I didn’t change them, they changed me
Often I have students come back and tell me how I helped change their life. Maybe it is modesty but I don’t truly take credit for their changes. It truly was the student who decided that they would change themselves. Meeting these people truly changed my life. It has made me stronger in delivering curriculum and has changed me by allowing me to honestly meet people that are unique and genuine. Here’s just a few examples of hundreds of students who have went through our course. I wish I could feature each and every one.
I’m not sure that I could get to Demopolis, Alabama but Carleton Corley came to our school several years ago wanting to change his life from Alabama. I try to give kudos to people I have met over the years who have ‘wanted’ something and Carleton came with a hunger to do just that. Carleton has become a role model for younger students and will be one of my many examples over the years to come.
He was met with challenges and has grown to be an IT professional that I now consider to be a peer. To hear his commitment to providing his employer with a quality service, makes me truly proud. If you knew him, you would know he is this type of person. Life delivers challenges and it is up to you to overcome those challenges.
When I watch these challenges being overcome, it changes me each and every time. He is one of many slices of my life that provides me with the motivation to keep doing what I do.
Need more storage in the cloud? Use CX.com and get 10gb for free
Over the last several weeks we have talked about cloud computing, CloudU’s free certification and space in the cloud that consumers can get for free. Rick over at What’s On My PC has an excellent article on CX.com over at his site. You can sign up through Rick’s referral here or go to CX.com and get 10gb of space for free. Use their referral program to get even more space for free. Be sure to check out their android app and their desktop apps. CX.com works with Apple, Windows and other operating systems. As Rick said, you can also sign up for Microsoft’s skydrive and get 25gb for free. Don’t forget with Microsoft’s apps, you can easily sync your files with your iPad, iPhone, Android or Android tablet.
Below: Skydrive app shown on android phone. (iPhone, iPad apps available)
How dependable is your Cloud Provider?
Want to see how dependable your Cloud Provider is? Check the latency, up time and more at CloudSleuth.
Want to know more about Cloud Computing? Here’s a free online course and certification from RackSpace.
Ever wonder what cloud computing is? Rackspace has an excellent program that you can take for free. Cloud University offers ten detailed modules along with a exams for each module. A final exam reviews each of the modules and with a score of 80% you can earn a certificate in cloud computing from Rackspace’s CloudU. This detailed program is the work of Ben Kepes. Ben is the curator of CloudU. Through his arduous work, you can download a detailed curriculum, listen to webinars and take exams as many times as you need to in order to understand cloud computing. In today’s world of virtualization and cloud computing, Rackspace leads the pack by educating anyone who wants to learn about these exciting technologies.
After contacting Rackspace so that my students could benefit from the cloud university curriculum as a supplement. I was met with open arms and personally talked with Greg Alfaro, Michael Ferranti and Ben Kepes either by phone or email. Ben sent us this video as a statement. (Thank you Ben!)
Confused about the cloud? Have no fear, CloudU is here. Whether you are simply searching for more information about cloud computing, or are looking to boost your resume with a formal certificate, Rackspace Cloud University, known as CloudU, is for you. CloudU is a vendor-neutral cloud computing curriculum designed by industry analyst Ben Kepes. It’s also completely free.
The extensive CloudU library and certificate program contain all that you need to learn how to take advantage of the biggest technology innovation since the Internet. Boost Your Resume. Gain New Skills. Enroll in CloudU Today.
Create your own NAS for free
FreeNAS is an excellent software you can use as embedded, LiveCD or in VirtualBox or with VMWare’s VMPlayer. So that students can understand how NAS (Network Area Storage) works, we have several NAS devices that are local and can be used in labs and with research and development. Carl Marshal recently posted FreeNAS a software that can work independently or virtually.
Our LMS (Learning Management System) is the most advanced in the state and provides students with hands on where the student can not only receive resources such as whitepapers, PowerPoints, movies and have added Microsoft’s Virtual Labs, SCORM packages, Headless virtualbox (virtualization in the cloud) and now we have added FreeNAS as a learning resource.
Some of the Features -
- Web GUI interface
- Zettabyte File System
- Commandline Interface
- Snapshots
- 10GigE Drivers
- Backup and Restore
- File Sharing
- Thin Provisioning
FreeNAS is easy to install and offers two versions (Version 8 and Version 7) that are powerful and the software offers dozens of features. Our setup (yours can be setup on an extra computer or in VirtualBox or with VMPlayer on your own system).
In our scenario we installed VirtualBox and installed the VDMK. After creating and importing the software with VirtualBox, we set the Network settings to Bridged and gave the virtual network card a public ip address. This is so the NAS could be seen from the web through VirtualBox. You can do the same on a private network (internal address) by finding an open IP and using it on your network. This will prevent the NAS from obtaining a different IP address through DHCP.
Once we setup VirtualBox, we started the FreeNAS vm. The configuration is easy. Set the LAN IP address to your static IP address. Ping a host using the setup menu. Now navigate to your IP address using your favorite browser.
There are dozens of features in FreeNAS once it is installed and running.
How to use FreeNAS – Information and user manual for Version 8 and Version 7 (legacy).
