, I know it is a bit early for my daily post. I still have much studying to do tonight and will after this post; I just to post this.
So, I am sitting here in my hotel room, studying away, playing with a router and waiting for a BGP table to load. Anyone who knows about BGP will know that it can take anywhere from 20-40 minutes to load and begin routing. Meanwhile, you just sit and wait. RIGHT!
Well, if you know me, you know I can't just sit there. I decided to get up, walk around a bit, get some coffee at the front desk and check things out. Literally, it had been "Hotel, class, Hotel, sleep" and repeat. Studying is all the time. I figure if I just take one trip around the hotel area and come back up to my room BGP should be loaded.
I get a cup of coffee and begin the trek around the hotel. On the East side is a busy road. I just walked in the parking lot. On the South side there appears to be a pond or some wet land area with trees. I walked along the pond area by the palm trees. Dark but pretty. 77 degrees in November, palm trees. I'll take it! I stroll along a park-like area on the West side of the hotel and then walked back to the hotel lobby. This is where it gets interesting.
I ran out of coffee on my walk so I decided to get a refill. The lady at the front desk asks, "Back so soon?" I told her that I had walked around the hotel. She said "You did WHAT?!?!?!" I kinda knew by the tone in her voice I did something wrong. You know how you stop, think, run down everything you did to figure out what you did wrong. That is where I was. Naively clueless!
"Don't you know there might be alligators out there?"
Either this lady is one incredible actor or she was serious. Either way, I believed her! I felt the blood leave my face as my heart started to nearly pound out of my chest and my knees began to hurt and quiver. I must have been a site to see as the lady behind the counter busted out laughing at the face I must have been making. I don't remember thinking anything before I blurted out "SHUT UP! SERIOUS?" By this time the other gentleman in the back had come out and he was just about rolling on the floor.
The two gained their composure enough to answer the question. They said that it is possible. But either way they don't recommend that anyone walk out there at night.
Now I am still not sure if they were just teasing me, slightly telling me the truth, or flat out concerned. Either way, from now on in the evenings, when I have to wait for BGP tables to load, I think I am going to sit and wait for it in my room, and leave the nature stuff alone!
BGP table loaded...back to study. :)
Tom
http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=3100+prospect+road,+ft+lauderdale,+Fl&sll=37.160317,-95.712891&sspn=33.543558,78.662109&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=3100+W+Prospect+Rd,+Fort+Lauderdale,+Broward,+Florida+33309&ll=26.192393,-80.187106&spn=0.009281,0.019205&t=h&z=16&iwloc=A
I posted a link to the exact location I am staying. It may help to see where I am to understand the story.
However, first, I know it is a bit early for my daily post. I still have much studying to do tonight and will after this post; I just to post this.
So, I am sitting here in my hotel room, studying away, playing with a router and waiting for a BGP table to load. Anyone who knows about BGP will know that it can take anywhere from 20-40 minutes to load and begin routing. Meanwhile, you just sit and wait. RIGHT!
Well, if you know me, you know I can't just sit there. I decided to get up, walk around a bit, get some coffee at the front desk and check things out. Literally, it had been "Hotel, class, Hotel, sleep" and repeat. Studying is all the time. I figure if I just take one trip around the hotel area and come back up to my room BGP should be loaded.
I get a cup of coffee and begin the trek around the hotel. On the East side is a busy road. I just walked in the parking lot. On the South side there appears to be a pond or some wet land area with trees. I walked along the pond area by the palm trees. Dark but pretty. 77 degrees in November, palm trees. I'll take it! I stroll along a park-like area on the West side of the hotel and then walked back to the hotel lobby. This is where it gets interesting.
I ran out of coffee on my walk so I decided to get a refill. The lady at the front desk asks, "Back so soon?" I told her that I had walked around the hotel. She said "You did WHAT?!?!?!" I kinda knew by the tone in her voice I did something wrong. You know how you stop, think, run down everything you did to figure out what you did wrong. That is where I was. Naively clueless!
"Don't you know there might be alligators out there?"
Either this lady is one incredible actor or she was serious. Either way, I believed her! I felt the blood leave my face as my heart started to nearly pound out of my chest and my knees began to hurt and quiver. I must have been a site to see as the lady behind the counter busted out laughing at the face I must have been making. I don't remember thinking anything before I blurted out "SHUT UP! SERIOUS?" By this time the other gentleman in the back had come out and he was just about rolling on the floor.
The two gained their composure enough to answer the question. They said that it is possible. But either way they don't recommend that anyone walk out there at night.
Now I am still not sure if they were just teasing me, slightly telling me the truth, or flat out concerned. Either way, from now on in the evenings, when I have to wait for BGP tables to load, I think I am going to sit and wait for it in my room, and leave the nature stuff alone!
BGP table loaded...back to study. :)
Tom
http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=3100+prospect+road,+ft+lauderdale,+Fl&sll=37.160317,-95.712891&sspn=33.543558,78.662109&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=3100+W+Prospect+Rd,+Fort+Lauderdale,+Broward,+Florida+33309&ll=26.192393,-80.187106&spn=0.009281,0.019205&t=h&z=16&iwloc=A
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
CCNA/CCDA/CCDP/CCNP renewal, Fort Lauderdale FL, Day 2
Hello all,
I really didn't get to sleep until 3 am ish this morning, thinking about a few technical problems that I was not understanding. I hate when I get like that! You know, those times where you KNOW you should KNOW something but it isn't making any sense?
Today was fun. One of my favorite networking subjects; subnetting and supernetting. I LOVE this stuff! I can hardly wait to get to IPv6 to do something COMPLETELY DIFFERENT! :)
If you know me, you know that I MUST have change. I could never do the same thing over, and over, and over again. That is one nice thing about technology. If you don't like it, or you don't get it, wait 12-18 months and it something else will come along.
A few years ago I began talking about MPLS; Layer "2.5" in the 7 layer OSI model. When I first heard about it and read about I was thinking "Now that make sense!" This whole QOS stuff is nice, but I really don't want to have to think, or have my routers/switch "think" about it. Read more about it here: http://www.networkworld.com/research/2007/040207-mpls-migration-explained.html. I think with MPLS the whole concept of a virtual server, virtual services, ALL hosted in the cloud can become a reality. Think of it...No local servers to buy or manage, no storage constraints. Only "manage" Services and Identities. Who has access to What information, Where and How and When they can get it.
Well, after only a few hours of sleep....it is time to close shop for the day. I had hoped to stay up later and do more studying. The mind is willing but the flesh is weak.
