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News Letter 2010
News Letter 2009

Mac and PC Support
and Repair


Security
Threats from worm viruses, hacking tools, and
spyware/adware eliminated through router firewall, personal firewall,
anti-virus, anti-spyware, computer logon, wireless encryption, tape backup and
more.
Data Backup and Recovery
All files on C: drive are backed up on an
automated schedule. Data is recovered from failed PC or server.
Spam Management
Junk E-mail blocked before it reaches your
office network.
Networking
Category 5 cabling, Wireless, DSL, Cable and
T-1.
New or Repaired Computers
Enjoy a revitalized computing environment.
Servers
Servers provide centralized storage and
management of information. Have enhanced security, access and performance.
Mobile Computing
Access office computers wherever there is a
connection to the Internet or phone line!
Access E-mail from a wireless such as
Blackberry handhelds.
Private Instruction
Learn how to use Windows XP, Outlook, Quicken,
and more.
Schedule 5 or 10 sessions at 1 to 2 hours each
at your location.
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Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2
Windows Small Business Server 2008 released
November 2008!
HUGE Improvements with the 2008 version, top three:
1.) Mailbox Storage. Limited mailbox storage (75-GB) has
been the Achilles heal of the SBS operating system. Now provides elbow
room beyond 75-GB for an entire office so as to not worry about archiving mailbox (Outlook Inbox, Sent Items) as often.
Maximum setting (default) for a SINGLE mailbox with SBS 2008 is 100 GB!
2.) Data Backup--Over network, more intuitive and
configurable.
3.) 64-Bit OS--Can handle more than 4-GB of RAM...this
means less chance of system crash and can handle more memory intensive
applications running at server. A minimum of 12 GB of RAM is a good
plan, more is better where a max of 32 GB is possible.
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What is it? Already have it? Wish to have it?
Do you work in an office of which needs to
share information when using Microsoft Outlook (calendars, contacts, E-mail) from anywhere
using either a Mac or PC?
Do you need a secure way to work remotely with mission
critical information at a Mac or PC?
To discuss an existing installation or new,
call Ed Siemion at (206) 235-7911.
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Can use a Mac
running OS X with this system, work with Outlook and control
the desktop of Windows computers remotely! The Mac to PC remote connection allows for one
of the most tightly secured remote work connections available today...the
probability for Windows virus/hacking tool to pass onto a Mac across an IP
network and run is at its lowest.
Try to find a report where a computer virus has been found on a Mac and for
that matter spreading to a PC over an office network either to or from a Mac.
With this remote control setup, the probability for a breach of security via a
hacking tool instigated by a virus is at its lowest.
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Powerful Benefits Using SBS 2003 R2:
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1.) Centralized Control and Storage of E-mail Accounts using Outlook (PC)
or Entourage (Mac). Sharing of Outlook Mail Accounts Sharing of Calendars---all through the web
browser from anywhere Mac or PC.
2.) Remote Desktop Control of Locked Down Office Computers from the Internet.
3.) Vastly Improved Security, Backup/Recovery and Notification Services
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Configuration Recommended by Ed Siemion
With SBS 2008---the recommended setup is slightly different than
SBS 2003 (with SBS 2003, two network adapters are recommended as this
configuration is by default queried for setup during installation wizard).
With SBS 2008---one network adapter and DHCP disabled at external
hardware router.
Never enable DHCP at the hardware router and never disable DHCP at
the SBS with either 2003 or 2008---disabling DHCP at the SBS will result in
problems with DNS and proper routing of IIS 7 pages and can result in a
stall of Internet browsing.
Never disable DHCP at an SBS server as DNS as in cooperation of
DHCP at SBS is too intimately related to network stability at this server.
Never disable DNS either as it is by default installed with the
Domain Active Directory service in support of the user accounts database.
Leave all default settings alone as configured by Microsoft with
exception to location of data stores and only move data using Wizards
provided by SBS.
Complete installation worksheet as provided by TechNet articles at
Microsoft website.
A setup beyond these terms is possible----yet NOT recommended for
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With SBS 2008, recommend the following network layout:
Internet Connection: Comcast Business Class, Qwest or Verizon High
Speed---For the love of God and to protect your pocket book and sanity--NEVER
choose fractional T-1 from companies such as Integra (formerly Eschelon).
