TTC Shelbyville – Technical Blog

Which computer on your network is using the most bandwidth?  ZNetWatch is an excellent program (You have to have WinPCap installed) to check the ARP cache, ICMP  echos and other information about your network.

Everybody loves gadgets -

Ten Port USB Hub

USB 3.0 Gadgets

USB Gadgets over 200! (Microscope, Thermometer, Lamps and more)

Microsoft Research TCP Analyzer (Link) is a network analyzer that allows you to analyze network traces of Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) connections. Given a Microsoft Network Monitor trace, the analyzer provides various performance statistics and visualizations for the captured TCP connection. This app also gives a time plot and an explanation of the individual plots.

You must have Microsoft Network Monitor installed before installing TCP Analyzer and you must download the SDK for Experts.   You should also install Charting.   Download

Below is an Example of Microsoft Network Monitor capturing packets on a wireless network.  Notice the information about the wireless (-60 dBm) in the first picture.   In the second picture you can see information on a captured packet (firefox.exe and the destination IP address).

TCP Analyzer which as stated requires Microsoft’s Network Monitor to installed first.

To USE TCP Analyzer

• Start Microsoft’s Network Monitor
• Capture packets for ? (general over a period of time you decide at peak usage of your network or when transferring and using data across your network.
• Stop the Capture
• Open the Captured File
• Go to Experts Menu (this appears after you stop, save and reopen a capture file
• Open the TCP Analyzer

Want to see the TOP Users of your Network?

You can also find your Top Users (top 10) by using this expert (download)-

Charting Download (must have .NET 3.5)

*this software was tested on Windows 7 Professional but will work with Windows Vista or Windows XP.

Rohos USB Flash Drive encryption is an excellent way to protect your data ‘on-the-fly’.

• Creates a virtual encrypted partition (disk)\
• The application is portable  which allows working with encrypted partition on a guest computer without Administrator rights.
• Encrypted partition is protected by your password
• Encryption is automatic and ‘on-the-fly’
• Encryption algorithm: AES 256 bit
• Virtual Keyboard – protect encrypted disk password from a keylogger
• Encrypt up to 2 GB

Go check out the Sync blog.  This Canadian site has help, How-Tos, Hardware, News and more.

Here’s a good article on getting the Quick Launch Bar in Windows 7 by Rhonda Callow on Sync.

CrypTool is a free e-learning program to teach the fundamentals of encryption and cryptology.   Link

CrypTool is a freeware program which enables you to apply and analyze cryptographic mechanisms. It has the typical look-and-feel of a modern Windows application. CrypTool contains exhaustive online help, which can be understood without extensive knowledge of cryptography. CrypTool is available in English, German, Polish and Spanish. CrypTool has implemented almost all state-of-the-art crypto functions and allows you to learn about and use cryptography within the same environment…more

Using CrypTool in Education

Dawn Babian, GSAE

We try to train young IT professionals to be as resourceful as possible.   Because the internet is so vast and there is so much information available, we have found ‘key’ resources to use during an hour each week out of the 30 training hours.  Reliable and detailed resources are used to ‘open’ the minds of these young professionals.

One of the reliable resources we use is whatsonmypc.wordpress.com. Over the Christmas break it was a pleasure to see a fellow blogger named to Computer Shopper’s Blogs We Like.   A retiree, Rick gives details on programs, security, networking and a collaboration of blogs with his Launchpad (a resource center of fellow bloggers and websites).

If you are breaking into information technology or are a computer hobbyist, go over and pay him a visit.

InformIT: Changes in Ubuntu: Five Stages of Grief Denial: System V Init.

Excellent Article on the growing pains of operating systems.

-DBabian

PhotoFilmStrip allows you to create DVDs with your pics and offers output possibilities for VCD, SVCD, DVD up to FULL-HD.

What is that program that is starting up with Windows?   The frustration of trying to find the process or program that is starting with Windows can be tedious.   Here’s a list of over 20,000 programs that may be found starting on your computer.  Link

Dawn Babian, GSAE

* Before starting this tutorial, you should never respond to a banking email under the suspicion of phishing.

