An SQL 2005 cluster can have up to up to 8 nodes for the Enterprise or Standard edition 2 nodes. Sometimes you only have the budget to do so much and the passive node gets postponed.
Working on Primary DNS server
Primary DNS server, usually a Domain Controller provides the necessary name resolution of Active Directory operations. It also required for user computer startup and logon. It is also required for all important Internet access.
Promoting Domain Controllers
Domain controllers for Windows rely on the DNS to work and find each other through SRV records. If the DNS is not available, the domain controllers don’t work very well.
Server hardening
To reduce to surface vulnerable to malicious attack. This is accomplished by removing, disabling unused services and/or increasing the encryption level of communication protocol. Microsoft has provided three types of templates: Compatible, Secure and Highly Secure.
Patching ISA 2004
Ever tried patching an ISA server? Not as easy as other application servers. Recently I had an interesting experience on patching an ISA 2004 server. So I am documenting this down for everyone and myself.
Have you heard of the command SC?
Most of us are familiar with the famous NET command since the Windows NT days. The NET command to handle network services is part of the NTLM and LAN Manager coming from the days of MS-DOS.
Outlook OST problems.
What they don’t teach you in your MCSE course.
I have just completed the server modules for MCSE 2003. Strangely there a few things in the administrator’s life that are critical but not listed. I will attempt to cover them here.
The journey to being certified MCSE 2003
The journey to being certified. MCSE 2003
A better Remote Desktop plugin
Ever tried using the Remote Desktop MMC plugin in the Admin Tools folder? Feels great to be able to use a single screen connect to several servers at one time.