The Little Geeni

Network Diagnostic Tools in Windows Vista

In the Network Sharing Center there is a Diagnose and Repair link that will scan your system for network issues. This diagnostic pings the remote host. If it is not found, you have the option to reset the network adapter Local Area Connection.

In addition to the automated Network Diagnostics interface, several tools are included with Windows Vista that can be used to test network components and connectivity.

Basic Tools

The following tools are fundamental in connectivity and name resolution troubleshooting. In addition, they are useful when troubleshooting failures with applications that communicate on the network or Internet.

Ipconfig

The Ipconfig command line tool displays all current TCP/IP network configuration values. Used without parameters, the ipconfig command displays the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway for all adapters. In addition, you can use the following commands:

ipconfig /all – If you want to see more detailed information on the configuration for all interfaces on the computer, use this command.

ipconfig /release – This command releases any DHCP addresses assigned to interfaces on the computer. You can typically use it before the next command.

ipconfig /renew – This command causes the DHCP client service to request network addresses for all network connections. It is useful when you encounter connectivity problems and suspect a bad address. It is also used when troubleshooting name resolution failures to ensure the interface has the correct DNS server addresses assigned.

ipconfig /flushdns – This command clears the local DNS resolver cache. When you connect to machines by name, the DNS client software on the computer stores names and IP addresses as they are resolved. This is so that the name can be resolved without sending a repeat request to the DNS server. If a remote computer’s IP address changes, outdated information in this cache can cause connections by name to fail. Run this command on the local machine to clear the cache.

Ping

The ping command verifies IP-level connectivity to another TCP/IP computer by sending ICMP Echo Request messages. The receipt of corresponding Echo Reply messages is displayed along with round-trip times.

Ping is the primary TCP/IP command used to troubleshoot connectivity, reachability, and name resolution.

Because firewalls typically block ICMP traffic, ping does not receive a response from a system with a firewall configured. Check the firewall settings to ensure Ping or ICMP Echo is enabled while you are troubleshooting.

Tracert

The Trace Route (Tracert.exe) command determines the path taken to a destination by sending ICMP Echo Request messages to the destination with incrementally increasing Time to Live (TTL) field values. The path displayed is the list of near-side router interfaces of the routers in the path between a source host and a destination. The near-side interface is the interface of the router closest to the sending host in the path.

This command is useful for troubleshooting connectivity failures when you can ping the default gateway but cannot ping Internet servers. Such a situation can indicate a failure in the routing from the client machine to the Internet.

Running Tracert returns data on the failure indicating which hop in the routing is dropping the traffic. When used for Internet connectivity troubleshooting, the data gathered is often used to work with the ISP to resolve such routing issues. The output should identify the router at which the problem occurs.

For more details, please refer to www.wintechhelp.com

Troubleshooting Diagnostics, Network, Vista, Windows

Troubleshooting IP networks has never been simple. Various LAN adaptor settings, router and firewall configurations, DNS and TCP/IP settings are just a few things to mention. UNIX administrators enjoy a variety of command-line tools such as netstat, arp, ipconfig, ping, and traceroute providing basic information about network configuration and performance.

Windows administrators have access to the same command-line tools. However, they fuss about them instead of enjoying these legacy command-line utilities. Network information is only scarcely available in the Windows graphical user interface, but is never assembled in a single place.

NetStat Agent (http://netstatagent.com/) makes diagnosing network connections and troubleshooting connection problems a snap. Combining and enhancing a number of functions provided by the command-line utilities, NetStat Agent gathers all information about the network and connection configuration in one place. You will never need to go back to using netstat, arp, ipconfig, ping, traceroute, nslookup or whois tools from the command line!

NetStat Agent allows network administrators to monitor TCP and UDP connections, diagnose connection settings, troubleshoot network configuration, and obtain information about network resources such as remote hosts and domain names. The built-in Whois tool queries domain names for exact information about their owner, and allows checking whether a domain name is taken or still available without visiting any domain registrar’s Web sites.

Not limited to displaying just network configuration and current settings, NetStat Agent also provides dynamic statistics and logs TCP and UDP connections with full information about each applications opening a connection. Suspecting a virus or Trojan? It’s easy to figure out exactly what process maintains a particular connection, obtain the path to its executable and DLL files on the hard disk and determine where in the world the connection terminates. NetStat Agent collects and displays network and TCP/IP statistics, logging and aggregating data such as sent and received TCP and UDP packets, the number of ICMP messages, sent and received IP datagrams, and more.

