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SMS SP1's Huge Download
My company recently evaluated Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) 2.0. At a Microsoft TechNet conference that I attended, Microsoft advised downloading and updating SMS installations with Service Pack 1 (SP1).
In my company, we use individual 56Kbps dial-up modem connections rather than a direct connection. Thus, I looked for the service pack's size when I went to Microsoft's SMS Web page to download the file. The size wasn't listed, so I started the download. When I realized that the service pack was larger than 10MB, I decided to download the file at home over my cable modem connection.
At home, I watched the download progress from 10MB, to 40MB, to 90MB, and I wondered whether Microsoft made a mistake and posted the entire SMS 2.0 CD-ROM online. Finally, the service pack downloaded, totaling 107MB. After I downloaded the service pack, I had to copy the SMS 2.0 CD-ROM to the hard disk, apply the service pack, then reburn the SMS 2.0 SP1 CD-ROM.
Based on the size of the file and the number of steps I had to go through to download it, perhaps Microsoft needs to make the service pack a new version—SMS 2.1 rather than SMS 2.0 SP1. The lesson I learned is to make sure you have a fast connection before attempting to download so-called service packs.
—Ben Serebin
benjamin_serebin@dtc.org
Quick VirusScan Installation
I administer a small, simple Windows NT domain that has 13 clients and 2 servers. To quickly upgrade all my clients to the latest release of Network Associates' VirusScan software, I log on to one of the machines as domain administrator, run the installation, select the remote installation option, enter domainname\administrator, and select the machines I want to update.
To use this method, you must have administrator rights on all the machines. The software then configures the client machines and performs the upgrade. When a computer reboots the next time, the latest version of the software splashes its logo.
—Overton Mark Andrew Isaacs
overton.isaacs@wcom.com
Hating the Registry
In the old days of Windows 3.5, most applications kept their setup data in .ini or .pif files. Almost all data and supporting files were in the application's home directory. Sometimes the Windows directory stored a few shared .dll files, but some applications kept their .dlls in their own directory. If Windows became corrupt or you needed to upgrade a system, you simply had to reinstall the OS. Occasionally, you needed to replace a lost .dll file. In addition, after you configured an application to behave the way you wanted it to, you could simply copy the application's directory to each workstation.
Windows NT's Registry complicates these tasks. If NT becomes corrupt and you need to reinstall the OS, you must reinstall every application. Repairing or restoring the Registry often isn't an option because doing so might reintroduce the bug that caused the corruption. Moreover, restores sometimes just won't work. In addition to reinstalling each application, you must add updates, bug fixes, and service packs. You must also reenter user data. Although some applications create and maintain their own .reg files, most don't.
The theory that the Registry keeps all data in one easily backed-up place is false. The idea that the Registry limits illegal copying and piracy is laughable. If you've ever edited the Registry, you've noticed the large number of duplicated entries. Finally, removing or uninstalling an application doesn't always remove all the application's Registry entries, which leads to incredible bloat over time. I absolutely hate the Registry.
—Mike Mulvey
mike@kornberg.com
Remotely Manage Your Network
If you want access to your favorite administrative tools (e.g., dhcpadmn.exe, dnsadmin.exe, rasadmin.exe, srvmgr.exe, usrmgr.exe, winsadmn.exe) from any computer on your network, put the files somewhere on the network that you can always access (e.g., your home directory). Then, create desktop shortcuts in your roaming profile. Be sure to include the .dll files that the .exe files require to run (i.e., utildll.dll, regapi.dll, ipadrdll.dll, winsrpc.dll, and winsta.dll).
—Vladimir Tankhimovich
vtankhim@tdc.com
Alternatives for Creating Network Printers
Three methods exist for creating a network printer. The first method, which most people use, is to select Settings, Printers from the Start menu. Then, double-click the Add Printer icon and select the Network printer server option. Although this method is complete, you must click Next several times to finish the process of creating a network printer.
A second method is to double-click the Network Neighborhood icon on your desktop, find the printer server computer, and double-click the printer. You'll receive a message that says the driver must be installed locally (i.e., Before you can use the printer '\\servername\printername,' it must be set up on your computer. Do you want Windows to set up the printer and continue this operation?). This method is easier than the first method, especially for a server with many printers, because you don't need to click through several Next buttons.
The third method, which is my favorite for installing many printers from a network printer server on a local machine, is to click Start, Run, and enter
\\<printer server name>
(or double-click the Network Neighborhood icon) to find the remote printer server. Then, drag all the printers from the remote system to the Printers folders on your local machine. If your local computer is running Windows NT, the remote printers will install locally in a few seconds without requiring you to answer any prompts. If you're running Windows 9x locally, you must install the printer driver for Win9x on the printer server.
—Fernando Pessoa Sousa
fernando_pess@hotmail.com
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