#max sankar

[encomputers]

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The End Has Come!

By Max Sanker

No, it’s not the apocalypse (probably).  It’s not even Y2K (did that ever actually happen?).  But, July 14, 2015 marked the end – and you should be prepared.  As many of us are aware, on July 14, 2015, Microsoft ended their support of Windows Server 2003.  Though this may be the end of an era, it doesn’t have to be the beginning of panic.

First off, what does “end of life” for Windows Server 2003 mean?  Well, it means that since July 14, 2015, there will not be any new security patches available from Microsoft to support this product.  Therefore, the risk of an exploit will become much more critical now that the operating system is exposed and unpatched.

Many businesses and organizations have procrastinated on a proactive upgrade or migration due to budgetary constraints, or lack of resources…or simply because there were so many other in-house issues that always seemed to take immediate priority (we know you hear us on that one).  In fact, in the fast-paced world of I.T., July 14, 2015 probably seemed like a date perpetually existing in the far-off distance.  Now, however, if you still use Windows Server 2003 your servers are vulnerable to unscrupulous attackers.  Alarmingly, those who still haven’t upgraded their operating systems are at a severe risk of finding themselves suddenly left with the task of restoring lost or corrupt data from unprotected systems.

Another concern is the complete lack of basic support from Microsoft.  Without any help from Microsoft, users are forced to rely on their own working knowledge of their legacy applications and inter-operate those applications with the OS – on their own or through online forums and third-party support providers.  For many businesses and organizations using Windows Server 2003, relying on the expertise of technical services providers who can assist with issues related to hardware and software incompatibilities is an essential lifeline.

As with any “doomsday” story, the key is always in proper preparation.  Although July 14 passed almost a year ago, it’s not too late to take some critical steps – RIGHT NOW – to help your business or organization.

  TO BE OR NOT TO BE

First, if your environment requires constant access to information that is stored on internal servers and downtime for restoring data due to a breach would cause significant issues for your team, it is critical to take the time, immediately, to determine whether making the transition to an upgrade/migration is a worthy investment for your operation.

Are you still on the fence about upgrading?  Microsoft issued an IDC White Paper detailing the pros associated with migrating (and the frightening harsh realities if you don’t).

  HELP!  I HAVE FROZEN AND I CAN’T BOOT UP

Once you’ve made your decision to migrate from Windows Server 2003, the next step is to make the transition as quickly as possible to reduce the vulnerabilities that you are facing.  If you’re migrating, do so immediately.  If you’re going to hold your breath and wing it, don’t go it alone!  Be sure that you have expert help at the top of your Contact List.  If you do opt to carry on with Windows Server 2003, having professional assistance available to you, on call, will be an important part of reducing potential downtime from attacks or loss of data.  End users, as we all know, do not like surprises from their machines.  Malicious attackers are likely looking for you.  Make sure that you arm yourself with options to spare end users, and your I.T. Team, from unwelcome surprise attacks that could leave you scratching your heads.

  BY YOUR SIDE

Contact E-N Computers to learn how they can be can be available to assist your operation through either a migration procedure for Windows Server 2003, or through critical issues that may suddenly develop while your systems are experiencing vulnerabilities.  Even if you find yourself off guard, E-N Computers is ready for this; and they’re to help!

  Max Sankar is Network Administrator in Virginia.  Max enjoys all aspects of technology and integrating that technology into his everyday life.  He resides in Stuarts Draft, VA with his wife and son.

  [Featured image from hormozshariat.com]

[encomputers]

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New Post has been published on http://encomputers.com/buying-physical-server/

Buying a Physical Server

By Max Sankar

  Are You In For The Long Haul?

Ask yourself this question: What do you want out of your business’ future? (Think about not only this work week…but also next year and the year after that.)  Do you have hardware and software that are currently in place that will be scalable and robust to meet your goals?  Will your infrastructures cover the expanding needs of your users?

If you’re not sure how future-ready your current software and hardware are, you may want to rethink your existing approach NOW. You should consider investing in a Windows Server that can better handle, support, and maintain a growing infrastructure.

