Every Debian distribution is managed by the /etc/apt/sources.list file. This file allows you to specify whether you want your distribution to run as a stable, testing or unstable distribution.

To view or edit this file from the command line you need to type:

After editing the file and saving it, you need to run the following command:

which rebuilds the package database to reflect your newest sources.list

Once this is done, you can upgrade everything on your system to the latest versions by running the following command:

If you want to flip from one distribution to the other, just modify the sources.list file, and run the following commands:

That is all there is to it!

Share On...

Filed under: Computers, Desktop, Laptops, Linux-Unix, Operating Systems, Servers | No Comments »

As a general rule Debian has three (3) distributions: Unstable, Testing & Stable.

• STABLE – This is the latest official release of the Debian GNU/Linux distribution. This is stable and well tested software, which changes only if major security or usability fixes are incorporated.

  This release is recommended for the casual user. It has a strong system for fast reactions to security exploits. It will feature the latest linux kernel as of the package release date (It is usually old by the time you get to look at it!). I’m pretty sure Debian policy stipulates any packages with an “important” bug which is not resolved in 10 days, is not accepted into stable. This policy is taken to the extreme and treated very seriously (There is some talk about a time when Apache was nearly thrown out for not conforming to the strick standards of support required for entry into the stable distribution!).

• TESTING – This area contains packages that are intended to become part of the next stable distribution. There are strict criteria a package in unstable (see below) must obey before it can be added to testing. Note that “testing” does not get the timely security updates from the security team.

  These packages are “in the wings,” waiting to become “STABLE.” It will contain packages without release-critical bugs. Packages will have the same version number across all architectures they are present in, and they will have spent two weeks or longer in “UNSTABLE.”

• UNSTABLE – This area contains the most recent packages in Debian. Once a package has met our criterion for stability and quality of packaging, it will be included in testing. “unstable” is also not supported by the security team.

  Packages in unstable are the least tested and may contain problems severe enough to affect the stability of your system. Only experienced users should consider using this distribution.

  These packages may also be referred to as bleeding edge. This area is where developers are still hard at work. There are probably still debates about feature set should be included and how long it will take to make it work correctly.

Some of the information provided was obtained here.

Share On...

Filed under: Computers, Desktop, Laptops, Linux-Unix, Operating Systems, Servers, Software | No Comments »

In this post you will get an idea of the package management commands and what they do.

The command below searches for all packages which contain the specified string.

The command below fetches the package from the Internet and installs it. If there are any unmet dependencies, it automatically fetches and installs everything required to make the package work.

The command below removes the package.

The command below also removes the config files for the package.

“apt-get” maintains a local database of packages, dependencies, locations of files, and etc. It will behave differently by assigning a different database for each different distribution.

Share On...

Filed under: Computers, Desktop, Laptops, Linux-Unix, Operating Systems, Servers, Software | No Comments »

vs.

I find the television marketing war Microsoft has launched against Apple to be ridiculous and misleading. The “I’m a PC” slogan has got to be the most ridiculous part of the whole thing. Everyone, who has their own computer has a PC. Yours may run Microsoft Windows while mine runs Mac OSX, however both are PERSONAL COMPUTERS!

The next issue I have is the criteria given by the so called “PC SHOPPERS” when they are supposedly shopping for a new computer. If you are serious about 2D/3D graphic design or videography, you already know better than to settle for a third rate computer system, running Microsoft Windows. Yet the Microsoft commercials make it seem like these people make an informed decision to buy a computer running Microsoft Windows, based on performance and price.

I don’t see any performance data which give Windows Machines any advantage over a Macintosh. In fact, I read quite the opposite. You don’t have to believe me, but how about Popular Mechanics? Click here to read the benchmark results from May 2008.

“We even tested Vista on the Macs using Apple’s platform-switching Boot Camp software—and found that both Apple computers ran Vista faster than our PCs did.” – Popular Mechanics Quote

Even Windows runs better on the Macintosh.

These Microsoft commercials make the Macintosh computers out to be way overpriced. They may be, if you are not educated about what to look for. Windows software is bloated. It needs exorbitant processor speeds, tons of ram and acres of hardrive real estate to run optimally. Mac OSX doesn’t need all of this. If you think you are getting a superior machine for your money, when you compare processor speeds, ram and hardrive size, you are just getting screwed by Microsoft.