Network administrators can change many network settings without leaving the NetStat Agent interface. A unique feature of NetStat Agent is the ability to change MAC addresses of network adaptors, or restore their original physical MAC addresses if they were changed from somewhere else.

If you need an all-in-one tool to monitor and troubleshoot a network, NetStat Agent is the ideal solution. Featuring comprehensive functionality combined with a full graphical user interface, NetStat Agent will be appreciated by new and experienced Windows network administrators. Download a free trial version at: http://netstatagent.com/

Keywords: netstat, arp, ipconfig, ping, traceroute, nslookup, whois, mac address, tcp ip, network configuration, network monitor, network troubleshooting, log connections, network administrator, network statistics, bind, dns

Summary: NetStat Agent is an all-in-one Windows tool to monitor and troubleshoot networks, diagnose connection problems and access network statistics.

Troubleshooting Easy, Made, Network, Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting computer network is among the most important job descriptions of the network administrators, system administrators, network technicians and the IT consultants. A computer network can have different kinds of problems such as it can be infected with virus and spyware, attacked by hackers, accessed by unauthorized users and may face connectivity failure issues due to the faulty network devices or configurations. Following is a list of the basic network troubleshooting commands that are built-in the Windows based operating systems and UNIX etc. The right use of these troubleshooting commands can helps a lot in diagnosing and resolving the issues with your computer network.

PING

Ping is the most important troubleshooting command and it checks the connectivity with the other computers. For example your system’s IP address is 10.10.10.10 and your network servers’ IP address is 10.10.10.1 and you can check the connectivity with the server by using the Ping command in following format.

At DOS prompt type Ping 10.10.10.1 and press enter

If you get the reply from the server then the connectivity is ok and if you get the error message like this “Request time out” this means the there is some problem in the connectivity with the server.

IPCONFIG

IPconfig is another important command in Windows. It shows the IP address of the computer and also it shows the DNS, DHCP, Gateway addresses of the network and subnet mask.

At DOS prompt type ipconfig and press enter to see the IP address of your computer.

At DOS prompt type inconfig/all and press enter to see the detailed information.

NSLOOKUP

NSLOOKUP is a TCP/IP based command and it checks domain name aliases, DNS records, operating system information by sending query to the Internet Domain Name Servers. You can resolve the errors with the DNS of your network server

HOSTNAME

Hostname command shows you the computer name.

At DOS prompt type Hostname and press enter

NETSTAT

NETSTAT utility shows the protocols statistics and the current established TCP/IP connections in the computer.

NBTSTAT

NBTSTAT helps to troubleshoot the NETBIOS name resolutions problems.

ARP

ARP displays and modifies IP to Physical address translation table that is used by the ARP protocols.

FINGER

Finger command is used to retrieve the information about a user on a network.

TRACERT

Tracert command is used to determine the path of the remote system. This tool also provides the number of hops and the IP address of each hop. For example if you want to see that how many hops (routers) are involved to reach www.yahoo.com and what’s the IP address of each hop then use the following command.

At command prompt type tracert www.yahoo.com you will see a list of all the hops and their IP addresses.

TRACEROUTE

Traceroute is a very useful network debugging command and it is used in locating the server that is slowing down the transmission on the internet and it also shows the route between the two systems.

ROUTE

Route command allows you to make manual entries in the routing table.

Hopefully the above mentioned commands will help you to diagnose the troubleshooting your computer networking problems.

Troubleshooting Commands, Network, Troubleshooting

All business these days utilize computers and a network to conduct the daily business. With so much riding on your network always being up and running, it will pay off to have a Bay Area network management system company to help ensure productivity and efficiency do not suffer due to poor computer and network performance.

One of the main advantages of having a Bay Area network management company help install and maintain your local area network is the opportunity they create for better communication and cooperation between employees and customers. There are numerous aspects to network management that will need to be handled by your local Bay Area professional.

One of the aspects of network management is the level of security the network possesses. A Bay Area network management firm can explain to you how comprehensive security is beneficial because it provides a central and safe strategy for data access and disaster recovery. All information is protected by the design and implementation of the network security solution. On the other hand, interconnecting computers in local area networks creates a security risk, since doing so makes it technically possible for intruders to access many machines on the network at once.