Fort Lauderdale is great, so they tell me. We spend roughly 20 minutes out side per day. 10 minute ride to and 10 minute ride from the school. Then...locked up in the hotel. Again...gotta love technology!
Tom
I really didn't get to sleep until 3 am ish this morning, thinking about a few technical problems that I was not understanding. I hate when I get like that! You know, those times where you KNOW you should KNOW something but it isn't making any sense?
Today was fun. One of my favorite networking subjects; subnetting and supernetting. I LOVE this stuff! I can hardly wait to get to IPv6 to do something COMPLETELY DIFFERENT! :)
If you know me, you know that I MUST have change. I could never do the same thing over, and over, and over again. That is one nice thing about technology. If you don't like it, or you don't get it, wait 12-18 months and it something else will come along.
A few years ago I began talking about MPLS; Layer "2.5" in the 7 layer OSI model. When I first heard about it and read about I was thinking "Now that make sense!" This whole QOS stuff is nice, but I really don't want to have to think, or have my routers/switch "think" about it. Read more about it here: http://www.networkworld.com/research/2007/040207-mpls-migration-explained.html. I think with MPLS the whole concept of a virtual server, virtual services, ALL hosted in the cloud can become a reality. Think of it...No local servers to buy or manage, no storage constraints. Only "manage" Services and Identities. Who has access to What information, Where and How and When they can get it.
Well, after only a few hours of sleep....it is time to close shop for the day. I had hoped to stay up later and do more studying. The mind is willing but the flesh is weak.
Fort Lauderdale is great, so they tell me. We spend roughly 20 minutes out side per day. 10 minute ride to and 10 minute ride from the school. Then...locked up in the hotel. Again...gotta love technology!
Tom
CCNA/CCDA/CCDP/CCNP renewal, Fort Lauderdale FL, Day 1
Hello all,
It is 1:45 am (EDT) and I am just about ready to wrap-up the first day of training at CED Solutions in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Seeing that I am going to be down here for the next 22 days, I thought I would post something everyday (if I have time) to keep those who are asking, "Where is Tom?" informed.
As I had hoped, today was pretty much a light review day in class. There are exactly 21 people in the class (20 physically here and 1 remote person). The make-up of the class is VERY unusual. Most everyone here is from the VA staff. 40-60 year olds coming the first time for the very first certification! The youngest guy is 28, then there is a 33 and 38 year old, then there is me at 43. Who'd a thunk it. Not one person has ANY certifications. The instructor actually was so intrigued with the make-up of the older class that he had to ask, "What's up with this?" These guys are saying that technology has passed them by, and they are needing this certification just to keep employed. Gone are the days when they could 'Just do IT'. It has become so complex and so integral into everyday life that nobody can just come in and do it without training.
Food...so far not what I expected. This is my first time down in the Fort Lauderdale facility, and I can tell you this; the Atlanta facility has NOTHING on this facility when it comes to food. It hasn't been bad, but not too great either.
Study...study...study...and STUDY! I got back to my hotel room at 5:30-ish, ate a little dinner, and then hit the books! Lot's of study questions and practice. While some things are just review, there are many, MANY new things with IOS 15. It is almost as if Cisco has junked what they had in 12 and back and said, "NA, just kidding! Here is something that is REALLY cool" I think they had to do this with the strides that other companies have made in the past few years. Yes, Cisco is still King, however, they have company in their rear view mirrors.
Something interesting for the geeks! I linked my CCO account with my Cisco CSCO training account. Guess what I saw? In the training section, there is a place for me to put a VMWare VCP certification...ON THE CISCO WEB SITE! It is a part of my profile. HUM......Strange, or maybe not so strange... Rumors, rumors...rumors and more rumors. Could you see it? VMWare, Cisco, Novell, and IBM, all under one umbrella. Has anyone seen the switch to blue with all these companies in one form or another...They would rule the WORLD! :) Okay, I am getting carried away, but interesting nonetheless.
Well, signing off for the night. Going to get my 5 hrs of sleep while I can.
Tom
It is 1:45 am (EDT) and I am just about ready to wrap-up the first day of training at CED Solutions in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Seeing that I am going to be down here for the next 22 days, I thought I would post something everyday (if I have time) to keep those who are asking, "Where is Tom?" informed.
As I had hoped, today was pretty much a light review day in class. There are exactly 21 people in the class (20 physically here and 1 remote person). The make-up of the class is VERY unusual. Most everyone here is from the VA staff. 40-60 year olds coming the first time for the very first certification! The youngest guy is 28, then there is a 33 and 38 year old, then there is me at 43. Who'd a thunk it. Not one person has ANY certifications. The instructor actually was so intrigued with the make-up of the older class that he had to ask, "What's up with this?" These guys are saying that technology has passed them by, and they are needing this certification just to keep employed. Gone are the days when they could 'Just do IT'. It has become so complex and so integral into everyday life that nobody can just come in and do it without training.
Food...so far not what I expected. This is my first time down in the Fort Lauderdale facility, and I can tell you this; the Atlanta facility has NOTHING on this facility when it comes to food. It hasn't been bad, but not too great either.
Study...study...study...and STUDY! I got back to my hotel room at 5:30-ish, ate a little dinner, and then hit the books! Lot's of study questions and practice. While some things are just review, there are many, MANY new things with IOS 15. It is almost as if Cisco has junked what they had in 12 and back and said, "NA, just kidding! Here is something that is REALLY cool" I think they had to do this with the strides that other companies have made in the past few years. Yes, Cisco is still King, however, they have company in their rear view mirrors.
Something interesting for the geeks! I linked my CCO account with my Cisco CSCO training account. Guess what I saw? In the training section, there is a place for me to put a VMWare VCP certification...ON THE CISCO WEB SITE! It is a part of my profile. HUM......Strange, or maybe not so strange... Rumors, rumors...rumors and more rumors. Could you see it? VMWare, Cisco, Novell, and IBM, all under one umbrella. Has anyone seen the switch to blue with all these companies in one form or another...They would rule the WORLD! :) Okay, I am getting carried away, but interesting nonetheless.
Well, signing off for the night. Going to get my 5 hrs of sleep while I can.
Tom
Saturday, July 31, 2010
To those who aspire to work in the computer field, There is no joy, or money in fixing computers!
Hello all,
From a guy who makes a living "working on computers" this is a fairly bold statement, no? However, let me make it clear that I sincerely LOVE what I do. And, if you read on, the statement will become abundantly clear.
I come across many people, young and old, who make statements such as, "I'd love to do what you do. I love working on computers" or "Your job seems so easy, I wish I could just sit in an office all day and 'play' on computers." Let me share with those people a few things about the industry.
