Telstra NextG Turbo Card (Model MF332) and Vista

Please refer to post Telstra Turbo Card MF 332 Windows Vista and 7.2Mpbs Upgrades Released for latest updates for this card.

After reading the posts at Whirlpool regarding no drivers being available to run the Telstra NextG Turbo Card on Vista and confirming this by calling Telstra on 1800 636 785, I decided to visit the ZTE (manufacturer) web site at and see what drivers were available.

Written in bold font in the download area was the Important Note:

"To install the Software listed below you need to have either Service Pack 2 (SP2) for WinXP installed or Service Pack 4 for Win2K (Windows 2000). These service packs are required as they install / update core elements of the operating systems that our products (and others) require to be installed and function."

Directly below this was a link to driver version B10 released on 18/12/2006. Like most Techo's, I completely ignored the important note and downloaded the drivers to install on my Dell Latitude D820 running Windows Vista Ultimate.

Guess what? They work.....

I am now surfing the internet and reading mail using the Telstra Turbo Card and Vista, despite being told that I couldn't. Telstra were very surpised when I rang them back and told them of my success.

Who said it doesn't pay to be disobedient?

Cheers
Jeff

Canberra.NET’s Power Breakfast

On the 14th February 2007 I'll be doing a presentation at the Canberra.NET Power Breakfast titled "Microsoft User’s Groups: Extraordinary Company Value".

The idea behind the presentation is to emphasise to Senior Management (and of course their staff) that Microsoft User Groups play an important role in the IT Community; therefore staff should be encouraged to participate. By 'encouraged' I mean that employers should provide incentives, such as paid leave or time-in-lei, to staff in recognition of giving up their valuable time to network with industry leaders and skill-up on technologies.

Unfortunately there is a misconception (mainly due to the term 'User Group') that User Groups are "only attended by people with nothing better to do on a week night" and that they play "no real part in enhancing skills and knowledge", therefore many employers are reluctant to reward staff for attending such events as they do not recognise them as providing any benefit to growth of the organisaton.

This couldn't be further from the truth.........

Most of the presenters at Microsoft User Group meetings also present at Tech-Ed, PDC, SQL PASS Community Summit, CodeCampOz, SQL Down Under Code Camp, MEDC and other Microsoft Events; and many of them are also Microsoft Certified Professional's (MCP's), Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCT's), Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP's), Microsoft Employee's or Industry Specialists.

What does this mean? It means that attendees not only get high quality technical presentations but also have access to a group of dedicated IT Professionals who are more than willing to provided assistance. Best of all, it's free!

Don't believe me? Take a look at the 2006 event list for the Australian SQL Server User Group as an example.

Last year the ASSUG held 70 meetings across Australia on topics ranging from BI, Server Administration, Application Development, High Availability, Mirroring, Data Migration, Performance Tuning, Certification. PowerShell, Security, Partitioning, Backup and Restore, Report Builder, Reporting Services, Indexing, SQL Server Storage Engine and SMO; and all of these topics were presented by speakers such as (apologies to those I've missed) Rob Farley, Greg Linwood, Peter Ward, Grant Paisley, Adam Cogan, Rob Risetto, Allan Mitchell, Geoff Orr, Jim Katsos, Nick Ward, Kalen Delaney, Mark Morton, Nicholas Dritsas, Richard Lees, Victor Isakov, Itzik Ben-Gan, Peter Myers, Steve Koop, Don Vilen, Jeff Wharton, Siva Harinath, Greg Low, Dave Glover, Sam Pride, Steve Lloyd, Darren Gosbell and Jeremy Huppatz

Now that's what a call an impressive list of events and speakers!

It will be interesting to see what reaction I get to this topic; especially in relation to the idea of staff recognition. Of course there will be those that refuse to accept that Microsoft User Groups play an important role in the IT Community (no matter how much proof you provide), however I'll do my best to change this :-)

Cheers
Jeff

Top Ten Worst Domain Names

Was reading the news headlines on Google and found this one on the Top ten worst domain names

Here they are

1. A site called ‘Who Represents‘ where you can find the name of the agent that represents a celebrity. Their domain name… wait for it… is

http://www.whorepresents.com/ (whore presents)

2. Experts Exchange, a knowledge base where programmers can exchange advice and views at

http://www.expertsexchange.com/ (expert sex change)

3. Looking for a pen? Look no further than Pen Island at

http://www.penisland.net/ (penis land)

