Start the Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC) service

Today, my neighbor handed me a ten year old Dell XP computer and said she was unable to get a wireless connection. We received the following message when trying to connect to a wireless network:

The following is how I resolved the issue. I went to the Microsoft site and pulled up the following documentation:

Wireless Zero Configuration Reference

Wireless Zero Configuration is a Windows service on Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 that is used to configure and manage wireless network connections on a wireless adapter. The service name for Wireless Zero Configuration is WZCSVC. On Windows XP, the display name for the WZCSVC service is Wireless Zero Configuration. On Windows Server 2003, the display name for the WZCSVC service is Wireless Configuration.

The Wireless Zero Configuration service is normally started at boot time. The programming interface for the Wireless Zero Configuration service can be used only if the Wireless Zero Configuration service has been started. If the Wireless Zero Configuration service is not started, then the Wireless Zero Configuration functions will return an error.

To enable the Wireless Zero Configuration service so it starts up automatically, go to the Start button. Select the Settings option and then select Control Panel. If you are using the Windows XP view, select thePerformance and Maintenance category and then select Administrative Tools. If you are using the Classic View, then select Administrative Tools. Click the Services icon in the left pane. Click the Wireless Zero Configuration icon in the right pane and change the Startup Type dropbox to Automatic. This setting will set the service to start automatically at boot time. Then click the Start button to start the Wireless Zero Wireless Zero Configuration service and click the OK button.

The Wireless Zero Configuration can also be started and stopped from a command prompt. To start the Wireless Zero Configuration, run the following command:

net start wzcsvc

To stop the Wireless Zero Configuration, run the following command:

net stop wzcsvc

Note: Once you enable the WZC Service and reboot, it might not stay enabled. The following could be the reason. The following is from a Microsoft MVP:

 My Wireless Computer does not work with a Wireless Router, or an Access Point.

SQL Maintaining Tables

Table Creation

When creating a table, you should normalize the data attributes you want to store in the table. See SQL - Data Base Basics of SQL to find out about normalization.

Decide on a table name, column names, primary key, and data types.

Create a query to track the employees in your company. You need to track employee birthdays, age, and salary. Create a table to store employee name, department, and phone numbers.

Table name: Employees
Column names: EmployeeID, FirstName, LastName, Department, HomePhone, WorkPhone

Next, go through the normalization steps to make sure you don't include data that is better suited for another table.

Create a table:

CREATE TABLE Employees
(
EmployeeID CHAR (50) Primary Key NOT NULL,
FirstName CHAR (50) NOT NULL,
LastName CHAR (50) NOT NULL,
HomePhone CHAR (20),
WorkPhone CHAR (20),
Department CHAR (20)
);

Results:

SQL Inserting Data

INSERT: Inserts data (rows) into an existing table using the INSERT, INTO, and VALUES keywords.

• The INTO keyword indicates the table name. 
• The VALUES keyword indicates what to insert. 
• You can insert a partial row or an entire row. 
• The NULL keyword indicates no value.

SQL Table Joins

Friends

A SQL JOIN combines data from two or more tables based on matching keys indicated in the SELECT statement. The matching keys are what creates the relationship between tables and uniquely identify the rows in a table.

INNER JOIN: This is the most common type of join and is considered the default join type. The inner join, sometimes referred to as an EQIJOIN, only brings back data that is a match between both tables being joined. In the example below:

SELECT statement states that we want all (*) columns from both tables.

FROM indicates the first table wanted.

INNER JOIN keyword specifies the other table we want to join to, the Orders table.

ON keyword is used in conjunction with the INNER JOIN keyword to indicate how the two tables are to be joined, in this example, the CustomerID of the Customers and Orders table. Customers.CustomerID and Orders.CustomerID is the format because the CustomerID name column is the same in both tables.

Example:

SELECT *

FROM Customers

INNER JOIN Orders

On Customers.CustomerID = Orders. CustomerID

note: If you fail to indicate the relationship between the two tables, you will end up with a Cartesian product. A Cartesian product causes each row from the first table to be multiplied by the total number or rows from the second table.

SQL Subqueries

Tremblant, Quebec

It is possible for SQL queries to contain other queries, called subqueries. The values of one query are passed to another query.

Subqueries can be utilized in SELECT statements, as well as the INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements.

Subqueries allow you to connect queries together, so that you can query more than one table at a time.

