Info-Tech Advisor Newsletter articles from September 2003

Info-Tech Advisor Newsletter archives from September 2003

Control purchasing with this policy.
September 2, 2003... Sources: (About.com Articles, HandySource.com Articles, Queensland Government Department of Innovation and Information Economy Guidelines) Unapproved, off-contract purchasing of IT hardware, software, and components can lead to higher rates...

Good worms are bad news.
September 2, 2003... Sources: (CNET News.com Articles, E-Commerce News Article, eWeek Articles) Networks recently took a pounding at the hands of two new worms, Sobig and Blaster. But these two worms weren't the only problem. A so-called "good" worm, designed...

Don't let hotspots melt security.
September 2, 2003... Sources: (@stake White Paper, CIO Magazine White Paper, InternetWeek.com Articles, RSA Security White Paper) The number of wireless hotspots is growing at a rapid pace, as is the number of people using them. The security risks of Wi-Fi are...

Eradicate network config errors.
September 2, 2003... Sources: (AlterPoint White Paper and Book, Computerworld Article, NetworkMagazine.com Article, Yankee Group Research Note) When devices are added to the corporate network, don't simply assume that the appliances are configured properly and...

How to pick conferences wisely.
September 2, 2003... Sources: (CNETAsia Article, TechRepublic Article, ZDNet Australia Article) Sending staff to conferences is a typical part of most corporate training regimens. But with tight training budgets the norm these days, wasting time and money on a...

MS SharePoint: bane or boon?
September 2, 2003... Sources: (CNET News.com Articles, Gartner Group Article, Line56.com Article, Network World Fusion Article, TechRepublic Article) Companies looking to deploy SharePoint have some planning to do, considering that Microsoft's collaboration...

SPEKE easy passwords.
September 2, 2003... Sources: (Aberdeen Group Article, Business Wire Article, Phoenix Technologies Web Site, Wi-Fi Planet Article) Here's the main problem with passwords: once a user enters his or her password into a logon system, that password is out in the...

Web site credibility: read between the lines.
September 2, 2003... Sources: (California State University Bakersfield Web Site, ConsumerWebWatch Web Site, Julie Levitt Article, SearchEngines.com Article, Stanford University Web Credibility Web Site, TheOpportunitySpot.com Article, University of Illinois Web...

Blackout 2003: emergency power revisited.
September 2, 2003... Sources: (Contingency Planning & Management Articles, Energy User News Article, Info-Tech Research Group Survey) August 14th, 2003 witnessed the most extensive power outage in history. Were you ready? Since the blackout, Info-Tech has...

Streaming media for the novice.
September 2, 2003... Sources: (Aberdeen Group White Paper) A business leader at your company has shown interest in using streaming media, but you get the feeling that what it is and what it can do is not well understood amongst your executive team. To give them...

Set your spending priorities.
September 2, 2003... Sources: (eWeek Articles) Money's tight--that should come as no surprise. What are the best strategies for doing more with less and investing what little you have in the right places? With budget season fast approaching, eWeek recently...

Tools for battling buzzwords.
September 2, 2003... Sources: (ComputerUser Web Site, Google Web Site, TechDictionary.com Web Site, TechTarget Web Site, Webopedia Web Site) In IT, acronyms and buzzwords abound. Keeping pace with IT's growing lexicon can be a challenge even for the most...

Desperately seeking vendors.
September 2, 2003... Sources: (TechnologyEvaluation.com Article) Selecting the right vendor to supply a new technology to your company can be challenging, especially in emerging markets where new players are entering the fray every day. Keeping tabs on who's...

Disaster planning: get informed on local hazards.
September 2, 2003... Sources: (FEMA/ESRI Web Site) No matter where you are in the world, your immediate geographical region is vulnerable to its own special array of natural hazards. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in partnership with the...

Finally! WPA and 802.11g certified products.
September 2, 2003... Sources: (Wi-Fi Alliance) The Wi-Fi Alliance has recently certified Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and 802.11g products from various manufacturers--good news for the wireless crowd. For those of you who don't quite recall what the big deal...

Remote control for the masses.
September 2, 2003... Sources: (CrossTec Corporation) NetOp Remote Control Version 7.6, from CrossTec Corporation, is an award-winning remote control and support solution for professional administrators. This product performs a variety of helpful tasks: *...

Laptop or handhold? How about both!
September 2, 2003... Sources: (NEC) It's true that some PDAs are a pain when trying type out an e-mail or document, so why not go with a handheld laptop hybrid? NEC's MobilePro 900 is a clamshell-style computer that combines the relatively small size of a PDA...

Fusing servers with Fusion.
September 2, 2003... Sources: (SWsoft) Fusion from SWsoft is an enterprise-level app that uses virtualization software to enable server consolidation of legacy systems. Designed to seamlessly and transparently migrate servers running old WinNT and Unix OS...

Desktop DNA Enterprise Edition.
September 2, 2003... Sources: (Miramar Systems) Transfer end-user desktop setting easily and efficiently with Desktop DNA Enterprise Edition 4.6 from Miramar Systems. Specifically, Desktop DNA will help IT managers automate the process of migrating user...