There is a huge difference between using technology and making technology work. It is my perception that many times these two ideas are considered one in the same, and they really aren't. For example, there are many people around me who are very proficient with applications. One application in particular that we use is Smart Board. This application is very cool and in the hands of a pro, they can do some wonderful things with it. I know very little on how to work the application! However, through the years, I have become proficient on how the application acts and reacts with other applications, how to install it on 32 and 64 bit operating systems, how to customize the MSI installs for all 4 different products that make up our standard Smart Board install, and how to quickly distribute the application to over 800 computers. There is a major different in being able to use an application and being able to manage it.
But this is not the main idea I wish to share. This is about fixing computers.
There is no future in fixing computer! Here is my story.
Many years ago, computers were very expensive. My very first computers, Apple II, back in 1983(ish) was $2500. My first IBM clone in 1992 was a Gateway SX25 that was nearly $3000. I thought not much of spending $400 for the 300mb Hard Drive and another few hundred dollars for 16mb of RAM.
In the early 90's people would bring me their computers to fix. Back then, computers were very simple, didn't do a lot of things, and most people who had them REALLY knew how to work them. But there was still a mystery in exactly HOW the computers worked. So when a computer was brought to me, many times there really was a hardware problem that needed to be fixed. And it wasn't uncommon that a repair would cost $200-$300 plus parts.
Fast forward to 2010.....
A few days ago someone called me and shared that their 3 year old computer has some major problems. They think they have a virus as it takes a long time to load. Very common so I stopped by to take a look.
Well, there was more of a problem...... Yes, there were viri, however, it still was terrible! I brought it back and set it on the bench with a system device checker. After about 4 hours on the bench I discovered that the hard drive has bad sectors. Another 2 hours to rebuild the OS (ish) and about another hour for more stuff. So, after 7 hours of labor at $45 per hour, a hard drive for about $100, this customer will have a bill of $415 for a 3 year old computer. Hum...
So, they are going to spend $415 on a 3 year old computer. Many computers have a MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) of 1-3 years (depending on what you buy). And, you can buy a fairly "cheap" computer for $299 that is brand new.
My point is, why would anyone want to afford to fix an old computer? The only reason that I ever see for someone to recover from a failed computer is to retrieve documents, photos, or some sort of legal evidence.
We have entered the disposable personal technology era. A remote fails, buy a new one. A phone fails, buy a new one, a computer fails, buy a new one, and so on.
There is no joy, or money, in fixing personal technology. There is one important thing that has changed since the 1990. MANY people have some sort of personal technology and have little knowledge on how to really make it work. So if you want to really make money, fix people, not computers. :D (Or advance your knowledge beyond end user computing)
What do you think?
Tom
From a guy who makes a living "working on computers" this is a fairly bold statement, no? However, let me make it clear that I sincerely LOVE what I do. And, if you read on, the statement will become abundantly clear.
I come across many people, young and old, who make statements such as, "I'd love to do what you do. I love working on computers" or "Your job seems so easy, I wish I could just sit in an office all day and 'play' on computers." Let me share with those people a few things about the industry.
There is a huge difference between using technology and making technology work. It is my perception that many times these two ideas are considered one in the same, and they really aren't. For example, there are many people around me who are very proficient with applications. One application in particular that we use is Smart Board. This application is very cool and in the hands of a pro, they can do some wonderful things with it. I know very little on how to work the application! However, through the years, I have become proficient on how the application acts and reacts with other applications, how to install it on 32 and 64 bit operating systems, how to customize the MSI installs for all 4 different products that make up our standard Smart Board install, and how to quickly distribute the application to over 800 computers. There is a major different in being able to use an application and being able to manage it.
But this is not the main idea I wish to share. This is about fixing computers.
There is no future in fixing computer! Here is my story.
Many years ago, computers were very expensive. My very first computers, Apple II, back in 1983(ish) was $2500. My first IBM clone in 1992 was a Gateway SX25 that was nearly $3000. I thought not much of spending $400 for the 300mb Hard Drive and another few hundred dollars for 16mb of RAM.
In the early 90's people would bring me their computers to fix. Back then, computers were very simple, didn't do a lot of things, and most people who had them REALLY knew how to work them. But there was still a mystery in exactly HOW the computers worked. So when a computer was brought to me, many times there really was a hardware problem that needed to be fixed. And it wasn't uncommon that a repair would cost $200-$300 plus parts.
Fast forward to 2010.....
A few days ago someone called me and shared that their 3 year old computer has some major problems. They think they have a virus as it takes a long time to load. Very common so I stopped by to take a look.
Well, there was more of a problem...... Yes, there were viri, however, it still was terrible! I brought it back and set it on the bench with a system device checker. After about 4 hours on the bench I discovered that the hard drive has bad sectors. Another 2 hours to rebuild the OS (ish) and about another hour for more stuff. So, after 7 hours of labor at $45 per hour, a hard drive for about $100, this customer will have a bill of $415 for a 3 year old computer. Hum...
So, they are going to spend $415 on a 3 year old computer. Many computers have a MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) of 1-3 years (depending on what you buy). And, you can buy a fairly "cheap" computer for $299 that is brand new.
My point is, why would anyone want to afford to fix an old computer? The only reason that I ever see for someone to recover from a failed computer is to retrieve documents, photos, or some sort of legal evidence.
We have entered the disposable personal technology era. A remote fails, buy a new one. A phone fails, buy a new one, a computer fails, buy a new one, and so on.
There is no joy, or money, in fixing personal technology. There is one important thing that has changed since the 1990. MANY people have some sort of personal technology and have little knowledge on how to really make it work. So if you want to really make money, fix people, not computers. :D (Or advance your knowledge beyond end user computing)
What do you think?
Tom
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
"There's an app for that"....WHO CARES!
Over the past few weeks I have been contemplating different posts. My general rule of thumb is to not post anything that doesn't stay on my mind for over a week. This is one way that I can self regulate in hopes of preventing the impulse flaming posts I sometimes do. This one has some staying power.
Let me preface by saying I am an Apple fan. However I am not an Apple fanatic whom has drunken the 'Apple Juice'. I don't have blinders on and repeat the Pledge of Steve Jobs everyday I wake up. The idea that they can take something that has been around for years, repackage it, call it "i" something and introduce it as NEW and actually have people believe it is new is remarkable. None-the-less they have some cool beads.
However.....
This whole "There's an app for that" has got to get some perspective. It is a cute saying and all. A bunch of people I work with have drank the Apple Juice with little discernment for the implications of what this really means. It kinda reminds me of the stories I hear about the Pilgrims buying land for some sugar and shiny beads. Apple sure has some shiny beads. :) But I digress.