Subqueries can either be nested within another query or it can be connected to another query using a keyword. When the subquery is nested in a SELECT statement, the innermost query is processed first. When a subquery is connected to another query using a keyword, the last subquery is processed first.

note: MySQL versions that are prior to version 4.1 do not support subqueries. MySQL uses JOINS to accomplish the same thing as subqueries.

SQL: Summarizing and Grouping Data



http://www.flickr.com/photos/konnecke/922432859/

Data Summarization

SQL has aggregate functions that allow you to summarize large volumes of data. Summarizing data helps to determine trends. Many times data needs to be summarized with reports. Aggregate functions

take the values of multiple rows grouped together, i.e., values stored in a column, and returns a single value. 

Common aggregate Microsoft SQL functions:

AVG(): Returns the average of data stored in a column

COUNT(*):  Counts the rows in a table (including NULL values)

COUNT (Column name):  Counts the rows in a column (excluding Null values)

FIRST():  Returns the first value stored in a column

LAST():  Returns the last value stored in a column

MAX():  Returns the highest value stored in a column

MIN():  Returns the lowest value stored in a column

SUM():  Returns the sum of values stored in a column

SQL - Calculated Fields and Functions

Customer Table

To create a new database in Microsoft Access:

• Open Microsoft Access and click Blank Database under the New Blank Database heading. 
• Name the database in the File Name box on the right side of the screen. Click the folder icon to place the database where you want. 
• Afterwards, click Create to save the database you just created.

To create a query using Microsoft Access 2010:

• Switch to SQL View by clicking Create from the menu running across the top of the screen.
• Click the Query Design button, causing the Show Table dialog box to appear. 
• Click Close in the dialog box without selecting a table. 
• Locate the View drop-down button near the top left. 
• Click the down arrow and select SQL View. This is the place to type the SQL script. 
• To execute the script in SQL View, click on the Run button.

SQL - Sorting, Retrieving, and Filtering Data

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Query Terms and Syntax Rules

query: a command that you use to retrieve data from one or more tables.

clause: a component  of an SQL statement.

keywords: reserved words.

statement: keywords and data in the SQL query.

FROM keyword: to indicate the table to retrieve data from.

SELECT keyword: gives you the ability to retrieve data from the table by telling the database which column(s) to display.

SQL - Data Base Basics of SQL

SQL is a computer language used to retrieve and manipulate data from relational databases. Some of the functions of SQL:

• Modify a database's structure
• Change system security settings
• Add user permissions to databases
• Query a database 
• Update a database

Important terms

• client: a single-user computer that interfaces with a multiple-user server
• client/server database system: system that divides time between a client and a database server
• database: collection of related data stored as organized files
• server: multiple-user computer that holds the actual database and provides shared database connection, interfacing, and processing services

Internet Explorer encountered a problem and needs to close

A recent install of Windows 7 on a Toshiba laptop started producing error messages each time I closed Internet Explorer 9.

This was not a random situation. Without fail, Internet Explorer generated a message saying that Internet Explorer encountered a problem and needs to close.

I hate when that happens. At first, I ignored the error, but, after awhile, it became annoying.

Cursor jumps all over screen on a Macbook

If you think Macs don't get malware, you are sadly mistaken. There are plenty of free antivirus software on the Internet, so please find and download the security on your Mac computer as soon as possible. If you or your kids download music on a regular basis from nefarious sources, you are prime for infection. Or, if you do not have your own personal home network, you are leaving yourself wide open by connecting to open Internet connections in your neighborhood. Beware of network names like linksys or hpsetup. If there is no lock symbol beside the network name, that tells you it is an open network and anyone can connect to the network.

Daisy

Danny

This morning as I was feeding my dogs, Danny and Daisy, my friend Lisa texted asking if she could call me about a computer problem. "Sure", I texted back, as I continued to feed my always seemingly starved ravenous pets.

Lisa complained about a problem with her Macbook cursor jumping around, moving involuntarily, and windows randomly opening. I asked if she had antivirus installed on her computer, "No, I never installed one on the Mac". It goes without saying Lisa, along with everyone else I know, thought MacBooks immune from virus problems.

Unable to install your printer?

Image via Wikipedia

You are not able to install a new printer you purchased for your computer. The instruction manual tells you to "Choose the local printer attached to the computer", but that option is not available. The only option that is available is "a network printer, or a printer connected to another computer". What is the likely cause of the problem?