The fact is you can do a lot more with less, when using a Macintosh. Cheaper, entry level desktops and laptops are available from Apple, which would be more equivalent to the current systems running Microsoft Windows. You can even boost the hardrive space, purchase Windows (as you can see from the article I posted above.) and install it on your Mac for less money, while still getting better performance than a PC running Windows Natively with twice the processing ability and ram.

If PCs from Asus, Dell, Gateway, Sony and others are out performed by the Macs, shouldn’t Microsoft focus on getting Windows and Office software titles to those running the superior Macintosh systems?

Marketing has conditioned the general population of the world to thing that higher numbers produce better results. This is not always the case. If you think Faster Processors, More RAM and Larger Hardrives mean a better, more reliable system, you are dead wrong!

If you are considering a new computer, you need to consider the total cost of ownership.

In the short term, you will spend less when buying a Macintosh by shopping based on what the computer will be used for, instead of which machine has the most or biggest.

In the long run, think of the consistent maintenance every Windows system needs, so it can continue to operate at peak performance. Think of all the lost time and files with the consistent crashes Microsoft never manages to fix. Think of all the glitches you get when you buy Microsoft Windows, which force you stay on top of software updates, or risk failures.

Try calculating a dollar figure for all the effort you put into your Windows Computer. Do the same for all the time you waste, all the files you loose and all the money you spent for technical support and/or repair of your Windows Computer. Now add that number to the cost of purchasing that NEW, Windows Computer. I guarantee you could have got a fancy Macintosh for that!

Only fools listen and act based on marketing hype. Educated people make informed decisions.

I dare you to compare a new Macintosh to a new Windows System of any brand.

Share On...

Filed under: Computers, Desktop, Laptops, Macintosh, Operating Systems, Servers, Windows | No Comments »

Below I have Indexed the Windows XP Command Line commands.

A

• ADDUSERS – Add or list users to/from a CSV file
• ARP – Address Resolution Protocol
• ASSOC – Change file extension associations*
• ASSOCIAT – One step file association
• AT – Schedule a command to run at a later time
• ATTRIB – Change file attributes

B

• BOOTCFG – Edit Windows boot settings
• BROWSTAT – Get domain, browser and PDC info

C

• CACLS – Change file permissions
• CALL – Call one batch program from another*
• CD – Change Directory – move to a specific Folder*
• CHANGE – Change Terminal Server Session properties
• CHKDSK – Check Disk – check and repair disk problems
• CHKNTFS – Check the NTFS file system
• CHOICE – Accept keyboard input to a batch file
• CIPHER – Encrypt or Decrypt files/folders
• CleanMgr – Automated cleanup of Temp files, recycle bin
• CLEARMEM – Clear memory leaks
• CLIP – Copy STDIN to the Windows clipboard
• CLS – Clear the screen*
• CLUSTER – Windows Clustering
• CMD – Start a new CMD shell
• COLOR – Change colors of the CMD window*
• COMP – Compare the contents of two files or sets of files
• COMPACT – Compress files or folders on an NTFS partition
• OMPRESS – Compress individual files on an NTFS partition
• CON2PRT – Connect or disconnect a Printer
• CONVERT – Convert a FAT drive to NTFS.
• COPY – Copy one or more files to another location*
• CSCcmd – Client-side caching (Offline Files)
• CSVDE – Import or Export Active Directory data

D

• DATE – Display or set the date*
• DEFRAG – Defragment hard drive
• DEL – Delete one or more files*
• DELPROF – Delete NT user profiles
• DELTREE – Delete a folder and all subfolders
• DevCon – Device Manager Command Line Utility
• DIR – Display a list of files and folders*
• DIRUSE – Display disk usage
• DISKCOMP – Compare the contents of two floppy disks
• DISKCOPY – Copy the contents of one floppy disk to another
• DISKPART – Disk Administration
• DNSSTAT – DNS Statistics
• DOSKEY – Edit command line, recall commands, and create macros
• DSADD – Add user (computer, group..) to active directory
• DSQUERY – List items in active directory
• DSMOD – Modify user (computer, group..) in active directory

