I was recently asked what my own Fave List of NT-sites was

Now the Show Desktop icon will automatically appear in the Quick Launch toolbar, and you shouldn't have to restart. However, if you don't see the shortcut, then try restarting your machine before retrying the steps. [Brian] The great thing about Lockergnome readers is that they're willing to help out someone else with their tech knowledge, and they're not afraid to call out errors when they see them! Here are a few "call outs" regarding yesterday's issue. The editor had a massive headache; sorry. You can also get to your Desktop quickly by hitting the WindowsKey-D ('D' for 'Desktop,' presumably) or WindowsKey-M (for Minimize all windows) combinations."

An email inquiry asked if there was a simple client available that could FTP files every 15 minutes. Sounds easy enough, and while I'm quite certain that there are a thousand different clients available, the standard Windows FTP client can easily accomplish this when coupled with the Task Scheduler.

The trick is to put all of the relevant commands you want executed in a separate text file, then use the -s switch to direct FTP to use the file. Here's the command line you would use followed by the contents of a sample command file:

username
password
cd /www/images
bin
put c:\files\image1.jpg
put c:\files\image2.jpg
bye

The ultimate preventive maintenance checklist

What's the support pro to do for preventive maintenance on user machines? Here's a checklist of 29 things you can do to keep your users happy and online.

1. E-mail your computer users. Let your clients know in advance what will be happening on the preventive maintenance visit. Users get attached to their systems, and seeing something change can be upsetting to them. In the e-mail, ask them if anything strange is going on with their system or if they have any questions for you. Often a user may be hesitant to let you know something is wrong, thinking it's no big deal or afraid of having a finger pointed at them for being the problem. One of the most common complaints you’ll receive is that the computer is getting slower. More often than not, the user is becoming a power user, becoming more familiar with the software they are using. This may be a good time to upgrade the computer to realize productivity gains from the user.

2. Empty the Recycle Bin. Some users need to be reminded to periodically empty the Recycle Bin.

3. Delete .tmp files. Before running ScanDisk and Defragmenter, delete all *.tmp files that have been created prior to the current day. It will surprise most people to learn how much hard drive space has been used by .tmp files.

4. Delete files that begin with a tilde. When cleaning the system of garbage files, readers might also like to check for any files beginning with a tilde (~). Make sure that all your application programs, such as word-processing, spreadsheet, and graphics programs, are closed first since sometimes the temporary file you are currently viewing uses a tilde. If the application programs are closed, the tilde files can be deleted. Some users find they have a lot of these on their systems!

5. Delete old .zip files. Users tend to unzip the files but then leave the zipped file on their computer.

6. Delete .chk files, and switch the swap file. For those with permanent swap files, it’s sometimes a good idea to set the swap file back to temporary and then permanent again. This cleans out any garbage (and therefore any possible corruption).

7. Run ScanDisk and defrag the drive as needed. If your Windows 95 users aren't running these utilities themselves, it doesn't hurt to check the disk and make sure the number of disk errors and the percentage of fragmentation are within acceptable limits. For Windows 98 clients, use the Task Scheduler to automate ScanDisk.

8. Check browser history and cache files. Check that the user history files and Internet cache settings are set properly (cache size). Delete the cache files and history files then reset the history files to no more than three days unless the user specifically needs to store that information longer. By freeing up the cache, downloads from the Web actually speed up since there is more space available to store the temporary files.

9. Clean out Windows temporary Internet files. If the browser is Microsoft's Internet Explorer, clean out the c:\Windows\Temporary Internet files folder.

10. Confirm that backups are being done. Do you have a network solution for automatically backing up user files to a server? If not—and if you're relying on end users to back up their own files—ask users when their last backups were done. Make sure they're rotating their disks. Drag their My Documents folder onto a server drive for them. Remind them to verify the backups by trying to restore a sample file or folder.

11. Update drivers as needed. Make sure you’ve installed the latest drivers for printers, modems, sound cards, video cards, and other devices.

12. Create or update the boot disk. Every Windows user should have a boot disk and every NT client should have an emergency repair disk. While you're making your rounds, poll your users and make sure they have the disks they'd need in case of an emergency. NT clients need to have their emergency repair disks upgraded with the RDISK/S command every time there's a change in the network setup, such as the addition of new users or new devices.

13. Check the operating system and applications. Update your OS and applications with the latest service packs or updates. Save your company some money; don't try to support multiple versions of the same application.

14. Check the connections. Users love to move their equipment around. Make sure all the plugs are snug in their connections. And make sure your users are using surge protectors and not a string of extension cords to power their machines. While the computer is open, re-seat all connections including expansion cards, CPU, memory, data cables and power connections. You'd be surprised how often an expansion card isn't seated all the way, especially AGP video cards and PCI cards.

