Author Archive for KW – Page 41

Malwarebytes Database Version Numbering Change

Today I was updating Malwarebytes on a customer computer, and for a moment I thought I had a rogue version of Malwarebytes. That’s because the version number associated with their database definition file had a completely different naming structure.

But a quick visit to the MalwareByte’s Forum and I discovered that they had indeed changed how they identify and name their database version!

The old format for the database version was a 4 digit number, like: 8229
The new format is an 8 digit number, like: 9111122309

According to the forum post, the version number breaks down as 9yymmddvv, where
9 = indicates this is the new version format
yymmdd = the date of the veersion (111223 represents Year 2011, Month December, Day 23)
vv = the version update for that specific day (09 indicates this is the 9th update for Dec 23, 2011)

Verizon Email Settings

Verizon has recently made changes to their client email setup to improve security. If you only access your email from a web browser, these changes do not affect you. But, if you use an email client software on your computer (Outlook, Outlook Express, Windows Mail, etc.), then changes need to be made.

Verizon has provided the following page that you explains the changes AND provides step by step instructions for making those changes. However, if you are having trouble making these changes, please contact me, and I will set up a time to do it for you.

Review Verizon Instructions – Email Changes

 

Dell OpenManage Download Tips

Dell’s OpenManage Systems Management Tools & Documentation (OM-SMTD) is a set of tools on a bootable DVD that is used to prepare and install a Dell server. This past week I needed to download the latest version to use on a Dell T410 that was not shipped with the OpenManage DVD . I used the OM-STD to configure the Raid drives and to install SBS 2011. I hope these notes will help you.

First, because of the size of the OM-SMTD , Dell splits the .iso file into 2 separate files (xxx.001 and xxx.002), which you then have to combine together using a simple DOS command. The reason for this is that there’s a 2GB file limitation when downloading files from a browser,  and there have been reports of file corruption when downloading very large files via a nbrowser.

But we won’t be using our browser, because it is far easier to use a FTP client to download these files rather than using a browser interface to the Dell’s Support web page. The reason is two-fold: it’s easier using the FTP client, and more importantly, using a browser to download extremely large files has been known to cause corruption.

So grab your favorite FTP client and point it to ftp.dell.com using anonymous login. Drill down to the secure\sysman sub folder. There you will find the download files for every version of SMTD! I know, control your emotions. I wanted version 6.5.0, so the two files I needed were: OM_6.5.0_SMTD_A01.iso.001 and OM_6.5.0_SMTD_A01.iso.002. Eachof these files are over 1GB in size, so your Internet speed will dictate how long it will take to download the files. I would suggest creating a folder on your hard drive, such as C:\OM and store the two files there.

Once they are downloaded, open up a command prompt (Start >cmd) and enter the following DOS commands, which will combine (concatenate) the two iso files into a single iso file:

  1. cd \OM
  2. copy /b OM* OM650.iso

Finally, use your favorite image burner utility to burn the .iso file to a DVD. I personally use a free product called ImgBurn.

Good luck!

Office 365 Integration Public Beta announced

The Microsoft SBS team has released the first public beta of the Office 365 Integration Module, which interfaces with SBS 2011 Essentials. More information plus a link to download the beta can be found at the SBS Official Blog site (click here).

SSL Certificates for SBS 2011

The SBS Internet Management Wizard will offer a choice of several companies to purchase an SSL certificate. Self0signed certificates, which we used often with SBS 2003 installations, is a thing of the past. SSL certificates are fairly inexpensive these days. Check out GoDaddy’s $12.99 certificate .

And be sure to check out Third Tier’s excellent article on Setting up Autodiscover with SBS 2011!

Multipoint Classroom Video

Here is a very good (under 5 minute) video from a secondary school in the Czech Reoublic discussing the features of Microsoft’s Windows Multipoint Server!

ios5 iTunes Store Temporarily Unavailable

After upgrading my trusty iPhone4 to the new iOS5 software/firmware, I discovered that I could not access the itunes store from phone to download updates for my apps.

I did a lot of searching, with no real answers until I stumbled on a suggestion to fire up itunes on my computer, click on Store > View My Account, login with your Apple storeid and password, and then select to deauthorize all computers.

Yes — deauthorize all computers. In fact there’s a little button that lets you do it very easily. I did so with fear and trepidation, but the result was that it immediately worked. I was able to access the itunes store from my iphone and download the available updates to my apps.

 

Health Update – October 2011

To all my business clients, friends and family:

It’s been almost two weeks since I last contacted you on my health condition, and I wanted to give you a quick update.

It’s been two weeks todays since I was discharged from the hospital. I’ve been in regular, almost daily, constant contact with my primary doctor, and have had two check-ups with him. An EKG and more blood work indicate things are stabilizing with the meds I’m taking. He said my lungs sound clear. I have an appointment with a second cardiologist this Thursday to get a second opinion on the health of my heart. Long term prognosis looks good.

What I did not expect was how tired I would still be two weeks later. This is, in part, because I am still unable to get a full night sleep. But on a positive note, I’m taking short 10-15 minute daily walks outside, and have been able to drive myself around to the pharmacy and the doctors. But it doesn’t take much effort to wear me out.

I am so itching to get back to work and to get out to see all of you as soon as possible – but I still need to take “baby steps” on my road to recovery.

I can work remotely, so if you do have issues or problems, please do not hesitate to call me. I thank you for your understanding, and I appreciate all the emails I’ve received offering me prayers and best wishes.

KW

Samsung Galaxy 10.1 Won’t Power On

I purchased a Samsung Galaxy tablet last month to take with me on my SMB/MVP Community Roadshow events. Prior to the last event, I pulled out the tablet and discovered that it would not power on. Strange, as it was just working that morning. I tried several different power outlets, and even found someone with a matching power adapter. Nothing … nada … bummer!

The usual concerns begin to cross your mind, such as “Did the unit take a power hit?” I was fully expecting that I would have to return the unit to Samsung for repair. But prior to doing so, I did a quick search of the Samsung Galaxy forum and discovered that I was not the only one with this problem.

More importantly, it’s an easy fix: Simply hold the power button in for 12 seconds! That’s all – and you wills ee your tablet starting up.

Health Status

Well, the day finally arrived when I discovered that I was not invincible. Traveling back from a wedding in Oklahoma City, I developed a severe issue with breathing. Combined that with all my recent air travels, blood clots was a major concerm.

Long story short, I checked myself into the ER on Monday Sept 12th, was admitted tot he hospital that afternoon, and remained there for the next nine long days! I had a pleural effusion (fluid build up between the lungs and chest cavity) caused by a weakened heart that could not pump blood at an appropriate level. The good news is that I am back home with the expectations of resuming my work and life, with restrictions and changes. I have a laundry list of medications that I will probably be taking for the rest of my life.

Please do not ignore the signs your body gives you. In my case, I started having issues with sleeping at night weeks before and had also noticed an unusual jump in my weight. I don’t wish 9 days in the hospital on anyone. Do yourself a favor and schedule yourself for an annual physical with your doctor!