Specialized Computing Blog

Mac OS 10.6, aka “Snow Leopard,” is the latest update to the Unix-based operating system for Macintosh. It builds on previous versions of Mac OS X to provide an even more powerful and easy-to-use experience. Snow Leopard works with Apple’s newest hardware (Intel-based Macs) to provide faster and more responsive applications that require fewer resource to install and run. The course covers everything from the basics of setting up your computer and its preferences to using your computer remotely (Back to My Mac), Time Machine to keep your files automatically up to date, and synchronization with your iPhone, iPod, and MobileMe account. To begin learning today, simply click on the movie links.

Introducing Snow Leopard

Welcome to Snow Leopard

New in Snow Leopard

Mac OS X Power & Integration

Using Snow Leopard Controls

The Snow Leopard Interface

Using Buttons

Working with Controls

Working with Text

Using Windows

Using Windows – The Basics

Window Drawers/Toolbar & Sidebars

Working with Window & View Menus

Working with Menus

Using Menus

Apple Menu pt. 1

Apple Menu pt. 2

Application Menu

Apple Menu – Services Submenu pt. 1

Apple Menu – Services Submenu pt. 2

File Menu

Edit Menu

Window & Getting He|p

Working with Files

Working with Files & Folders Basics

Looking at Files

Using Aliases

Working with Packages

Using Info & Inspector pt. 1

Using Info & Inspector pt. 2

Burning a CD or DVD

Using the Finder

Finder View Menu

Using View Options

Finder New Commands

Finder Preferences pt. 1

Finder Preferences pt. 2

Printing

Printing Documents

Using Preview & PDF

Using the Full Print Dialog

Using Print Options pt. 1

Using Print Options pt. 2

Setting Print Preferences

Adding a Printer

System Preferences

Using System Preferences

Appearance of Preferences

Desktop & Screen Saver

Dock

Expose & Spaces

Language & Text

Bluetooth

Energy Saver – UPS

Energy Saver – Battery/Power Adapter

Displays

Keyboard

Mouse & Trackpad

CDs & DVDs & Sound

Date/Time & Software Update

Startup Disk

Speech & Universal Access

Time Machine/Disks & Files

Using Time Machine

Using Archives

Using Disk Utility

Using Disk Utility Preferences

Creating Disk Images

Using Disk Images

Securing Your Computer

Security Preferences

Using File Vault

Sharing

Using the Firewall

Accounts pt. 1

Accounts pt. 2

Setting File Permissions

Keychain Access

Networking

Using Networking Preferences

Using Locations & the Assistant

Advanced Network Settings

Using TCP/IP pt. 1

Using TCP/IP pt. 2

Using DNS & Ethernet

Using Airport Utility

Configuring Airport Base Station

Manual Base Station Configuration

Using Mail

Getting Started with Mail

Setting Up an Account

Configuring an Incoming Account

Configuring an Outgoing Account

Sending & Receiving e-Mail

Using Mailboxes

Spam

Other Options

Using iCal

Introducing iCal

iCal Calendars & Mail

Using Notes & ToDos

Using Address Book

Address Book Basics

Advanced Address Book Features

Using MobileMe & Synchronizing Data

Introducing MobileMe

Setting iDisk Preferences

Setting MobileMe Preferences

Using MobileMe: Mail/Contacts & iCal

Back to My Mac & iChat

Getting Started with iChat

Exploring iChat Preferences

Dashboard

Introducing Dashboard & Widgets

Managing Dashboard

Spotlight

Searching with Spotlight

Spotlight Preferences

Automator

Introducing Automator

AppleScript: Recording & Dictionaries

Using the Web

Setting Up a Web Server

Using Safari

Parental Controls

Finder/Applications & Content

Time Limits & Logs

Troubleshooting

Activity Monitor

Console

Wrap Up

Introducing Text Edit

Plain/Rich Text & Text Wrap

Application Preferences

Working Across the Network

Credits

About the Author

Windows Server 2008 is Microsoft’s newest server operating system. This new version is not just ‘window’ dressing, there are major architectural changes and major new enhancements that administrators will welcome. Microsoft has concentrated on enhancing security by reducing the attack surface and making enterprise administration and configuration more consistent. In this course, Mark Long will introduce you to what is new and different about this new server operating system, while reinforcing the foundation of the world’s most popular server operating system. He will introduce you to the new management tools and scenarios, enhancements such as PowerShell, IPv6 and step you through the installation and basic setup of one of the most exciting new additions to the Windows Server family, ServerCore. To begin learning today, simply click the links.