‘Anonymous’ Back With A Vengeance: Downs DoJ, MPAA, RIAA, Universal Music Websites – Dark Reading
In apparent retaliation for the federal takedown of online storage and file transfer site Megaupload announced by the Department of Justice today, the Anonymous hacktivist collective went to work waging mass distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks that knocked offline the websites of the DoJ, Motion Picture Association of America, the Recording Industry Association of America, and Universal Music.
Anonymous’ Back With A Vengeance: Downs DoJ, MPAA, RIAA, Universal Music Websites – Dark Reading.
Factory Reset for many devices
Most of your gadgets are fairly easy to set back to factory defaults but sometimes the way to get there isn’t all that obvious. Some devices have a reset button, while others might use a combination of buttons or steps. Instead of searching for that user manual you put away in a safe place (*wink,wink*), just head to Factory-Reset.com, put in your device’s model number (or search by manufacturer) and you’ll have easy-to-follow instructions right there. ~Dawn
WinMTR enhances Tracert
Want a quick and fast way to check if you have lost packets to a destination address? WinMTR (direct download) offers a visual way to see where packets are lost and offers an export to html or to text.
AnVir Task Manager – Get control of your pc
I can’t help but visit Rick’s blog several times per week. With over 600 former students and 80 current students I try to feed them freeware, opensource and software that is used in enterprise. Rick features a bonus area that goes over to Bookmarks4techs which is his managed site of technical blogs and websites (one of the largest if not the largest on the web). Recently he featured AnVir Task Manager which shows everything you can imagine in your Windows process, and start-up allowing you to fully tweak your pc, control services, CPU, disk monitoring, remove malware and viruses and more.
Weighing in at 6.3 mb, AnVir Task Manager is easy to install and gives an excellent view of the items listed above. During the installation I recommend not to install the registry clean pro. (Uncheck the box) Here’s a few screenshots of this excellent program. Great find Rick!
Make your Android work with iTunes
Today consumers have a mix of electronic devices that make up their home technology. Many consumers have iPods, Android devices, iPhones, iPads and Windows based computers. I have a ton of request to get music out of iTunes and onto a non-Apple based device. Regardless of your mix of electronic gadgets, you can use Notpod to synchronize music and more on your Android based device. Notpod creates a list in your iTunes where you can sync music you drag to it with your Android based device.
Keep up with US Flights at FlightAware
FlightAware allows you to track a flight you may be waiting on. With airport, terminal and other information, you can keep up with flights across the U.S.
Aeronautical Maps – SkyVector
The technology and resources on the web surprise me daily. SkyVector offers online flight planning and aeronautical charts for aviation buffs. SkyVector offers detailed Charts, Airport locations, IFR, Sectional, TAC, Enroute High/Low and Helicopter information along with tons of features including
With flight plan and printing capabilities, SkyVector is an excellent site for pilots and aviation personnel.
SkyVector also offers individual detailed airport information. (Example - Shelbyville Municipal/Bomar Field – SYI)
Learn how to code this year
Want to learn basic coding and basic programming? What if you could do it online and for free?
CodeYear (A New Years offering from CodeAcademy) offers a free signup and a lesson each week. With interactive online programming, you are slowly challenged by tasks and problems. Using the interactive programming screen is easy and CodeYear starts you out slowly with hints on more complex exercises.
As a programmer (old) of Basic, FORTRAN, Pascal, Paradox, C and today – Java, SQL, PHP and a ton of other programs, CodeYear is a good start and teaches people who don’t have skills. This basic introduction of program online offers individuals a look into coding.
Give it a try at Codeyear.com
A precarious balance for IT
There seems to be a precarious balance in the average workplace for IT personnel. A recent article in CIO Magazine IT Managers are Aloof, Insular - shows how precarious it is. This article along with the comments paints a picture of the separation of traditional workers and management from IT personnel.
This blog posting is intended to show young IT personnel that IT work is not an easy job and they will have their work cut out for them.
IT personnel may sometimes seem cold or disconnected when working with you at work. This is because they are focused on not only the problem at hand but the next work order and often on a million other things such as the development of applications for mobile devices, servers, applications and a plethora of other things that keep the network and internet up. As these personnel become strained by often doing more with less, this will impact them physically and mentally. The average IT tech according to ComputerWorld puts the average workweek at 71 hours for IT staff. IT personnel are often called after hours, on holidays and during shutdowns. Many IT personnel look forward to shutdowns and holidays so maintenance can be done. This workload impacts these personnel like no other job. So usually your tech isn’t rude or ignoring you. They are usually tired, worn down and thinking about the next project. It is in their blood to be driven, analytical, to research and find answers.
As new technology comes out, IT personnel have to learn the ins and outs of the technology but must maintain it in order to receive a true ROI(return of investment) out of the device or application. Although hardware may become antiquated in a matter of two to three years, applications may live on beyond that of the company where the application originated. IT personnel must be able to install, tweak and repair more applications and hardware than ever.
IT personnel will also have a precarious balance in maintaining control as home users find answers that fit a home network and not a corporate network. This often can be one of the most dangerous things IT personnel face. A little knowledge of networking and new gadgets can have a major negative impact on a corporate network.