Another reason to hire a local Bay Area network management firm is the high cost of establishing a local area network. Installing a local area network is a relatively expensive project. Servers, cabling, switches, routers and software can all be expensive and should never be purchased without expert advice from a network management firm. Keeping the network operating and secure also requires a lot of resources and can be costly.

These are just a few things about setting up a local area network that stress the importance of hiring a Bay Area network management firm.

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Computer Security Area, Firm, Hiring, Importance, Management, Network

We can design, support and implement your IT infrastructure. PC USA specializes in the small to medium sized business market. Our goal is to supply your business with the same level of technology and support most fortune 500 companies enjoy.

1. Unlimited computer and network support agreements

2. Computer and Network Repair

3. Offsite Backups

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5. Access & Control Solutions

6. Point of Sale Solutions

Unlimited and Instant, Remote support

Our headquarters is staffed to immediately respond to your requests. When requested we are instantaneously in your systems resolving your issues while you watch our progress. Many times we can resolve your issues without compromising your productivity.

Unlimited Onsite Support

Our experienced and talented team of field technicians trained in all aspects of information technology. We’ll respond quickly to service requests that require on-site attention. If we can not resolve your issue remotely a field technician is dispatched immediately, fully briefed and equipped to resolve your issue. We have guaranteed onsite response times of 2 hours or less for emergency issues.

Personalized support

A senior account manager is assigned to every PC USA Customer. Your senior account manager is available to you at all times providing you with any details or answers to any questions you might have.

Remote Server and Network Monitoring and Management

Proactive monitoring and management of mission critical, hardware and software systems. Your company’s potential IT issues are identified before they create a problem. Your business receives instant support without disruption. Our primary goal is zero downtime. Preventative maintenance is one of our most effective tools.

On-Site and Offsite Backup Services

PC USA will provide offsite backup service; you’ll know that your data is safe and secure. Each night we back up your critical data to 2 different data centers placed in 2 geographical locations. This provides another level of redundancy and security. Onsite backups are also recommended, configured and supported as part of the PC USA agreement.

Antivirus Protection and Prevention

PC USA clients are protected from harmful viruses that have plagued so many computers and networks recently. Under PC USA, you will have the most up to date virus protection and virus definitions available.

Managed Firewalls and Security

Keep your data secure and available to only those with registered access. Via your company’s Internet connection, secure information and resources are made available using the security of a firewall, network security policies, and file system security.

Employee Tracking

With PC USA employee tracking, we can track and log your employees’ application and internet in order to reveal you productivity leaks. If you are concerned with Internet abuse we can seal those leaks for you with the use content filtering and web filtering.

Remote Access and Collaboration

Whether you are at a client site, out-of-town seminar or working from home, PC USA clients have access to their corporate IT resources through our Virtual Private Network (VPN), Work from home and/or remote client services

Website and Hosting Services

PC USA clients can always enjoy our professional hosted email and website solutions. Hosting your website and emails from our servers enables us to block spam and viruses before it reaches your infrastructure.

Wireless Internet Access

PC USA clients enjoy secure wireless access in their office for PDA or Laptop mobility. Your wireless access point can be used as an addition to your existing wired network or a WLAN replacement of your wired network.

Hi Tech Security

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Computer Repair | Laptop Repair

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Computer Security And/or, Computer, Need, Network, Services, Support

Introduction

The creation and maintenance of a network is a serious matter that really goes a long way towards making or breaking the infrastructure of a business. It is impossible to be successful in the business world today without the help of some form of technology and because of that many companies are looking to expand their computer networks across the board. Regardless of whether these people use wired or wireless access in their networks (or both), there are some principles that end up remaining the same regardless of what network is being used. One of those principles has to do with the methods that are used in order to keep a network secure. This is not a subject that can be completely covered in just a few hundred words, but there are three principles that can definitely get you off to a flying start.

Strategy #1

The first strategy in keeping a network secure is to hire someone that actually knows what they’re doing in this regard. The way that truly successful people that start gigantic corporations are able to keep things going is that they are smart enough to hire people that have the ability to get the job done in a quick and efficient manner. This process of delegating or outsourcing work is one that you might want to consider. People that are completely trained in all facets of Computer Science are frequently in school for over a decade and even people that just specialize in network administration are in school for at least a year. This is highly specialized education and exchanging money for the wisdom and experience of someone that is a professional is definitely something to consider.

