One reason I’m taking this class in Spokane is that I want to complete my MCSE:Security certification. I also want a better grasp of how to implement security in a Microsoft environment.
So far, the training is pretty good and filling in some gaps I have in my experience. In fact, I will likely be implementing some security changes in my home lab to increase security and enhance my learning and experience.
Soon, I will be taking the test. Wish me luck!
Is the server fixed? I’ve replaced the motherboard and so far, two days in, no reboots! Of course, that pesky Microsoft has a patch out now that is going to require a reboot, but that’s okay. I’m fairly certain that I’ve gotten all the problems addressed now and that the server will stay up indefinitely [except for scheduled outages].
It seems that the power supply was not the sole problem for the server. Having done all they asked, I have now gotten an RMA and will be recieving a new motherboard soon to replace the one I have. Maybe then the crashes will stop. I am glad I have the new power supply, though. It was good to have exact guidelines on how much power should be necessary to run the system I have.
I’ve just installed the new power supply for the server. It had crashed 3 times in the time it took the package to arrive. So – I’m going to let it run for a while and see what happens. I’m confident that this will solve the problem – after all: my server has more than a few power-hungry parts in it. If it lasts over a week [I think 5 days is the record], then I’m going to claim victory over the reboot issue.
While waiting for my new power supply for the server, I’m working on Laura’s computer to get it up to spec. Now: when we took it out of the box, it had Windows Vista Home Premium, which lacked certain key features that we want. So we upgraded to Vista Ultimate. After a couple of days, we noticed that Laura couldn’t run the Roxio Creater Premier that we paid for, so I called tech support. Needless to say after much convolutions, confusions, and calls, we have had to revert the system to its original state. I’ve now done so and gotten the programs to run as expected.
The big test will be after the upgrade to Ultimate is complete – we’ll see if it changes the registration of the Roxio software somehow. Other than that difficulty, this machine is rather nice. Very quick, in fact. It’s now the fastest machine in the house [not the most powerful – that’s the flaky server, but the fastest].
My poor, little desktop is not likely to be upgraded for some time, but all I use it for is email and Quicken these days. I do my major photo editing on my laptop – which is very fast, too!
I contacted the support people at ASUS [the manufacturer of the motherboard I’m using for the server] and they responded with a few tips. One of those was that my powersupply might be insufficient for the task at hand – and they even provided detailed product specs to make sure I found one that would be fine. Wow. I hope it works, because I’m about to order a new one – to replace my “new” one that I bought for this server especially. Ah, well, maybe I can reuse it for something…
Yesterday, Laura’s new computer arrived. She now has the fastest computer in the house. It’s quite nice. Now, I have to spend a little time to get the thing up and running properly and set up just like she likes it.
This new system will run the latest versions of her favorite video/photo editing software without even breaking a sweat. For you nerds: she’s got an HP m7790e with an AMD Athlon X2 5600+ 2.8GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, a 250GB HDD and lots of bells and whistles. So far all is good except for two things: 1) they didn’t provide any “backup” media – no install disks and such; 2) they installed 32-bit Vista on the 64-bit computer. Weird. I guess we’ll live with it for now. Better program compatibility.
Back to work setting it up… 🙂
It seems I have NOT found the problem with my server. After migrating the data [all 400GB of it] to non-RAID drives and removing the RAID card, the server still crashed. I’m now down to two remaining pieces: the video card [not likely, but I still have to try] and the motherboard. The drives, case, & power supply are still there, but are not likely causes of the problem. I’ve even replaced the motherboard once already for this same problem. So, I’m trying the next item: the video card [it’s also much cheaper]. After the crash last night, I’m begining to wonder if the PCI-E databus is bad on the motherboard. So, I’ve found a way to crash it: simply defrag the drives. That kills it.
Anyway, I’m testing the video card today and if it crashes while defragging, I will know that the card isn’t the problem just like the RAID card really isn’t the problem. I was hoping, but… well, at least if it’s the video card, that’s much cheaper…
I have been waiting for some time now for the manufacturer of my RAID card to reply to my request for help. I got an initial response, to which I replied, but have gotten nothing since. I’m begining to think that I may have to just buy a different vendor’s card. I’m thinking of the Promise SuperTrak EX8350. I know Mike likes his and it has certified drivers for Windows, unlike my current card.
So: my dilema is how long I should wait until I give up on tech support while my server continues to crash. At least the server crashes won’t affect the web sites anymore.
I’m thinkin’ about it. Actually, what I’m thinking of doing is getting training to be a Certified Ethical Hacker so that I will know how best to secure my and my customers’ systems. Has anyone had any experience with this training or certification? I’d be interested in your take on it.
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