Course Overview

Welcome

Prerequisites

Course Overview

History of Windows Server

Windows Server 2008 Overview

Windows Server 2008 & Vista

Windows Server 2008 Basics

System Requirements

First Look at Server 2008

Windows Server Architecture

The Vista Connection

Virtualization

Roles and Features pt. 1

Roles and Features pt. 2

Roles and Features pt. 3

Installation & Deployment

Differences About this Installation

Pre-Installation

Windows Imaging Format

Windows Automated Installation Kit

Installing Windows Server 2008 pt. 1

Installing Windows Server 2008 pt. 2

Microsoft Solutions Framework

Windows Deployment Services

Network Services

New In Network Services

Network Access Protection pt. 1

Network Access Protection pt. 2

IPv6 pt. 1

IPv6 pt. 2

TCP/IP Config

Toredo

Active Directory

Active Directory Overview

Active Directory Organization

New In Active Directory

Creating A Domain Controller pt. 1

Creating A Domain Controller pt. 2

Domain Functional Levels

Read-Only Domain Controllers

System Management

Group Policy

Group Policy Basics

Managing Group Policy pt. 1

Managing Group Policy pt. 2

Forcing Group Policy Updates

Troubleshooting Group Policy

New in Group Policy

File System

File System Basics

New in the File System

Full-Volume Encryption

Managing Windows Server 2008

Differences About Server Management

ICT Console

Server Manager

MMC

Storage Manager

Task Scheduler

Command-Line Tools

PowerShell

PowerShell

Installing PowerShell

Command Guide

Scripts

Security

New in Security

Security Configuration Wizard

Terminal Server

TS Basics

Remote Desktop

Installing TS

Remote Applications

Server Core

Server Core

Server Core Installation

Managing Server Core pt. 1

Managing Server Core pt. 2

Managing Server Core pt. 3

Course Wrap Up

Course Wrap Up

Credits

About The Author

Today, there are more forms of memory than you can shake a stick at. Technically, memory can be anything used to store data, but today it is most commonly referred to as quickly accessed forms of storage. Just think about how slow your computer would be if it had to access the hard drive every time it needed to process a command. For this very reason, the computer selects a temporary memory device to store all of the commonly used commands so they can be pulled back up quickly. The different types of quick-pull memory include flash memory and various types of random access memory and read only memory. Let’s take a look at these different types of memory and see what sets them apart from each other.

Read Only Memory

ROM is a type of memory where information has been pre-recorded and is only available to be read. There is a slight variation, called PROM, or programmable read only memory, which is a set of memory devices, like a read only CD, that can be programmed, but then never changed. Once the memory is on the device and the session is closed, the memory cannot be added to or changed.

Random Access Memory

While read only memory can be accessed in a certain order, like a cassette tape, random access memory can be accessed from any point at any time, as long as you know the exact location of the cell the memory is stored in. Most of a computers’ quick access memory is stored in RAM, but there is an issue when the computer looses power; the memory is erased.

Flash Memory

Finally, the most notable type of memory today is flash memory. This memory comes in the form of flash drives, also known as thumb drives, and even the cards you insert into your digital camera. Flash memory is considered non-volatile, which means that it can be electronically erased and reprogrammed when deemed necessary. Today, each flash drive can be erased in pieces and parts, whereas, five years ago, if you wanted to erase a portion of data on the flash drive, the entire drive had to be wiped clean.

Flash memory is also more cost-effective than any other type of memory produced today. There are currently developments being tested in hopes of making hard drives only from flash memory. The reason this is the wave of the future, there are no moving parts in flash memory. No moving parts mean that there will be far fewer failures with the memory.

Conclusion

There are numerous types of memory. Each type has a certain purpose for which it was made. Computer memory is a basic storage device, just like your brain. The only difference between your memory and a computer’s memory is the way in which the information is recovered and the space available to store information. The next time you try to do something on an electronic device, see if you can identify what type of memory is being used.

Types of Networks

Just as there are different levels of groups of friends together, there are different levels of networks. The three most common are Personal Area Network (PAN), Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN). Let’s take a look at what makes these networks different and what types of hardware they commonly use.