4. Need a therapist? Try Therapist Finder at

http://www.therapistfinder.com/ (the rapist finder)

5. Then of course, there’s the Italian Power Generator company…

www.powergenitalia.com (power genitalia)

6. And now, we have the Mole Station Native Nursery, based in New South Wales:

http://www.molestationnursery.com/ (molestation nursery)

7. If you’re looking for computer software, there’s always

http://www.ipanywhere.com/ (IP [pee] anywhere)

8. Welcome to the First Cumming Methodist Church . Their website is

http://www.cummingfirst.com/ (cumming first)

9. Then, of course, there’s these brainless art designers, and their whacky website:

http://www.speedofart.com/ (speedo fart)

10. Want to holiday in Lake Tahoe ? Try their brochure website at

http://www.gotahoe.com/ (got a hoe)

Microsoft SQL Server SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition Released

On 16th January 2007, Micrososft released it's newest member of the SQL Server family; SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition.

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition is the next version of SQL Server Mobile adding the desktop platform. SQL Server Compact extends the SQL Server Mobile technology by offering a low maintenance, compact embedded database for single-user client applications for all Windows platforms including tablet PCs, pocket PCs, smart phones and desktops. Just as with SQL Server Mobile, SQL Server Compact is a free, easy-to-use, lightweight, and embeddable version of SQL Server 2005 for developing desktop and mobile applications.

For further information visit the offical CE Website

Vista ReadyBoost vs RAM vs Hard Drive

A friend of mine is currently going through the agonising process of selecting and configuring a new laptop. He’s just about got everything nutted out, but is not sure whether to upgrade to 4GB of RAM (at great expense) or use 2GB and then buy a fast USB key and utilise the Windows ReadyBoost feature built into Vista.

Microsoft markets Windows ReadyBoost as a way that:

“…..lets users use a removable flash memory device, such as a USB thumb drive, to improve system performance without opening the box.”

and states that:

“Windows ReadyBoost can improve system performance because it can retrieve data kept on the flash memory more quickly than it can retrieve data kept on the hard disk, decreasing the time you need to wait for your PC to respond.”

Ok, how? Surely a Hard Disk has better I/O than a USB key?

I knew that ReadyBoost existed (as I used it once during the Vista Beta when I plugged my Sony 2GB Micro Vault Tiny into my USB slot of my Acer to copy some files and was asked if I wanted to use ReadyBoost), however I was interested to see whether I just wasted $1700 dollars installing 4GB into my new D820 when I could have just used my Micro Vault and configured my lappy with 2GB.

Not content with the material published by Microsoft, I did a search on Google and found a great Q & A posted on Tom Archer’s (Program Manager, Windows SDK Tools and Build Environment) Blog. This Q & A contains answers provided by Matt Ayers (Program Manager, Microsoft Windows Client Performance group) to questions posted in reply to Tom's first blog on ReadyBoost. Anyone seriously contemplating using Windows ReadyBoost should have a read of Tom's blog.

Cheers
Jeff

BTW: I think my $1700 was well spent :-)

Why Telstra Sucks Big Time

Part 1 - 12:30pm on Wednesday 17th January 2007

While waiting for my eye appointment in Sydney today, I decided to look into buying a Telstra NextG Card for those annoying occasions that I can't get WiFi (Yes, I'm the first to admit that I can't live without my Internet!). After a few minutes of walking around, I stumbled across a Telstra Shop located at 231 Elizabeth St; so I took a deep breath and walked in. As usual, within seconds of stepping into the store I was accosted by a Telstra representative eager to relieve me of my hard earned cash. In this case, the winner was Mr Bailey; the Shop Manger.

To cut a long story short, after quite some time discussing the pro's and con's of the three different NextG cards (albeit via the web because Mr Bailey didn't have a clue), I was ready to commit to a purchase. What followed next can only be described as disgusting and bordering on unconscionable conduct.

Can you believe that Mr Bailey refused to sell me the NextG card unless I signed up on a plan right there and then! Why? Because it was the last card in the shop and he wasn't prepared to sell it to me unless he was going to make commission on the plan. WTF!!!! Who the hell does this guy think he is? What right does he have to refuse the sale of product unless I sign my life away; without being given ANY information on plans or the opportunity to look into the "Got ya by the balls" fine print? So what was my reaction to this bully boy tactic? Stick it where the sun don't shine and goodbye! Mr Bailey's reply was that "it's up to me whether I want to sell the item to you, regardless of whether there are no terms or conditions that stipulate whether you must sign-up upon purchase".

