General Anti-spam Tips

What is Spam
In simplistic terms Spam, also known as Unsolicited Bulk E-mail (UBE), are e-mail messages that are unsolicited by the recipients. Often these unsolicited messages are sent to thousands of people at a time. Spammers are most often are motivated by commercial gain and the cost to spammers to send thousands of messages is next to nothing. Spammers will often attempt to hide the true source of the messages and will also often use the computers of Internet users without their knowledge to send their spam e-mails.
Never purchase anything from an unsolicited e-mail message
Aside from encouraging spammers to continue their practices, by purchasing spamvertised products your contact and billing information may be exposed to individuals that often times do not have any interest in protecting your privacy.
Be careful when filling out web forms
When you sign for anything on the web often times there will be a checkbox stating that is okay for your information to be sent to “third parties” Also, often times, this checkbox is already selected for you – so make sure that you pay close attention to the form before you click submit.
Use a disposable e-mail address
There are several sites that offer the creation of temporary email addresses. This temporary e-mail address can be used to fill out web forms without exposing your true email address. For an example check out http://www.trashmail.net/
Use the “remove me” link carefully
Unless you are dealing with a legitimate newsletter, never click the “remove me” or the “unsubscribe” link. This will almost certainly just verify to the spammer that he/she has reached a legitimate email address.
Use your Internet Service Provider’s anti-spam tools
Most every ISP provides some level of anti-spam protection at no additional charge. Take the time to check your ISP’s website on how to enable their anti-spam protection tools.

Outlook Dumpster On

Haven't worked any job where I haven't had to use this Oultlook registry hack. Recover deleted items for messages that were hard deleted. Note - Exchange message retention must be set for this feature to work.

Click Start.
Click run
type Regedit
Locate the following subkey: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Exchange\Client\Options
On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click DWORD Value.
Type DumpsterAlwaysOn, and then press ENTER.Double-click DumpsterAlwaysOn.
Type 1 in the Value data area, click Decimal in the Base area, and then click OK.
Close Registry Editor.
Restart Outlook

An aside from technical stuff. Part 2

The most classic of recent South Park episodes. It almost had me interested in checking out the World of Warcraft. South Park WOW

Final Vista Release Dates?!

Vista is set to be released to Business customers on November 30th. The lowly consumer will have to wait until January 30th. PC and Laptop vendors have at least a little luck given that they will be able to provide customers with a low cost Vista upgrade coupon as an option during the holiday sales season.

Free File Upload

MediaFire - Looks to be a new site claiming free unlimited file storage. Ad driven and looks functional so far. MediFire

Vista Genuine Advantage

Microsoft is getting ready to get real aggressive in the anti-piracy department. Users are subjected to less functional system if they fail to provide a license key within 30 days. The push for licensing may push some of the tech savvy to Linux as their primary desktop of choice. Only time will tell.

Exchange Server 2007 Beta 2

After a couple of weeks of endless projects - I am finally able to do some testing and evaluations of beta software. Exchange Server has always been one of my favorite apps from Microsoft. Regardless of the scary stories of crashes systems, and lost data - I have found that as long as you care for your Exchange system properly and backup just in case; Exchange is a super solid application.

I have started installation of Exchange Server 2007 Beta2 and so far the install process is looking as simple as ever (probably easiest of any release yet). - More updates to come.

BlackBerry or CrackBerry

Some mental health professionals equating the obsessive need to be connected wirelessly to drug addiction. This is not new to most Sys Admins that have had to manage these devices for executives for the last several years. So I guess we can stop complaining to people about demanding blackberry users; instead fixing issues we can now tell people to go see a shrink :) 'Crackberry' Addiction

How to Uninstall Vista from a Dual Boot Machine

If you are a geek that likes to load beta versions of Microsoft software you have probably run in to this issue before. How do I reclaim my (wasted?) Vista partion on my machine. http://www.tech-recipes.com/microsoft_vista_tips1040.html

To Do - How to measure bandwidth usage

How-To:Measure your bandwidt with SNMP (Engadget)

Firefox "Over 200 Million Server" (Kinda)

Firefox has reached it's 200 Millionth download. The "Kinda" comes from the fact that users may have downloaded several times and different versions. Regardless, Firefox has claimed a 15% penetration of the browser market.

Google Maps - Mobile

Google has launched it's beta of Google Maps for mobile phones (gmm). I have downloaded and installed this app on my BlackBerry 8700c. So far it is a very impressive application. It even has an option for traffic data for 30 major cities. Google Maps Beta.