Strategy #2

Of course, not all people have the ability financially to be able to outsource a job and because of that people sometimes have to learn these things on their own. If you know absolutely nothing about keeping a network secure, the best thing you can do to get yourself started is to make sure that everything on your network is password protected. Make sure that the login is password protected and also make sure that retrieval of any sensitive information or data is also password protected. This process of layering passwords is known as redundant password protection and it is a good way for companies to deal with minor network security threats.

Strategy #3

Finally, this strategy is more common sense than anything else, but make sure that you regularly upgrade the components of your network. As technological advances increase in their frequency and more systems become obsolete, your network components are going to be left in the dust and become large security risks if they are not upgraded regularly. If you lack the funds for an all out upgrade on a regular basis, then cycle it through the different parts of your network based on priority so that every six years or so you have upgraded each component once. Doing this will allow you to keep with the times and eliminate any obvious security risks.

Computer Security Network, Secure, Strategies

Wireless networks are great and allow us to set up networks quickly, easily and without the hassle of physically running cables etc.

However wireless networks need to be secure from outside / unauthorised users otherwise people can use your network for their own malicious intentions. An example of this is people using your wireless connection to connect to the internet and download illegal content. As it is your internet connection it is your responsibility.

So how do you secure your wireless network?

Well there are several things you can do so here are some basic security steps:

TURN OFF SSID Broadcasting – Once you have all your required computers (wireless clients / devices) on your network, TURN OFF SSID broadcasting so that no one can see your wireless network.
Change the name of your SSID from default to something else. For example a SSID named Netgear easily identifies your network and its hardware.
Change default router username and passwords. Most routers have the same, default admin username and password. So all an intruder has to do is login to your router using the defaults and then lock you out.
Use MAC address filtering – set which devices can connect to your wireless network by their MAC address. Use ipconfig / all to identify your MAC address.
Use IP filtering or IP address reservations so that only those IP’s can access the network.
Use Port filtering / blocking to block ports you do not need open.
Use authentication – either PSK or EAP – DO NOT LEAVE AUTHENTICATION OPEN.
Use encryption to protect your data. WEP and WPA are 2 types of encryption however WPA is recommended.
Set logon hours so that people cannot access your network out of hours.
Use a wireless network analyser such as Netstumbler (free) to test your network.

Using the above wireless network security steps will help protect your wireless network from unauthorised use and prying eyes.

Computer Security Network, Secure, Wireless

Nowadays, just about all major businesses and corporations are powered by one or more IT networks and continuously serves as the life and blood of day to day business operations. Each of the units or nodes of the network are powered by computers and individuals that work together in their dedicated positions and fulfil their roles assigned. IT networks are so delicate since any disturbance in the network can either hinder or slow down the overall network performance to a certain degree. Not only must the network administrators do their jobs in preventing these issues from happening, but they must also evaluate how secure their IT networks are.

What about your network?

Have you ever considered doing a security audit for your network?

Just because your network has never bumped into any problems doesn’t mean that the security is at its maximum. Therefore it is important to test your computer for any network vulnerabilities and stay updated with the current trends to see if new network vulnerabilities are discovered that may pose a threat to your network one day.

There will always be people that are up to no good in developing hacking programs and viruses that are specifically meant to disrupt or harm networks directly. These methods may involve data theft, data corruption, or a combination of the two and for the average business this can be a serious threat to the wellbeing of the network and business.

Security software and services are one of the allies of these networks that aim to hinder these rogue software and stay one step ahead of the threats to prevent IT networks from suffering at all. The payload of these vulnerabilities can sometimes be irreversible like if data is stolen so preventative measures must be forced, especially in businesses that have highly sensitive data in their servers.

Resorting to the various security software and services shouldn’t be the only option, as they may not have defence to the newest threats out there right away. By making a habit to do your own network security maintenances, you can keep these new threats at bay and wait for your network security programs to update.

Common things to protect are sensitive files and entry web pages of the network. Passwords are a good first line defence to restrict access to the individuals within the network who know the password. Making the password complicated can reduce the risks of brute force attacks – a common method in breaking through password protected areas. Using the latest system software from operating system to other programs that have network access can also reduce the chances of a security breech since patches aim to plug in security holes.

Always take some time off to check your networks security. If you have no knowledge on how to do it, you can always ask a skilled hacker to try and break into your network. Former hackers are the best people to consult as these people dedicate themselves to helping personnel and using their previous hacking to improve the security of networks. This will allow your network to run smoothly without fear of a network crisis.