In an era of Web 2.0 and SaaS (Software as a Service) why would anyone want to digress to installing applications? Yet, people are flocking to these devices in DROVES. We are pushing our vendors to make more and more applications "webified" where all we need is a simple web browser and a connection to the Internet. This whole "installing applications" is a nightmare many system/network administrators don't want to live through again.
Apple (and for that matter Google with Android) has taken an old "client/server" model infrastructure, doctored it up into a thinner client, made it cutesy and popular, and called it new, spectacular and breath taking. OOOOOO! AND WE ARE BUYING INTO IT! How foolish are we. I say we because even I like the gadgets. After getting things installed and playing with it for a while I realized that this iTouch, iPad and iPod things are really nothing more than really dumbed down computers that you install applications on to make it work. Seriously, how much processing power does it take to be a single application device? Other than playing music, these devices are single task devices. Again, polishing old technology, calling it something new, making sure everyone is filled up with the Apple Juice sure does go a long way.
I believe we are going to look back on this era and ask ourselves, "What the H311 were we thinking?" In saying that, I also believe this is a necessary baby step to cross what seems to be the great chasm of change where the network IS the application and the application IS the network. (If I have to explain it to you, just go buy the i-Whatever and don't worry about it. :D )
I think I am going to invent the "New Water" It is going to be the next generation of water that is 'more wetter' than traditional water (purposefully poor grammar in ironic symbolism to the i-world). I am going to put it in completely bio-degradable containers so that when you are done with the water, you can eat the package and it will not harm you. It might even be a super water package.
In the end, Apple did a very good job bringing back around old technology of installing and purchasing applications. Just wait to see what happens when the first and second generation devices go away, users have to "upgrade" the device to do things, and then have to repurchase "upgraded" software to work on their new device. Again, take something old, polish it, call it new, and make a TON of money. Brilliant!
Pass the Apple Juice!
Tom
Let me preface by saying I am an Apple fan. However I am not an Apple fanatic whom has drunken the 'Apple Juice'. I don't have blinders on and repeat the Pledge of Steve Jobs everyday I wake up. The idea that they can take something that has been around for years, repackage it, call it "i" something and introduce it as NEW and actually have people believe it is new is remarkable. None-the-less they have some cool beads.
However.....
This whole "There's an app for that" has got to get some perspective. It is a cute saying and all. A bunch of people I work with have drank the Apple Juice with little discernment for the implications of what this really means. It kinda reminds me of the stories I hear about the Pilgrims buying land for some sugar and shiny beads. Apple sure has some shiny beads. :) But I digress.
In an era of Web 2.0 and SaaS (Software as a Service) why would anyone want to digress to installing applications? Yet, people are flocking to these devices in DROVES. We are pushing our vendors to make more and more applications "webified" where all we need is a simple web browser and a connection to the Internet. This whole "installing applications" is a nightmare many system/network administrators don't want to live through again.
Apple (and for that matter Google with Android) has taken an old "client/server" model infrastructure, doctored it up into a thinner client, made it cutesy and popular, and called it new, spectacular and breath taking. OOOOOO! AND WE ARE BUYING INTO IT! How foolish are we. I say we because even I like the gadgets. After getting things installed and playing with it for a while I realized that this iTouch, iPad and iPod things are really nothing more than really dumbed down computers that you install applications on to make it work. Seriously, how much processing power does it take to be a single application device? Other than playing music, these devices are single task devices. Again, polishing old technology, calling it something new, making sure everyone is filled up with the Apple Juice sure does go a long way.
I believe we are going to look back on this era and ask ourselves, "What the H311 were we thinking?" In saying that, I also believe this is a necessary baby step to cross what seems to be the great chasm of change where the network IS the application and the application IS the network. (If I have to explain it to you, just go buy the i-Whatever and don't worry about it. :D )
I think I am going to invent the "New Water" It is going to be the next generation of water that is 'more wetter' than traditional water (purposefully poor grammar in ironic symbolism to the i-world). I am going to put it in completely bio-degradable containers so that when you are done with the water, you can eat the package and it will not harm you. It might even be a super water package.
In the end, Apple did a very good job bringing back around old technology of installing and purchasing applications. Just wait to see what happens when the first and second generation devices go away, users have to "upgrade" the device to do things, and then have to repurchase "upgraded" software to work on their new device. Again, take something old, polish it, call it new, and make a TON of money. Brilliant!
Pass the Apple Juice!
Tom
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Brainshare 2010, WHOOHOOO!
Hey there,
Novell just announced their "Novell Data Synchronizer Mobility Pack" Technology Preview. It is out NOW!
Well, what does this mean? For a while now, GroupWise users had issues syncing to any mobile device (other than blackberry). This is the replacement of the Free GMS server.
Again, this is FREE with GroupWise, for users with maintenance. ALL k-12's are included!!!!
Nice
Novell just announced their "Novell Data Synchronizer Mobility Pack" Technology Preview. It is out NOW!
Well, what does this mean? For a while now, GroupWise users had issues syncing to any mobile device (other than blackberry). This is the replacement of the Free GMS server.
Again, this is FREE with GroupWise, for users with maintenance. ALL k-12's are included!!!!
Nice
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Novell Brainshare 2010, lots to tidbits
Hello all,
Spent all of yesterday in classes of SuSE and GroupWise on Linux.
Ascot, the code name for the next version of GroupWise, will be released 4th quarter 2010. A few cool things.
- You will be able to edit and add pictures to the Novell GroupWise Address book
- Only 64-bit OS.
OMG, I didn't realize HOW FAST putting eDirectory and other services on SuSE really is. What a difference!
And...If you are going to party, make sure you party with the Big Guys. Oh what a night! (What happens in Utah, Stays in Utah.)
Spent all of yesterday in classes of SuSE and GroupWise on Linux.
Ascot, the code name for the next version of GroupWise, will be released 4th quarter 2010. A few cool things.
- You will be able to edit and add pictures to the Novell GroupWise Address book
- Only 64-bit OS.
OMG, I didn't realize HOW FAST putting eDirectory and other services on SuSE really is. What a difference!
And...If you are going to party, make sure you party with the Big Guys. Oh what a night! (What happens in Utah, Stays in Utah.)
Monday, March 22, 2010
Novell Brainshare 2010, Way cool stuff
Hey all,
Just got out of the Keynote. Some neat thoughts.
Teaming + Conferencing, if you don't have it, YOU NEED IT! Integration with GroupWise, GroupWise Messenger, and the web is awesome!