Control your workday

Like most people I find myself trying to cram as much productivity in to a work day as possible. Lifehacker and Geek to Live have an interesting and informative thread on productivity. Geek to Live: Control your workday (lifehacker.com)

VMware Server Free - Again

Many people have been using several beta builds of VMware Server. The final release was posted for download earlier this week. VMware is doing everything possible to entrench itself as the go to name in server virtualization. VMware Server Now Free

Free (for now at least) Collaboration Site

Still somewhat buggy but functional, GE's collaboration site. vyew.com

BlackBerry Hosted Enterprise Server

Sounds ideal for small business and personal use. The cost of deploying and managing an Enterprise Server for a small business can sometimes cause a strain. I would be interested in the total cost of this solution. Hosted Blackberry Enterprise Server

FIrefox Keyboard shortcuts

Good quick reference for Firefox shortcuts. http://lesliefranke.com/files/reference/firefoxcheatsheet.html

Cheap Backups - Local and Remote

http://www.lifehacker.com/software/geek-to-live/geek-to-live-automatically-back-up-your-hard-drive-147855.php

Phone Systems - Introduction and buying guide

A nice introduction and overview to various phone systems. Phone Systems

Productivity and memory tips

http://hwebbjr.typepad.com/openloops/

Backing Up DVDs

http://www.wikihow.com/Rip-DVDs-to-Small-AVI-or-MPG-Formatted-Files

Firefox On The Rise Again

After staying steady for the last few months it looks as if downloads of Firefox are on the rise again. Firefox Market Share: On the Rise Again?

Google updates mapping tools

Google upgrades mapping tools

An aside from technical stuff - Grammer - Who or Whom

I have been doing a little more technical writing lately. This has caused the need for some review of some basic grammer. This will probably be the first link of several in the grammer department. who or whom

IE7 VS Firefox - Looks Like Firefox Wins

Despite now having a solid core, tabbed browsing, and increased security it looks like Firefox still has the advantage. It is as if the extended break between releases has left IE7 a little behind the curb. There is hope that the increased security of IE7 will be improved with the release of Vista. Will IE7 lure users away from Firefox?

Lazy Alert - An Opener for DVD an CD Wrappers

An opener for your CD and DVDs - really how hard is it to use a knife or your fingernail? On the other side of things if you do have less than nimble fingers this could be useful. Vendor Site

Spyware that blackmails users

The lure of free porn is punishing people an additional spyware program and an phony anti-spyware program. The infection then notifies the user of a $50 dollar program that will clean the infection. Spyware blackmails users

Robots that can be controlled by thought

The Advanced Telecommunications Institute and the Honda Research Institute have developed robotic arms that can be controlled by human thought. Using MRI technology to train a computer to recognize brain patterns associated with certain movements - the computer can then instruct the robotic arms to move. Robots Can Be Controlled By Thought

Email Address Encoder

You can change the formatting of your email address when posted on the web. Many spammers will crawl web sites and message boards for email addresses. This utility will convert your address into hex code. Email Address Encoder (K'nechtology inc)

SPAM - damned if you do, damned if you don't

People are always very vocal about spam complaints (or at least it seems). They will tell any one that will listen how much of a nuisance spam is and how it destroys one's productivity. On the other hand, often they will also jump at a chance to blast an email administrator or poor helpdesk technician when a legitimate email is lost. I think most people don't recognize that fighting SPAM is a constant battle that will probably never be totally won. As long as even just one percent of people out there actually act on a spam email; they will continue to be profitable.
>END UNAPPRECIATED RANT :)

The most recent example in the news of an unfortanute casuality on the war on spam Don’t Let Overeager Spam Filters Get You

RIM Plans Tighter Domino Integration

In an effort to counteract Microsoft's new embedded mobile features - RIM is working on increasing it's Domino integration. BlackBerry gets closer to Lotus Domino

Blue Security quits contriversial spam fighting technique

Due to a massive spammer couter attack Blue Security has ceased it's practice of causing, what some would say, a legitimate "denial of service" to spammer's web sites. This technique must have been some what effictive for spammers to launch such a strong counter attack. Spam Fighter Brought to Its Knees

Sue Me? - Well Sue you!

Round and round we go. Visto charges RIM with patent infringement. Now RIM has filed for the dismissal of three of Visto's patents. BlackBerry maker countersues Visto (ZDNet)

Free Blackberry Enterprise Server

Gotcha. Well it is free for the first user. After that single user licenses can be purched for up to 14 users at 99 dollars a pop. This is still a great deal as compared to the full enterprise version.
BlackBerry makes server software free to small businesses

RIM sued again?