Personal Area Network (PAN)

PANs are relatively short-ranged networks, usually intended for communicating between a couple of devices. This would be like you and your friends getting together and networking over lunch. PANs are usually found in homes, between a couple of computers and possibly a printer and scanner through the use of a router.

Local Area Network (LAN)

The local scene is an example of a LAN where many people can come together. This location is big enough for everyone, but they do not have to be in the same place. LANs are usually found in office spaces, where the server room may be in one area and the physical computers in another area. These types of networks generally use network interface cards, which are adapters installed on a computer with the responsibility of connecting that computer to the network.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

The last of the three types of networks is the WAN. This network would be similar to instant messaging with your friends or chatting with them via Skype. This type of network uses switches and hubs to help control the flow of data and communications over a long distance. Companies who have national or international conglomerates uses WAN’s to keep everyone in the company connected.

Going In-Depth With Computer Networking

It is simple to think about networking if you can imagine physical interactions between people. Computer networks work the same way. If you would like a more in-depth understanding of computer networking, seek out local classes or go sit with your IT department during your lunch. The art of computer networking truly is a fun world.

Next week, we’ll talk about Hardware and Software in general, and how it all works together to create a “personal computer”…

Networking

When you get together with your friends, you are networking. When you go to a party and meet new people, you are networking. When you use online media to communicate with others, you are networking. So it stands to reason computer networks work along the same guidelines. Computer networks relate to a group of computers, which are linked together, communicating, in order to share information and available resources.

How Networking Works

Networks can consist of a multitude of machines, down to just a few. These may include laptop computers, desktop computers and a server, but also may encompass printers, scanners, data storage devices, fax machines and just about any other communication equipment you could think of. Of course, whether you are meeting with people in person, or online, there has to be someone available to help guide the conversation and keep everything on track. In the computer world of networking, this is known as the “data center,” usually located in the server room.

The data center is the headquarters of the networking team. All of the equipment necessary to maintain smooth operation of the network is kept inside an air-conditioned room. It is imperative to keep this equipment in top shape. If equipment starts to deteriorate, something could go wrong and there would be a negative effect on the entire network. If a connection comes un-soldered, the whole file storage department might be lost. If a cobweb shorts out the data communications side of the house, no transmissions will be able to get in or out of the network.

Of course, not everything has to be physical to go wrong. Since all of the devices are interconnected within this network, if something happens with one computer, it could damage the entire network. Think about the Christmas tree lights; when one goes out, the whole string goes out. If one computer is infected with a serious virus, the network may actually assist in spreading the virus between computers. Of course that is the worst case scenario. The first computer with the virus may be able to terminate it before spreading throughout the network, only sustaining damage to the communications portion of the network.

Next week, we’ll look at the different types of computer networks…

Virtualization

People were practicing virtualization long before computers. Architects were drawing buildings, contractors were making detailed sketches and engineers were developing their systems; all with a pen and paper. Today, we can do far more than the simple 2-D drawings of the past. Virtualization allows us to build complete cities, in high detail 3-D imagery, then with a click of the mouse, decimate and rebuild in a completely different manner. Not to mention, virtualization is starting to become a mega-trend in the health industry. Doctors and health care professionals are able to create life-like replicas of situations and see the possible side effects and outcomes of different procedures.

In the computer world, virtualization has the same connotation, but with different aspects. For instance, instead of mapping out cities or hearts, Information Technology workers are creating virtual workstations, servers, operating systems and network resources.

Computer virtualization allows you to have a network of computers, running two or more completely different environments, on a single piece of hardware. For example, Apple can run their standard Operating System (OS), while having the ability to mimic a Dell PC and run the Windows OS. Virtualization splits computers from their applications, by creating a virtual machine (VM), which gives it the ability to act as a host to a larger number of systems.

There are a wide variety of virtual specialties, including Operating Systems, network, server, hardware and even storage. Let’s take a look at what each discipline entails.

Hardware Virtualization

You probably know a little about virtualization if you have ever decided to partition your hard drive into logical divisions, creating basically two hard drives in one. This is hardware virtualization. This discipline is tasked with partitioning the computer’s memory into separate and isolated virtual machines to simulate multiple machines within one physical computer.

Operating System Virtualization

This type of virtualization allows the computer to take a step back and act as a simple display for different operating systems; much like Apple started doing a few years ago. This uses software to allow a piece of hardware, such as a computer, to display different operating system windows at the same time because it is not tied to either of the two systems.

