Presentations

Learn about Group Policies and how they can help you better manage your accounts.

May 3, 2007

Topic: Managed Services by Erick Simpson

Case Study: Real World Managed Services by Jeff Adzima

Erick Simpson of Intelligent Enterprises http://www.ienterprise.us/ will discuss the practical concept of Managed Services rather than pushing any particular vendor. His company has the income to back up its success. He has real world experience in this area and will share the successful proof in their own organization of what it really is.

Erick's 'Intelligent Enterprise’s Guide to Managed Services' is now available! Learn how Erick Simpson and Intelligent Enterprise transitioned from a “Break-Fix” business Model to a tremendously successful Managed Services I.T. Business in less than 12 months. Intelligent Enterprise’s Guide to Managed Services documents 3 years of proprietary research, development and Managed Services implementation know-how, and illustrate the reasons that Intelligent Enterprise felt it a business necessity to move to Managed Services. You can get more information on Erick's book, "The Guide to a Successful Managed Services Practice – What Every SMB IT Service Provider Should Know…"! at http://www.smbnation.com/Managed%20Services.htm.

All WiNSUG meetings start at 6:30PM with the featured presenter starting at about 6:45PM.

April 5, 2007

Topic: General Discussion

Case Study: BitTorrent by Tony Su

Tony Su is going to showcase BitTorrent and how that all works. He also has many tricks up his sleeve. Here's the wiki on it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BitTorrent

March 1, 2007

Topic: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server with Office 2007 by Todd Rowe

Case Study: Linksys WGRT54 Router Hack by Erik Pfeiffer

Office 2007 Integration with SharePoint presented by Todd Rowe. For those of you who remember him from prior year's presentations, he usually shows a few PPT slides and then dives into some hands-on demos that are really applicable to what can be done.

Todd is responsible for promoting the value of the Microsoft Office System (which includes Microsoft Office, Microsoft Live Communications Server, Microsoft SharePoint Portal Server, and Microsoft Content Management Server) for customers in the Southern California District. Todd works with the Office product team to drive futures, strategy and features. Prior to this role Todd worked with the Application Platform Strategy group focusing on delivering the .NET message and supported the Microsoft .NET servers (including Microsoft BizTalk Server, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Host Integration Server, Microsoft Content Management Server). Todd has a consulting background in both application development and infrastructure, and prior to his career at Microsoft he was a director of consulting services for a managed partner in the local region.

Todd will be live at this meeting. Other times Todd has presented, the after-presentation Q&A sessions were as awesome as the presentations.

Erik Pfeiffer, Silver Ace Consulting, will demonstrate this major upgrade (firmware hack) for the Linksys WGRT54 router with a lot of cool stuff.

Special: Candidates for the Steering Committee are encouraged to step forward at this time. Elections held via Yahoo Groups prior to April meeting.

February 1, 2007

Topic: Cybercrime - What You Can Do About It! by Investigator David W. Hendron

Case Study: Backup Strategies by Dan Beaulieu

This presentation will focus on incident response from a private-sector perspective. There will be a discussion of various steps that should be taken to prevent computer intrusion incidents, discussion of a variety of recent intrusion cases, and post-incident response. We will discuss who to contact, what data must be saved, where to go with your case, why you should file a crime report versus simply patching your system and moving on, how to proceed, and when to do it. This 90 minute presentation will include handouts, including “Working with Law Enforcement to Abate Cybercrime (CATCH Team / High Technology Crime Investigation Association), lecture and visual presentations.”

BIO: Mr. Hendron is a criminal investigator with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. Mr. Hendron has been in law enforcement for 24 years. Mr. Hendron’s current assignment is with the Computer and Technology Crime High-Tech Response Team (CATCH Team), which is a multi-agency high-tech crimes task force operating in San Diego, Imperial and Riverside Counties in California. Mr. Hendron investigates high technology crime and also serves as a computer forensics examiner. Mr. Hendron is published in the area of computer forensics, having published for various local law enforcement periodicals, law enforcement Internet sites and various law enforcement groups. Mr. Hendron is a court-qualified expert in computer forensics, having testified in California superior courts and federal court as an expert in data recovery, computer forensics and Internet crimes, among other subjects. Mr. Hendron teaches nation wide on high technology crimes, including computer forensics and Internet-based crime investigations.

Dan Beaulieu, Director of IT Services at Productive Computing, Inc. will show his backup strategy for his company and what he recommends for his clients. The key to backing up is not just to set it up and forget it, but to check it out and often!

