Microsoft Windows

Nov 21 2009   11:36AM GMT

How to configure the System prompt in a Cisco Router or a Cisco Switch?

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Cisco Router, Cisco Router tips, Cisco Switches, Cisco Tips, How to configure the System prompt in a Cisco Router or a Cisco Switch, System prompt, no prompt, TTY, VTY, config t, hostname, Cisco Hostname, %h:%n%p, active telnet sessions, Telnet, Cisco Device, Network Tips, Network Technologies and Trends

 

There is a cool handy way to know TTY sessions established in any Cisco Router or a Cisco Switch. By using this feature you can know the number of active telnet sessions from the prompt itself.

Normally whenever you log to any Cisco Router or Switch you will find this menu

ITKE-AS01#

 

By using the “prompt” command you can see the difference

 

You might be wondering how come this is possible, ok now let me show you how to enable this feature in a Cisco Router or a Cisco Switch,

Log in to your Cisco Device and use the following command “prompt %h:%n%p”

 

ITKE-AS01#config t

ITKE-AS01 (config)# prompt %h:%n%p
ITKE-AS01 (config)# exit

 

In the example I have used three escape sequences to set the prompt name to the hostname (%h), followed by the command number (%n) and then followed by the appropriate prompt character for the current command mode (%p).

You can see the difference in the hostname after applying the “prompt %h:%n%p” command.

ITKE-AS01:1#sho users

    Line       User       Host(s)              Idle       Location

*  1 vty 0     yasir      idle                 00:00:00 10.0.0.5

 

  Interface      User        Mode                     Idle     Peer Address

ITKE-AS01:1#

 

As the number of TTY session increases you can see the incremental change in the hostname with the sequence number as displayed below.

Example with two TTY sessions

ITKE-AS01:2#sho users

    Line       User       Host(s)              Idle       Location

   1 vty 0     yasir      idle                 00:00:23 10.0.0.5

*  2 vty 1     itkeuser      idle                 00:00:00 10.0.0.5

 

  Interface      User        Mode                     Idle     Peer Address

 

ITKE-AS01:2#

 

Example with three TTY sessions

ITKE-AS01:3#sho users

    Line       User       Host(s)              Idle       Location

   1 vty 0     yasir      idle                 00:01:14 10.0.0.5

   2 vty 1     itkeuser      idle           00:00:50 10.0.0.6

*  3 vty 2     itkeadmin   idle         00:00:00 10.0.0.7

 

  Interface      User        Mode                     Idle     Peer Address

 

ITKE-AS01:3#

 

Example with four TTY sessions

ITKE-AS01:4#sho users

    Line       User       Host(s)              Idle       Location

   1 vty 0     yasir      idle                 00:01:43 10.0.0.5

   2 vty 1     itkeuser      idle            00:01:20 10.0.0.6

   3 vty 2     itkeadmin   idle            00:00:29 10.0.0.7

*  4 vty 3     yasir      idle                 00:00:00 10.0.0.5

 

  Interface      User        Mode                     Idle     Peer Address

 

ITKE-AS01:4#

 

I you want to disable the TTY display enter the “no prompt” command as shown below.
ITKE-AS01:4#config t
ITKE-AS01:4 (config)# no prompt

 

Following are the prompt Variables available for the “prompt” command.

Nov 14 2009   11:13AM GMT

HP buys 3Com for 2.7 Billion Dollars

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
HP, Hp Acquisation, 3Com Corporation, Ethernet, Hewlett-Packard Company, 3Com’s routers, Switches, Security products, TippingPoint, Cisco Systems, HP Procurve

HP has agreed to its plans to buy router and switching gear maker 3Com for $2.7 billion. This deal will see HP expands its infrastructure portfolio range with 3Com’s routers, Switches and Security products as well it will strengthen the HP position in China thanks to 3Com’s strong presence in China. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2010.
The transaction has been sealed at US$7.90 per 3Com share and is yet another example of an acquisition that will present significant competition for Cisco in the networking market, particularly in the data centre space and network convergence.
“Companies are looking for ways to break free from the business limitations imposed by a networking paradigm that has been dominated by a single vendor,” said Dave Donatelli, executive vice president and general manager, enterprise servers and networking at HP, in a statement issued by the vendor.
“By acquiring 3Com, we are accelerating the execution of our converged infrastructure strategy and bringing disruptive change to the networking industry. By combining HP ProCurve offerings with 3Com’s extensive set of solutions, we will enable customers to build a next-generation network infrastructure that supports customer needs from the edge of the network to the heart of the data centre,” he added.
HP points out that the purchase of 3Com will bring strong security capabilities through the vendor’s TippingPoint portfolio. It also states that thanks to extensive testing of 3Com products, it is planning to complete the global roll-out within HP soon after completion of the acquisition.
Let’s see how successful this acquisition will be in terms of capturing the market share from the lead player like Cisco Systems.

