This CG will put you in charge of controlling changes to network routers and other SNMP devices.

Solarwinds' free monitor makes it easy to check the performance and health of a router or firewall.

Download your free Network Device Monitor

Guy's Top 10 Free Tools

1) FreePing
2) Network Monitor
3) Xobni
4) PuTTY (UNIX)
5) WMI Monitor
6) BgInfo
7) Net-SNMP
8) Engineer's Toolset
9) DNS Stuff
10) WinDiff

Vista jokes

Microsoft Vista - Preparation

Microsoft Vista Preparation

This section will prepare you for Vista. Topics include a review of the new features, advice on upgrading from XP, and explaining the hardware requirements. Also before you actually order Vista, check which edition is best for your circumstances. After all that planning, the installation will be straightforward.

Preparing for Microsoft Vista

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Other Vista Sections

Getting Started with Microsoft Vista

True to the principles of my website, my mission is to get you ready for the Windows Vista operating system. For example, I have a page on how to install Vista using Virtual PC 2004 (or 2005). By all means admire the impressive AERO graphics, icons and desktop; however, I advise you that the most important practical task is to get acquainted with the new Vista version of Windows Explorer. Next step --> Windows New Features

Microsoft Vista Security

Security is rarely a glamorous topic, yet it may be the killer reason to persuade the financial director to loosen the purse strings so that you can upgrade from XP to Vista. The wide ranging and detailed measures that Microsoft have take to make the operating system secure, underpin every aspect of Vista. From controlling actions with UAC (User Account Control), through 'service hardening' to registry restriction, Windows Vista offers top to bottom security. Not only has each component been created from scratch, but also Microsoft have redesigned each component with security in mind. More on Microsoft Vista Security

Windows AERO Graphics

Aero Graphics is hard to define, but fortunately it's easy to use. From one perspective, AERO is Vista's replacement of XP's Luna desktop. Others define AERO as Windows Graphics Foundation 2.0 and the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) combining to deliver stunning visual displays. Microsoft would like to emphasis that AERO is the most efficient and intuitive front end to date. For me, I would cast aside the hype and ignore the jargon and say, 'Vista is fun to learn and gives me more information than any other Version of Windows Explorer'. See more on Vista's Aero Graphics

Installing Windows Vista in a Virtual PC

I got my copy of Vista through the MSDN program. From January 30th 2007 you can by your copy of Microsoft Vista on DVD. Launch the Virtual Machine console to create a new Virtual disk / image / machine. Capture the image from the CD menu. The actual installation takes about half an hour, but the menus are straightforward, even easy if you have experience from installing XP. Get started with Virtual PC

Guy Recommends: SolarWinds Engineer's Toolset v10

The Engineer's Toolset v10 provides a comprehensive console of utilities for troubleshooting computer problems. Guy says it helps me monitor what's occurring on the network, and the tools teach me more about how the system itself operates.

There are so many good gadgets, it's like having free rein of a sweetshop. Thankfully the utilities are displayed logically: monitoring, discovery, diagnostic, and Cisco tools. Download your copy of the Engineer's Toolset v 10

Versions of Microsoft Vista that I have been involved with:

Vista general release of all editions January 30th 2007
Vista Business edition released to manufacturers December 2006
Vista 5728 October 2006
Vista RC2 Build 5600 September 2006
Beta 2 5536 August 2006
Beta 2 5384 June 2006
Beta 2 5384 June 2006
Beta 2 5308 March 2006
Beta 2 5270 January 2006
Beta 2 5231 Winter 2005
Beta 2 5219 Autumn 2005
Beta 1 5112 Summer 2005
(Longhorn 5112)

Windows Vista Training

Train Signal have an excellent Windows Vista Training Course. As an MCT trainer, I am a huge advocate of Train Signal’s products. What impresses is me is that they demonstrate everything that they teach and they stay away from traditional 'lecture-style' training. If you are looking for a complete DETAILED coverage of Windows Vista, then I highly recommend that you give this course a try. I have reviewed their 18 hours of videos myself, and I guarantee that you will not be disappointed!

Watch a Vista Training Video Demo.

Guy Recommends:
Orion's NPM - Network Performance Monitor

Orion's performance monitor is designed for detecting network outages. NPM makes it easy to see what's working, and what needs your attention.

This utility guides you through creating network maps. It also helps troubleshooting by indicating whether the root cause is faulty equipment, or resource overload.

Download a free trial of Network Performance Monitor

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