You have not been granted permissions to install printers. To install permissions, you must be a member of the Administrators group or the Power Users group.

In Windows, you have a security component called UAC or User Account Control, which is the method used in Windows Vista and Windows 7, for elevating privileges in order to do certain Administrative tasks. This is a good thing because previously malicious software could install "silently" just because a user was logged on as an Administrator. Administrators have privileges over everything in a computer.

Now, when a user logs on to a Windows Vista or Windows 7 computer, the user is automatically given the security token of a standard user. The built-in Administrator is disabled on new installations of Vista. If the user needs to perform any administrative tasks, UAC prompts for an administrator password.

If you are an admin, enter YES to continue. If you are not an admin, enter the administrator password to continue.

If you are in Windows XP, you might be logged onto a Standard User Account and need to switch to an Administrator Account or Power User in order to install the printer. See the Microsoft link below for instructions in assigning rights to a Power User using Group Policy.

Why use a standard user account instead of an administrator account?

Understanding and Configuring User Account Control in Windows Vista

Power Users and Windows 7

Assign User Rights to a Group in AD DS

User Account Control Step-by-Step Guide

Non-admins unable to install Network Printers: Windows 7

Allowing Vista Standard Users to install printer drivers

Install printer without being administrator

Looking at BranchCache for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008

RGBStock.com

BrancheCache gives users of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 increased network responsiveness, by reducing wide area network (WAN) utilization when accessing files from a branch office that are located in a central office.

Enabling BranchCache causes a copy of the file that is accessed from a file or Web server and located in a remote office to be cached in the local branch office. The next time a client requests the file, BranchCache first attempts to retrieve it from the local BranchCache.

BranchCache makes sure clients are authorized by the content server and the files are up-to-date, so  clients never have to worry about retrieving files that are not current.

• BranchCache clients must be running Windows 7 and the BranchCache feature has to be enabled. 
• Web servers must be running Windows Server 2008 R2 with the BranchCache feature enabled.

How to Make a Conference Call on your IPHONE

Below is the procedure to make a conference call while using the iPhone. If you are like me, the need will arise spontaneously, and inevitably you are stuck and have to discontinue the call because you never took the time to figure out how.



The iPhone lets you conference up to five different callers.

1. Make your call.
2. Tap Add Call and call the other line. The first call is put on hold when you do this. You can talk privately with the second call before merging the calls.
3. Tap Merge Calls to bring the current call into conference with the other call(s).
4. Perform step 2 and 3 to bring other calls into the conference.

If you have an incoming call and would like to merge the call into the conference:

• Tap Hold Call + Answer; then tap Merge Calls.

Drop a call from the conference:

• Tap Conference and type the red phone symbol next to a call; then type End Call.

Talk privately with a call in the conference: 

• Tap Conference and tap Private next to a call. Tap Merge Call when you are ready to return the call to the conference.

http://support.apple.com/kb/TA38608?viewlocale=en_US

How to Manage Access to Shared Folders in Windows 7

What does Authentication and Authorization mean?

• Authentication: Authentication is when you provide some type of proof to access a computer or a computer resource, and the proof you provide verifies your identity. Usually you authenticate with your user id and password. If the infrastructure is critical, then a user id and password will not be enough and digital certificates are issued and verified by a Certification Authority. 
• Authorization: Determining if you have the permission to access some particular type of resource.
• Access: Determine what type of action, based on a permission level, that can be performed on a resource.

What is Windows Authentication?

• Kerberos v5 Protocol: Windows 7 clients and Windows Server 2000 or later uses Kerberos as its default authentication method. Kerberos(protocol)
• NTLM (NT Lan Manager): Used to provide backward compatibility with pre-Windows 2000. NTLM is a suite of Microsoft security protocols that provide authenticity, integrity, and confidentiality to users. NTLM
• Certificates: Rely on a third party to verify who you are (PKI Infrastructure). Public-key_infrastructure.

How I Got My Macbook's Cracked LCD Panel Repaired

This photo belongs to Jerry Bunkers

If you ever travel with your laptop, be sure to put it in a carryon designed for laptops.

As you know, airlines have a limit for the number of bags you can carry on a flight. You are allowed one small carryon and one personal bag. If you exceed that amount, those bags must be checked.  On a recent flight, I packed my Macbook securely, so I thought, between clothing in the carryon luggage. There was not enough room in the carryon to put the laptop case inside, where it would have been more secure. I couldn't carry the laptop in a separate carryon because my other carryon was my purse. My rational was the laptop would be safe because the carryon was with me and I wouldn't be throwing the bag around like the luggage handlers do.