E

• ECHO – Display message on screen*
• ENDLOCAL – End localisation of environment changes in a batch file*
• ERASE – Delete one or more files*
• EXIT – Quit the current script/routine and set an errorlevel*
• EXPAND – Uncompress files
• EXTRACT – Uncompress CAB files

F

• FC – Compare two files
• FIND – Search for a text string in a file
• FINDSTR – Search for strings in files
• FOR /F – Loop command: against a set of files*
• FOR /F – Loop command: against the results of another command*
• FOR – Loop command: all options Files, Directory, List*
• FORFILES – Batch process multiple files
• FORMAT – Format a disk
• FREEDISK – Check free disk space (in bytes)
• FSUTIL – File and Volume utilities
• FTP – File Transfer Protocol
• FTYPE – Display or modify file types used in file extension associations*

G

• GLOBAL – Display membership of global groups
• GOTO – Direct a batch program to jump to a labelled line*

H

• HELP – Online Help

I

• iCACLS – Change file and folder permissions
• IF – Conditionally perform a command*
• IFMEMBER – Is the current user in an NT Workgroup
• IPCONFIG – Configure IP

K

• KILL – Remove a program from memory

L

• LABEL – Edit a disk label
• LOCAL – Display membership of local groups
• LOGEVENT – Write text to the NT event viewer
• LOGOFF – Log a user off
• LOGTIME Log the date and time in a file

M

• MAPISEND – Send email from the command line
• MBSAcli – Baseline Security Analyzer
• MEM – Display memory usage
• MD – Create new folders*
• MKLINK – Create a symbolic link (linkd)
• MODE – Configure a system device
• MORE – Display output, one screen at a time
• MOUNTVOL – Manage a volume mount point
• MOVE – Move files from one folder to another*
• MOVEUSER – Move a user from one domain to another
• MSG – Send a message
• MSIEXEC Microsoft Windows Installer
• MSINFO – Windows NT diagnostics
• MSTSC – Terminal Server Connection (Remote Desktop Protocol)
• MUNGE – Find and Replace text within file(s)
• MV – Copy in-use files

N

• NET – Manage network resources
• NETDOM – Domain Manager
• NETSH – Configure network protocols
• NETSVC – Command-line Service Controller
• NBTSTAT – Display networking statistics (NetBIOS over TCP/IP)
• NETSTAT – Display networking statistics (TCP/IP)
• NOW – Display the current Date and Time
• NSLOOKUP – Name server lookup
• NTBACKUP – Backup folders to tape
• NTRIGHTS – Edit user account rights

P

• PATH – Display or set a search path for executable files*
• PATHPING – Trace route plus network latency and packet loss
• PAUSE – Suspend processing of a batch file and display a message*
• PERMS – Show permissions for a user
• PERFMON – Performance Monitor
• PING – Test a network connection
• POPD – Restore the previous value of the current directory saved by PUSHD*
• PORTQRY – Display the status of ports and services
• PRINT – Print a text file
• PRNCNFG – Display, configure or rename a printer
• PRNMNGR – Add, delete, list printers set the default printer
• PROMPT – Change the command prompt*
• PsExec – Execute process remotely
• PsFile – Show files opened remotely
• PsGetSid – Display the SID of a computer or a user
• PsInfo – List information about a system
• PsKill – Kill processes by name or process ID
• PsList – List detailed information about processes
• PsLoggedOn – Who’s logged on (locally or via resource sharing)
• PsLogList – Event log records
• PsPasswd – Change account password
• PsService – View and control services
• PsShutdown – Shutdown or reboot a computer
• PsSuspend – Suspend processes
• PUSHD – Save and then change the current directory*

Q

• QGREP – Search file(s) for lines that match a given pattern.

R

• RASDIAL – Manage RAS connections
• RASPHONE – Manage RAS connections
• RECOVER – Recover a damaged file from a defective disk
• REG – Registry: Read, Set, Export, Delete keys and values
• REGEDIT – Import or export registry settings
• REGSVR32 – Register or unregister a DLL
• REGINI – Change Registry Permissions
• REM – Record comments (remarks) in a batch file*
• REN – Rename a file or files*
• REPLACE – Replace or update one file with another
• RD – Delete folder(s)*
• RMTSHARE – Share a folder or a printer
• ROBOCOPY – Robust File and Folder Copy
• ROUTE – Manipulate network routing tables
• RUNAS – Execute a program under a different user account
• RUNDLL32 – Run a DLL command (add/remove print connections)