  But I Don’t Want One

A Windows server is engineered to handle high volume data transactions 24/7 and is designed to be fully up and running around the clock, non-stop.  That’s already an excellent selling point for any operation that relies on large amounts of continued productivity well beyond what may be expected during normal business hours. Here are a few more details that will help you to feel good about your Windows Server decision:

  Hardware that’s Hardy

When you think about the elements that go into keeping your working environment running, you know that you need to be able to ensure the hardware that you’re relying on meets and exceeds the work that you are currently and inevitably going to put it through.  With the future in mind, a Windows Server has you covered!  Your new Windows Server typically comes with redundant power supplies, NICs, and hard drives configured in RAID.  What’s the value of these extras? In short, they will help to ensure less downtime, which translates to less business lost.  If one power supply fails, you know that you have a backup that’s ready to go.  Your server will remain uninterrupted.  Your users won’t experience data loss, data corruption…and actually, they won’t even know that anything’s happened.  It’ll be business as usual for them; and for you, it means that you have the added security of knowing that you already have something of a business continuity plan in place – just by using a robust server.  Now THAT’S where you find the value!

Additionally, with drives configured in RAID array, you can rest easier knowing that when one of your drives fail or data becomes corrupt (which will inevitably happen at the most critical time on your calendar), all your users will still be able to work and perform their standard activities.  This means that there will be no outcry of “what happened to my files?” or “why can’t I save this document?”.   You can rebuild the failed drive within a short period of time or replace it with your hot spare and immediately get back to other projects without additional issues. More Value!

A Windows Server will also provide you with greater options in scalability. You can increase your RAM or hard drive space fairly easily because the server’s OS was built to handle large amounts of RAM and drive space.  This allows you to be able to process more data, more efficiently.

  Windows Server Isn’t Soft On Software

With a Windows Server, you have expanded capabilities for both file sharing and strengthening your network security.  The ability to store your data in a centralized location and share resources among multiple users is an absolute must-have for almost any working environment.

What’s even better is that Windows Server 2012 introduced a new file system called ReFS.  This new system offers a substantial increase in reliability and data integrity.  Plus, you’ll also be able to breathe a bit easier knowing that it features error correction, which scans volumes and repairs corrupt data.  If your organization is already considering SAN (Storage Area Network) as an option for adding for physical space for data, this error-correction feature will be a real bonus.  Server 2012 can also utilize storage pools and is expandable based on the specific need.  It can also dynamically adjust, according to the amount of space that’s required.

The OS goes even further with data de-duplication.  It offers advantages in saving a significant amount of disk space by using compression to eliminate duplicate copies of repeating data.  One thing to note is that during de-duplication, there will be a mild drop in performance; but thankfully, you can schedule this task during off-peak hours, when resources to accommodate the task may be more readily available.

  Power-Up!

A key component of Windows Server 2012 that has IT professionals enthralled is the powerful scripting capabilities.  Using Windows PowerShell, an IT Team can develop scripts for the repetition of processed, automated tasks.  You’ll have the benefit of being able to save time by scheduling a task in advance, which will give your more time to concentrate on planning, design and implementation of larger projects.

  Back It Up

Another great benefit of Windows Server is the built-in backup capability.  Whether you prefer to back up your data via tape, optical media, removable storage, or through remote storage, you can be assured that your data will be safe and accessible when you need it.  This is a critical element in ensuring that your business’s retention policies are developed properly.  The back-up functionalities will work to assist you in formulating a process for recovering information quickly in the event of data loss or device failure.

  But Wait…There’s More

With a Windows Server, there’s an ability to add roles, which allows the server to be an active directory controller, a DNS server, or perform a DHCP role.   Plus, installing additional software will allow the server to become an SQL Server, Exchange Server or SharePoint Server give you even more possibilities.

  Virtually Limitless

Windows Server includes Hyper-V, a powerful tool for the creation of virtual environments that emulates a full-blown, separate environment that is contained, in its entirety, within software.  This means that you can create an entirely separate installation of an operating system, and then configure software and services within that virtual environment, all on one hardware platform.  Not only does this save physical space (since you are not bringing in another hardware appliance), but it also utilizes less resources.  That translates to saving on power while making a virtual environment an easy choice for additional development and production servers.

  Are You Sold Yet?

