Windows Home Server for Small Business

(Business Wire) LPI Level Platforms Inc, the global leader in remote monitoring and management software for solution providers and managed services providers today announced that the Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) market is now “open for business” with Microsoft’s Windows Home Server.

While the millions of SOHO businesses have the greatest need for outsourced IT, cost and technology limitations have made this an elusive target for managed services providers.

With Level Platforms award-winning Managed Workplace installed on a Windows server, solution providers can now deliver end-to-end remote management of workgroup networks including monitoring of all devices (servers, PCs, network devices, printers, IP telephony, etc.), all applications running on Windows devices, alerting, full asset management, remote control, patch management, back up and security, extensive reporting, local storage and much more at a very low cost easily affordable to SOHO businesses.

“With this announcement we are radically expanding the size of their available market and bringing the benefits of managed services to millions of businesses that were not previously accessible to the service provider community.” said Peter Sandiford, CEO Level Platforms.

“By adding the Windows Home Server as a supported platform for Managed Workplace, Level Platforms has opened the doors to a hugely underserviced and important segment of the business market.” said Aaron Booker, President of Hardlines, a Washington-based solution provider focused on the small business market.

“We are excited to work with Level Platforms to extend the value of Windows Home Server to the Small Office/Home Office market,” said Charlie Kindel, General Manager, Windows Server Solutions Group, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT). “This solution will help Microsoft Partners introduce the benefits of Windows Server technology to a large and important market segment establishing a solid foundation for improved performance and reliability today and growth for the future.”

Source: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/windows-home-server-for-small-business,697081.shtml

Red Hat Gives Boost To Virtual Server Support

Red Hat decide to give some boost to virtual server support. Red Hat's Enterprise Linux 5.3 release is a sign of the times, both in terms of the growing importance companies are placing on the scalability of virtual environments and as an example of the maturity of enterprise Linux.

Launched Tuesday, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.3 supports virtual servers with up to 32 virtual CPUs and 80 GB of memory, and includes new performance-boosting features such as Hugepage memory andIntel Extended Page Tables. Red Hat has also bumped physical server support to 126 CPUs and 1 TB of main memory.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.3 also adds support for Intel Core i7 processors and OpenJDK, the official open-source core of the Java SE specification. The integration of OpenJDK marks the culmination of a push that began more than 18 months ago to shift Red Hat's development resources away from in-house projects and toward OpenJDK.

In November 2007, Red Hat signed Sun's OpenJDK license agreement and licensed Sun's Java Standard Edition (SE) technology compatibility kit, essentially paving the way for Red Hat to develop an officially compatible open-source Java Development Kit for Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

While the new additions to Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.3 are noteworthy, the new release shows that Linux purveyors are more focused on performance and new hardware and standards support than they are on adding game-changing new features, according to Gordon Haff, a principal IT adviser at research firm Illuminata.

Source:http://www.crn.com/software/212901511

How to install the Windows 2000 Support Tools to a Windows 2000 Server-based computer

Support personnel and network administrators can use the Windows 2000 Support Tools to help manage their networks and troubleshoot problems. Note that you should install the Windows 2000 Support Tools before you contact Microsoft for support. This article describes how to install the Windows 2000 Support Tools to a Windows 2000 Server-based computer.

Install Windows 2000 Support Tools

To install the Windows 2000 Support Tools:-

1. Start Windows 2000. Note that you must log on as a member of the administrator group to install these tools.
2. Insert the Windows 2000 CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive.
3. Click Browse this CD, and then open the Support\Tools folder.
4. Double-click Setup.exe, and then follow the instructions that appear on the screen.

The following tools are included with Windows 2000:

Acldiag.exe
Adsiedit.msc
Apcompat.exe
Apmstat.exe
Browstat.exe
Clonepr.dll
Dcdiag.exe
Depends.exe
Dfsutil.exe
Dnscmd.exe
Dommig.doc
Dsacls.exe
Dsastat.exe
Dskprobe.exe
Dumpchk.exe
Filever.exe
Gflags.exe
Kill.exe
Ksetup.exe
Ktpass.exe
Ldp.exe
Memsnap.exe
Movetree.exe
Msicuu.exe
Msinfo32.exe
Msizap.exe
Netdiag.exe
Netdom.exe
Nltest.exe
Pmon.exe
Poolmon.exe
PPTP Ping
Pviewer.exe
Reg.exe
Remote.exe
Repadmin.exe
Replmon.exe
Rsdiag.exe
Rsdir.exe
Sdcheck.exe
Search.vbs
SIDWalker
Snmputilg.exe
Tlist.exe
W2000msgs.chm
Windiff.exe
Winrep.exe
Wsremote.exe

Source: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/301423

Online Server Support Services For your Small Businesses

Are you offend of dealing with pesky server problems, always displaying messages such as 'Cannot create a connection to data source' or 'login failed for user 'username' or other errors such as 'login failed for user 'not authority'?