S

• SC – Service Control
• SCHTASKS – Create or Edit Scheduled Tasks
• SCLIST – Display NT Services
• SET – Display, set, or remove environment variables*
• SETLOCAL – Control the visibility of environment variables*
• SETX – Set environment variables permanently
• SHARE – List or edit a file share or print share
• SHIFT – Shift the position of replaceable parameters in a batch file*
• SHORTCUT – Create a windows shortcut (.LNK file)
• SHOWGRPS – List the NT Workgroups a user has joined
• SHOWMBRS – List the Users who are members of a Workgroup
• SHUTDOWN – Shutdown the computer
• SLEEP – Wait for x seconds
• SLMGR – Software Licensing Management (Vista/2008)
• SOON – Schedule a command to run in the near future
• SORT – Sort input
• START – Start a program or command in a separate window*
• SU – Switch User
• SUBINACL – Edit file and folder Permissions, Ownership and Domain
• SUBST – Associate a path with a drive letter
• SYSTEMINFO – List system configuration

T

• TASKLIST – List running applications and services
• TASKKILL – Remove a running process from memory
• TIME – Display or set the system time*
• TIMEOUT – Delay processing of a batch file
• TITLE – Set the window title for a CMD.EXE session*
• TLIST – Task list with full path
• TOUCH – Change file timestamps –
• TRACERT – Trace route to a remote host
• TREE – Graphical display of folder structure
• TYPE – Display the contents of a text file*

U

• USRSTAT List domain usernames and last login

V

• VER – Display version information*
• VERIFY – Verify that files have been saved*
• VOL – Display a disk label*

W

• WHERE – Locate and display files in a directory tree
• WHOAMI – Output the current UserName and domain
• WINDIFF – Compare the contents of two files or sets of files
• WINMSD – Windows system diagnostics
• WINMSDP – Windows system diagnostics II
• WMIC – WMI Commands

X

• XCACLS – Change file and folder permissions
• XCOPY – Copy files and folders

::

• :: – Comment / Remark*

Any command followed by an “*” are Internal commands, which are only available within the CMD shell.
All other commands should be available for use in the CMD shell, PowerShell, or directly from START > RUN.

Share On...

Filed under: Computers, Desktop, Laptops, Operating Systems, Servers, Utilities, Windows | No Comments »

Share On...

Filed under: Client Area, MVFD | Comments Off

Share On...

Filed under: Client Area, MVFD | Comments Off

I was asked by a client (and friend) yesterday about registering a domain. This client will be running for an elected seat on the city council and wishes to utilize a web page to help with the campaign.

This client had seen all types of adds on television about domain names and web sites. Being the “IT GUY” I was asked about what to do and how to do it.

I have used a company called 1and1 to help us with domain registration for many years now.

The process is really simple. Anyone who can follow a simple set of directions can do it. The steps below will guide you through registering a domain name for personal or business use.

1. Click HERE to begin the process.
2. Follow the directions shown to you on the screen.
3. Select a domain name that is both meaningful and as short as possible.
4. Complete the registration by paying with a credit card.

The site is safe and secure. They have had our company credit card for years and never once did we have an issue. 1and1 is a great company for Domain Registration. We couldn’t be happier with their service.

Share On...

Filed under: Domain Names, Internet | No Comments »

Recently, I was working with a series of Windows XP Pro SP3 Clients and a Windows 2003 Server Standard Edition (R2). The network was a basic one. A firewall protects the LAN from the outside world, including all clients and the server. The Windows Server is a Domain Controller utilizing Active Directory. Each client machine is joined to the domain. Client machines and users are managed by the permissions set for them in Active Directory Users and Groups.

My client uses a medical productivity software, which was developed specifically for a Windows Network. It was made to be installed specifically to a Windows 2003 Server and Windows XP Pro Clients. This software company makes very specific claims of HIPAA compliance, yet it forces the IT Professional to violate specific security practices, which were put in place to prevent unauthorized access to systems on a Windows Network.

In the process of tying all the clients together with the server, I ran into a problem. The ability to grant full “ADMINISTRATOR” rights to specific users of each client machine, while restricting the same users to basic “USER” rights on the network and domain, is not a common practice. As a matter of fact, when administering with the Windows Active Directory System, this specific practice is frowned at.