15. Take inventory. Update your master inventory of computer assets. Verify serial numbers, CPU speed, hard drive space, memory, etc.

16. Make sure the hardware works. Many computers haven't seen a floppy or CD inserted in years as most upgrades and new installations are done from the server. Clean or replace floppy disk and CD drives as needed.

17. Clean the screens. Do your users a favor and bring the appropriate screen-cleaning cloth or solution with you on the preventive maintenance visit.

18. Change passwords. Unless you can enforce a "change your password every X days" policy via your network software, use the preventive maintenance visit to remind your users to change their system passwords.

19. Check the printers. Print a test page on your users' printers. Make sure the printers are producing clean copies, and that the toner cartridges aren't about to run out.

20. Update the anti-virus software. Make sure your users know how to update their anti-virus software. While you're there, update it for them.

21. Reboot the system. In some shops, the workstations are left on all the time. While you're there, reboot the system to force a memory reset and to make sure the machine will boot when you're not there in person.

22. Bring that can of air! It's still a good idea to blow the dust and debris out of keyboards every now and then. And make sure there isn't dust accumulating on the back of the machine or wherever the air fan is located. It's amazing how much dust can collect in a computer over time. Blowing out the inside of the computer has a couple of pitfalls that must be addressed. First, since the pressure is much higher with canned air, don't direct the air at an unsecured fan. Try using a pencil erasure to keep the fan from turning while you clean out the power supply and CPU. Blow out the power supply from the inside out first, or you’ll get tons of dust blown into the computer. Take each computer to a place that doesn't mind the dust, outdoors preferably.

23. Clean the keyboard. With the power off, tip or turn the keyboard upside down and carefully use the palm of your hand to strike the keyboard several times. You'll be surprised how much junk will fall out.

24. Clean the CD-ROM drive. Clean the laser. Many programs are installed corrupted from a dirty CD reader.

25. Clean the floppy drive. In addition to using canned air for the floppy drive, use a 3.5" floppy drive cleaning kit. It consists of a cleaning disk and a bottle of solution that you apply to the disk. First, apply the solution to the cleaning disk. Second, insert the cleaning disk into the floppy drive. Third, type: DIR A: (or DIR B:), which will spin the disk (repeat this three times). In some locations PCs are located in areas where the floppy drive, a.k.a. air intake manifold, collects quite a lot of dust and grime, so canned air alone does not remedy this problem.

26. Clean the mouse. It never hurts to make sure the mouse is free of dust and grime.

27. Check the power sources. Make sure systems are plugged into protected outlets or power strips, if not uninterruptible power supplies.

28. Check the fan. Remember to check that the CPU's cooling fan is working and that the airflow isn't impeded by dust.

29. Check the network hardware. It is also necessary to check and reboot hubs, routers, switches, and print servers from time to time. They contain memory that needs to be flushed and have connections that can work loose. Most networks have a server reboot schedule but forget about the other, just as vital, network kit.

What kind of home or small office network is right for you?

So you want to build a home or small office network but don’t know where to start. It can be a daunting proposition, and there certainly are tons of products out there to choose from. Our guide to home and small office networking should help you answer some basic questions, such as:

· Should you go wireless?

· Do you need a special server to hold all of your data?

· Is a home or small network expensive?

· Can I keep shared files out of the hands of some network users?

In this initial overview, we’ll give you a snapshot of small-scale networking, beginning with some basic terminology. We’ll compare wireless networks to traditional cabled networks, and then the server-based networking model to peer-to-peer networking. By the end of this chapter you’ll have a better understanding of networking and be ready to start making decisions about what setup is right for you.

Networking terminology

Computer networking has its own unique vocabulary. Although we’ll avoid as many acronyms and buzzwords as possible in this brief overview, a firm grasp of the following terms will help you understand the basic networking concepts we’ll discuss throughout this book.

· Node – Any device, such as a PC, that is connected to a computer network.

· Protocol – The method that computers use to communicate with each other. Humans use a particular language, such as English, and computers use a specific protocol, such as Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).

· Server – A computer that shares a resource, such as files or a printer, with other nodes on the network. Traditionally, a server is a dedicated computer that provides resources, such as shared files.

· Switch – A network device that connects network nodes and allows them to communicate with each other.

· Network Adapter Card (NIC) – A specially designed board that is put inside a device that allows the device to connect to the network.

The components of a computer network

Computer networks, regardless of their design or equipment, all share certain attributes. First, they all include computers and peripheral devices. Second, all networks must have a communication medium such as cables; wireless networks use a special radio frequency (RF) signal that’s transmitted through the air. Third, all networks must have a method, or protocol, for the devices to communicate with each other. For the most part, you can count on computers today using TCP/IP. Finally, all networks must have a common device that connects all its computers and devices, collectively known as its nodes. For the purposes of our example, we’ll use a switch, although some networks use other kinds of devices (such as routers or hubs).