I can't believe this crap. If there is no other reason for someone to kick Telstra's ass for being monopolistic, then surely this is it. As a consumer I shouldn't have to put up with this sort of 'BS", especially from a shop Manager and especially when I'm forking out top dollar for product. Makes you wonder who you can turn to if you're not happy with the service you received when the staff member providing the service is the boss!.

Still fuming, I headed on down to a nice little cafe called "Bondi Junction Cosmopolitan" (as it's across the road from where my eye appointment is) to grab a coffee, a bite to eat and blog :-)

So, where too from here? Well, I'm not sure. I'm pretty pissed off at the moment. Should I take things further and complain to Telstra, the ACCC and the ACMA; should I just blog about it, start a thread on Whirlpool and winge to Not Good Enough; or should I just suck it in and stop complaining because in the end Telstra is the only one that I can sign-up with anyway? I'll think about it over my latte and chicken and mushroom wrap and get back to you.

Part 2 - 14:00 on Wednesday 17th January 2007

Well, I've finished my lunch and have an idea. I'll go to the Telstra shop here in Bondi Junction and ask if I can just buy the card and sign-up later, or if I sign up now is there a cooling off period. Why would I want to do this? To see if my earlier experience was typical practice for Telstra or whether I just happen to get a real prat first time 'round. Then I can decide what I'm going to do about this little problem. So, off I go............

Part 3 - 19:30 on Wednesday 17th January 2007

Ok, I'm now sitting in the Qantas club lounge at Sydney Airport pondering what am I going to do. Today's experience really makes me wonder how on earth things got so bad and what can/should be done about it. But wait; there's more. Let me take you back a few hours; to 14:30 at the Telstra Shop at Bondi Junction.

I made it too the Telstra shop without being mugged or beaten up by disgruntle minorities and was pleasantly surprised by the great service. This time I was served by Natalie who was very helpful and advised that I could just purchase the card now and sign-up later or sign-up now and get a 24hr cooling off period. She did however advise that to sign-up I would need to visit a Telstra dealer and show 100 points of ID which is a pain, but in reality just a minor inconvenience as there's one on every corner (nearly as bad as Macca's) so doesn't really put me out. By this time I had gotten over my previous experience so purchased the card and decided to sign up when I got back to Canberra. So, off I went happy as Larry to my eye appointment with my NextG card in a pretty Telstra bag.

So, I get to my appointment and have about 30mins to wait so decided to open my shrink-wrapped package and read the manual; something I'd never usually do but felt compelled to do today for some reason. I'm so glad I did as there was a problem. The software installation disc was missing. NO!!!!!!!! WHY ME!!!!!!! Aaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrggggggggg . What am I going to do now? My appointment is in 30mins so don't have time to go back to the Telstra shop and probably won't get time after my appointment. Luckily for me I was called into my appointment early so wasn't able to dwell on the issue any longer.

Ok, I finished my appointment, I had a headache from all the flashing lights and tests and it was 5:15pm so I had no chance to make it to the Telstra Shop before they closed at 5:30. Anyway, there was no point in getting more upset so I decided to call Natalie to see what could be done. Although I was disappointed to hear that she had left, I was very happy to hear that they were open until 7pm tonight and all I had to do was go back and exchange the packed. Yippee.

Once again I made it to the Telstra shop unscathed and within minutes had made my exchange. After further talks with Rebecca (Sales assistant), I decided to sign-up on the casual pay-as-you-go monthly plan.

Ok, we're back at 19:30 (well, it's actually 20:15) in the Qantas lounge and the saga continues.

I installed the software, plugged the card in and connected to the Telstra NextG network. Wow, it works. No hustles, no pain, all good (CAVIAT: The install was done under Windows XP. I am well aware that there are issues using these cards with Vista but don't plan to tackle them until I get my upgrade CD from Dell). After a quick check of my email, I decided to test the Wireless Hotspot features of the plan. This is where my grief continued.