No it can't be so soon after the whole RIM versus NTP litigation - Visto is charging RIM with several patent violations. Just when I thought that we could go back to "business as usual" with our RIM handhelds - BAM more pressure for backup plans will become an issue again.
RIM Faces Another Lawsuit over BlackBerry Infringement

Dual Tuner Tivo Series II

For those people who have a minor Tivo dependency - you'll be excited to get your hands on this one. Tivo Gets Dual Vision (PC World Staff Blog)

Blackberry 8700v - Reviewed

The 8700v is an impressive update if you are used to the regular old 7200 and 7700 series devices. Review: Power Messaging with the Blackberry 8700v

Virtual Server 2005 R2 - Now A Free Download

An exciting announcement from Microsoft - Virtual Server 2005 R2 now available as a free download. Additionally, MS stated that they plan to support certain Linux distributions in the future. Check out the Microsoft Virtual Server web site.

Vista released delayed until 2007

Microsoft's release of Vista will most likely be delayed until early 2007. Microsoft to Delay Windows Vista Release (source: ap)

BlackBerry remote access apps

Idokorro has released a suite of remote access tools for BlackBerry handhelds. Applications include FTP and remote desktop. It looks as if the remote desktop uses VNC instead of RDP, which would be nice for accessing Windows workstations and servers. They offer trial versions of their software on their site

Bummer - Playstation 3 delayed

If you are anxsiously awaiting what was previously estimated to be a June(ish) release of the Playstation 3 - You're in for a little longer wait. Sony has stated that there have been some production delays that will push the release date to at least near the end of 2006.

PlayStation 3 delay due to 'disk problems'

Blackberry Internet Service Issues

Earlier This week people were reporting outages and delays with Blackberry's Internet Service. I have not heard any issues, personally, from my (very vocal) 100+ Blackberry Enterprise Server users. Full CNET Article

Exchange 12 CTP released

For Technet Plus subscribers the CTP version of Exchange 12 is out. Just for kicks MS decided to make this available only in 64 bit flavor. The estimated release date is late 2006 or early 2007.

Blackberry Attachment Viewer

Repligo Professional and Server provide enhanced viewing of attachments. I have not tested this yet - but it is on the to do list.

Are you over Blackberried?

I am somewhat guilty of being over reliant on a Blackberry. It sometimes is like that if you have been provided a BlackBerry by your employer - that makes you on-call 24x7. Sometimes finding a balance is hard to do. This article points out the fact that maybe we all shouldn't be overloaded with connectivity all the time. But realistically what employer would want people to not spend every waking moment working?

Origami - Is it a Bust?

I must admit that I bought in to the hype leading up to this. I now think that this may not be a must have tech toy (depending on pricing). Also, it sounds like something that would be more appealing in its second and third generation. PCWORLD Article

Blackberry Version 4.1 Released

RIM has released version 4.1 for Microsoft Exchange. New features include Role-Based Administration and an improved Mobile Data System. Read What's New in BlackBerry Enterprise Solution v4.1

Holy Crap! A RIM NTP Settlement

For the bargain price of 612.5 million dollars RIM has settled a years old dispute with NTP. Check out the CNN article.

Blackberry Version 4.1

Should be released within the next few weeks. Details

Blackberry - Analyzing The Cost of Alternatives

If you haven’t tested alternatives already. Well.. You probably should. But keep in mind the cost of an overall switch (If you have several hundred users it could be really painful). Anyways here’s a link to A good summary on the estimated costs of switching from RIM.

Microsoft Origami - What is it

The origamiproject.com website promises details tomorrow.
Already looks interesting. I hope it doesn't end up being newton(esque)

Microsoft DirectPush Next Month?

Will DirectPush be available next month? Article - License to Kill Blackberry

Blackberry vs NTP Timeline

ZDNet has posted an article with it's interpretation of the RIM NTP dispute timeline.

VIsta Versions

How many versions of this OS do we need. MS seems to think we need 6 different US versions. Plus two versions for the EU. Was this done just to confuse Sys Admins :)
For a breakdown check out the PC Magazine article.

VMWare Announces Free GSX Server

Love that VMWare has announced that it will provide GSX Server as a free download.

Blackberry Alternative Testing

You may be thinking the same thing as me. RIM will definitely settle - right? As a safety net you may want to take advantage of Good's 45 day trial.
There are some pluses and minuses to switching providers. So do your homework. Some things to keep in mind are that the cost and inconvenience of switching providers can be high. I have seen some articles that it would cost approximately $800 per user to switch services. Of course, the plus would be that you might not be looking at a service disruption (however unlikely).

Blackberry Service Pack 4

RIM has released Service Pack 4 for Exchange - Check out the Release Notes