However, this medical productivity software can only be installed and run under a single administrative user profile on each client machine. This administrative user has to have full “Administrative” rights on the client machine (To me this is completely stupid and very irresponsible on behalf of the software developer.). Yet, since it is required to use the software, I found a way in which this can be accommodated.

• Add the users which need such access, to the “USERS” in the Active Directory on the Domain.
• Join the client computers which will run the software to the domain.
• Log into the client as a user, who is authorized in Active Directory, to create and modify the domain’s users.
• Open USERS & GROUPS from the client machine’s control panel.
• Add the necessary user and grant them “ADMINISTRATOR” rights.

It is at this point where I was getting an error.

“The user could not be added because the following error has occurred: The trust relationship between this workstation and the primary domain failed”.

The error occurred over and over again, on each client machine. I checked the process of joining the computers to the domain, adding users and even the permissions of the users in Active Directory. Everything was right.

In the end the answer was simple. The entire issue was based on the DNS settings of each client machine. The firewall’s IP Address was being used as the DNS Address. In order to correctly use Active Directory from a Windows Server, the Server’s IP Address should be used as the DNS Address. Once this was fixed, adding my users as I needed, worked like a charm.

Share On...

Filed under: Computers, Desktop, Hardware, Laptops, Network Interface Cards, Operating Systems, Servers, Software, Windows | 4 Comments »

Dentrix (Dentrix G4)
http://www.dentrix.com/
Phone: 800.DENTRIX (800.336.8749) or 801.763.9300
Fax: 801.763.9336

• The Dentrix G4 software is HIPPA Compliant out of box
• http://www.dentrix.com/hippa/

- Support (Customer #60774)
email: support@dentrix.com
Phone: 800.DENTRIX (800.336.8749), 801.763.9300 & 877.483.0382

- Sales Rep: Steve Wernimont
Office: 319.848.2200
Mobile: 319.899.0627

- Regional Sales ???: Sybil
Mobile: 319.551.3374

- Conversion: Jaclyn
Phone: 866.824.0590

- Conversion: David Arbon
david.arbon@henryshein.com
Phone: 801.847.4707

- Conversion FTP
ftp.pmtsdata.com
username: convmtvernon
password: familydentistry60774

• Compress entire DRDATA directory
• Upload DRDATA.ZIP to FTP Site

- Trainer: Jennifer Schulze
Mobile: 563.542.2546

- Trainer: Lori Dunn
Mobile: 614.209.8367

Dexis (Dentrix Image, Dexis & DexImage G4)
http://www.dexis.com/
901 West Oakton Street
Des Plaines, IL 60018
Phone: 888.883.3947
Fax: 888.833.3947

- Support: DEXIS Customer Care Center:
4425 Alexander Drive, Suite 100
Alpharetta, GA 30022
Phone: 888.883.3947

• Dexis bought the Dentrix Image Rights from Dentrix
• Dexis Imaging and Dentrix Image will become a new software called DexImage
• Will only support S-Video/Composite cameras if you purchase and use their proprietary Viper Video Capture Card (Capture only & 16 Bit PCI only).

DigitalDoc (iCon USB2.0 & Evolution C-Series)
http://www.digi-doc.com/
Phone: 800.518.1102 or 916.941.8010
Fax: 916.941.7689

• Conversion of Evolution C-Series docks(S-Video/Composite) to Evolution USB 2.0 docks (USB 2.0) = $150.00 each (Plus Shipping)
• New Evolution USB 2.0 Backpacks/Docks = $1000.00 each (Plus Shipping)
• Dentrix Image only supports the Evolution C-Series if you are using the proprietary Dentrix Viper Video Card.
• iCon USB2.0 Camera = $4995.00 (Dentrix Image supports this camera without any special video card.)
• iCon USB2.0 Hand piece Capture Kit $65 – $100 per machine (Necessary to capture images directly from hand piece)

PEB XLDent (XLDent & ImageXL)
http://www.xldent.com/
Phone: 800.328.2925 or 763.479.616

- Support (Reference #389)
Phone: 800.828.9252

Planmeca USA (Sensors and Pan)
http://www.planmecausa.com/
Phone: 630.529.2300

Share On...

Filed under: Client Area, MVFD | No Comments »