Oct 2 2009   2:49AM GMT

Free Security Software from MICROSOFT! “Microsoft Security Essentials”

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Security Essentials, Microsoft Security Essentials, Malware, Spyware, Moro, Virus, anti-virus, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, MacAfee, Symantec

 

Microsoft just rolled out their new Security Software as free download available in nineteen countries, as per Microsoft Middle East spokesperson the localized version for Middle East will be only available at later part of 2009.

 

 

The latest offering from Microsoft “Microsoft Security Essentials” protects the consumers from viruses, malwares and spywares. The “Microsoft Security Essentials” is released freely without any registration or renewal demands.

 

As we know the real-time security software’s are available but at a price, this effort from Microsoft can at least assure some of its loyal customers to get a high-quality protection which is easy to get and easy to use.

 

 

Microsoft’s latest offering - “Microsoft Security Essentials” - protects consumers from viruses, spyware and malware, and will be released freely without any registration and renewal demands in an effort to “encourage broader adoption of anti-virus protection.”

 

Initially Microsoft codenamed “Microsoft Security Essentials”as “Morro” will be released in 8 languages. It will be available for Windows XP SP2 or SP3, Windows Vista and Windows Live and can be downloaded from Microsoft’s web site http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

 

Lest see how MacAfee and Symantec face the challenge.

Sep 14 2009   9:33PM GMT

Microsoft Unveils Thinnest Keyboard!

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Mobile Keyboard 6000, Microsoft, Keyboard, Numberpad, thinnest keyboard, Microsoft products, Microsoft press release

 

Recently I was browsing a press release from Microsoft about the thinnest keyboard ever available, which is slightly thicker than an AAA battery.

Pic Courtesy: Microsoft

 

The newly designed keyboard is exclusively for Bluetooth computers, and Microsoft called this keyboard as Mobile Keyboard 6000. The Mobile Keyboard 6000 comes with a ‘Comfort Curve’ that gives your wrists a rest with a slight 6-degree curve. While it might not seem like a big deal, Microsoft has already sold more than 10 million of its Comfort Curve keyboards so there’s definitely a wrist-concerned market out there.  One more unique feature of Mobile Keyboard 6000 is number pad can be separated and used separately.

                                                               

Microsoft will be selling the Mobile Keyboard 6000 next month for $89.95. But if it’s just the Number Pad you’re after, you’ll need to spend $44.95.

Sep 14 2009   7:50AM GMT

According industry group’s latest report, Data centre’s cooled too much!

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Data Center, Date Center Cooling, intel, HP, IBM, Lawrence, ASHRAE, American, Heating, Air Conditioning, US Data Center Users Group

 

According to the new study done tje by leading industry group, almost all Data Centers are cooled to a temperature lower than the required temperature for the normal operation of a Data Center.

 

 

The group comprised of representatives Intel, IBM, Liebert, HP and the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, found almost all Data Centers in a survey of the US Data Center Users Group were cooled much below temperature than the recommended temperature of 27°C.

 

The recommended temperature for the Data Centers of 27°C was proposed by American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

 

The study also estimates the potential energy savings that could be achieved if data centres could be operated closer to the recommended limit as being as high as 90% energy savings for CRAHs.

 

The report can be downloaded here.

Sep 12 2009   7:34AM GMT

How to capture a text using PuTTY client?

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
PuTTY, Telnet, SSH, Telnet Client, Backup, running config, Startup config, Cisco Router, Cisco Switch, Cisco Tips, Cisco backup

 

PuTTY doesn’t need any introduction as its one of the widely used for remote console utility. PuTTY is an SSH and telnet client.

In day to day operational activities we do telnet or SSH to our Cisco routers or Switches, at times we need to backup a running or startup config or   a Cisco router or a switch or even some times we need to capture the terminal session logs for technical information etc.  This is can be easily done by using the PuTTY client.

I will show you how to capture a text using PuTTY client.

Once you have established a remote session with a Cisco router or a Switch, follow the following steps

 

Step 1: Right Click on the menu bar and select “Change Settings”

 

Step 2: Click logging under the icon Session.

 

Step 3: Then select “All Session Output”.