Novell Pulse....still trying to figure out this new product. It is suppose to be really cool.
Just got out of the Keynote. Some neat thoughts.
Teaming + Conferencing, if you don't have it, YOU NEED IT! Integration with GroupWise, GroupWise Messenger, and the web is awesome!
Novell Pulse....still trying to figure out this new product. It is suppose to be really cool.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Novell BrainShare 2010, Novell is Listening
Hey All,
I hear from people that "Novell isn't listening!" Well...they are now.
If you need something out of your Novell products they want to hear it. And if your idea is really good, you have a chance to win an 8 GB iPod touch. Let them hear from you in Wisconsin!
http://www.novell.com/rms
Tom
I hear from people that "Novell isn't listening!" Well...they are now.
If you need something out of your Novell products they want to hear it. And if your idea is really good, you have a chance to win an 8 GB iPod touch. Let them hear from you in Wisconsin!
http://www.novell.com/rms
Tom
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Simple pleasures in life are...
I wasn't going post anything tonight, but I couldn't help myself. I giggled all the way to my hotel room.
I met up with Peter Atkins and Joe Doupnik with Mindworks TTP. We walked around a bit and got a bite to eat at The Gateway. We had a really good talk about all kinds of stuff including the TTP Summit and the TTP Conference in the summer. We left and went our separate ways to our hotels.
On my way back I came across one of my favorite things, a bright blaze pink/orange flag on a stick. :) In some areas in Salt Lake City there are these flags that you are suppose to carry with you when you cross in a crosswalk. I just LOVE picking up that stick, waving it proudly as I can, and crossing the street. There were a few cars that had to stop. I giggled and laughed all the way back to the hotel. I know, it is really stupid but it is one of those simple pleasures that make me smile.
I met up with Peter Atkins and Joe Doupnik with Mindworks TTP. We walked around a bit and got a bite to eat at The Gateway. We had a really good talk about all kinds of stuff including the TTP Summit and the TTP Conference in the summer. We left and went our separate ways to our hotels.
On my way back I came across one of my favorite things, a bright blaze pink/orange flag on a stick. :) In some areas in Salt Lake City there are these flags that you are suppose to carry with you when you cross in a crosswalk. I just LOVE picking up that stick, waving it proudly as I can, and crossing the street. There were a few cars that had to stop. I giggled and laughed all the way back to the hotel. I know, it is really stupid but it is one of those simple pleasures that make me smile.
Novell BrainShare 2010, the flight out
How interesting it is. On my way out to SLC, on the short flight to Minneapolis, I sat next to a semi-retired business owner from West Bend.
We shared niceties. He asked me what I do and his eyes lit up. He shared with me what he was reading. It was an idea/strategy plan on how businesses must change from the traditional industrial revolution model to what is call the "knowledge-based business model"
He shared me me that the basic idea behind this model is access to information and the capacity of people to take this information and transform or put it all together it into something more useful than the sum of its parts.
Sharing that he is a senior citizen, he shared how difficult he found to unlearn and relearn a philosophy of business that he embraced for nearly 50 years. However, once he got it, he begin to understand how crippled his company has been by hiring the cheapest labor, who, in his own words, are the least educated and least intelligent people he could find. There is the common practice in getting a body for the least cost. He's had to retrain himself that in the information/knowledge revolution the smartest people are the commodity.
Strange though, he didn't blame the educational system. So many people are ready to begin pointing fingers and say 'if only they would ...'. His stroke was much broader.
He says that the success of our grandfathers and great-grandfathers have lulled us into becoming lethargic both intellectually and work minded. Once we worked our tails off to survive, now our culture feels we are owed a survival, and a fairly cushy one.
The people can produce change are paralyzed by those who resist it. As long as those who feel owed something are able to feed off of and take from those who do work, they won't have to work! And as long as there are more people that can vote for someone who won't make them work and will take from those who will work, we'll have an upside down society.
Now, what does this have to do with technology? This guy will not hire anyone who doesn't know technology. He has a series of technology questions that usually have nothing to do with their job function. He is so set on the idea that information and knowledge is the next revolution that he makes sure his employees are smart. How cool is that.
More tomorrow.
Tom
We shared niceties. He asked me what I do and his eyes lit up. He shared with me what he was reading. It was an idea/strategy plan on how businesses must change from the traditional industrial revolution model to what is call the "knowledge-based business model"
He shared me me that the basic idea behind this model is access to information and the capacity of people to take this information and transform or put it all together it into something more useful than the sum of its parts.
Sharing that he is a senior citizen, he shared how difficult he found to unlearn and relearn a philosophy of business that he embraced for nearly 50 years. However, once he got it, he begin to understand how crippled his company has been by hiring the cheapest labor, who, in his own words, are the least educated and least intelligent people he could find. There is the common practice in getting a body for the least cost. He's had to retrain himself that in the information/knowledge revolution the smartest people are the commodity.
Strange though, he didn't blame the educational system. So many people are ready to begin pointing fingers and say 'if only they would ...'. His stroke was much broader.
He says that the success of our grandfathers and great-grandfathers have lulled us into becoming lethargic both intellectually and work minded. Once we worked our tails off to survive, now our culture feels we are owed a survival, and a fairly cushy one.
The people can produce change are paralyzed by those who resist it. As long as those who feel owed something are able to feed off of and take from those who do work, they won't have to work! And as long as there are more people that can vote for someone who won't make them work and will take from those who will work, we'll have an upside down society.
Now, what does this have to do with technology? This guy will not hire anyone who doesn't know technology. He has a series of technology questions that usually have nothing to do with their job function. He is so set on the idea that information and knowledge is the next revolution that he makes sure his employees are smart. How cool is that.
More tomorrow.
Tom
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Windows 7, which of the 11 versions should you buy?
I am down here in Atlanta at CED Solutions getting my MCITP on Windows 7 and brushing up on my MCITP Server and Enterprise for Windows 2008 R2. It is early Thursday morning and I am studying and thought I would take a break and write in my blog.
CED is a GREAT place to learn and get certified on all sorts of technology. BE WARNED! This is not for the faint of heart nor the weak of mind! While rewarding, the whole experience will beat you up bad. Most days start at 6 am and end around 2 am or 3 am. That is right 3 to 4 hours of sleep a night. For me, this is what it takes. For some it takes less, for most others, it takes more. I don't like to retake certification tests so I will study as hard as I can the FIRST time so that I don't have to do it again. Some will study, fail the test and realize what they need to study the next time; and go take it again. Not me, I want 1000 out of 1000 everytime. Anything less is disappointing to me.