Quick Check Facts for Windows Server 2008, Active Directory Network Infrastructure

IPv6 
IPv6 Addressing

• IPv6 address space is 128 bits (16 bytes)
• Large address space. Divided along 16-bit boundaries, converted to 4 digit hexadecimal numbers, separated by colons - known as colon hexadecimal .
• Simpler host configuration. IPv6 supports dynamic client configuration by using DHCPv6 and IPv6 also enables routers to configure hosts dynamically.
• Improved routing efficiency. Reduces how many routes the Internet must process by supporting hierarchical routing.
• Built-in security. IPv6 ensures all hosts encrypt data while in transit by including native IPSec support.
• IPv6 address types
• Unicast. Packets delivered to a unicast address are delivered to a single interface, one-to-one communication
• Multicast. Packets are delivered to multiple interfaces, one-to-many. One-to-many communication between computers that are defined as using the same multicast address. Multicast addresses have the first 8 bits set to 1111 1111 or FF
• Anycast. Identifies multiple interfaces, but delivered to a single interface, the closest one.  Used for locating services or the nearest router.
• Global Unicast address
• Equivalent to IPv4 public addresses
• Identified by the FP (Format Prefix) of 001 (globally routable and reachable on the IPv6 Internet
• The scope of a global unicast address is the entire IPv6 Internet
• The address prefix of a currently assigned global address is 2000::/3
• The combination of the first 3 high-order fixed bits and the 45-bit Global Routing Prefix is a 48-bit prefix assigned to an individual site
• The next 16 bits are the Subnet ID 
• The Interface ID field is the next 64-bits 

How to Secure Windows 7 Desktops

London

Overview of Security Management

Key Security Features in Windows 7

• Windows 7 Action Center
• Centralized reporting center for users to keep track of issues and messages about their local computer
• Categorized by severity to get action items and events 
• Color-coding for severity alerts
• Encrypting File System (EFS)
• About encrypting information while it’s at rest (theft of laptops)
• A built-in encryption tool for Windows files
• Windows BitLocker and BitLocker To Go
• Introduced with Windows Vista, protects data on a computer exposed to unauthorized physical access
• Available in Enterprise and Ultimate editions of Windows 7
• Locks the operating system and removable drives such as USB drives and portable hard drives
• Renders data inaccessible when drives are decommissioned or recycled
• Windows AppLocker
• Restricts the types of applications you can run and install
• Allows administrators to specify the apps that are allowed
• User Account Control
• Checks for permissions when performing necessary daily tasks
• Windows Firewall with Advanced Security
• Restricts unsolicited traffic coming and going
• Security rules to provide protection from malware 
• Windows Defender
• Prevents and removes all forms of malware 

Understanding forwarders

Scenario: Your network is a multiple-domain Active Directory with two forests, each containing multiple child domains. Full trust is configured among the domains. When a trust exists between two domains, the authentication mechanisms for each domain trust the authentications coming from the other domain. Trusts help provide for controlled access to shared resources in a resource domain (the trusting domain) by verifying that incoming authentication requests come from a trusted authority (the trusted domain). In this way, trusts act as bridges that allow only validated authentication requests to travel between domains. What Are Domain and Forest Trusts?  The network includes several branch offices with computers in the branch offices running Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 over low-bandwidth links. Each branch office has a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server. Each branch office has at least one domain controller configured as a Domain Name System (DNS) server and hosts an Active Directory-integrated DNS zone. Computers in the branch offices need to use resources throughout the network. You want to configure name resolution for the branch offices. You need to keep the traffic generated by fully qualified domain name (FQDN) resolution attempts to a minimum.

Configuring Server Security Compliance

Apply Defense-in-Depth to Increase Security

Defense-in-depth provides multiple layers of defense to protect a network environment.

Policies, Procedures, and Awareness - Security documentation and user education

Physical Security - Guards and/or locks

Perimeter - Firewalls

Internal Network - Network segments (subnets), IPSec

Host - OS hardening (latest patches and updates), authentication

Application - Application hardening and testing, antivirus patches

Data - ACLs (Access Control Lists/permissions), encryption, EFS (Encrypting File System)