Category Archives: Optimization
Security Update: Google Releases new Chrome
Google has released Chrome 5.0.375.86 for Linux, Mac, and Windows to address multiple vulnerabilities. As always I highly recommend that you update to the current version of the Google Chrome browser, for security reasons. If you are looking for more information on what was updated in this version you can check out, Google Chrome Releases…
Top 5: Most overlooked configuration items
No matter how prepared and how well documented the network is, sometimes techs forget some basic configurations sometimes. It’s never intentional, but sometimes there are small configurations that we just need to double check. Below is a list of some things that I’ve seen (and have) forgotten to double check when doing a project. Subnets…
Top 5: Chrome Extensions you should have!
Very recently, I’ve been sucked into using Google’s browser Chrome. I remember trying it out when it was first launched and wasn’t really impressed with it then. Like so many things, with experience comes knowledge and I’ve now come to love the browser, though it’s not exclusive at this point, and have heard similar stories…
Adobe Flash Update
Adobe has finally dealt with part of the security issues that it addressed earlier in the week. Adobe has finally updated their Flash Player with the release of version 10.1 (download here). It is recommended that as soon as possible you update all your computer and servers. Note that this update does not fix the…
Backups: Tape vs. Replication
I’ve been asked this question enough since this site started, so I’ve finally decided to take the time and write the article. What are my thoughts on the relatively new debate on Tape Backus versus replicating the data off-site. You’ll find many people taking up sides in this debate, but in my opinion no one…
System Admin’s Vacation Checklist
Now that we are officially in summer, there are a lot of administrators that are planning their vacation. The problem is that many of them will have to still be tethered to the office solving problems. I’ve been in that situation, where while on vacation, I’ve gotten the phone call about a small problem that…
Classic Start Menu in Windows 7
One of the first things that I’ve noticed when I moved over to Windows 7 was the loss of my classic start menu in Windows. Switching to the classic menu has been one of the first things that I’ve done on a new install of Windows. Apparently I wasn’t the only one who was upset…
Q&A Monday: Remotely Turn on Computer?
Question: I constantly turn off my home office computer when I am not using it to save energy. I don’t think this is possible, but I thought there would be no harm in asking you the question anyway. Is there a way for me to remotely turn on my computer when I am not in…
Q&A Monday: Disable Programs that Start with Windows
Every once in a while, I get the following question: Question: How do I stop programs from running when I start up my computer? Answer: This is actually a very simple process. The first place would be the check the windows start up folder, by clicking on the Start Bar going to programs and then…
Q&A Monday: Server Disk Defrag
Question: I was recently promoted to a Junior System Admin role at my company, and server maintenance has recently come under my job responsibility. I was wondering if it is a good idea to defragment the disk on the servers? We occasionally do defrags on the local PCs, but does defraging a server really help?…