Windows Server 2003 Tools: "On this page you'll find downloadable tools that will help you support Windows Server 2003 systems." - Really helpful little collection of tools. Sometimes we overlook the obvious source...
Windows Server 2003 Feature Packs: "On this page you'll find downloadable feature packs that provide all-new Windows Server 2003 solutions and functionality." - Several nice add-ons...
Download details: File Replication Service Diagnostics Tool (FRSDiag.exe): "FRSDiag provides a graphical interface to help troubleshoot and diagnose problems with the File Replication Service (FRS). FRS is used to replicate files and folders in the SYSVOL file share on domain controllers and files in Distributed File System (DFS) targets. FRSDiag helps to gather snap-shot information about the service, perform automated tests against that data, and compile an overview of possible problems that may exist in the environment."
August 27, 2005
August 26, 2005
How to upgrade Windows 2000 domain controllers to Windows Server 2003
Common Mistakes When Upgrading a Windows 2000 Domain To a Windows 2003 Domain
Preparing Your Windows 2000 Network for an Upgrade to Windows 2003, from Global Knowledge Network - White Papers, Webcasts and Case Studies - TechRepublic
Using Ntdsutil.exe to transfer or seize FSMO roles to a domain controller
Windows Server 2003 - How to transfer the FSMO Operations Master roles
Transferring FSMO Roles: "How can I transfer some or all of the FSMO Roles from one DC to another?"
August 12, 2005
Microsoft exploit code hits the web - vnunet.com: "Exploit code has started appearing on hacking websites for a critical Microsoft flaw less than three days after the patch was released.
Security testers at eEye claim to have found two separate examples of working exploit code in the past few hours that could give full control of a target PC. "
Here's some of said exploits, from FrSIRT:
Microsoft Windows 2000 Plug and Play Universal Remote Exploit (MS05-039)
Microsoft Internet Explorer COM Objects File Download Exploit (MS05-038)
Microsoft Windows Plug and Play Remote Buffer Overflow Exploit (MS05-039)
August 09, 2005
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-038: "Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (896727)" - Critical
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-039: "Vulnerability in Plug and Play Could Allow Remote Code Execution and Elevation of Privilege (899588)" - Critical
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-040: "Vulnerability in Telephony Service Could Allow Remote Code Execution (893756)" - Important
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-041: "Vulnerability in Remote Desktop Protocol Could Allow Denial of Service (899591)" - Moderate
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-042: "Vulnerabilities in Kerberos Could Allow Denial of Service, Information Disclosure, and Spoofing (899587)" - Moderate
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-043: "Vulnerability in Print Spooler Service Could Allow Remote Code Execution (896423)" - Critical
3 Criticals.. but beware none-the-less. Although labeled Moderate, MS05-041 (RDP) already has an exploit released over at FrSIRT.
August 04, 2005
Get Home Earlier With Windows Vista: "Windows Vista offers systems engineers, deployment engineers, and support center operators a possibility of life outside of work"
I'll have to admit that I haven't been very excited (at all) about the new Windows Vista (Longhorn). With the loss of WinFS and other features, plus the far away shipping date, I've just ignored all of the hype and looked at this as just MS selling another Service Pack as an OS. Well, this article helps get me a bit more excited by outlining what Vista will do for me, the SysAdmin. Features I'm looking forward to: registry and file virtualization, better Group Policy (configure just about everything), monad, imaging (better, easier to update), customized help fuctions, better error reporting, more in-depth error messages, hardware monitoring, and hopefully much more as I learn more about this new OS. Of course, I'm taking a wait and see approach to whether or not this stuff lives up to the promises, but if it does, I'll be happy with it.
Here's Microsoft's Resources for IT Professionals website.
NirSoft - freeware utilities: password recovery, system utilities, desktop utilities: "NirSoft web site provides a unique collection of small and useful freeware utilities, all of them developed by Nir Sofer. "
Take a look at his MessenPass, Mail PassView, and his Protected Storage PassView utilities... these will blow your mind! MessenPass pulled out my Gaim Yahoo! Messenger account password and Mail PassView was able to pull out several Outlook account password on my box in a matter of seconds (as long as it took for me to double-click). The Protected Storage PassView utility pulls passwords out of IE (saved logins) and just showed me why I NEVER save my passwords in IE or Firefox. This is some scary stuff.. that's one reason why losing physical access to a box results in the end of your security. Wow. If I were you, I'd get this stuff before he wises up and starts selling it.. Right now everything is FREEWARE.
August 03, 2005
Worm hole found in Windows 2000 | CNET News.com: "The vulnerability in Microsoft's operating system could enable remote intruders to enter a PC via its Internet Protocol address, Marc Maiffret, chief hacking officer at eEye Digital Security, said on Wednesday. As no action on the part of the computer user is required, the flaw could easily be exploited to create a worm attack, he noted.
What may be particularly problematic with this unpatched security hole is that a work-around is unlikely, he said."