Resolve all these server issues once and for all with the help of professional System Engineers? You can easily find them through leading online technical support resources. They offer critical server support through remote sessions. Entirely focusing on leading technology, these expert technicians give their best to leverage the best out of their technical knowledge and skills to cater your server support requirements.

By using different technologies, tools and products, these system engineers diagnose your server to determine errors and troubleshoot all issues and faulty items causing execution failure. And this all is done right away without wasting any time. Consequentially, they plan the maintenance of swap-out for the most convenient time.

Online server support services are gaining in popularity primarily with small businesses. There are several different factors pushing popularity of online server support services with major being 24x7 availability and experts' help at the most affordable prices.

System Engineers working with online technical support resources are known to follow a precise as well as meticulous approach to cut down the cost of IT support services and increase the overall efficacy of services. This allows customers to work out their IT competencies to achieve business objectives.

Exclusive online server support resources like iYogi offer remote monitoring and management for all components of your server infrastructure, including systems at the Operating System level, custom applications, databases, networks, and the Internet. You can also ask for personalized solutions to fulfill your unique business needs.

Moreover, you can ask your support technicians for tweaks to maintain an efficient server network. It is always recommended to not to overload your server with too many photos loading in web pages especially those with large sizes.

Always clean up your blog mess on regular basis. Remove widgets and other files in your header, sidebar and footer that are no longer useful. All such tips will help you to cut load on your server and upload your web pages fast.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Server-Support&id=1374938

SMB Powerhouse Windows Server 2008 R2 Beta Is Public

During yesterday's Microsoft keynote at CES, Steve Ballmer announced the release of the public beta of Windows Server 2008 R2, which is a midway release between its major server releases. This is a philosophy that the Windows Server team at Microsoft adopted since Windows Server 2003. R2 beta will be available for download on the WinServer R2 web site.

While R2 arrives with myriad new features, there are two key areas that are of great interest to IT generalists and small VARs that cater to the SMB. First, a new DirectAccess feature eliminates the need for VPN connectivity by providing seamless intranet based connectivity to Windows 7 clients from remote locations. DirectAccess will do away with the need to buy any VPN appliance. What's more, administrators will be able to manage remote computers just like computers inside corporate intranets. For VARs, DirectAccess spells a boom in new business revenue. VARs can offer managed services directly from their networks.



In R2, Microsoft also changed some of the network plumbing and underlying protocols to increase the efficiency of file transfers and improve remote connectivity with Hyper-V. As a result, the old Terminal Services will no longer be supported.

R2 provides a new Remote Desktop service using a new Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). In a R2 VDI environment, remote computers will be able to connect to virtual desktops, instead of physical machines. Hyper-V's virtualization technology makes it looks seamless. From the point of view of users, they won't be able to distinguish if the virtual desktops are virtual or installed on physical hardware.

While this might sound too esoteric for many small businesses to deploy, in actuality, it is not. I've worked with Hyper-V in the past and found it extremely easy to use. Small business will be able to reduce operational costs because the desktops exist in the VDI environment (a server box). You won't be rolling your eyes back when you see the price. It's all included in the Windows Server 2008 license.

Source: http://blogs.pcmag.com/atwork/2009/01/ces_2009_smb_powerhouse_window_1.php

10 Important Reasons to Use Windows Small Business Server 2008

Windows Small Business Server 2008 is an integrated server solution that helps you protect your business data, increase productivity, and present a more professional image to customers. Windows Small Business Server 2008 delivers enterprise-class technologies for data backup and restore,e-mail, remote access, file and printer sharing, internal Web sites, and support for mobile devices--in one fully integrated solution.

1. Get a comprehensive, all-in-one solution.

Windows Small Business Server 2008 takes the guesswork out of selecting software for your network. It brings together the Microsoft product technologies that businesses need most into a single solution. These technologies are integrated into one product, making it easy for PSS Enterprises to install and manage.

2. Stay connected to your customers, vendors, and suppliers.

With access to contacts, appointments, and files from any Internet-connected PC or mobile device, you can be responsive to customers, vendors, and suppliers even when you're not in the office.

* Access the facts you need, in real time.
* Respond to customer inquiries more quickly and accurately.
* Stay connected while on the road with remote access capabilities from a Windows Mobile phone.

