Archive for the ‘systems administrator’ Category
Networking Software and Hardware
Networking allows one computer to share information with another. For home office users, this can be a unique advantage. Rather than putting data directly into two computers, you can put it into one computer and then have that computer share the information by using networking software and hardware. Truly, networking software and hardware make life easier and prove to be excellent time saving tools.In order to create a network in your home you will need to purchase the correct hardware if you don’t already have it. You will need, in some cases, a file server, network interface cards, Ethernet cards, local talk connectors, a switch, a router, and/or a bridge. If you are unfamiliar with these products it may serve you well to discuss with the computer hardware distributor, what parts you may or may not require. Further, you might want to hire someone who is knowledgeable to install your network for you.
You might also need to buy networking software. A networking operating system differs from DOS and Windows applications and if your computer does not possess a networking operating system, you may be forced to invest in one. There are two primary network operating systems:- client/server and peer-to-peer networks. If you are looking to establish a small, but simple networking system then you will most likely benefit from a peer-to-peer network. For larger systems, however, a client/server is your best option.When you have a peer-to-peer network, you will not require a dedicated server to share information between computers. Conversely, a client/server requires the use of a dedicated server and this can result in additional expenses for you. Plus, a peer-to-peer network can adapt easily to a Windows Operating System and a knowledgeable individual can easily configure your existing computer to work with your peer-to-peer software.
Before you decide to set up a networking system, you should most definitely research the process. Networking can be a complicated business and if you are unsure of what you are doing, you can actually damage your existing equipment. Again, if you want a networking system established and you are unsure of how to go about it, your best bet is to spend the extra cash to hire someone who can get the process working for you properly as well as advise you about what options are available.
Ultimately, setting up a home network is meant to make your work easier, not harder. Therefore, when considering your network options, do your research, price comparisons and definitely talk to a professional about the best way to set up your system. Once your home networking system is established you will find that you can share information between computers with ease. In the end, that is your goal - to make your work easier, and you don’t need more complications than those that already arise on a regular basis!
Best Windows 7 Tips
You have upgraded to Windows 7, love the new taskbar, and enjoy the power of using the cool Libraries feature.
But now you want more. You want the cool tips and tricks that make Windows 7 fun!
So here are the best ones to help you get the most out of your new OS. In this article, we will focus on the Windows 7 interface to get you started on the road to becoming a Windows 7 Power User. In Part 2, we will be looking at advanced tips for usability, performance, and security.
1. Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Using the mouse, you can drag-‘n-dock windows to either side of the screen, or drag it to the top to maximize it. These keyboard shortcuts are even faster:
- Win+Left Arrow and Win+Right Arrow dock the window to the left and right side of the screen
- Win+Up Arrow and Win+Down Arrow maximize and restore/minimize
- Win+M minimizes everything
- Alt+Up, Alt+Left Arrow, Alt+Right Arrow navigate to parent folder, or browse Back and Forward through folders in Explorer
- Win+Home minimizes/restores all open windows except the active window
- Alt+Win+# accesses the Jump List of program number ‘#’ on the taskbar
2.Rearrange System Tray Icons
You can rearrange icons on the taskbar as you wish and start new (or switch to running) instances of the first ten taskbar programs using Win+1, Win+2, and so on. The cool thing is you can also rearrange system tray icons. Reorder them on the tray or move them outside or back in the tray. Take control of what you want to always keep an eye on, and from which apps you’ll require notifications.
3. Access Jump Lists with the Left Mouse Button
Jump Lists usually show up when you right-click on a taskbar icon. However, they can also be accessed by holding the left mouse button and dragging upwards. If you’re using a laptop touchpad or a touch screen, this is convenient because you do not have to click any button to access a context menu.
4. Add Any Folder to Favorites
You can add any library or folder to the Favorites section in Windows Explorer. To add a folder, navigate to it in Explorer, right-click Favorites in the left navigation pane, and select Add current location to Favorites. Now you get quick access to your favorite folders in all File->Save As dialogs!
5. Pin Frequently Used Folders to the Taskbar
Right-click, drag, and pin your favorite folders to Windows Explorer on the taskbar. They will now show up in the Jump List when you right click on Explorer giving you quick access to your favorite folders.
Future of Computer Networking
Networks of the future will be worlds apart from today’s relatively mundane ones that simply carry packets from one end to the other. With the explosion of Peer-To-Peer (pc-to-pc direct data transfer), high definition video streaming and ubiquitous computing projects like Internet are looking at a scenario where even light bulbs and toasters will have an Internet Protocol (IP) address in affect making household compliances capable of accessing as well as being controlled by the internet. Why do these household appliances need to be connected to the internet or even be controlled through the internet?For starters efficient usage of energy and centralized control, following that train of thought we are looking at a scenario where even light bulbs and toasters will have IP addresses and will be hooked onto the internet - networks as we understand them today may be overwhelmed by the load of data. This has naysayers saying how the extra data is going to clog the data pipes flooding them with data rendering them useless whereas others have grave security concerns about the usage of the data.
This said networks of the future will look different and will most probably work on different protocols. Such networks will not need full time chaperoning which is the job of many a systems administrator. These networks have been named adaptive networks; their job will be to provide a personalized experience for every user, with minimum maintenance. Adaptive networks will also seamlessly support different applications life Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), video conferencing, video surveillance, wireless applications computing on demand or any other new applications that are developed and used by us. Currently, most networks have a one-size fits all philosophy when it comes to applications and when newer demands start to rise on the network, it starts showing signs of a imminent breakdown. Security is also an important aspect, and future networks will be able to detect security attacks and take steps to fight back, very much like the immune system in our body.
The scenario seems very Utopian, but already the Pro Curve Networking initiative from the networking arm of HP has a neat solution that will make the networks of the future “think” the way they are supposed to. Each port (access path) on the router or switch will have individual silicon chips that would monitor the traffic flow of the network. So one chip manages your toaster the other your computer and the third your TV. These mini-processors will have software installed on them to optimize the running of each and every device connected to them and because the software is programmable ports can easily switch from one application to the other according to demand.