Let’s make this a complaint free world!

Yes, I know it’s hypocritical for me (of all people :D) to make a post about making this a complaint-free world. But hey, you have to start somewhere and I do agree with the general consensus that complaining leads to a bad mood all round – even if unintended.

I was inspired by the site of Christ Church Unity Kansas City. You can also order a bracelet on that site – which I am not providing a deep link to, as to avoid having this become a fashion item instead of a statement – so take a peek over at their site.

Having started just a few hours ago myself, I already had to swap my own bracelet twice. However, I hope to keep this up. It does feel a lot better when you actively try to stop negative thoughts or comments. By simply rephrasing what you want to say, you can get your point across without complaining and thus making the other person(s) feel negatively impacted or offended.

I think it is great stuff and food for thought. I’ll try to keep up with this and keep you all informed on my progress.
In other news, I just cleaned the bathroom-floor and one of the toilet-floors again. And strangely enough, perhaps due to the above I am ‘OK’ with it. I am not going to say that I’m happy, but at least I am not disgruntled about it. Let’s hope that the cleaning schedule gets organized soon so that I’ll get some help with keeping this place nice and tidy.

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It’s beta season…?

Or so it seems. I have been getting invite after invite from companies, inviting me to partake in their beta’s. And of course, I tend to join them… Nothing like a good ol’ beta to liven up the place :)

One of the beta’s I am still loving every day is Windows Home Server… One of the other beta’s I like is Windows OneCare. Quite a combo huh? An operating system and a security suite ;-) Albeit that OneCare didn’t fair all too well in some tests, but hey – it’s a new product and it’s improving.

Today someone also introduced me to Open Exchange as an alternative for Microsoft Exchange. Now that’s interesting stuff :-) Free stuff is good too.. (especially if it’s a beta…)

Apart from that, on a personal note – I can’t really report much. Not that nothing happened it’s just that I am still in the midst of processing a lot of things up there in my head. I can however divulge that I met someone I like… more then just a little bit *ahem*.

Well, back to work. Just finished my preliminary research on the Blackberry Enterprise Server implementation…

Oh, and GFI mail-essentials and mail security rock. If you are using any kind of mailserver at work, check it out. It really is a handy-dandy tool and sure helps out (on top of IMF of course…)

Laters!

Posted in Geek Stuff, Personal, Windows Home Server | Comments Off

Sundaymorning

Sitting here, partially in the sun – on a Sundaymorning having just finished my chees-ham sandwich and now enjoying my cappucino… Enjoying it all.

Especially the ‘bad’ music ;)

Yesterday I swapped my ‘old’ videocard for an USB-HDD case which I intend to use at work for a few things and then later on at home for extended storage on Sheepy. So good stuff.

Well I am off, back into the sunshine with my cappucino. Laters all!

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Windows Home Server CTP installed

Well I recently installed Windows Home Server (CTP) and I must admit that it’s coming together as a very nice product. I love the monitoring and backup options it providers, and the remote connection possibilites offer a few very good options.

I however do feel that the WHS console should integrate with Windows Live OneCare (yes, that product that finished last in a recent A/V test) I would also love to see something along the lines of WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) and WSS (Windows Sharepoint Services) But overal, I am very pleased.

One of the first things I however did, was adding the DNS-server option. After reconfiguring my router, opening up the approperiate ports on the firewall on sheepy (that’s the name of my server :)) it is working like a charm. Now you might wonder what the use is, but well – simply put it’s a really simple way to filter out certain sites and services. I can import lists of sites / servers that distribute spyware, virusses etc. on Sheepy and immediately my entire network can no longer access them. It’s a really simple method of protecting your (home)network just a little more. Plus I now have a fallback if my ISP’s servers go down (I configured sheepy to forward all ‘unknown’ domains to the OpenDNS.com DNS-servers)

This has proven itself to be a really good solution and I must admit that I am very pleased overall. I will continue testing out ‘sheepy’ and will post from time to time on my findings. Microsoft just might hit the nail straight on the head with WHS.

Now only if I could find a decent mail-server…

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BlackBerry and Small Business Server 2003

Hmm… Those 2 can mix and mingle from the looks of things, but I am not too keen on the concept of a few things that are required. On the other hand, it is a great feat when and if it works. But on the other hand, since SBS 2003 is already packed with Exchange 2003 which – when updated – supports and works great with WM5 based phones and features a similar functionality that the Blackbery’ does.

As an added bonus; the Exchange and WM5 solution doesn’t add extra cost (TCO / ROI) plus all of the material is available from one vendor (Microsoft…) par the hardware. The Blackberry solution requires you to either purchase the Blackberry Enterprise Server, or to use the Express version. The software also requires a CAL (express comes with 1 standard Client Access License). The BES software comes in at a price of around 1100 to 1600 USD. Which I think is a pretty hefty price for those of us/them that are running SBS 2003 (which are usually – SMALL Businesses)

Mind you, this is my personal view and opinion. It might turn around as I play with it a lot more, and after I have tested it in a virtual environment. But right now, I am not too keen on it. Not one bit…

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