 

Step 4: Select the location using the browse button and enter the desired file name and click apply.

 

These steps will create the log file in the specified location and it will log everything you did in that particular telnet or SSH session.

Sep 8 2009   9:45AM GMT

Remote Telnet useful tips!

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Switches, Cisco, Cisco Tips, Cisco 3560, Cisco Learning, Network Troubleshooting, IOS commands, Cisco Routers, reload, Cisco Switch, Cisco Troubleshooting, Router Troubleshooting, Telnet, SSH

 

We all work remotely with Cisco routers and Switches, we often do login to do some configuration changes in the Cisco routers and Switches. What if we configured wrongly in the live Cisco routers and Switches which are located in the remote sites, we don’t enjoy the liberty of resetting the devices unless we have control over the power distribution.

 

In this scenario the “reload” command proves to be very handy and useful. Just before making any changes to the configuration we can use the “reload” command as demonstrated below

 

ITKE-Cisco#reload in ?

Delay before reload (mmm or hhh:mm)

 

ITKE-Cisco#reload in 10

 

System configuration has been modified. Save? [yes/no]: no

Building configuration…

[OK]

Reload scheduled in 10 minutes by yasir on vty0 (10.0.0.5)

Proceed with reload? [confirm]

ITKE-Cisco#

ITKE-Cisco#

 

 

***

*** — SHUTDOWN in 0:05:00 —

***

 

The above demonstrated command will reload the device in 10 minutes. After applying the “reload” command we can proceed with the configuration changes. If things go wrong and we lost connectivity

to the device, then try back after 10 minutes as the device will get reloaded with the original startup-configuration which can helps us to restore the connectivity to the device.

 

Once we are sure about the new configuration and its working properly without any hassles there is always a way  “reload cancel” command is there to cancel the reload.

 

ITKE-Cisco#reload cancel

 

I find this command to be very handy and useful especially when we have to telnet or SSH to remote Cisco router or a Switch.

May 27 2009   12:26PM GMT

HP has announced that it will cut another 6,000 jobs, following poor second quarter results.

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
HP, job cuts, ITP, Economic Slowdown, recession

 

I was just browsing the regional technical portal and came to know that HP is cutting another 6,000 jobs due to poor second quarter results.  The second quarter results dropped by 17% from the same quarter last year, to $1.7 billion. which forced the giant company like HP to axe 6000 more jobs. The economic crisis has forced many companies to cut down their investments, research plans etc. which is going to affect the industry in coming decade, if the world failed to come out of this economic crisis.

 

Mark Hurd, HP chairman and CEO commented: “Disciplined focus on operational efficiencies and execution drove record cash flow. Our services business continued to deliver strong profitability with an increased deal pipeline and the EDS integration tracking ahead of schedule.”

 

More at  http://www.itp.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=556313&newsletter=1  http://www.damiansaunders.net

Jan 12 2009   5:34AM GMT

Windows 7 Beta Released To Public after Delay

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Microsoft Windows 7, Performance, Beta, DVD, Microsoft Windows, Windows 7 Beta, Microsoft Windows 7 Beta Release, Windows 7 ISO, TechNet, MSDN, Connect., Windows 7 Beta: Frequently Asked Questions.

Dear Friends finally after some delay Microsoft released the much talked version of Windows 7. During his pre-show keynote at CES, Steve Ballmer officially launched the Windows 7 beta onto the world via TechNet, MSDN, and Connect.

But there are unexpected numbers of professional and people proved to be interested in the download of Windows 7. Hence it’s hard to download the Windows 7 beta version from Microsoft web site. You really need to have some patience.

The Windows 7 beta will expire after August 1, 2009, and the download cap for the public version has been set to 2.5 million.

In any case, happy beta testing!

These are the Microsoft minimum hardware recommendations for systems that will be running the Windows 7 Beta. These recommendations are specific to the beta release and are subject to change:

• Processor: 1 GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
• Memory:  1 GB of system memory
• Hard drive: 16 GB of available disk space
• Video card:  Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128MB memory (in order to enable Aero theme)
• Drive: DVD-R/W drive
• Internet connection (to download the Beta and get updates)

Note: Some product features of Windows 7, such as the ability to watch and record live TV or navigation through the use of “touch”, may require advanced or additional hardware. 

To learn more, see Windows 7 Beta: Frequently Asked Questions.

Handy Links: Microsoft Connect | Windows 7 WikiPedia

 

Jan 10 2009   5:25AM GMT

Pearson Launches Certflashcardsonline, great news for Certifications aspirers.