HUH? There are 11 versions of Window 7? Yep! And I’ll get to that in a moment. First let me answer the questions I have received the past few months.
1. What should I do? Give me all your money of course! :) Honestly, I really like many of the different flavors of Linux! SuSE is my favorite. What don't people like about FREE?! Keep in mind, IT IS NOT WINDOWS. Much like a car and an aircraft carrier are both modes of transportation, it takes different skills for each. Understanding that there must be a change an a learning curve is key. Once you get this realization, you are good.
2. Should I upgrade to Windows 7? If you have Vista, ABSOLUTELY! Which version? We are getting to that. If you have Windows XP or lower there isn’t a direct upgrade path. In order to move all of your stuff over, there is this product call WET (Window Easy Transfer) or USMT (User State Migration Tool) that will do a pretty good job moving your data over. But chances are, if you are running Windows XP, your hardware will not support either Windows Vista or Windows 7.
Let me talk about Windows Vista for a moment. For those who remember Windows ME, Vista is even worse. Windows 7 should be called Windows Vista service pack 3. However, since Vista left a bad taste in everyone Microsoft decided to scrap it all together in favor of a new name to rebrand their product. While there are some major back end changes, the user experience is just about the same.
3. Will Windows 7 run my older apps? It depends on your definition of “older”. In Windows 7, Microsoft has completely gotten rid of NTVDM, the major component that allowed for 16 bit legacy (really old) applications. Even with some of the older applications, many of them are written in a way that will not work until the software writer rewrites them for Windows 7.
4. What can I do to see if I can upgrade? Again, no real “upgrade” process from anything other than Windows Vista. Everything else is pretty much a wipe and load. There are two tools that you can download to see how things would work for you. Again, these will evaluate your system pretty much against the MINIMUM requirements. Just because it will work, doesn’t necessarily mean it will work well.
a. ACT, Application Compatibility Tool. This will check the applications you have installed to see if they might work with Windows 7. I have yet to run it on any system that gave me 100% confidence that an upgrade will be successful.
b. MAP, Microsoft Assessment and Planning. This is more for large scale roll outs of an operating system. Unless you have 10 or more installations, I would not use this tool.
Okay, about the 11 different versions. First let me break these down into TWO left and right side categories, 32 bit and 64 bit.
Not since Windows 95 where we went from 16 bit to native 32bit processing has there been such a change. For the past 15 years, programmers have been programming all their software to function in the win32 bit environment (save a few early adopters and linux heads). Now, ALL applications on the face of the planet, all drivers, all EVERYTHING pertaining to the desktop has to be rewritten. This is not going to happen overnight, nor is it ever going to go smoothly. This is one the big issues with Vista64. Not many software vendors got ready for it.
So there are going to be two categories of operating systems 32 bit and 64 bit. We already know that 64 bit is going to be the standard, much like we know that Blue-Ray is going to replace the DVD. There isn’t any competition; it is just going to happen. What is different is that Blue-Ray players can play DVD’s, 64 bit OS may not play 32 bit applications at all (with a MAJOR exception I’ll talk about later). You are going to find better success with applications on the 32 bit platform rather than the 64 bit platform, but they are coming. You are going to see a SIGNIFICANT performance increase in the 64 bit OS over the 32 bit OS simply because all the hardware IS 64 bit. When you run a 32 bit OS on 64 bit hardware you are essentially binding your hardware’s figurative “hands and feet” and asking it to run a mile. It has to work harder than if the OS was 64 bit.
Oh, and there is absolutely no way to upgrade from 32bit to 64bit EVER! If you have Windows Vista 32 bit, the only upgrade you can do is to Windows 7 32bit. If you want to go from 32bit to 64bit, you must completely, and I mean COMPLETELY wipe out your computer, purchase a NEW version of the OS, and start from scratch.
So now that we have a left and right categories of 32 bit and 64 bit, lets talk about the up and down categories, Personal/Home and Business, each having 3 options; for a total of 6 different OSs. But if they all come in a 32 bit and a 64 bit option shouldn’t we have 12 to choose from?
The Personal/Home Windows 7 category comes with 3 different editions. Window 7 Starter, Home Basic and Home Premium.
Windows 7 Starter: This ONLY comes in 32 bit! It is primarily found preloaded on Netbooks which simply do not have the same processing power as a laptop. They are not mean to do the same thing! This edition is great for the user who just wants to go online, do some minor word processing, and that is about it. You can only run 3 apps at a time. Because of the limited functionality, you have a menu called a “jumplist” which has only pre-populated apps. This edition lacks most of the tools and utilities that anyone needing to install applications would want. While you can do some business and educational things, this version, IMHO, is a fun toy to get online and goof around. Unfortunately a good majority of Netbooks ONLY come pre-populated with this version. I expect that as Nebooks become robust we are going to see better OS options. This is very good at streaming media and broadband/online applications.
Windows 7 Home Basic: From here on out all of the versions will come with both 32bit and 64bit flavors, It can run more than 3 apps at a time, but has what is called a “fancy GUI” (Graphical User Interface). This OS is for the person that does have the OLD hardware and really, really, REALLY wants to upgrade it. When Microsoft talks about their MINIMUM requirements, it is for this version. I am not even sure you'll see this version in the USA because is designated for "Emerging Markets" My assumption is this is for areas of the world where Linux is heavily used. :)
Windows 7 Home Premium: This is the one that most people are going to see and purchase. It comes with the cool GUI called “Aero” which does some of the cool special effects. You must have a fairly good video card to do these things. It also comes with “Media Center” This product is your total entertainment center! Windows 7 also comes with the new “HOMEGroup” for basic home networking. DVD Playback and Authoring
So there are your Home/Personal computers. So what is the big difference between Home/Personal and Business? PLENTY!
Probably most substantial is that the Business OS software line are meant for a network environment. Home OS software can only attach to 10 other home computers, that is all! Business OS software computers are meant to be a part of a system “Domain” and can attach to more than 10 computers. Nothing new hear, just emphasizing the point that HOME/Personal computers have no business in Business environments.
So, here is my strong suggestion, if you are going to be getting a computer for a “home” business, DO NOT get the HOME OS editions! If you are buying a computer that you might want to attach to a Business system, DO NOT buy a HOME OS edition.
So what are these Business editions? Let me first start by saying that all of these are additive. In other words as we move up from the Starter Edition, we are adding features to each version. All the features in the Business editions are NOT available in the Home editions.
Perhaps the most concerning issue as a Network Director is that of licensing. There has always been a significant difference in the way Microsoft has licensed Home/Personal editions and Business editions.