With technology accelerating Moore’s law, IT personnel have their work cut out for them. A young 20 year old IT tech will have 47 years of technology under his belt at retirement. With that said, imagine these young people supporting the number of devices and software applications in the future with the growth we are seeing!
The disconnected feeling you may feel is just a perception. IT personnel appear to be rude sometimes and are balancing what you are asking to how it will affect their network, other computers and the security and liability of your company. With data theft at an all time high, your request may receive an immediate -no. Until a recommendation can be made on how the device can get on the network.
Remember IT personnel are under more stress than ever and the stress will grow as technology accelerates. Young IT personnel also need to remember they are in a customer service role. It truly is a precarious balance.
(reviewed by the Director of TTCS)
York 1.55
Rhett again posted a new freeware that shows what is going on in your network. York 1.55 is a program designed to monitor and look at packets on your network. Check it out on his blog. York should be used for security purposes only and should not be used in a malicious manner. Programs such as this could be used maliciously in a hot spot. It is important to surf with a VPN in a public setting.
“Need to keep an eye on what’s going on on your network. Well York is the perfect freeware for you. You can choose a client on your network and follow his or her clicks or just log all source, destination [fqdn or ip address] and packet size of all network traffic on your network. ”
An example of captured pictures on a network.
Hackers Claim Breach Of Norton Antivirus Source Code; Experts Say Claims Are Exaggerated – Dark Reading
Symantec confirmed that a hacking group has gained access to some of the source code of its Norton Antivirus product, but also stated the code was old and not stolen directly from Symantec servers.
Learn cloud computing with Rackspace’s CloudU
Ever wonder what cloud computing is? Rackspace has an excellent program that you can take for free. Cloud University offers ten detailed modules along with a exams for each module. A final exam reviews each of the modules and with a score of 80% you can earn a certificate in cloud computing from Rackspace’s CloudU. This detailed program is the work of Ben Kepes. Ben is the curator of CloudU. Through his arduous work, you can download a detailed curriculum, listen to webinars and take exams as many times as you need to in order to understand cloud computing. In today’s world of virtualization and cloud computing, Rackspace leads the pack by educating anyone who wants to learn about these exciting technologies.
After contacting Rackspace so that my students could benefit from the cloud university curriculum as a supplement. I was met with open arms and personally talked with Greg Alfaro, Michael Ferranti and Ben Kepes either by phone or email. Ben sent us this video as a statement. (Thank you Ben!)
Confused about the cloud? Have no fear, CloudU is here. Whether you are simply searching for more information about cloud computing, or are looking to boost your resume with a formal certificate, Rackspace Cloud University, known as CloudU, is for you. CloudU is a vendor-neutral cloud computing curriculum designed by industry analyst Ben Kepes. It’s also completely free.
The extensive CloudU library and certificate program contain all that you need to learn how to take advantage of the biggest technology innovation since the Internet. Boost Your Resume. Gain New Skills. Enroll in CloudU Today.
Tobii Introduces Gaze Interface for Windows 8
Tobii tracking software will be at CES 2012. This amazing software and hardware track your eye movement and allow you to use Windows 8 without touching your mouse or screen. Read their press release.
Clean your computer correctly with SlimCleaner
SlimCleaner provides a cloud review of services, startup and other items BEFORE you remove items from your computer. With SlimCleaner, the free cleaning program allows you to take control and THINK with peers and recommendations from the program before you make mistakes during cleanup. Often you as an end user find services or startup items and wonder if you should remove the program or service. With SlimCleaner you are in control of what you remove before removing it.
Cleaner screen shots, clean your startup, services, applications and even advanced information tabs.
Unsure of a service or other item. Click more information and see what peers say!
Optimize your computer using the optimization tab!
Possible Hijack information – this allows you to see if a program is hijacking your computer.
Need to uninstall programs? SimCleaner shows you the programs installed and offers an excellent uninstaller.
Browser customization tab
Shredder is available to get rid of sensitive and important daya
Easily access Windows Tools from SlimCleaner’s east to use interface. Although you may use 3rd party defrag utilities or other utilities, this is a great shortcut to Windows Tools.
SlimCleaner is an excellent software to clean your computer….but remember, research and make decisions on what you should or should not clean by seeing what your peers are saying before taking steps to clean or optimize your pc. The aggregated cloud can save you a headache by providing peer and links to the information about your computer’s programs.
Synaptics Scrybe Gesture Workflow Technology
Rhett Turner a student of the CIT program recently started a blog and today we are adding his blog to our blogroll. Rhett has a natural talent for writing and loves IT. Rhett is a graduate of our LPN class and is currently studying information technology in order to have a set of versatile skills in health care and IT. Here’s an excellent review he posted on Synaptics Scrybe.
A classmate of mine, Kasey, has a nice personal Asus laptop with the Synaptics touchpad driver installed. He found a driver that Synaptics offers called Scrybe. Scrybe is a Gesture language built in which allows you to control what websites/applications you want to enter with a movement using your finger on the touchpad. Synaptics describes: “A gesture workflow does more than launch an application