Network Virtualization

Network virtualization combines all of the available resources in a network by splitting up the available bandwidth into channels. Each of these channels is completely independent of each other and can be devoted, or reassigned, to a particular server or individual in real time. This allows the complex network to be separated into manageable parts that can be worked on or devoted to different tasks without affecting the other ones.

Storage Virtualization

This type of virtualization pools physical storage locations from multiple devices within a network and allows it to act as a single storage device. If you have a single drive to save all of your documents where you work, this would be an example of storage virtualization.

Server Virtualization

Bandwidth is a large issue for companies; a hot commodity within the IT world of corporations. Server virtualization hides the identity of each user from the physical server and keeps users from having to understand and manage the ever-daunting task of server resources. It also increases the ability to share resources and gives the company the ability to expand in the future.

Conclusion

While we have been working with virtualization before the digital age, the technology we have access to now changes the entire game. These categories of virtualization can actually lead the way into autonomic computing; where IT teams will be able to manage the systems based on perceived activity and resources used, allowing clients to only pay as resources are needed.

Next week, we’ll look more in-depth at computer networking…

How Does This All Fit Together?

Let’s put this all together. Here is an example of how a server works and helps organize the jobs sent to it from a network experience.

For instance, in an office of 100 people, there may be multiple printers that have different printing capabilities, various file storage options, different levels of staff and different roles of varying importance. Let’s say that 15 people send a job or task to the server within a few minutes of each other. The server analyzes each job based on information such as IP address, proximity to the server and order of importance in processes. The server determines first, who has priority ranking – is the job coming from the CEO, the accounting department or sales? Then the server determines what resources the job requires – color printing or black and white? The server then can choose to send the CEO’s print job to high quality printer; the accounting department’s spreadsheet to the regular black and white printer; and, the sales department’s presentation to the copier.

Think about all the steps that are involved in any business small or large. The server organizes all the computer related tasks for the most efficient use of resources and speed. Depending on the size of the business, there may be many servers both on and off site. When a server goes down, all the technology related tasks become disorganized and things slow down or don’t function at all. The next time you are at the store or call your bank and they say “Sorry, we can’t help you, the server is down” you will now know that it is more than a convenient, technology based excuse to not do what you want them to.

Next week, we’ll look at what’s known as “Virtualization”…

Servers

How many times have you heard the term “the server is down” or “the server failed”? Most likely many! In today’s technologically savvy world, we have all become familiar with the term “server” but few people outside the Information Technology world truly know what it means or can describe accurately describe it. Servers are everywhere today from the grocery store, to our workplace to our schools, it’s time to be in the know!

What is a Server?

A computer server is a Central Processing Unit (CPU) on a network that manages the resources available to the computers attached to that same network. There are different types of servers; some can multitask between different sets of data and others can be dedicated to a single type of task, such as printing or file storage. Servers can be both on-site or off-site.

A computer server takes the task you are trying to accomplish and sends up the request to be processed. Computer servers have to put tasks into order of importance and many times, this is a first-come-first-serve basis. However, tasks can also be ordered by type of job, company department or individual positions within a company.

When a computer related job (task) is required, the server is the first line of contact. A job may be document printing, copying, faxing, file storage, data processing and more. It is the server that assigns each job to the most appropriate resource, gives it a priority ranking and places it in queue. This queue is designed to order computers into a tiered level of importance. If there were no organization, the server would get overloaded trying to process all of the requests at the same time and the result would be an inefficient, slow or broken system.

How does the server know what which jobs to process first? The server assigns the jobs based on a set of rules that the administrator of the server has set up. For instance, in many companies, priority may be given to particular staff or departments. Any jobs coming from the CEO’s office could be assigned top priority and be processed before any others. Servers also assign jobs based on available resources. For instance, it will send the color print jobs to the color printer, a fax to a fax machine and copies to a copier.

Finally, servers also organize tasks based on efficiency. A server can recognize when one resource is being utilized and send a job to another resource to increase overall efficiency. A good example of this is a large print job. If one printer has been assigned a large (100 pages or more) print job and a small 2 page job comes through, rather than assigning it to the printer printing the large job and make the requestor wait, the server will assign it to a free printer.

Next week, we’ll look at how this all fits together…

We’ve all heard about someone whose computer has crashed. It’s a terrible mess. That person probably thought that it couldn’t happen to them until it did. Be proactive and back up your data.

