I had a client contact me recently about email encryption.  I new already that there were 3 ways to go about this:

1. You can use a service that manages the encryption.
2. Install an encryption gateway at your office.
3. Or install a desktop app that you have to manage public and private keys for.

This is a necessity for many that send sensitive email because once an email leaves your organization it is no longer encrypted. 

Example 1:  You have hotmail account and you email a yahoo account: the email is not encrypted once it leaves hotmail's servers.  and visa versa.

Example 2: You have an Exchange Server in your organization and you email another company out there that has an Exchange server by default these messages are not encrypted either. **

While I was updating my pricing list for different services to recommend, I found a very compelling new service:  http://www.sendinc.com

The service does not store any of your data.  You go to the main page which has the email form on it.  After you type in your email address they require you to register.  You then create your message and choose who you want to send it to.  You can attach as much as 10 Megabytes of attachments.  The message is encrypted and then attached to an email that is emailed to the recipient.  So the message is no longer stored at Sendinc.  When the end user opens the website attachment the data is uploaded to the website and decrypted there.  All data transmissions are RSA SSL encrypted (1024 Bits).  Even if you forward your email to someone else they cannot read it.  It has to be opened from your email.

I give this web app two enthusiastic thumbs up!

**You can create a site to site encryption in Exchange server between different email domains but that is beyond the scope of this post and would be time consuming for managing the certificates between any domain and all the domains that you would want to encrypt your email between.

I have switched all my person email to a Google Apps account.  I wanted the email control and the customized domain.  Only problem was that I couldn't use most of the other Google products.  In particular: blogger, picasa, and voice.

I searched for some time trying to figure out how to do this.  Nothing useful was coming across my screen.  I accidentally discovered how to do what I so desperately wanted Google to do when I was trying to setup adsense.  

Here's how you do it:

Create a new Google account.  Here is the link. 

https://www.google.com/accounts/NewAccount.  

Use your Google Apps domain email address and follow instructions.  Once complete / confirmed, you can use most of the Google products.

Bonus tip:

If you want to transfer your Google voice account from your Gmail.com account to your Google Apps domain, click this link.  

http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=cjlWRDFTWERkZEIxUzVjSmNsN0ExU1E6MA.  

You must complete the Google account setup first though.

The other night I was up late (imagine that), and I was tinkering with my phone and some possible cool apps.  I came across one of my all time favorite apps, QIK for my Blackberry.  QIK is really a website, www.qik.com, that allows you to stream live video from your video camera enabled cell phone.  I live streemed this video from my Phone and then it was automatically Published to the site.  You can also mark videos as Private, share them with specific people, or publish to several social networking websites. Your Live Streams are also archived.

If you are also interested in finding out more about the RoomAlert, check my blog or subscribe to the RSS feed.  I Should be posting about it soon.

Very Cool!

So I run into more and more computers compromised by malware or viruses everyday.  With internet access ubiquitous and with computers connected to the internet 24/7 it's just a matter of time before some malicious hacker attempts to add your home computer to a botnet somewhere in the world.  And staying on top of all the required security updates can be daunting for a typical home user.  Our computers are supposed to make our lives easier, right?  They're not supposed to cause us headaches and give us a night job just keeping them secure.

One free tool that I have found invaluable for home networks is OpenDNS for free content filtering for the everyman.  I recommend this service to every home user.  This amazing service not only protects your computer, but it protects your kids as well by blocking viruses and malware, as well as filtering other yucky content like porn, drug references or other adult contet.  All for free if you're a home user.  They do offer businesses service as well for an incredibly cheap price.

They have great walk throughs on setting it up on their website (http://www.opendns.org), but to summarize, you configure your home router to use OpenDNS servers to resolve internet addresses instead of the DNS servers your ISP provides.  Most users will need to run a small piece of software on one pc on the network to update OpenDns whenever your IP address changes, but it's aslo very easy to set up.

I can't recommend this service enough - I've been using it for several years now.

Here is a great blog post that gives instructions on configuring many different types of home routers:

http://pixiescorner.wordpress.com/2010/05/27/otherusing-opendns-to-filter-unwanted-sites-to-your-home-network/

So okay, I wasn't able to sleep so I started reading some email. You kow trying to catch up on some inbox reading.  I then came across my occasional MCP Flash email that told me about a new online game.  It is a  Microsoft Professional Quiz Show style game!  I know sounds geeky, but I figu re if you are reading my blog you might be into this kind of thing.  Anyways, You can use your passport login on Live ID whatever you have, and give it a go.  If you login it will track your progress so that you can leave and pick up where you left off later.  Also for me it was adictive, and it points out what I need to brush up on (since this is my career I figure I need to stay sharp). 