One of the great features about the plan I signed up on is that it can be used with the NextG network or with Telstra Wireless Hotspots which means I only need to plug in the NextG card if there is no Telstra Wireless Hotspot available. Very convenient. I disconnected from the NextG network, removed the card, switched on my Wireless, connected to the Telstra Wireless Hotspot available in the Qantas lounge and launched IE. As expected, I was redirected to the Telstra login page where I proceeded to type in my NextG mobile number and password. I clicked on the login button and was presented with a message that stated "Telstra Wireless Hotspot service is only available to Telstra post-paid mobile customers". Ah, silly me; must have typed something in wrong; let's try again. WTF, same message Why is life so hard!

Confused I clicked on the link titled "Accessing the service" and saw written in black and white (well, black and blue in Telstra's case):

There are six ways of paying to use the Telstra Wireless Hotspot service. The valid payment methods are via:

1. Telstra Post-Paid mobile account
2. An Approved Credit card
3. Telstra PhoneAway card (Fly Buys customers excluded)
4. Telstra Wireless Hotspot Prepaid card / Telstra Wireless Hotspot Day Pass
5. Telstra BigPond service (excluding BigPond Pre-Paid Dial-Up accounts) or
6. Telstra Mobile Broadband PC Pack account (My Plan).

Further down the page was:

Option F - Bill to your Telstra Mobile Broadband PC Pack Account
All Telstra Mobile Broadband PC Pack subscribers will be able to access the Telstra Wireless Hotspot service and have the charges billed to their Telstra Mobile Broadband PC Pack account. For more information visit http://www.telstra.com.au/mobile/business/products/planspricing.htm

After reading this and the link provided, I was not able to find the answer to my problem so gave up and rang the Telstra support line where I was promptly advised that the account had been setup wrong and it would take 3-4 business days to fix. By this stage I'd had enough and if it wasn't for the fact that Qantas was making the final boarding call for my flight, I probably would have let fly; instead I had to accept his explanation and end the conversation.

Conclusion - 9:15pm on Qantas Jet

I really don't know what to do about these issues. Do I voice my concerns and dissatisfaction with Telstra and other parties, or do I just let it ride and limit it to this blog as I really don't need anymore stress in my life (which is what I'll end up with if I take things further). Perhaps, I'll just wait and see what pans out with the last issue (no Hotspot access) and whether Telstra plans to compensate me for 5 lost days of access. No doubt this will not be the end of my drama's and I'll probably blog some more about the issue; but for now I'm just going to enjoy another glass of wine and my little tub of dip and bread sticks!

Cheers
Jeff

P.S. Oh yeah. The main reason for going to Sydney was to see whether I was a candidate for Intacs surgery on my right eye to fix my Keratoconus. Well, it turns out that I am and should hopefully be having the operation in 3-4 weeks. The day wasn't a total disaster after all :-)

Happy Birthday To Me

It's my birthday today (EDIT: well, it was actually on Saturday 13th when I started this draft and forgot to blog it!) and I'm only three years away from the big 40 (for those that can't work it out, that makes me 37!). According to the averages, this also takes me to the half-way mark of my life; boy hasn't it been fun!

Yesterday Laura took me to lunch at the AXIS Restaurant where I had a Prawn and Avocado entree and Roast Lobster with Pork Belly main. The food was fantastic. This morning I was treated to lots of present (mainly clothes as I'm still living in the seventies) and I will be going to the Jasmine House restaurant for dinner tonight with the tribe (they make a mean Chilli Mortan Bay Bug Dish EDIT: They'd run out of bugs so couldn't get my dish. When the restaurant heard that it was my Birthday, they cooked up the one and only bug just for me).

The photo is of me a few days after birth. Wish I still had that much hair!

Designing and Managing Indexes for Performance (Greg Linwood - SQL Server MVP)

Canberra SQL Server User Group Presentation

Other than initial design & coding issues, designing indexes is the most crucial step toward achieving high levels of database performance. Managing indexes is also critical to maintain performance on an on-going basis.

In this session, local SQL Server MVP Greg Linwood describes precisely how indexes work, how they should be designed to maximise query performance (both retrieval and update) and how to manage them effectively.

In addition, some well established industry "best practices" will be challenged, providing some potentially new ideas even for the experienced database professional.

About the Presenter

Greg Linwood is the Managing Director of "SQL Servants" - a dedicated Australian SQL Server infrastructure support business and also Australian Director of "Solid Quality Learning" - the world's leading provider of expert SQL Server training.

Greg has worked in a range of developer & DBA capacities with SQL Server since 1993 and first received Microsoft’s SQL Server MVP award in 2003. He has gained significant expertise in SQL Server tuning & optimisation techniques and most of his professional time is currently spent tuning various customer SQL Server systems.

