February 2006 Newsletter ...
Windows 2003 Server and Open Office demonstration
As many of you know, I am Novell supporter, especially of their older Netware versions. There are servers that have been "up" literally years. Click below to see a screen dump from one that I installed.
Windows 2003 Server does have several interesting and useful features. Shared Faxing services is one. Another is Remote Desktop... or its expanded cousin Terminal Server. I have configured a modest server in my shop with Terminal Server and Open Office for you to test. What does Terminal Server do? It creates "virtual workstation" computers within the server and allow users to run applications as if they were on the local network and also transfer files, etc. To get to it, on ANY Windows XP computer that is connected to the Internet, go to START- All Programs- Accessories - Communications- Remote Desktop Connection. Launch the Remote Desktop Connection. Enter 67.136.215.96 in the address box. <- Note NEW IP address.
Under Options, local resources, select if you want to use local drives, printers, etc.- this enables file transfers if you wish to try that feature.
The screen will look like this:
Click on Connect and you will soon have a Windows logon screen. I have created two users for you to use. Remote1 and Remote2 The password for either is 4Me2Know . The password is case sensitive. The users are limited somewhat as to their rights. I have not activated Windows, since this demo will be available approximately 30 days. If one user is in use by someone, please try the other. Open Office is also installed and my fudge recipe in Word 2003 format is stored in the My Documents folder so you can see how Open Office can open it. I will monitor the activity on the server since any changes made by a user are "live" and will show up when another person logs on. Feel free to create documents, etc. but remember that other's using the Remote User accounts will see them. If you wish to start a FAQ document, I will answer questions you leave inside it. To end your session, on the virtual computer, select Start- LOG OFF. The remote window will close.
Enjoy!
More continuing reminders...
1) Back up your data!
2) If your hard drive is 3 years or older, think about replacing it. New ones are pretty inexpensive and include "cloning" software. Most hard drives fail within the 3-5 year window.
3) Clean and dust. Carefully vacuum the vents and drives, even if you don't feel comfortable opening the case.
4) Use antistatic spray or a mixture of fabric softener and water in a spray bottle. Dry air with static electricity can break keyboards and occasionally more expensive items.
That's it for this newsletter...
Until next time... Happy Computing !
Past Newsletters
- May 99 (Viruses)
- July 99 (Maintenance Part 1)
- September 99 (Maintenance Part 2)
- November 99 (Networks)
- January 2000 (Y2K, Windows 2000, Misc.)
- March 2000 (System tips plus Outlook Express Email)
- May 2000 (System Upgrades)
- July 2000 (Easter eggs and more)
- September 2000 (Bugs, crashes, Windows 98, and more)
- Special Virus Issue
- February 2001 (Mid-winter vacations, Windows ME, network terminology)
- March 2001 (Server Maintenance)
- May 2001- (Internet Security)
- September 2001- (A Microsoft Competitor returns)
- January 2002- Microsoft's strategy, spam, and new servers
- March 2002- Reminders and advice
- July 2002- My Favorites
- December 2002- Things to do and not to do
- August 2003- Power Outages and Blaster
- January 2004- Why Word slowed to a crawl
- May 2004- Keeping your computer secure
- August 2004- Odds and ends
- September 2004- Hurricanes and Tornados (more security issues)
- October 2004- Time for a change
- February 2005- spyware and email
- October 2005- Open Office, Fun Stuff, and Reminders