Computer Security Network, Secure

I would imagine that the thought of setting up a home network is probably quite scary for the average home computer user.

It isn’t too difficult though as the companies that sell routers have been listening to their customers and have made the process as simple as possible.

That, however, has had a negative impact on network security.

Remember that large corporations still have major issues when it comes to the security of their networks – hackers still get in and deface websites, steal information, etc, etc.

What chance, then, does the guy in the street stand with his new simplified router, trying to keep the bad guys out of his home network?

Actually, he stands a good chance, as long as he follows some basic rules -

Secure Passwords

My first tip is an obvious one – always use a secure password.

This can be said for everything you do online, from using social networking sites to internet banking to your own router.

When you buy a new router it comes with a password by default.

You should realise, however, that this password is most likely the same for every single router that the company sells – if you don’t change it then a hacker will be able to guess it in seconds.

When you set your router up follow the instructions that come with it to change your password immediately.

Choose a password that is hard to guess, such as a long string of random numbers, letters and symbols.

Otherwise you may just find that you no longer control your router and that a hacker does.

Encryption

Once you have a secure password installed you will want to choose the correct type of encryption for your network.

The most common encryption type, and one you may well have heard of, is WPA.

WPA encryption offers a high level of security and has proven difficult for hackers to break through.

It can be got around but doing so isn’t easy and so it should deter the casual attacker with ease.

If you have a newer router you can even take a step up and run with the more secure WPAII.

Active Firewall

My third and final tip for today is to ensure that you have activated the router’s own firewall.

A firewall is designed to block out intruders who may try to access your home network via the internet.

If you configure your router correctly then it will only allow authorised traffic to access your network.

It would also be a good idea to make sure that you have activated any software firewall that you may have as well in order to enhance your computer’s protection.

There are, of course, more steps you can take to secure your network but if you follow the above tips you’ll be going a long way towards keeping your home network secure.

Computer Security Home, Network, Secure

Computer Network Services Manhattan: Cloud Computing & Security

Cloud computing, as pioneered by the Google Apps suite, is the name of the game for small business computer network services in Manhattan. But what is cloud computing? And what does it mean for your computer network services (http://www.uptimeus.com/Services/systems-integration.html) and IT security?

Cloud-based Network Services Save NYC Companies Money

At its core, cloud computing is all about virtualization—of infrastructure, applications and even security.  This cloud-based NYC IT infrastructure benefits small businesses in particular because it offers consolidation of servers, applications and even operating systems. This translates into IT efficiency and significant IT cost savings: your team can begin working immediately with cutting edge collaboration and presentation tools from diverse locations without investing a lot of money in computer network services.

But cloud computing, in conjunction with social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and the ilk, are also exposing NYC small business computer networks to an unprecedented number of security risks.

Does Virtualization Make Manhattan Computer Networks Vulnerable to Hacking?

At the heart of the issue is the very thing that makes virtualization so attractive to begin with: everything is linked. This means, on the most basic level, that if your employees’ email account is hacked (as was recently the gmail account of Twitter founder Ev Williams), your process and management systems, servers, Docs, Calendar, and Contacts are also compromised.

Unfortunately, while more and more companies are adopting virtual collaboration tools and cloud-based network services, only a portion of these businesses are simultaneously adopting virtualized security measures.

“You can’t simply rely on your existing New York network security infrastructure, although making sure traditional security measures and maintenance plans are in effect before adopting any sort of cloud-based strategies is a good idea, says Einat Aviraz-Sibony, President of Manhattan IT services firm UPTIME. (http://www.uptimeus.com)  “Because in essence, the basic IT security concepts are the same: data protection, identity and access, and business continuity.”

But as you take your team to the cloud, you need cloud-based security measures to protect your NYC-based computer network. And a number of security vendors are reworking their current applications to fill the current gap: Check Point, for example, has a new WebCheck feature that protects browsers from known malicious sites and analyses unknown sites for potential damage.

Virtualization will bring your team’s capabilities to a new level without overtaxing your IT budget, but keeping an eye on web-based security as it emerges warrants your attention. If you outsource your computer network services, make sure your provider performs routine virus detections and inoculations and ask them to check if your Software as a Service (SaaS) vendor—like a Google Apps reseller–offers the Novell Cloud Security Service, the newest in cloud security offerings.

Computer Security Cloud, Computer, Computing, Manhattan, Network, Security, Services