If you cannot access your banking website, always check several things -

• MTU settings should be 1492 or 1500 use TCPOptimizer
• Is Your Date and Time Correct?
• Check any special software (firewalls or Anti-Virus Security Suites) to make sure you are not blocking port 443
• Check Your Router (Sometimes the MTU needs to be 1492)
• Check Your Computer for Malware (use Malwarebytes or A-Squared)
• Reset Your Browser (Tools  / Internet Options)
• Restore your computer to the date it was working (A Bad Update? A forgotten change you made?)
• Under IE, Tools->internet Options->Advance->Check “use SSL 2.0″
• Have you installed any new software?

Windows Update Error 80072EE2 is generally caused by an MTU error.

You can reset your MTU to 1492 or 1472 by using TCPOptimizer found here.

* You may also have to set your router’s MTU (found in the advanced settings of your router- look in the manual) to the above numbers also.

What is MTU?  – Link

If you have slow or non responsive program properties; such as a database or other network program…Right Click on My Computer, go to Properties, select Hardware, Device Manager, click the + sign on Network, Right Click on your network card, select properties, select the Advanced Tab, Look for Speed   – adjust the value to 100 Full Duplex, 100 Half or even select the 10 settings.  Try it on each of the settings to see which one is optimal for your network.

When computers handshake (exchange data) autosense does not always work.

I’ve had replaced network cards, ran winsock fix and tried everything when the solution was right in front of me.  Don’t let vendors tell you that you need a new computer.

XnView – is an excellent program that allows you to view pictures, convert and scan pictures.

Have Windows Vista or Windows 7?  Are you disconnected from the internet randomly?  Here’s what it could be-

• Turn off the Adapter’s Power Management feature in the device manager
• Turn off the USB hub Power Management in the device manager
• Look at your power plan and click on the advanced options.  Scroll down to the wireless adapter.  Change it to Low.

• Make sure you don’t have a virus or any malware
• The latest wireless drivers should be loaded
• Use TCPOptimizer to make sure your MTU settings are the same in your router and on your wireless card.
• Also In adhoc mode, both computers should be the same (MTU Settings).
• TCPOptimizer is found here.

What is MTU?  – Link

Network Activity Lights in Windows 7 can be activated with a little add-on program called Network Activity Indicator.  Found at ITSamples,  the tiny little program can add lights to your network.  The negative side is you need to schedule these to operate when your computer logs in through the task scheduler or keep the file in a folder and (right click) and set the settings to start with Windows.

The Identity Theft Resource Center has a list that is updated for 2008 and stats are finishing up for 2009… For more information – Link

Hacking Statistics and Defacements  Link

Whether you purchased a Dell, Gateway, HP or whatever, there are several items that don’t come with the owner’s manual.   Loaded with ‘Extras’ that are not free, this bloatware can slow your computer down and cause problems later.

• Use PCDecrapifier to get rid of the junk on your computer
• Remove trialware versions of Anti-virus Software (Make sure you have download AVG or another antivirus solution first)
• Remove Trialware versions of Microsoft Office before loading a full version of MS Office
• Download Anti-malware solutions such as Malwarebytes or A-Squared
• Download Auslogics defrag (a more efficient way to defrag your computer)
• Download CCleaner to keep your computer clean and running efficiently
• Go to the Control Panel and Make sure you get all of the updates that are available and that automatic updates are scheduled

While there are a million other articles on what to do with your new computer, following these steps insures your computer will be running efficiently.

So you need to fill a Network Administrator’s position.   You’re looking for someone with advanced skills and dedication that works through the holidays, after hours and has the drive to make you company competitive.   Don’t risk hiring your friend’s cousin Eddie who setup a network at his grandma’s house.  Look for the following qualities and skills:

• On call 24/7
• Skills that include-
  • Active Directory
  • Network Security
  • Microsoft Exchange
  • Expert Level Networking
  • SQL
  • E-Commerce
  • Expert Level Wireless Networking
  • Disaster Recovery and Planning
  • A million other skills….

With over 1400 positions available nationwide, it is estimated that over 4000 jobs are available as network administrator’s alone.  Link Here’s a list of questions that could be asked – Questions

Ever been looking or an older application that worked better than the new application?  Need an older application that you have lost?

OldVersion.com offers over 2800 older applications.

OldApps.com also offers over 2800 applications from the past.

Dawn Babian, GSAE