January 11, 2007

Topic: Developing a Database Front-End with InfoPath by Bob Adzima & Rick Joyce

This presentation will include a basic overview of InfoPath with lots of detail showing a real-world example of its application. There will be demos using Virtual Server to host the development environment. Learn from the hands-on experience of a few IT professionals who pulled this all together and solved a need for an organization. Bob will be joining us via Office Live Meeting from Pennsylvania and Rick Joyce will be here locally.

View Recording

Recording Details
    Subject:              InfoPath 2007 Forms - WiNSUG meeting
    Recording URL:        https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/winserver_usergroup/view
    Recording ID:        T8XX98
    Attendee Key:       s64$jXC

Coordinator: Rick Joyce

December 7, 2006

Topic: Holiday Celebration Event

Other: Member Introductions

This will be a change of pace from the hectic and stressful life that most IT pros embrace. We'll all get together and celebrate the professional and personal connections we each have and take a moment to share something about our backgrounds and also something unique about each of us. Yes, and there will be food! Go to http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/WiNSUG/database?method=reportRows&tbl=6 to sign up and note your potluck food contribution. Eats will begin at 6:30PM sharp! See you there.

November 2, 2006

Topic: Malware Detection and Prevention by John Bisaillon (Systems Computer Training)

Case Study: Steel Bolt Hacking, Physical Security Attacks and Counters for the Small Business Computer Consultant by Erik Pfeiffer (Silver Ace Consulting)

Case Study: Steel Bolt Hacking, Physical Security Attacks and Counters for the Small Business Computer Consultant by Erik Pfeiffer

Interesting and comprehensive topic you won't want to miss. Silver Ace how many slides will you have this time?

October 5, 2006 - Topic: Nagios by Tony Su (also available via Office Live Meeting)

Case Study: SMB Nation 2006 Recap by Rick Joyce

The Quick Read:

Recommend downloading the README for the GroundworkOpensource/Nagios VMware VM from my website

http://heresiesrus.com/Documents/GWK%20NFO.txt

That one document is practically a complete HOW-TO I wrote up for any Windows Admin who is interested in deploying Nagios to monitor Windows boxes...

What is Nagios?

It's a Network Monitoring system. It is extremely versatile, people have used it to monitor *NIX, Mac, routers, switches, building environmentals... and yes, Windows.

Is this new, unproven technology?

It's been around for about 7 years now.

How much does it cost?

Nada. Zilch.

So, why haven't I heard of it before?

If you're a Windows SysAdmin, Nagios hasn't been for you. Even today, it can be installed only on Linux. Most Windows SysAdmins don't feel comfortable learning and installing something they may still not understand well.

So, why Nagios now... and especially for SBS?

My invention is to create a Software Appliance which is almost as easy to deploy as a hardware appliance like a Sonicwall (which BTW runs Linux). Although others have written similar Software Appliances with other features like a fully automated install and web management, I felt that the most flexible and versatile deployment still requires access through the OS, so I built on SuSE 10.0. Not to worry, the "GWK INFO.txt" file linked above should be <everything> you need to fine tune your deployment once. After that, Nagios is accessible through one of the best web interfaces written, GroundworkOpensource.

How do I get setup?

All distributions are through the TORRENT network. Although still relatively unused by Windows SysAdmins, the TORRENT network is widely used by Open Source to freely distribute legitimate software efficiently. Many Anti-Virus recognize the common use of peer to peer network file sharing and will automatically scan any downloads.

The Downloads

Download and install some version of VMware. I recommend Workstation, Server or ESX, but Player and GSX will work, too.

Download the VM "software hard drive" using one of the following torrent files

The Faster Download

http://www.mininova.org/tor/339655

Multiple seeders means faster downloads, but does not include the VMX configuration file necessary to run in Player.

You should also download the following

http://www.nagiosexchange.org/Windows.49.0.html?&tx_netnagext_pi1[p_view]=65&tx_netnagext_pi1[page]=10%3A10

The Newer Download (a complete package)

http://www.mininova.org/tor/442426

Includes the VMX configuration file and the NSclient app.

The WINSUG Meeting

So now the meeting announcement... and I left it to the end. That's because for any of you who aren't able to attend in person or by LiveMeeting, I'll make the Presentation Slides available to all after any modifications if there are pertinent Q&A that come up during the meeting.

The first half hour or so will be an ordinary slide presentation to introduce the idea of a Software Appliance and deploying Virtual Machines.