3. Protect your business and prevent data loss.

Windows Small Business Server 2008 helps protect your vital business information from loss by backing up the data on your network, and enabling you to recover accidentally deleted files. SBS 2008 also enables you to recover data on your network in the event of disaster. With easy-to-use interfaces, you or your IT consultant gain better control of your data, PCs, and network.

4. Access business information and resources

From virtually anywhere at any time. Be productive whether you're out of the office, at home, or on the road. Windows Small Business Server 2008 gives you secure access to business contacts, calendars, e-mail, files, your desktop, and even shared resources from any Internet connected PC, from virtually anywhere at any time.

5. Increase your business capacity.

Streamline business processes and improve day-to-day efficiency with Windows Small Business Server 2008. It helps automate daily processes by providing a central repository for storing and sharing information more easily--and helps simplify communications with familiar Microsoft technologies.

6. Stay safe with anti-spam and antivirus protection.

Windows Small Business Server 2008 offers anti-spam and antivirus technologies to help protect your business information and your intellectual property from malicious attacks, viruses, and spam.

7. Keep your network healthy and up-to-date.

Windows Small Business Server 2008 provides you with the latest updates to minimize downtime and help ensure network health by keeping your PCs and servers current. Easy-to-read "green check" reports give you a quick view of Microsoft software updates, PC and server status, antivirus status, and backup progress.

8. Take advantage of powerful technologies designed and priced for small business.

Windows Small Business Server 2008 includes multiple technologies optimized specifically for small businesses at an affordable price. It enables you to share resources and equipment, such as Internet access, printers, and fax machines, so you get the most value from your technology investment.

9. Get the flexibility and scalability you need.

As your business needs change, Windows Small Business Server 2008 enables you to grow. You can easily add users, servers, and applications. It supports your critical line of business applications and is designed to integrate with your existing Microsoft technology.Here you can easily use the windows server 2008 if found any problem then you can use online server support services. In market there are lots of good name who provide online server support services like Microsoft, geek squad, iYogi etc..

10. Create a bigger presence in the market.

Differentiate your business and present a more professional image to prospects and customers. Windows Small Business Server 2008 offers e-mail marketing capabilities, business Web sites, and tools for creating your own Web site.

Source & Inspiration: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=1273789

Microsoft's Patch Vital For Windows Server 2000 Users

Microsoft has released an Internet Explorer patch marked 'critical' for download to fix vulnerability issues that is said to have affected around 2 million users.

The browser's flaw allows a Trojan to take over a victim's computer; it then routes it to infected websites.

The Excel vulnerability affects various versions of Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Office for Mac 2004 and 2008. The IE patch could allow information disclosure or remote code execution if a user views a specially crafted Web page.

Of the "critical" patches, Vulnerability in Active Directory Could Allow Remote Code Execution garnering the most attention. Failure to apply the software could allow remote code execution if an attacker gains access to an affected network.

"This vulnerability only affects Microsoft Windows 2000 servers configured to be domain controllers," Microsoft said in its bulletin. "If a Microsoft Windows 2000 server has not been promoted to a domain controller, it will not be listening to Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) or LDAP over SSL (LDAPS) queries, and will not be exposed to this vulnerability."

"It's especially critical for an IT shop that has Windows server 2000 domains and domain controllers," Schultze said. "You might not have them for long as any disgruntled employee can rename the files and take control of those assets without this patch."

Schultze said that Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-063 and MS08-065, while labeled "important," is more than likely critical for a company's security. Both vulnerabilities allow for remote code execution, a favored target of hackers. MS08-063 in particular is dangerous because it impacts the Microsoft Server Message Block (SMB) protocol.

"That's the file- and printer-sharing protocol," Schultze said. "It's the protocol you use to log in and send something to the printer. So, if I go to my S drive and rename those files and give it a specifically long file name, then the moment that I do that, I can own that file server without human interaction. ... It's the first time in a long time we have seen these server-side vulnerabilities."

MS08-065 is a hole in Microsoft's Message Queuing Service (MSMQ) on Windows 2000 systems. The vulnerability could allow remote code execution on Microsoft Windows 2000 systems with the MSMQ service enabled.

Schultze also noted that five of the 11 bulletins posted by Microsoft are addressing vulnerabilities found in Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. "This really shows us that these operating systems are impacted by legacy code that goes back to Windows 1998 or earlier," he said.

Customers are also being warned about an e-mail sent out by hackers who are posing as a Microsoft security executive.

Source: .informationweek.com/news/security/app-security/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=211200526