Questions Range from Easy, Medium, and Hard and it is timed when you see your answer choices.  There are also some lifelines or as they call them, "Vouchers" that you can use.  Questions topics include but are not limited  to: Win 2008, 2003, Exchange 2007, Win 7, XP, and SQL 2005.  There could be more but I didn't play for long.

The name of the game is Are You Certifiable?.  And, here is the link: http://www.microsoft.com/click/areyoucertifiable/default.aspx

If you want add me as a friend in the game, screen name: DRMILES

Happy Gaming!

With all of the new features of XenServer 5.6, I have been very excited about rolling it out.  There has been one thing though.  OpenManage and XenServer haven't been the best pals.  When we had been trying to rollout any XenServer on a Dell Server, it seems that we had to jump through hoops to make OpenManage work.  Well Dell has really worked on being more XenServer Friendly and released a Supplemental Pack for XenServer. 

A Supplemental Pack is an install package that can be slipstreamed into the install of XenServer.  So if you were installing XenServer you would simply start with the install CD, then use the Linux Templates Supplemental CD, and then use the Dell OpenManage CD when it asks for you to continue the install.  It is great!

I had to call Dell to get a copy of the ISO because it was not yet available on the website.  Here is the link so that you too can enjoy some Dell and Citrix Xen!

http://ftp.dell.com/sysman/OM-SrvAdmin-Dell-Web-LX-6.3.0-2075.XenServer56_A00.10.iso

By the way, Thank You! Johanness Far (Dell Enterprise Technical Support Senior Analyst) for getting me the link. 

This past year I have spent much time trying to work more efficiently and find excellent solutions for my clients that will not break the bank.  In my pursuit I have tested Linux and Windows software.  Some have been duds and others have been GOLD.  Below you will find my top ten for 2009 and receive David Shoffitt's seal of approval. 

XenServer - http://www.citrix.com

Wow.  Let me say it again, WOW.  Citrix has released a wonderful Virtualization Solution with a robust HyperVisor that allows companys to start a virutalization initiative at NO COST, provided that you have the hardware to run it on.WHen we first started trying it out we ran it on a PC class machine with a Core2Duo at 2.4 GHz.  We ran 6 servers on the small computer with no speed problems.  We then migrated them to an enterprise class environment.  We also converted 2 baremetal machines to virtual in the process all at no cost.  Let me say again WOW.  We have no need for VMWare at our business because we have a enterprise class solution at again no cost.  There are some added features that you can get that cost money like enhanced Storage Link Technologies, and email alerts and notifications, and rapid server provisioning which still would come in at a fraction of the cost of VMWares solutions. Cost :Free

True Crypt - http://www.truecrypt.org

I use this software on my laptop.  It works great!  I use preboot authentication so that if someone were to steal my laptop they would have to know a password that is well over 20 characters before they could access the files or even boot the computer.  My data is safe.  You can also create virtual HardDisks on your computer that are encrypted if you just want to encrypt some data but not all data.  I recently had corrupted my OS on my computer and was able to plug my HardDrive into another computer to recover my files.  The harddrive was not readable until I used the TrueCrypt software on my PC and mounted the drive as an encypted volume and then I was able to read it.  Very Powerful product. Cost :Free

Drop Box - http://www.dropbox.com

This is a nice synchronization tool that allows you to synchronize a folder on your computer with other computers over the internet.  Very useful!  Also it will allow you to go to the website and download your files directly in case you are not around any of your subscribing PCs or laptops. Cost :Free

CloneZilla - http://clonezilla.org/

 In my line of work it is almost a daily necessity to take a point in time fully restorable backup of a PC before you potentialy kill it with some update or possible fix to resolve a problem that would require you to rebuild the computer.  Well with this software you can reapidly redeploy a computer with its configuration prior to when you formatted it along with all of the partitions that were on the harddrive originally. I like the version based on Ubuntu. Cost :Free

Ultimate Boot CD - http://www.ubcd4win.com/

The Ultimate Boot CD is a must have for any technician.  It will empower you to be able to reset the local admin password if you ever forget it.  It will also allow you to browse the HardDrive of a computer that is broken and allow you to fix partition tables and even copy files to a network resource or USB Drive. There are many, many more utilities on this disk that are useful for a technician.  Cost :Free

RichCopy - http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/2009.04.utilityspotlight.aspx

I often have the responsibility of moveing large numbers of files and large amounts of data from location to another and Windows File Copy rarely fits the bill.  What I have found is RichCopy which offers a large amount of options so that you can leverage multiple threads to copy more than one file at a time.  I love this tool and user atleast once a week! Cost :Free

USB to SATA -  http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2329300&CatId=3770

A wonderful tool that will allow you to hook your SATA or IDE HardDrive of another computer up to your computer via USB without having to open the case of your computer to use it..  Simple tool, great flexibility. Cost :~$20

