Lessons Learned Forum at Bensalem

In class we talked briefly about different types of encryption protocols. Microsoft used EFS to encrypt folders or individual files on NTFS file system. However, EFS cannot be used on another file system. If a file is copied or moved to a FAT or CDFS file system it becomes unencrypted.

Research at least one other widely used data encryption tool or application. This can be software or hardware based implementation. Compare it to EFS. What are some of the advantages/disadvantages of each method? How does this alternative encryption method deals with non-NTFS file systems? How is data recovery handled if the encryption key is lost?

Here is a good starting point for your research (or simply search for ” file encryption tools”):

http://www.pgp.com/products/platform/index.html

http://www.thefreecountry.com/security/encryption.shtml

http://sectools.org/crypto.html

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/encryption.htm

Alex

Part of the lesson last week dealt with the backup procedures. Vista has 2 ways to backup your information: data backup and image backup.

Research at least one third party backup utility and compare it to Vista backup. What are the advantages/disadvantages of each?

Here is a good starting point:

http://www.pcmag.com/category2/0,2806,4798,00.asp

http://download.cnet.com/windows/backup-software/

You should be able to download and test at least some of the backup programs and compare it to the Vista backup.

Alex

DNS is an integral part of every network. DNS should be well protected against a failure or a malicious attack. A failure of DNS can make a network completely inoperable. Search the Internet to find at least one case of hackers penetrating DNS security. In your reply make sure to mention the following:

1. Brief review of the incident
2. What security features of DNS were or were not used
3. What method did hackers use to penetrate network security, i.e. the nature of the attack.
4. What was the outcome
5. What would you do differently if you were responsible for that network.

List references to the original sources.

Alex.

We know that UAC adds extra secutrity features to Vista. The UAC settings are configured from the Local Security Policy. The explanation of diferent UAC policies is given in Table 5-5 on page 172. Pick at least two (2) settings and change them to see the effect on instaling and running an application.

To learm more about the UAC behavior, do the following:

1. Download a free version of anti-spyware program “Malwarebytes” from here: http://malwarebytes.org/
2. Save the instalation file to your desktop.
3. Attempt to install and run this program using default settings
4. Uninstall the program
5. Modify at least two UAC settings
6. Attempt to install and run the same program again

Report your results in this blog.

By the way, MalwareBytes is a good program to use for spyware detection and removal.

Alex

One of the interesting features of Vista that gives it that extra ”bling” is the Sidebar. There are several gadges that come preinstalled, when you first install Vista. However, there are many more gadges available from Microsoft and other publishers.

Research at least one additional “gadget”. Try to install and use it on your home Lab computer. Post your review/comments here.

Here are some of the links to find more gadgets. You can also Google for “gadgets for vista”.

http://www.gadgetsforvista.net/

http://vista.gallery.microsoft.com/vista/SideBar.aspx?mkt=en-us

Alex.

This week we are dealing with DHCP configuration and settings. Let’s say that you have a laptop computer that was setup as a DHCP client with a lease duration of 8 days.

1. What do you expect to happen to this client computer if it’s taken from its original network and placed in another subnet on day 3?
2. Would the you expect any difference if this laptop was moved on day 7?
3. What would happen if this laptop had the “Alternate Configuration” set to the IP address in the original network?

Please explain your answers with a step-by-step description of the client and DHCP server exchange of messages. Test it (if you can) on your VM at home. Report your results here.

Here are some links in addtion to what is in the book:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/167014

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc728434(WS.10).aspx

You can also search Google with the following keywords: dhcp client moved another subnet

Tonight we talked about a slipstreaming procedure. This method of deploying service packs is very useful for creating a new set of installation files that already incorporate all the service pack modifications. The procedure for creating a slipstreamed Server installation CD is best outlined here:

http://www.petri.co.il/windows_2003_sp1_slipstreaming.htm

However, a Vista slipstreaming procedure is much more complex. This week I challenge you to research a method to create a Vista SP1 or SP2 slipstreamed installation DVD. Try to create a slipstreamed installable Vista DVD with either SP1 or SP2. Bring it to class next week to test.

In the Build Lab # 5 you practiced creating roaming profiles for domain users. One problems that you have noticed is that a desktop background would not travel with the profile to another computer. For example, if you have changed a background to a picture, and then logged in under the same user name on another computer, you background would have changed to a “default blue”.

Do some research on the Internet to find out why this happened, and how to make your background appear the same on all computers. Post you answers and explanations, including the referenced links.

Here is a good starting point: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies-archive.cfm/394990.html

To search you can use these keywords: roaming profiles desktop background

As I mentioned in class on Tuesday, the most important reason for the Build Labs is to teach you toubleshooting and diagnostic skills. So, if you encounter a problem during a lab, here are a few steps to help you get it resolved:

1. Look in the Event Viewer (Application and System logs) for any errors
2. Look up error codes on eventid.net
3. Use ipconfig to verify your configuration
4. Doublecheck your spelling
5. Retrace your steps starting with the last working step

Do a search of other Troubleshooting tips on Google and post your comments here.

Welcome to ComputerTraining.com at Bensalem, Pennsylvania LLC and your new online forum, Lessons Learned. We are proud to offer this forum as a means to enhance your classroom experience. Through this forum you will be able to discuss all components of the program with your instructor and classmates, while also sharing your lessons learned each week.