The remainder of the meeting will be a rather ambitious Installfest for anyone who wishes to participate, but to participate you will need to prepare....

Attending in person:

Laptop with 3GB of free space after installing a VMware application.

I encourage downloading the files listed above, but a few DVDs will be available to share and transfer files.

There <may> be a WiFi connection, but transferring hundreds of megabytes if not gigabytes wirelessly all at once can be slow.

Attending via LiveMeeting:

Either have a Windows machine with 3GB of free space or be able to remote into your machine with similar free space.

Install VMware beforehand

Download the files listed above.

Additional preparation recommendation:

Read the GWK NFO to familiarize yourself with what you may need to do.

Create a small VMware VM beforehand.

See you at WINSUG!

Tony Su

Do the following to attend via Office Live Meeting on Thursday, October 5 at 6:45PM PST:

This meeting will broadcast internet audio directly to your computer. Please ensure that you have Windows Media Player 9 or higher installed. FIRST TIME USERS: To save time before the meeting, check your system to make sure it is compatible with Microsoft Office Live Meeting.

Hold onto your seats and listen up as this 15 minute case study is going to be a turbo-charged recap of the highlights of SMB Nation 2006. Rick & Gregg will team up to share the best of the best in case you couldn't be there yourself. There is so much to see an do no one person can see and do it all!

Oceanside Harbor, Oceanside, CA. All members & their family & friends of all user groups in Southern California are invited to join in the fun and festivities. We'll all get together for burgers and hot dogs under the covered eating area to have some good, clean fun together. This will be a shared event where everyone brings something to the event. Check back here for updates as available. The sunsets are always great this time of year.

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

WiNSUG in honored to have been selected this year to host the hugely successful SMB tour this year (organized by Mike Iem). There will be several top notch Microsoft representatives sharing their insight into the SBS/SMB products. This event is targeted at IT professionals. It will be on Wednesday, September 13 at the Microsoft office in San Diego (and in Irvine on September 14) and will be from 6PM - 9PM. We will need a few volunteers to help with communication, registration desk, food planning, and premium give-a-ways. Volunteers may sign up in the Yahoo Group under Database, MS SMB Tour. This event is held in cooperation with Art Pettigrue who has secured the Microsoft office locations. This is an RSVP event (but free to attend) so register now!

September 7, 2006 - Topic: Wifi presented by a Local Member Panel

Case Study: LiveState Recovery by Jackson Norskog

Wireless was one of the most highly rated topics in our survey to see what members wished to see covered at meetings. This meeting is planned to be a panel discussion of real world experiences with setting up appliances, planning networks, adding in, configuring, working all things wireless. We look forward to hearing recommendations on reliable solutions and warnings against problematic ones.

This is your group and your topic! If you have some expertise in this area, please contact Jeremy Webster, the meeting coordinator techytech@gmail.com or 858.922.5878. The original meeting was being put together by our good and much missed friend Mark Buffington and we know he was hoping for some lively debate in arguing the finer points of wireless technology.

Jackson will share his experience in using Symantec LiveState Recovery for bare metal restore and for daily use within his company.

August 3, 2006

Topic: Intro to Windows 2003 Server R2 by Larry Saunders Product Photo: 915162

Case Study: Microsoft Resources by Jeremy Webster

Windows 2003 Server R2 offers several significant new features that could well justify the cost of upgrading including a new Distributed File System capability, improved File Server Resource Management and improved Printer Management. Server R2 also provides MMC, IIS and SharePoint improvements. Demos of various key features will also be included in the presentation.

BIO: Larry Saunders is founder and owner of BlueSail Computing, a computer services company. He has worked with computer technology for 36 years including computer design, Computer Aided Design, computer and network administration, office productivity solutions, and web and computer programming. He spent 14 years at IBM and has worked as a computer industry consultant for the last 16 years, founding or co-founding three computer consulting companies. He is the author or co-author of over 75 technical articles and publications and was a contributing editor for Integrated Systems Design magazine for 3 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago and served 4 years in the US Marine Corps.

During the 15 minute case study, Jeremy Webster will share some of the cool resources available to support your business.

July 6, 2006

Topic: Hacker Tools for IT Professionals by Erik Pfeiffer

Case Study: Publishing a Web Site on a Second Server by Jeff Adzima

Erik will review old bootable environments for dead boxes and demonstrate how to create a new bootable CD to hack a local box. He will create the CD, load tools and then run it against a system. This will be done to change passwords, copy files, and also remove viruses and Malware. He will also demonstrate how to audit hidden data.