CD Burner XP - http://cdburnerxp.se/

My favorite CD Burner application.  Can burn audio or data.  Can make ISOs and burn them too.  Everything I need a nice little package.  Cost :Free

FileZilla Server - http://filezilla-project.org/

FileZilla is a simple and robust FTP server that allows for Secure Encrypted FTP along with normal FTP.  The best thing about this software is that it comes with all the necessary bells and whistles to setup a small business FTP Server.  The big feature I would like to see would be Active Directory Lookups or LDAP Authentication.  Cost :Free

PrtScr - http://www.fiastarta.com/PrtScr

Nice and easy screen capture utility that allows you to do freeform captures and markups.  Cost :Free

As more and more of our lives move online, protecting our personal information becomes ever more important and ever more of a challenge.  Additionally, there are so many different kinds of security risks these days including viruses, malware, spyware, phishing scams, denial of service attacks and many more.  And it's only going to get worse as hackers and botnets become more sophisticated.

Fortunately, there are many great security products on the market right now.  Personally, I rely on a mixture of security software to keep my computers safe.  Each entry on the list performs a different function or blocks a different type of threat, and I'll attempt to explain why each item is important.

Antivirus Software: AVG Antivirus

I have used and recommended AVG antivirus for home and corporate users for several years now.  I look for several things when selecting an antivirus solution and the free version of AVG's software for home users hits every item on my list.  First, it doesn't slow my computer down unreasonably.  Any software that is running is going to slow down a computer some and antivirus software is notoriously bad about this as it has to scan every file that is opened on a pc to make sure it's a safe file.  AVG does a good job of scanning the computer but leaving enough processing power that I can continue to work.  Second, AVG keeps itself updated.  As new viruses are released into the wild on an hourly basis, an antivirus software is only able to protect against the viruses that it knows about.  AVG is really good about updating itself automatically with the latest virus database.

AntiSpyware software: Spybot Search and Destroy

Spybot is great software for analyzing every file on your computer and detecting unwanted adware of spyware.  It's also very good at preventing spyware from being added to your PC.  We've probably all seen computers infested with spyware or adware - they usually get internet windows pop up on their screens either at random times or every time you do an internet search.  They make computing miserable.  It comes with a large database of known spyware or adware and the makers keep it up to date with the latest threats.

AntiMalware software: Malware Bytes

I cannot count the number of times this program has saved me from having to wipe and reload a computer.  Malware is a general term for malicious software including viruses, Trojans or worms.  Periodically, I'll come across a computer infected with so much malware that is unuseable.  In some cases, the computer will boot and work for 5 or 10 minutes and then come to a crawl where the Start button will not even work.  In those cases, I turn to MalwareBytes to remove the bad software.  It usually is able to resuscitate a compromised PC.  You can also install malware bytes on a clean computer and it will run as a background process and prevent malicious software from being installed.

Microsoft Windows Defender

Windows defender is very similar to Spybot or malware bytes.  It is a great free product that runs in the background and protects your PC from programs that cause Pop-ups, slowdowns or other security threats.

Firewall software: Comodo Firewall Pro

This software is essential for laptops that connect to public wireless networks.  Every time your computer connects to the internet, it is at risk.  I read an article years ago that said that a computer with an internet connection and no security software can be compromised in 4 minutes.  Most offices or home networks have a router that have a built in firewall that is sufficient to protect your computers.  However, if you take your computer away from that firewall, Comodo can fill the void.  It scans every packet that comes in to your computer from the internet and blocks the undesirable stuff.  It's also really easy to install, which is a major plus for most users.

Links:
AVG antivirus (http://free.avg.com)
Spybot Search and Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html)
Malware Bytes (http://www.malwarebytes.org)
Microsoft Windows Defender ( http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx)
Comodo Firewall Pro (http://personalfirewall.comodo.com/)

With over 100,000 IPhone Apps and more than 300 new apps created every day, it can be impossible to find apps that are worth the download.  Here is a list of my current top 10 favorite FREE iphone apps (in no particular order).

Urban spoon - Shake your phone and this app will suggest a local restaurant to eat at.  Sorted by city, type of food and price, Urban Spoon will serve up a world of choices.

Pandora - free internet radio.  This app will build a custom radio station based on your faviorite artists

Flixster - movie showtimes, previews and reviews

Shazam - need to know what that annoying song playing overhead at the grocery store is?  Shazam will tell you

USA Today - great news app.  Really like the daily pictures

AP Mobile - Another great news source

Kindle - plenty of free content, but great paid content as well

InstaPaper - find an interesting article on your computer?  Hit the Instapaper icon and that article will be formatted for the iphone and synched to your phone for reading at your leisure.

Toobz Free - hours of mindless entertainment

Boxed In - Great puzzle game