Get requirements right the first time.
September 16, 2003... Sources: (gantthead.com Article, NASA Software Assurance Technology Center White Paper, Software Architect White Paper) A business requirements document is the first real deliverable of most development efforts, and the foundation upon...

Security tip: introduce FTP to end users.
September 16, 2003... Sources: (eSecurity Planet Article, University of Illinois at Chicago Web Site, University of Wolverhampton Web Site) Software viruses are transmitted almost exclusively through e-mail, usually in the form of malicious code embedded in an...

How to de-stress your team ... and yourself.
September 16, 2003... Sources: (bizjournals.com Article, Business 2.0 Article, CIO Magazine Articles, Village Web Site, META Group Article, Pertinent Information Articles, TechRepublic Articles) The squeeze on IT resources and funding over the last few years has...

Maximize bandwidth with WAN compression.
September 16, 2003... Sources: (Computerworld Article, Forrester Research White Paper, NetworkMagazine.com Article, Network World Fusion Article) If performance is getting sluggish across your wide area network (WAN), then getting more bandwidth is probably your...

Plan your contract escape route.
September 16, 2003... Sources: (ffwpublicsector.com White Paper, ITworld.com Article, New York Law Journal Article, OutsourcingBestPractices.com Article, Web Host Industry Review Article) Without properly drafted exit stipulations, getting out of a contract can...

SSL: new kid on the VPN block.
September 16, 2003... Sources: (Asia Computer Weekly Article, Breakaway Marketing Group Article, Network World Fusion Articles, SearchNetworking.com Article) Traditional Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) using Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) have an aggressive...

Curb PC power consumption and save money.
September 16, 2003... Sources: (Energy Star Web Site, Microsoft bCentral Article, University of Western Australia IT Policy Office Web Site, Watt Watchers of Texas Article) If you think supplying PCs with electricity constitutes a major portion of your...

MS Project 2003: is it worth the upgrade?
September 16, 2003... Sources: (eWeek Article, Microsoft Web Site, Network World Fusion Article, Technology Associates White Paper, TechRepublic Article) Last month, Microsoft released the latest version of its project management solution to manufacturers. MS...

Ensure end-user backup with this policy.
September 16, 2003... Sources: (Kurt Computer Policy, NaSPA Article, Network World Fusion Article, Pocket PC Magazine Article, University College Worcester Policy, ZDNet Article) Most companies advise end-users to back up their PCs, both in the office and at...

Develop a six sigma security policy.
September 16, 2003... Sources: (CIO Insight Whiteboard) You have a security policy, but is it effective? To be truly relevant, your security policy needs to support your organization's business objectives. Using a quality improvement framework like Six Sigma to...

Taking PowerPoint on the road.
September 16, 2003... Sources: (informIT Article) Most of us have given PowerPoint presentations, and just as many of us have seen them not go as planned. Running into PowerPoint problems in the office is one thing, but experiencing them offsite, or even...

Physical security buyer's guide.
September 16, 2003... Sources: (Network Computing Buyer's Guide) Many companies put a lot of effort into developing a solid end-user password policy, only to leave the door to the server room unlocked at night. Addressing physical security issues as part of your...

Guidance for good governance.
September 16, 2003... Sources: (CIO Magazine Article) A strong governance structure is essential to efficient and effective resource management. In times where budgets are tight, taking some time to review and improve your governance structure reflects sound...

Secure shell help for Solaris.
September 16, 2003... Sources: (informIT Articles) If you're a Solaris shop and interested in using Secure Shell (SSH) to gain secure access to remote machines, then Sun Microsystems has some tutorials that will be a definite boon. Designed for systems...

Track-it! Asset management.
September 16, 2003... Sources: (Intuit IT Solutions) Track-It! is an award winning help desk and asset management software package from Intuit Information Technology Solutions. The software offers IT managers of small and medium-sized businesses a flexible,...

Linux network diagramming tools.
September 16, 2003... Sources: (O'Reilly Network: Linux DevCenter) As your network grows, so too will your need to maintain documentation that describes it. A key component of documentation is a network diagram, including: network topology, device types,...

Dell's new pocket PC coming soon.
September 16, 2003... Sources: (Brighthand, Dell Computer Corporation) Though not officially being sold on Dell's Web site yet, rumors of the Axim x3, Dell's new Pocket PC, have been circulating, as have speculations of an October or November launch date. A key...

Total access E-Mailer.
September 16, 2003... Sources: (FMS) Total Access Emailer from FMS is a utility that lets you create and send e-mail messages based on your Microsoft Access database. The add-on allows for text and HTML messages and attachments to be sent to anyone in your...

Manage your web site with contribute.
September 16, 2003... Sources: (Macromedia) Contribute 2 from Macromedia helps small businesses update and maintain Web sites with relative ease. * Allows designers to lock down certain page properties, thus avoiding accidental damage to your Web site. ...

