Protocols - few is better

How many protocols does your LAN use?

 

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 A free desktop tool that monitors, or restarts, your VMware virtual machines.  Download your free VM Console

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Best Practice (Litmus Test)

Professionals: Use TCP/IP as their only protocol

Amateurs:  Insist on installing NetBEUI

How many Protocols does your LAN use?

Professionals realize that the best practice is to only install TCP/IP, adding other protocols is just duplication.  TCP/IP is wonderful, it does everything you would ever need a protocol do to.  Moreover the more protocols you have the more network traffic there will be.  In particular avoid protocols like NetBEUI that broadcast.

Some network managers get upset when I suggest they remove NetBEUI.  What is fascinating is their reasoning.  They say: 'It is so much faster.  We have applications that only work with NetBEUI'.  I say: 'What about all that broadcasting?'  Then I challenge them to just run TCP/IP on their network.

There are always exceptions to any rule, and I would allow NWLINK if you have old Netware servers. Also, I did once see a convincing case for using a second protocol for RAS.  The client wanted a fix to secure and isolate clients dialling into his network.  However, I would have preferred to :

a) Decommission those Netware servers

b) Implement a firewall as a RAS solution.

Challenge: Check out some of the Protocols in Windows 2003

• LDAP
• IPSEC and IPSECMON
• Kerberos (Kerbtray in the resource kit)
• L2TP and PPTP
• CHAP and EAP
• BAP and PPP
• OSPF in the Routing and RAS snap-in

Guy's Challenge - Download this free device backup utility

(CatTools)

CatTools is a free program for backing up configuration settings on hardware devices.  Here is Guy's challenge.  If you download CatTools, then it will not only take care of backups, but also it will show you something new about the hardware on you network. I could give you a money back guarantee - but CatTools is already free!  Thus, I just make a techie to techie challenge, you will learn more about your network if you:

Download your free configuration backup tools

Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Admin

Train Signal have an excellent Windows Server 2008 course.  You get over 70 hrs instruction with Ed Liberman and Ben "Coach" Culbertson.  Try their step-by-step videos and master Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Admin.

The package includes the Transcender exams, which are the key to gaining the coverted Microsoft Certified IT Professional certification.  However, the course also builds practical experience so that you can manage your network effectively once you complete the course.

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See more about Windows 8

• Install Windows 8  • When will Windows 8 Expire?  • Windows 8 Metro UI

• Windows 8 Task Manager

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