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Certification; Flash Cards, Exam, Test Prep, Cisco, CCNA, CompTIA, A+, Microsoft, MCSA, MCSE, MCTS, Pearson Education, certflashcardsonline

Dear Friends what a good news at the beginning of the year, guess what Pearson launches the new browser based electronic flash card engine, www.certflashcardsonline.com  , an application that helps the Certifications’ aspirers to practice the IT Certifications exams.

Graphics Courtesy:www.certflashcardsonline.com  

Launching with multiple products on CompTIA, Microsoft and Cisco certifications, the custom flash card application, loaded with more than 250 questions per exam, tests users’ skills and improves their retention of exam topics. Cert Flash Cards Online also allows users to get all-important information at a glance, helping focus on areas of weakness. Available in both desktop and mobile device format, these fact-filled flash cards allow users to test at home, work, or on the go. This new certification preparation tool, Cert Flash Cards Online, along with Cert Prep Online, is available through InformIT.

Additional News Facts:

• A truly unique learning tool; robust features include: space to enter long answers, ability to mark individual questions right or wrong, score reporting, custom set creation, and online updates.
• Cert Flash Cards Online is a late-stage exam-preparation tool, which means that an IT certification candidate would typically use this product during the final weeks before sitting for their live exam.
• This alternative learning format presents a unique approach that compliments other self-study formats like books and practice tests.

Useable Quotes:

“The new Cert Flash Cards Online application from Pearson takes the old school concept of paper flash cards that we all used to memorize our multiplication tables and updates it for the digital age and the technical certification market,” said Brett Bartow, Executive Editor for Cert Flash Cards Online. “While practice tests are great for familiarizing candidates with the exam style, they are typically focused primarily multiple choice question formats, which exposes users to pre-formulated answers to choose from. Cert Flash Cards Online, on the other hand, forces users to supply the answer in their own words, and is thus a much more effective tool for assessing and reinforcing knowledge.”

“In today’s environmentally conscious digital society, it makes sense for certification candidates to use electronic flash cards instead of those made from paper,” said Tim Warner, Product Editor for Cert Flash Cards Online and host of the InformIT Certification Reference Guide. “Most folks carry a laptop or a Web browser-enabled mobile phone or PDA, so why not save some trees by using the online Cert Flash Cards?”

Video Tutorial Podcast: Introduction to Cert Flash Cards Online

Tim Warner, Product Editor for Cert Flash Cards Online introduces viewers to Pearson’s new Cert Flash Cards Online product, which makes flash card review easy and fun. Brought to you by, OnCertification: Your weekly vidcast series featuring study tips, reviews, screencasts, and conversations with IT certification insiders on certification test-prep technologies. Subscribe now.

Product Information:

Cisco

CCNA Voice 640-460 Cert Flash Cards Online

ISBN: 1587202395

CCNA Security 640-553 Cert Flash Cards Online

ISBN: 1587058588

CompTIA

CompTIA A+ Cert Flash Cards Online: Essentials Test: (A+ 220-604), (A+ 220-603), (A+ 220-602)

ISBN: 0789739208

Microsoft

MCSA/MCSE 70-290 Cert Flash Cards Online: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment

ISBN: 0789738406

MCSA/MCSE 70-291 Cert Flash Cards Online: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft

Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

ISBN: 0789738414

MCSE 70-293 Cert Flash Cards Online: Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

ISBN: 0789738422

MCSE 70-294 Cert Flash Cards Online: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure

ISBN: 0789738430

MCTS 70-620 Cert Flash Cards Online: Microsoft Windows Vista, Configuring

ISBN: 0789739240

About Pearson

The global leader in educational and professional publishing, Pearson is home to such respected brands as Addison-Wesley Professional, Cisco Press, Exam Cram, IBM Press, Prentice Hall Professional, Que, and Sams Publishing, which have as their online publishing arm, InformIT (www.informit.com) -The Trusted Technology Learning Source. In addition, Berkeley-based Peachpit (www.peachpit.com), the publishing partner for Adobe Press, Apple Certified, and others, publishes best-selling books for creative design professionals. Pearson is also co-founder, with O’Reilly Media Inc., of Safari Books Online (http://safari.informit.com), the premier on-demand digital library providing thousands of expert reference materials through a single point of contact, including expert technology, creative and design, business and management resources in video and text formats. Pearson Education is part of Pearson (NYSE: PSO), the international media company. Pearson’s other primary businesses include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.

Source: Email from Jamie Adams, Senior Publicist, Pearson Education