Traditional cabled networks

Until recently, all networks relied on connections based on network cables and networking devices, such as switches. This type of network configuration is relatively cheap, very fast, and more secure than the wireless network schemes now on the market.

Tried-and-true network cabling can be fantastic, but there are a few drawbacks. Obviously, you must connect each computer to the network using a cable, which can be quite difficult, especially if you live in a multistory house and want all the rooms to have a networked computer. In addition, if you want to move a computer to a new location, you must run a cable to the spot.

Figure A shows you a simple diagram of a home network. Our example has three desktop computers and a laptop connected to a switch. The centrally located switch lets all the computers communicate with each other so that they can share files; the printer is connected locally to one of the networked computers. The computers could be located in the same room but could just as easily be located throughout the house.

SCSI Cable Lesson

Those of you that utilize SCSI, as I do quite frequently, will want to be sure your cables are of the proper variety. Just because that Ultra2 cable plugs nicely into your Ultra160/320 drives doesn't mean that it will work properly. As I was explaining file system conversion below, I happened to recall an incident where improper SCSI cables caused a nightmare data recovery fiasco. The flat 68-pin SCSI ribbon cables you likely have buried in a drawer are not meant to be used with U160/320 devices. If the drives are attached to an Ultra2 controller, then they are likely safe to use since the higher speeds will not be utilized, and with some controllers, you drives may not be properly interrogated. I wasn't sure where the corruption came from until I started looking at termination, loose cables and the eventual discovery of Ultra2 ribbon cables chained to the five internal Ultra160 drives.

Instead, track down 68-pin cables that use twisted pairs of wires within the ribbon cable, sometimes referred to as Twist-N-Flat. They are easy to spot when compared to the older variety and will make all the difference in the world. Drives may seem to operate just fine, but trust me... there will eventually be problems. Try a little experiment sometime if you like. Dig up a U160 or U320 drive and controller, a few Ultra2 cables and try various combinations, paying attention to how the sync rate for the drives is detected. I'm betting you'll find some inconsistencies, especially if there are multiple drives on the cable, and as the distance from the controller increases.

ATA/66/100 drives will work adequately with a 40-pin IDE cable in a pinch (at reduced speeds, of course), but the same can't be said for high speed SCSI. The drives are backward compatible with older generations of SCSI controllers, but if you are cabling a U160/320 drive to a U160/320 controller, you'd be wise not to tangle with "in a pinch". I've experimented with forcing the sync rate of drives down to 40MB/sec when using older cables, and still been able to produce data errors when beating on the drives. Hang on to those twisted pair cables... I always seem to be short when I need them the most and they aren't cheap to purchase!

Wireless networks

Wireless networks are the latest craze to hit the home networking market. This type of network offers much greater flexibility because you don’t need to physically connect each device to the network. Computers communicate using specially built network adapters and a wireless access point, which is similar to a switch.

Freedom from cables comes with a price, however. Wireless networking devices are much more expensive than their physically connected cousins. You can find traditional network adapters for $20 or less, and an inexpensive wired switch for $50 or less; wireless network adapters cost around $100 and a wireless access point goes for at least $100. Even if you factor in the extra cost of cabling, wireless networks still cost more. In addition, wireless networks can be up to ten times slower than traditional networks, depending on the type of network adapters and switch you are using.

Wireless networks also are not as secure as wired networks. Wireless access points can broadcast their signal up to 800 feet, and the signal goes straight through walls. So if you live near someone who also has a wireless network, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to see each other’s computers when you log on to your network. Although you’ll still need a password to access the computers on another network, you’re much more likely to have someone try to access your data with a wireless network.

However, before you write off wireless networks as being unsafe, please remember that there are definitely ways to prevent unauthorized access to your network. (These topics are covered later in this book.)

In Figure B, we’ve taken the same devices from our earlier example and designed a wireless network. The wireless access point should be centrally located in the house, while the computers can be virtually anyplace. In fact, you can take the laptop out onto the patio. As far as flexibility goes, you just can’t beat wireless networking.

Server-based networking

In the past, virtually all computer networks were built around a centralized computer called a server. This computer held all the network’s shared information; other network nodes connected to the server to use the data. The server-based networking model is still the popular choice in the business world because it’s easy to manage and provides a great deal of security for information stored on the server.

However, server-based networking is relatively expensive, since at least one computer must be configured as a dedicated server. In addition, a network administrator typically needs specialized skills to manage a server, which often runs on an operating system specially designed for the purpose. For home use, this type of network design is definitely not necessary.

If you want to get some of the benefits of a server-based network, you can put a large hard disk in one of your networked computers and let that system hold most shared files. In this manner, you reap the benefit of having information located in one place without the expense and technical challenge of maintaining a server.