Hardware Router: LinkSys/Cisco Gigabit dual-band wireless N.
Switch: 24-port Gigabit Switch, Dell 2724.
Server: PowerEdge Tower from Dell, T300 or higher model, 16 GB RAM
or higher, 4 hard drives (at least two SAS with RAID controller from Dell),
Keep data on RAID volume using a drive controller of which can be
immediately replaced and installed into a workstation (allows immediate
access to production data in event of mainboard failure); Quad core Xeon
processor, dual power supplies, configure dual Gigabit network adapters as
teamed with failover.
Image the C: drive using Acronis 10.
Tape Drive: Ultrium III or IV from Dell (native 400-GB or 800-GB
capable) and Adaptect 29320A-R SCSI adapter (plugs into either a 32-bit or
64-bit legacy PCI slot and can be adapted to a workstation for emergency
recovery). At least a 5 tape rotation with regular archiving off-site.
Backup the ENTIRE system!
Keep all of this equipment on backup power using two 1,500 VA backup
batteries plugged into two separate 110-VAC dedicated circuits and ensure
proper cooling of server room with fans/cabinetry, dust control and air
conditioning.
Thoroughly tested the above setup--runs flawlessly with zero critical
errors in event viewer.
Web
pages when using SBS 2003 R2.
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Work with Outlook 2003, Outlook 2007 Anywhere
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Secure Logon
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Remote Desktop Control
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While sitting either at a Mac or PC, control any Windows XP Pro, Windows 2003 Server, Vista Business, Vista
Ultimate, Vista Enterprise desktop with full mouse/keyboard control. The
screen below is an open window of the desktop of another PC---miles away!
Sit at a Mac running OS X, connect through a simplified VPN connection (built
into OS X) to SBS 2003----You are now in control of a locked down Windows
desktop using a Mac through a VPN---the desktop user security is no better
anywhere!
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Historical Overview
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In the mid 1990's, Microsoft began developing a product called Back Office 4.0, then came out with
Back Office 4.5 (late 1998 as implemented by Ed
Siemion) of which then evolved to Small Business Server (SBS) 2000, 2003 and is
currently
called Small Business Server 2003 Release 2 (R2).
Originally, the Back Office versions consisted of multiple server platforms
(Proxy Server, Exchange Server, Systems Management Server, NT 4.0 Server,
Internet Information Server) of which were intended to be installed onto
separate computers, filling a room with 4 to 5 servers or more. Now, the
product is intended to be installed on one computer only greatly simplifying
setup and support.
A complete setup, fully functional of Back Office would present a material
cost anywhere between $10,000 and $30,000 and then require two or three
individuals to eliminate every bug out of it costing even more.
Have experience with
this product for nearly 10 years...has improved substantially. If you gave
up on it years ago, consider going back as the costs are lower and the system is
easier to use.
Instead of a $20,000 system loaded with bugs and ill promised functions, the
exact same server support and more can be implemented with a material cost
between $2,000 and $10,000 depending on number of users and chosen computer and
peripherals to include backup and recovery. Does not require multiple
technicians with varied background to support---one knowledgeable consultant is
all that is needed to keep the system online.
It has become substantially cheaper to purchase, implement and support.
Best suitable with office workgroups of no more than 50 users accounts.
Is possible to keep two SBSs in one office, yet the networks must be separated
by a firewall to avoid conflicts.
The next release will likely be SBS 2007, yet not reported by Microsoft, this
release would side with the Office 2007 suite just as the Office 2003 is along
side SBS 2003. Chances are that the next version will provide for a
greater number of user accounts and increased storage capacity for E-mail of
which is now limited to 75 GB.
Each version along the way has been loaded with technical problems in
particular with setup/configuration, maintenance and storage capacity of E-mail.
The latest release has been well
done with a streamlined setup, increased storage capacity and more.
Used correctly while implicitly following Microsoft specifications, this server application can provide substantial
solutions and power. In particular with remote access where a user can
access Outlook mail and take desktop control of any computer on the SBS network
using either a PC or a Mac.
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