The Windows Server line of products offers a considerable amount of features directed towards many different kinds of users. Among these include the famous Active Directory domain, Group Policy Management, IIS, WSUS, and many others. In this guide, I will first run through the installation process for Windows Server 2003, and then explain some of the most...

File Sharing File sharing is a phrase of dubious meaning. To some, it represents the theft of copyrighted materials and works; to others, a means of freedom in the modern world. Depending on which side of the fence you stand, file sharing has a ubiquitously accepted association – “Napster.” However, there is more to file sharing than simply...

Getting Started By now, we have covered a great deal in the course of this guide. Processor history, motherboard form factors, cases, and connectors are the most important topics thus covered, though an intimate knowledge of all material is desirable. In this guide, we will cover a subject already discussed frequently on PC Mechanic – memory. First,...

Towers, Mini-Towers, Desktops  Although it is relatively unimportant, there lie a few distinctions in classifications of PC cases. The case of the PC is the exterior body, or the enclosure, of the motherboard and all connected components. This includes the power supply, cooling equipment, hard drives, optical drives, and any expansion cards. The vast...

Certainly you have heard of CompTIA’s ubiquitous industry-standard computer technician certification – the famed CompTIA A+ Core and Operating System certification. Although it is seen as the lowest level of credentials one can possess, it is nonetheless essential in scoring any type of lower level (i.e. basic hardware repair or diagnostic) position...

What is a LAN?LAN stands for “Local Area Network.” Basically, it is a communications link between two or more computers to share information with each other. Although “Local Area” seemingly implies that LANs are always small, this is not always the case. A LAN could possibly consist of thousands of computers provided that they are all...

In the last year, the PC case landscape has changed. No longer is the beige box acceptable; rather, a computer’s abode should have a window to peak through, many fans, a temperature monitor, multiple light sources, at least two Front USB 2.0 ports, and of course, a theme. A-Top technology has missed none of these points in creating the Z-Alien case. Upon...

What is a Server? A server is any computer that is used to send, receive, or relay data to other nodes on a network. In simpler terms, this means a server is any computer that “serves” other computers on the network. Now, servers come in all shapes and sizes. There is nothing holier about a Dell Power Edge server over any other server, such as a Compaq...

A Skeptic’s Opinion As a skeptic of “high-end” input products, I was a little amused by the sticker price of the Logitech MX Duo — $100.00 or more, at many retail outlets. I have never owned a keyboard worth more than $4 and a mouse worth more than $30.00, so I did not expect very much with the Logitech MX Duo. Just a bit of background. Design...

Let’s say that you and your buddies decide to play on the Internet. Well, it sounds easy enough, but there are often many obstacles involved in accomplishing a fun and functional multiplayer game. It doesn’t take any special hardware or skill (for the most part), just a bit of time to think and fix potential problems. OK, so the game that you and...

Codename: LonghornThe next Windows release, planned in 2005, is codenamed Longhorn. Longhorn is supposedly built on both NT5.5 (Windows XP) code and a couple of new revelations from Micro$oft. I won’t get into all of these, because I don’t like getting into BS — its not pleasant. Anyway, Longhorn key features include a database-driven...

In this final installation, I will discuss some well-known applications in Linux. Not all of these apps are for everyone, but in general, these apps are well accepted by the Linux community. It is assumed that you will know how to install each of these, and instead of wasting time with instructions, I will get down to the features and functionality of each,...

Some Core Principals of LinuxOK, so you have installed Linux now, and I am sure you want to know what to do with it, right? Unfortunately, we must first cover some basic philosophies of Linux, which often times are very different than Windows. One of them is the GUI. In Windows (or at least 2000 and XP), when you boot up to Windows, you see a pretty graphical...

First off, this article is directed towards those who have already read Part 1, so if you do not understand something see if Part 1 can help you figure it out. Second, I understand that you have all downloaded many different distros of Linux, and it is difficult for me to write a “generic” installation guide. So, if you are experiencing confusion with your...

Intimidation I am sure that you have at least heard of Linux before. Perhaps it was mentioned by one of those geeky Linux rebels, or maybe you heard about it in some tech news site. Possibly you may have tried to download it and install it, only to be infinitely confused. Don’t worry – it’s not that hard. The purpose of this series is not to...