Peer-to-peer networking

The two network designs that we’ve illustrated in Figure A and Figure B are good examples of a peer-to-peer network. Peer-to-peer networking is easy to configure, inexpensive, and designed for home or small business use. In this type of a network, each computer shares information stored on it with the other computers, or peers, on the network. You can also share peripheral devices, such as printers and scanners.

The downside to peer-to-peer networking is that it’s relatively insecure. Everyone on the network can access the files you’ve designated to be shared on an individual machine. Although this typically isn’t a large concern for home users, it can be a problem if you store information such as tax documents on a shared drive. As you will learn in subsequent chapters, however, it’s relatively easy to prevent others from seeing your sensitive information. Just remember that you must be careful about what you store on a shared drive.

The choice is up to you

As we’ve shown you in this brief overview, you have a variety of choices when designing your home network. If you want a fast, secure, and inexpensive home network, then a traditionally cabled network is the way to go. If running network cables throughout your house is unappealing or not even an option, then wireless may be your only choice.

You can also combine these network schemes by connecting a wireless access point to a wired switch. This approach can provide needed connection speed for computers you want to use for head-to-head gaming, while also giving you the flexibility to move around the house with your laptop.

When it comes to computer networking the only right choice is the one that works the best for you.

Sick Of Entering Passwords? Need to Retrieve a Lost One?
Keep track of your passwords, and recover ones you've forgotten.
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AI RoboForm
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Spare yourself the irritation and energy drain of filling out forms on the Web.

Darn Passwords
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Keep track of all those pesky passwords you need for protected Web sites.

Password Corral v3.4.6
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Password Remover 2003
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Crack your forgotten Excel passwords.

Asterisk Key
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Forgot your password? Utility recovers passwords hidden under asterisks.

OEM Support Information
Below is a listing of VERITAS Software Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). If you purchased hardware that came bundled with a VERITAS product, please contact the OEM of the device for support on the VERITAS software or the device itself. The OEM Support Teams are trained to answer and resolve your questions and issues with VERITAS products. This list contains both the technical support phone numbers and links to the respective company's web sites (where applicable).

Company	Web Site	Phone Number
ACER	http://www.acercm.com/support/index.html	800-452-2237
ADIC	http://www.adic.com	800-336-1233
Akia	http://www.easy.co.jp/jrndx/generic	03-5643-8724
Aiwa	http://www.aiwa.com/csd	800-321-2492
ARCHOS	http://www.archos.com/us/tech_support.html	949-453-1121(US) 33-01-69-33-1690(France) 00-800-00-1234-00(UK)
BTC	http://www.allproducts.com/computer/btc/	886-2-27112200
Compaq	http://www.compaq.com/support/contact_compaq	800-652-6672
CyberNet	http://www.ussa.com/ussaonline/about.asp	510-623-3700 x233
Dell	http://support.dell.com/	800-624-9896
Exabyte	http://www.exabyte.com	800-392-2983
Fujitsu	http://www.fujitsu.com	800-626-4686
HP	http://www.hp.com	208-323-2551
IBM	http://www.ibm.com	800-237-5511
Iomega	http://www.iomega.com	888-4IOMEGA
LaCie	http://lacie.com/support/index.cfm	503-844-4503
McAfee	http://www.mcafee.com	408-988-3832
MedioStream	http://mediostream.com/support/index.html	N/A
Microsolutions	http://www.micro-solutions.com/	815-756-3411
OnStream Data	http://www.onstream.com
Panasonic	http://www.panasonic.com	800-726-2797
Philips	http://www.pc.be.philips.com	888-239-6948
Pinnacle Optical Storage	http://www.pinnaclemicro.com/	714-789-3200
Pioneer	http://www.pioneerelectronics.com	800-872-4159
Ricoh	http://www.ricoh.co.jp/cd-r/e-/e_asia/	877-742-6479
Seagate Removable Storage Systems	http://www.seagate.com	405-936-1400
Sony	http://www.sony.com	800-326-9551
SOTEC	http://www.easy.co.jp/jrndx/sotec	03-5643-8724
Spectra Logic	http://www.spectralogic.com	800-833-1132 or 303-449-6400
Sun Microsystems	http://www.sun.com	800-USA-4SUN
Tandberg	http://www.tandberg.com	800-826-3237
Toray PD	http://www.toray.com	800-867-2973
Verbatim	http://www.verbatimcorp.com	800-538-8589
Wangtek/Wangdat/Rexon	http://www.wangtek.com, http://www.wangdat.com,	800-992-9916

SYSTEM: You Need How Many Shares?

FIX: When Browsers Go Bad

FIX: Techniques For Taking Out The Spytrash