This looks to be a little worrisome... We'll just have to take a wait and see approach to what happens with this. Sometimes you have to always remember that there are huge holes out there that just aren't found yet.. and hopefully, the people who do find them are responsible people who won't take advantage (like eEye, who won't release any details until a patch is avaliable).
August 02, 2005
MakeZine.com: DefCon 13 Coverage: "We now conclude the MAKE Magazine DEFCON coverage. We have a special spot on MAKE with all the enhanced audio podcasts, images, posts and more."
InformationWeek > Security > Hackers Demonstrate Their Skills in Vegas > August 1, 2005: "Even allegedly foolproof biometrics aren't totally safe at Defcon, the conference where crackers, hackers, and feds come to share tips and tricks."
Great coverage of Defcon 13. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this year, just like every year since Defcon 6. Well, there's always next year... Also, you may want to take a look at the Defcon Media Archives.. a good resource.
July 29, 2005
System Administrator Appreciation Day Friday July 29th 2005: "Friday, July 29th, 2005, is the 6th annual System Administrator Appreciation Day. On this special international day, give your System Administrator something that shows that you truly appreciate their hard work and dedication.
Let's face it, System Administrators get no respect 364 days a year. This is the day that all fellow System Administrators across the globe, will be showered with expensive sports cars and large piles of cash in appreciation of their diligent work. But seriously, we are asking for a nice token gift and some public acknowledgement. It's the least you could do. Consider all the daunting tasks and long hours (weekends too.) Let's be honest, sometimes we don't know our System Administrators as well as they know us. Remember this is one day to recognize your System Administrator for their workplace contributions and to promote professional excellence. Thank them for all the things they do for you and your business."
Happy SysAdmin Day everyone! Here's a little treat, nerdcore style:
ytcracker
MCPlus+
McChris
OptimusRhyme
MiniBosses
McFrontalot
Keith Schofield
McHawking
Geek Rhymes
ultraklystron
badd spellah
July 25, 2005
Commodore.ca | Windows | How To Upgrade Windows 2000 Domain to Windows 2003 Server - very detailed step by step instruction list.
Microsoft File Server Migration Toolkit: "To make the file server migration and consolidation process easier, Microsoft has released the Microsoft File Server Migration Toolkit. In addition, Microsoft has released guidance for file server migration and consolidation as part of the Solution Accelerator for Consolidating and Migrating File and Print Servers."
Upgrading from Windows 2000 Server to Windows Server 2003: "This white paper provides an overview of the upgrade process and outlines some of the basic decisions to consider—whether you are upgrading an existing system, performing a new installation, or carrying out a migration. "
How to upgrade Windows 2000 domain controllers to Windows Server 2003: "This article discusses how to upgrade Microsoft Windows 2000 domain controllers to Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and how to add new Windows Server 2003 domain controllers to Windows 2000 domains."
Upgrading Windows NT/2000 to Windows 2003 (Part 1): "This article covers the upgrading caveats that need to be considered when upgrading from Windows NT and Windows 2000 Network environments to Windows 2003. Issues encountered during installation and understanding the importance of the minimum requirements prescribed for installing the software, understanding the fundamentals described below will resolve and reduce problems that are usually encountered."
TechNet Virtual Lab: Windows Server 2003 - Now that you upgraded, here's some help learning how to administer it.
July 22, 2005
80 Super Security Tips: "Whether your PC is 3 years or 3 days old, it faces the same, sometimes scary security issues. Viruses want to attack your system the moment it goes online, spyware is piggybacking with your mail and trying to slide in along with online ads, Trojans lay in wait at every turn and Phish—perhaps the sneakiest attack of all—smile at you while trying to steal your identity.
There are ways out of this mess. These tips can show you what to do, help you better understand the threats and be ready with a plan of counter attack. "
This is a great article.. while most tips are aimed at newbies (good resource for your users), there are some good tidbits for advanced users. Really worth a look.
Contact information does not appear in the address book in Outlook 2002 and Outlook 2003: "When you use your address book to select recipients for an e-mail message or a fax message, information from your Contacts folder does not appear in the list."
Ok, this issue was killing me so I had to post the fix...
July 21, 2005
Interview with Dan Kaminsky on Microsoft 's security - Discusses his attendance to Blue Hat, and his thoughts on Microsoft's security situation.
Hacking Windows XP: Speed Up Your Network and Internet Connection: "Depending on the type of network connection you have, you might be able to tweak your connection so that the speed of your Internet, as well as your local area network, will be faster. By hacking the System Registry and editing the TCP/IP parameters, you can fine-tune the values to take advantage of more reliable, faster Internet connections, such as DSL and cable."
Thanks ExtremeTech.
July 20, 2005
InventoryISX, Workstation, server, software and computer auditing and inventory tracking.: "The InventoryISX suite is intended to be a Freeware program for auditing the local or remote network(s) of a small to medium type of business, with mainly a Windows Architecture infrastructure. "
This looks very interesting.. I plan on trying this out (and using it if it turns out as good as it looks). Now only if I could get it to download...