Home Edition licensing is a single licenses managed by a single person. Really, this is fairly simple. One, two, three machines means, one, two, three licenses to manage and activate.
However, imagine if you have 1000 or 10000 computers that you have to manage ALL of those 26 digit activation codes and perform a manual registration process for each PC. PHEW! Windows XP allowed for a volume license that did not need to be activated. If you bought 700 copies, you were allowed, on your honor, to install 700 copies. Well….Windows 7 has completely changed the backend licensing model. EVERY SINGLE COPY of the license needs to be activated. Because of this, Microsoft came out with a Key Management Service which must be installed on a workstation (for smaller environments of less than 50 computers) or server.
This allows workstation to connect to a KMS (Key Management Service) server for activation instead of having to manually go to a Microsoft server each time it want to activate or verify its activation. Each time a workstation is imaged or goes out to get updates, the workstation now must connect to the Microsoft Genuine Advantage to make sure it isn’t a pirated version. As a result, in a small environment without KMS, you may have to click a few buttons just to get updates. KMS eliminates this process.
Windows 7 Professional: I was so fooled into thinking that this was the equivalent of Windows XP Professional where we had everything we needed. WRONG! So what does it have.
1. EFS, Encrypted File System. Some people need to secure their systems from theft and data loss.
2. Group Policies. Because this version can join a Domain, it can also have group policies applied to it. NONE of the home systems can be managed in a business environment just because of this!
3. RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) inbound and Offline folders. This is very useful for those who need to remote into a computer. Also, used to manage computers in a larger network.
4. Advanced Backup software. You can actually backup and entire image of your computer to a network location, and restore it just as it is.
5. This is the SINGLE reason to buy a Business OS over a HOME/Professional OS. All of the Business Oss come with what is called “Windows XP Mode” It is a FREE download from Microsoft which will allow you to install a Windows XP application within a Virtualized environment right on Windows 7.
Windows 7 Enterprise: Now I am going to throw some things out here that are pretty much only important to an enterprise administrator expect the first one.
1. BitLocker Hard Disk Drive Protection. You can lock your hard drive and even your USB stick so that you YOU, with a password, can have access to it. There is more to this but I’ll leave it at this.
2. AppLocker. (no need to go into this one but super important in a Doman environment)
3. Branch Office Caching (again no need to go into this one unless you are a part of a Domain environment)
4. Direct Access (Something really interesting with IPv6, and not really knowing about here)
5. Ability to start from a VHD, (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure). This in combination with a MED-V (Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization), allow a user to receive an OS from a server from anywhere in the world.
Windows 7 Ultimate: This is the edition that comes with everything. What is different about this edition that the other two Business editions? Simple it doesn’t have a volume license agreement. It is the one that can be installed for technical.
So as you purchase a new computer or upgrade one to Windows 7, you have a few things to think about. 32bit or 64bit?, Home/Personal or Business? And which flavor will work for you? It all depends on what you want to do with it and what you expect it to do.
If someone corners me and ask what they should get, Windows Ultimate x64 everytime! :)
Tom
CED is a GREAT place to learn and get certified on all sorts of technology. BE WARNED! This is not for the faint of heart nor the weak of mind! While rewarding, the whole experience will beat you up bad. Most days start at 6 am and end around 2 am or 3 am. That is right 3 to 4 hours of sleep a night. For me, this is what it takes. For some it takes less, for most others, it takes more. I don't like to retake certification tests so I will study as hard as I can the FIRST time so that I don't have to do it again. Some will study, fail the test and realize what they need to study the next time; and go take it again. Not me, I want 1000 out of 1000 everytime. Anything less is disappointing to me.
HUH? There are 11 versions of Window 7? Yep! And I’ll get to that in a moment. First let me answer the questions I have received the past few months.
1. What should I do? Give me all your money of course! :) Honestly, I really like many of the different flavors of Linux! SuSE is my favorite. What don't people like about FREE?! Keep in mind, IT IS NOT WINDOWS. Much like a car and an aircraft carrier are both modes of transportation, it takes different skills for each. Understanding that there must be a change an a learning curve is key. Once you get this realization, you are good.
2. Should I upgrade to Windows 7? If you have Vista, ABSOLUTELY! Which version? We are getting to that. If you have Windows XP or lower there isn’t a direct upgrade path. In order to move all of your stuff over, there is this product call WET (Window Easy Transfer) or USMT (User State Migration Tool) that will do a pretty good job moving your data over. But chances are, if you are running Windows XP, your hardware will not support either Windows Vista or Windows 7.
Let me talk about Windows Vista for a moment. For those who remember Windows ME, Vista is even worse. Windows 7 should be called Windows Vista service pack 3. However, since Vista left a bad taste in everyone Microsoft decided to scrap it all together in favor of a new name to rebrand their product. While there are some major back end changes, the user experience is just about the same.
3. Will Windows 7 run my older apps? It depends on your definition of “older”. In Windows 7, Microsoft has completely gotten rid of NTVDM, the major component that allowed for 16 bit legacy (really old) applications. Even with some of the older applications, many of them are written in a way that will not work until the software writer rewrites them for Windows 7.
4. What can I do to see if I can upgrade? Again, no real “upgrade” process from anything other than Windows Vista. Everything else is pretty much a wipe and load. There are two tools that you can download to see how things would work for you. Again, these will evaluate your system pretty much against the MINIMUM requirements. Just because it will work, doesn’t necessarily mean it will work well.
a. ACT, Application Compatibility Tool. This will check the applications you have installed to see if they might work with Windows 7. I have yet to run it on any system that gave me 100% confidence that an upgrade will be successful.
b. MAP, Microsoft Assessment and Planning. This is more for large scale roll outs of an operating system. Unless you have 10 or more installations, I would not use this tool.
Okay, about the 11 different versions. First let me break these down into TWO left and right side categories, 32 bit and 64 bit.
Not since Windows 95 where we went from 16 bit to native 32bit processing has there been such a change. For the past 15 years, programmers have been programming all their software to function in the win32 bit environment (save a few early adopters and linux heads). Now, ALL applications on the face of the planet, all drivers, all EVERYTHING pertaining to the desktop has to be rewritten. This is not going to happen overnight, nor is it ever going to go smoothly. This is one the big issues with Vista64. Not many software vendors got ready for it.