This presentation will be focused on providing practical tools for IT consultants. Erik wants attendees to be able to use this tool in their ongoing business practice, not just watch him stand up in front trying to look cool. He will have 15 copies to give away for free, with the ISO image available if we need to burn more onsite.

During the 15 minute case study, Jeff Adzima will share his recent experience in getting a website up and running on a second server in an SBS 2003 environment. External access was required for this project. The end result is that it is working now but we can all relate to the myriad of challenges that can arise during the process.

Special Note: There will be 4 pizzas with soda (compliments of Culminis) available at 6PM. No guarantee how long they will last :-)

June 1, 2006

Topic: Everything You Should Know About Licensing by Jocelin Arakawa

Case Study: Anonymity on the Internet by Erik Pfeiffer

This was presented at Coleman College with Jocelin joining us via Office Live Meeting. She focused on the Open License programs, the differences and the offerings for each flavor. She also added a short delivery on CAL licensing, a topic that frequently comes up as an unclear point.

Jocelin Arakawa, Licensing Specialist - SMS&P West Region, SoCal has the primary role to assist with a licensing program solution that would meet the customer's needs. She is conversant on the program and product licensing however she adds the caveat that in some configurations, Microsoft's technology provides some licensing challenges even for Licensing Specialists.

BIO: Jocelin has been with Microsoft for nearly 10 years in a variety of roles, primarily in the Sales organization. She has been in her current role of Licensing Specialist for two years. As a Licensing Specialist she comes into contact with a multitude of individuals, customers and Partners of all kinds. Her area of expertise lies in the Microsoft licensing programs an

December 4, 2008

Topic: Holiday Dinner

November 6, 2008

Topic: Essential Business Server 2008 - Why should I care?

by Jeffrey B. Kane, Microsoft MVP

October 2, 2008

Topic: VPN for Dummies by Perry Jurancich, Sr. Solutions Engineer for Verizon Business

September 4, 2008

Topic: An Open Discussion and Troubleshooting

Bring us your problem...

August 7, 2008

Topic: Consultant's Tips, Tools and Techniques - Speed Dating Style

July 10, 2008 - ***** DATE CHANGE DUE TO HOLIDAY - SECOND THURSDAY *****

Topic: Group Policy by Rick Joyce, JNet Services

Case Study: Restoring a Master Boot Record by Michael Brunson, North County Technology Group

Michael will share an unusual experience regarding the process of restoring a Master Boot Record from backup after a drive was no longer recognized by Windows after reboot on a production server.

June 5, 2008

Topic: An Insiders Guide to Vista for IT Professionals

by Steve Rose, Odyssey Consulting Group

May 1, 2008

Topic: Small Business Server 2008 by Jeff Adzima, Gregg Blundell and Rick Joyce (Deep Dive Technical Team)

April 3, 2008

Topic: The Case of the Catahoula Leopard Dog: How Heuristics Are Used to Detect Unknown Malware

Presented by Kirk Parker from ESET with Chris Metcalf from TotalTech Solutions

March 6, 2008

Topic: D-Link IP Camera Solution & Microsoft Response Point Phone System by D-link Presenters: Eric Chen, Inside Channel Account Manager & Clarence

February 7, 2008

Topic: Home Server by Kevin Royalty

January 10, 2008 - NOTE: Second Thursday this Month Only

Topic: Building Web Sites in Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 by Larry Saunders

December 6, 2007

Topic: Holiday Gathering & Potluck

November 1, 2007

Topic: Installing and Maintaining Windows SharePoint Services 3.0. by Rick Joyce

Case Study: Open

October 4, 2007

Topic: Running Macintosh Computers in a Windows Environment by Dan Beaulieu

Case Study: Renegade DNS or How to Violate Your ISP’s Terms of Service for Fun and Profit by Silver Ace

Case Study:

The Silver Ace shows you how to run a server anywhere, with any connection to the InterWeb.

Coordinator: Erik Pfeiffer

September 6, 2007

Topic: Microsoft Virtualization. What is PC Virtualization and how you can use it in your own consulting practice TODAY? by Gregg Blundell

Case Study: TekSystems - More Jobs for You?

August 2, 2007

Topic: Business Insurance - Are You Covered? by Fred Liebel

Case Study: “Virtualizing an IT Consultant's Office” by Rick Joyce

June 7, 2007

Topic: Group Policy for SBS 2003 - Tips and Tricks by Ted Barrow

Case Study: Creating an Offline Windows Update CD