A computer’s hard drive can crash for any number of reasons. You don’t want to be happily finishing up a 30 page project when it happens. Where does the information go? It is lost in the abyss that has become home to many a kilobyte.

It’s more frightening than a bad hair day but you can keep it from happening to you. Back up your computer files so that you don’t lose all of your work to the great beyond. It is a good practice for anyone who has a computer

It is not hard to put a backup system in place. When you buy most laptops these days, the system comes with free backup for one or two years. Every file is stored elsewhere for easy retrieval should you lose it. There are two ways of backing up computer files: online or software programs.

Backup Software Programs

Heard of Norton? You probably know about their antivirus software. They also make backup software for your computer. One is Norton Ghost. You can back up your entire hard drive or just specific folders. With this software, schedule regular backups just like any other maintenance operation to protect your computer. The software setup is instructive and easy to follow.

Another Norton offering is Norton Save & Restore 2.0. It is similar to Norton Ghost 14.0 but without the extra features. You can schedule your backup operations and forget about it.

Online Backup Programs

Online backup can be particularly convenient for laptop users. With an online backup, your data is sent to a secure server online. Online backup companies usually offer both free and paid services. Depending on the amount of data you are backing up, the free plan may work for you. For a business, the paid service offers unlimited data backup for a low monthly fee.

Examples of online backup programs include:

• Mozy – free up to 2GB; $4.95 per month for unlimited data
• Carbonite – yearly subscription of $49.95 for unlimited data
• SOS Online Backup – $39.95 per year

Each program offers something different. The advantage of an online backup over more traditional programs is the ease with which it happens. You no longer need to connect your laptop to a cable, or make sure your computer is on at a certain time. Simply set the online backup options and whenever your computer is connected to the internet, it will start backing up files. When you disconnect, it will stop and start from there the next time you are connected.

Use online or software options for backing up the vital information on your computer. It gives you peace of mind in the event of a system crash.

Social sites have become the latest craze on the Internet. Social Marketing can also be seen as the next wave of internet marketing. Most of us have heard about social sites and the potential benefit, but not everyone is sure how to put that to the best use.

Social sites provide a lot of freedom and interactivity to the user. But how exactly do these sites help your business, your website and its rankings? By sending huge amounts of traffic and getting you a good ranking on search engines.

There are two types of social sites. One is social networking and the other type is social bookmarking. Social networking sites provide you an easy way to connect with people who share similar interests like you. Sites like MySpace, Orkut, Bebo, Facebook, Hi5, Friendster are popular among users. These sites have a huge user base and provide an excellent opportunity for advertising your site. There are also specialized social networking sites like 43Things, MomJunction, Mothersclick which cater to specific interests.

Some social networking sites group people with common interests, but some sites are “traditional networking sites” and allow you to search for friends based on your interests. In any case you will always have a larger audience for showcasing your site. Sites like Facebook and MySpace allow you to post your advertisements and promote your products, provided you are not spamming. If you have a really good site, you will likely find a large visitor base just by showcasing your site on your profile.

Social bookmarking sites provide you easy way to store, organize and manage your bookmarks as well as share them with your friends. You can bookmark any URL or page you liked and even mark them for public or private viewing. Social bookmarking sites also provide you with the option of tagging your bookmarks. Some of the bookmarking sites link directly to your URL’s thus helping your site in getting valuable back links and quick indexing. Sites like Stumbleupon, Digg, Delicious are known to send huge traffic to your site. If you manage to get on the front page of these sites, you should be prepared to handle a huge number of visitors to your site.

Search engines spiders love social sites and usually follow links on these sites. This means if you have your site link on social networking and bookmarking sites, your site will be indexed quickly.

If you happen to be using WordPress for your blog, you should use some good plugins like Socialmarker, Socializer and Addthis. These plugins provide your site visitors a quick option to bookmark your site. Getting bookmarked from different users and different bookmarking sites will definitely help your site rank better on search engines. Some plugins like Onlywire automatically bookmark your post to 20 different bookmarking sites as soon as you publish your post.

It is a known fact that the video and photo sharing sites like Youtube and Flickr are visited by millions of people everyday. If you think out of the box and use your creativity, your published video will get your site the traffic you’ve always wanted. Some video sharing sites like Metacafe also pay you a part of their revenue just for publishing your video.

Like it or not, social sites have become an integral part of the internet. You have the choice to use this opportunity to your advantage.