So there are going to be two categories of operating systems 32 bit and 64 bit. We already know that 64 bit is going to be the standard, much like we know that Blue-Ray is going to replace the DVD. There isn’t any competition; it is just going to happen. What is different is that Blue-Ray players can play DVD’s, 64 bit OS may not play 32 bit applications at all (with a MAJOR exception I’ll talk about later). You are going to find better success with applications on the 32 bit platform rather than the 64 bit platform, but they are coming. You are going to see a SIGNIFICANT performance increase in the 64 bit OS over the 32 bit OS simply because all the hardware IS 64 bit. When you run a 32 bit OS on 64 bit hardware you are essentially binding your hardware’s figurative “hands and feet” and asking it to run a mile. It has to work harder than if the OS was 64 bit.
Oh, and there is absolutely no way to upgrade from 32bit to 64bit EVER! If you have Windows Vista 32 bit, the only upgrade you can do is to Windows 7 32bit. If you want to go from 32bit to 64bit, you must completely, and I mean COMPLETELY wipe out your computer, purchase a NEW version of the OS, and start from scratch.
So now that we have a left and right categories of 32 bit and 64 bit, lets talk about the up and down categories, Personal/Home and Business, each having 3 options; for a total of 6 different OSs. But if they all come in a 32 bit and a 64 bit option shouldn’t we have 12 to choose from?
The Personal/Home Windows 7 category comes with 3 different editions. Window 7 Starter, Home Basic and Home Premium.
Windows 7 Starter: This ONLY comes in 32 bit! It is primarily found preloaded on Netbooks which simply do not have the same processing power as a laptop. They are not mean to do the same thing! This edition is great for the user who just wants to go online, do some minor word processing, and that is about it. You can only run 3 apps at a time. Because of the limited functionality, you have a menu called a “jumplist” which has only pre-populated apps. This edition lacks most of the tools and utilities that anyone needing to install applications would want. While you can do some business and educational things, this version, IMHO, is a fun toy to get online and goof around. Unfortunately a good majority of Netbooks ONLY come pre-populated with this version. I expect that as Nebooks become robust we are going to see better OS options. This is very good at streaming media and broadband/online applications.
Windows 7 Home Basic: From here on out all of the versions will come with both 32bit and 64bit flavors, It can run more than 3 apps at a time, but has what is called a “fancy GUI” (Graphical User Interface). This OS is for the person that does have the OLD hardware and really, really, REALLY wants to upgrade it. When Microsoft talks about their MINIMUM requirements, it is for this version. I am not even sure you'll see this version in the USA because is designated for "Emerging Markets" My assumption is this is for areas of the world where Linux is heavily used. :)
Windows 7 Home Premium: This is the one that most people are going to see and purchase. It comes with the cool GUI called “Aero” which does some of the cool special effects. You must have a fairly good video card to do these things. It also comes with “Media Center” This product is your total entertainment center! Windows 7 also comes with the new “HOMEGroup” for basic home networking. DVD Playback and Authoring
So there are your Home/Personal computers. So what is the big difference between Home/Personal and Business? PLENTY!
Probably most substantial is that the Business OS software line are meant for a network environment. Home OS software can only attach to 10 other home computers, that is all! Business OS software computers are meant to be a part of a system “Domain” and can attach to more than 10 computers. Nothing new hear, just emphasizing the point that HOME/Personal computers have no business in Business environments.
So, here is my strong suggestion, if you are going to be getting a computer for a “home” business, DO NOT get the HOME OS editions! If you are buying a computer that you might want to attach to a Business system, DO NOT buy a HOME OS edition.
So what are these Business editions? Let me first start by saying that all of these are additive. In other words as we move up from the Starter Edition, we are adding features to each version. All the features in the Business editions are NOT available in the Home editions.
Perhaps the most concerning issue as a Network Director is that of licensing. There has always been a significant difference in the way Microsoft has licensed Home/Personal editions and Business editions.
Home Edition licensing is a single licenses managed by a single person. Really, this is fairly simple. One, two, three machines means, one, two, three licenses to manage and activate.
However, imagine if you have 1000 or 10000 computers that you have to manage ALL of those 26 digit activation codes and perform a manual registration process for each PC. PHEW! Windows XP allowed for a volume license that did not need to be activated. If you bought 700 copies, you were allowed, on your honor, to install 700 copies. Well….Windows 7 has completely changed the backend licensing model. EVERY SINGLE COPY of the license needs to be activated. Because of this, Microsoft came out with a Key Management Service which must be installed on a workstation (for smaller environments of less than 50 computers) or server.
This allows workstation to connect to a KMS (Key Management Service) server for activation instead of having to manually go to a Microsoft server each time it want to activate or verify its activation. Each time a workstation is imaged or goes out to get updates, the workstation now must connect to the Microsoft Genuine Advantage to make sure it isn’t a pirated version. As a result, in a small environment without KMS, you may have to click a few buttons just to get updates. KMS eliminates this process.
Windows 7 Professional: I was so fooled into thinking that this was the equivalent of Windows XP Professional where we had everything we needed. WRONG! So what does it have.
1. EFS, Encrypted File System. Some people need to secure their systems from theft and data loss.
2. Group Policies. Because this version can join a Domain, it can also have group policies applied to it. NONE of the home systems can be managed in a business environment just because of this!
3. RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) inbound and Offline folders. This is very useful for those who need to remote into a computer. Also, used to manage computers in a larger network.
4. Advanced Backup software. You can actually backup and entire image of your computer to a network location, and restore it just as it is.
5. This is the SINGLE reason to buy a Business OS over a HOME/Professional OS. All of the Business Oss come with what is called “Windows XP Mode” It is a FREE download from Microsoft which will allow you to install a Windows XP application within a Virtualized environment right on Windows 7.
Windows 7 Enterprise: Now I am going to throw some things out here that are pretty much only important to an enterprise administrator expect the first one.
1. BitLocker Hard Disk Drive Protection. You can lock your hard drive and even your USB stick so that you YOU, with a password, can have access to it. There is more to this but I’ll leave it at this.
2. AppLocker. (no need to go into this one but super important in a Doman environment)
3. Branch Office Caching (again no need to go into this one unless you are a part of a Domain environment)
4. Direct Access (Something really interesting with IPv6, and not really knowing about here)
5. Ability to start from a VHD, (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure). This in combination with a MED-V (Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization), allow a user to receive an OS from a server from anywhere in the world.
Windows 7 Ultimate: This is the edition that comes with everything. What is different about this edition that the other two Business editions? Simple it doesn’t have a volume license agreement. It is the one that can be installed for technical.
So as you purchase a new computer or upgrade one to Windows 7, you have a few things to think about. 32bit or 64bit?, Home/Personal or Business? And which flavor will work for you? It all depends on what you want to do with it and what you expect it to do.
If someone corners me and ask what they should get, Windows Ultimate x64 everytime! :)
Tom
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