E-mail acceptable use: an enforceable policy.
September 30, 2003... Sources: (IEEE Policy, Kraft Kennedy and Lesser Newsletter Article, Middle Tennessee State University Policy, SurfControl White Papers, The ePolicy Institute Article, University of California at Los Angeles Policy) E-mail is one of the...

A security strategy for IP phones.
September 30, 2003... Sources: (Business Communications Review Article, CERT Coordination Center Advisory, Computerworld Articles, InfoWorld Article, ZDNet Tech Update Articles) If you're planning to migrate to a converged voice/data network, then you're going...

Win over stakeholders with planned communications.
September 30, 2003... Sources: (Eurocomener Guide, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Document, Universities and Colleges Information Systems Association Document) Chances are that the inner workings of your IT department are an enigma to most business users....

Build rapport with online forums.
September 30, 2003... Sources: (ComputerWeekly.com Article, destinationKM.com Article, Full Circle Associates Web Site, The WELL Articles, WebDeveloper.com Article) Discussion forums can make an excellent supplement to your organization's Web presence. Deploy...

Restoring Backups: the confidence acid test.
September 30, 2003... Sources: (CSO Online Article, Joshua Feinburg's Small Biz Tech Talk Article, Microsoft TechNet Article, PC Rescue Article, The Tao of Backup Article) You diligently back up your servers every day. But when your server dies and the...

Making the case for contingency funds.
September 30, 2003... Sources: (City of Los Angeles Methodology, CNETAsia Article, MyPlanView.com Articles, North Carolina Center for Nonprofits Policy, The Rational Edge Article) Many aspects of IT are unpredictable, which makes it very challenging to lock...

Feed hungry sites with syndicated content.
September 30, 2003... Sources: (Builder.com Article, SearchEngineWatch.com Articles, Technology Marketing Article, XML.com Article) With the recent proliferation of RSS technology, syndicating your Web content or gathering the freely syndicated content of others...

Project management certification: a safe bet?
September 30, 2003... Sources: (Builder.com Articles, Developer.com Article, gantthead.com Articles, META Group Article) In the world of project management, there is no higher certification than the Project Management Professional (PMP) designation. Is this...

Office 2003 fulfills back office promise.
September 30, 2003... Sources: (Info-Tech Research Group Analysis, NetworkMagazine.com Article, ZDNet Review, ZDNet UK Article) Due out in the very near future, Office 2003 is the latest incarnation of Microsoft's desktop productivity suite. Considering that...

The best in anti-spam tools.
September 30, 2003... Sources: (Network World Fusion Buyer's Guide) Spam is a hot topic, and no wonder-it affects nearly every computer user, and costs organizations plenty in terms of strained IT systems and lost employee productivity. If you're looking for an...

Tips for network configuration management.
September 30, 2003... Sources: (AlterPoint White Paper) Having a network means that you need to adopt some network management best practices and procedures in order to keep everything running smoothly. One of the primary stumbling blocks of network performance...

Free security testing manual.
September 30, 2003... Sources: (Institute for Security and Open Methodologies Manual) They say cheap is good, but free is better. In no area is this statement more true than in the area of IT security, especially when "free" comes in the form of a 128-page...

Improve your call center with these resources.
September 30, 2003... Sources: (CallCenter Magazine Article, Elix Web Site) How well is your call center performing? Not sure? Find out how you're doing and take steps to improve your call center setup with these two resources: * Elix Benchmark...

Start blogging with Blosxom.
September 30, 2003... Sources: (Blosxom Web Site) If you're interested in adding weblog functionality to your site, take a look at Blosxom (pronounced "Blossom"), an open source weblog application. Blosxom features: * A small footprint-less than 500 lines...

Symantec antivirus for handhelds.
September 30, 2003... Sources: (Symantec) Symantec's AntiVirus Corporate Edition offers comprehensive virus protection against attacks directed at Palm OS and Pocket PC-enabled devices. Highlights include: * Improved virus security for Web downloads,...

Tilt wheel mouse offers ergonomic relief.
September 30, 2003... Sources: (Microsoft Corp.) Employing a tilting scroll wheel for horizontal scrolling, standard wireless optical functionality, and an optional black leather design, the new Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer from Microsoft is raising some...

Skype means free P2P telephony.
September 30, 2003... Sources: (Skype Ltd.) From the creator of KaZaA comes Skype, yet another innovative P2P solution-this time for free online telephony. As of the time of this publication, Skype has tracked over 700,000 downloads from their site, and it's no...

All-in-one wide screen PC.
September 30, 2003... Sources: (Hy-Tek Manufacturing Co.) Winner of TechTV's "Best of CES" award, Hy-Tek Manufacturing's Tek Panel 300 is the first all-in-one 30-inch wide screen PC. Great for boardrooms or offices, this 5-inch thick, sleek-looking piece can be...

IBM's new RFID offering.
September 30, 2003... Sources: (IBM) With the recent surge in interest for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies, IBM has decided to capitalize on the opportunity with an RFID offering for supply chain management and in-store operations. The IBM...