With so many benefits, Windows Server offers a considerable amount of versatility and long-term value.  It’s true that you may not think that you need Windows Server TODAY, but smart IT professionals usually have their hands on today with their eyes on tomorrow.  If that sounds like you, see what Windows Server can do for your environment and serve yourself a little peace of mind in the process.

  Max Sankar is Network Administrator in Virginia.  Max enjoys all aspects of technology and integrating that technology into his everyday life.  He resides in Stuarts Draft, VA with his wife and son.

  [Featured image from muristech.com]

[encomputers]

New Post has been published on E-N Computers

New Post has been published on http://encomputers.com/virginia-businesses-beware-the-end-is-near-for-server-2003/

Virginia Businesses Beware! The End Is Near for Server 2003

Image from http://www.theinquirer.net

Written by Max Sanker

  No, it’s not the apocalypse (probably).  It’s not even Y2K (did that ever actually happen?).  But, July 14, 2015 does mark the end – and you DO need to be prepared.  As many of us are already aware, on July 14, 2015 Microsoft will end their support of Windows Server 2003.  Though this may be the end of an era, it doesn’t have to be the beginning of a panic.

First off, what does the “end of life” for Windows Server 2003 really mean?  Essentially, it means that after July 14, 2015, there will no longer be security patches available from Microsoft to support this product.  Therefore, the risk of an exploit will become much more critical if the operating system is exposed and unpatched.

Many businesses and organizations have procrastinated on a proactive upgrade or migration due to budgetary constraints…or lack of resources…or simply because there were so many other in-house issues that always seemed to take immediate priority (we know you hear us on that one).  In fact, in the fast-paced world of I.T., July 14, 2015 probably seemed like a date perpetually existing in the far-off distance.  Now, however, the time has come when servers will be left vulnerable to unscrupulous attackers.  Alarmingly, those who haven’t upgraded their operating systems will be at severe risk of finding themselves suddenly left with the task of restoring lost or corrupt data from unprotected systems.

Another concern is the soon-to-be complete lack of basic support from Microsoft.  Without any assistance from Microsoft, users will be forced to rely on their own working knowledge of their legacy applications and inter-operate those applications with the OS – on their own or through online forums and third-party support providers.  For many businesses and organizations using Windows Server 2003, relying on the expertise of technical services providers who can assist with issues related to hardware and software incompatibilities will be an essential lifeline.

As with any “doomsday” story, the key is always in proper preparation.  While July 14 is essentially upon us, it’s not too late to take some critical steps – RIGHT NOW – to help your business or organization be better prepared for the end of life status for Windows Server 2003.

  TO BE OR NOT TO BE

First, if your environment requires constant access to information that is stored on internal servers and downtime for restoring data due to a breach would cause significant issues for your team, it is critical to take the time, immediately, to determine whether or not making the transition to an upgrade/migration is a worthy investment for your operation.

Still on the fence about upgrading?  Microsoft has issued an IDC White Paper that details the pros associated with migrating (and the frightening harsh realities if you don’t).

  HELP!  I HAVE FROZEN AND I CAN’T BOOT UP

Once you’ve made your decision as to whether or not you will migrate from Windows Server 2003, the next step is to make the transition as quickly as possible to reduce the vulnerabilities that are inevitable after July 14.  If you’re migrating, do so immediately.  If you’re going to hold your breath and wing it, don’t go it alone!  Be sure that you have expert assistance at the top of your Contact List because if you do opt to carry on with Windows Server 2003 after July 14, having professional assistance available to you, on call, will be an important part of reducing potential downtime from attacks or loss of data.  End users, as we all know, do not like surprises from their machines.  Malicious attackers are waiting with baited breath for July 14 to unleash their worst.  Make sure that you arm yourself with options to spare end users, and your I.T. Team, from unwelcome surprise attacks that could leave you scratching your heads.

  BY YOUR SIDE

Contact E-N Computers to learn how they can be can be available to assist your operation through either a migration procedure for Windows Server 2003, or through critical issues that may suddenly develop while your systems are experiencing vulnerabilities.  Even if you find that July 14 is catching you off guard, E-N Computers is ready for this; and they’re to help!

  Max Sankar is Network Administrator in Virginia.  Max enjoys all aspects of technology and integrating that technology into his everyday life.  He resides in Stuarts Draft, VA with his wife and son.