Greg is passionate about building high quality SQL Server community events in Australia and is one of the founders of the Australian SQL Server User Group.

Venue: Canberra Microsoft Office, Level 2, 44 Sydney Avenue, BARTON ACT, Australia
When: Wednesday, 14 February 2007
Duration: Pizza & drinks from 5:00 pm for a 5:30 pm start. Finish approximately 7pm
Registration: www.sqlserver.org.au

Microsoft E-Learning - Collection 5139: Designing, Implementing, and Managing a Microsoft® Windows Mobile® Infrastructure

Another collection of e-Learning courses geared towards Mobile devices. This one is designed to assist you with gaining 70-500 (TS: Microsoft Windows Mobile Designing, Implementing, and Managing) certification.

Courses in the 5139 Collection:

Course 5140: Planning Microsoft® Windows Mobile® Infrastructure

Description:
In this online learning course, you plan a Windows Mobile infrastructure. You identify server hardware and software requirements, consider enterprise data access, secure internal and external environments, explore data synchronization methods, and select mobile devices.

Objectives:
At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Identify server hardware and software requirements for a Windows Mobile-compatible infrastructure.
• Apply the considerations for securely accessing enterprise data.
• Select an appropriate method to secure enterprise data in the external and internal environments.
• Select an appropriate method for an organization to synchronize data on mobile devices.
• Select an appropriate mobile device and connectivity option for an organization.

Course 5141: Configuring Microsoft® Exchange Server 2003 for Microsoft® Windows Mobile® Devices

Description:
In this online learning course, you configure Microsoft® Exchange Server 2003 for Microsoft® Windows Mobile® Devices including securing mobile access, using SSL certificates, and device synchronization. In addition, you configure a reverse prozy server and firewall to secure external access.

Objectives:
At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Configure Exchange Server 2003 to allow mobile devices access to messaging.
• Configure the reverse proxy and the firewall for secure mobile access to the server running Exchange Server.
• Install and configure SSL certificates to secure data that is transmitted between the server running Exchange Server and the mobile devices.
• Configure synchronization between the mobile devices and the server running Exchange Server by using Exchange Administration Tool and Active Directory Services Interfaces (ADSI).

Course 5142: Managing and Configuring Microsoft® Windows Mobile® Applications and Devices

Description:
In this online learning course, you manage files, systems, and applications on Microsoft® Windows Mobile® devices. You design a CSP file to provision features of mobile devices. In addition, you enable mobile access to SQL Mobile data and configure network and security settings.

Objectives:
At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Manage mobile devices and files.
• Manage mobile device applications.
• Describe how provisioning mobile devices works.
• Manage mobile devices using CSP.
• Configure publications and retrieve data using SQL Server Mobile 2005.
• Troubleshoot common issues on mobile devices.

Course 5143: Configuring Microsoft® Windows Mobile® Device Network Connectivity

Description:
In this online learning course, you configure VPN Client and Proxy connections, Wi-Fi connections, cellular and Bluetooth connectivity for Windows Mobile devices. In addition, you setup a modem and GPRS cellular connections.

Objectives:
At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Configure VPN and proxy connections on a mobile device by using Connection Manager.
• Configure and use Wi-Fi connections.
• Configure and troubleshoot cellular connections.
• Configure and use Bluetooth connectivity.

Course 5144: Managing Synchronization Options for Microsoft® Windows Mobile® Devices

Description:
In this online learning course, you deploy ActiveSync by using Group Policy and configure Direct Push and OTA synchronization for Windows Mobile devices. In addition, you configure desktop synchronization using Microsoft Windows XP.

Objectives:
At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Configure synchronization by using Exchange Server.
• Configure desktop synchronization.
• Troubleshoot issues with synchronization.
• Configure mobile messaging

Course 5145: Managing Enterprise Security for Microsoft® Windows Mobile® Devices

Description:
In this online learning course, you configure security settings and local security for Windows Mobile devices. In addition, you monitor mobile devices using the Web Administration tool and configure access to file shares between the device and a computer.

Objectives:
At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Manage security on mobile devices using the ActiveSync Web Administration tool.
• Secure mobile devices by configuring security settings at the enterprise-level.
• Configure authentication and encryption.
• Secure wireless data transmission on mobile devices.
• Configure local security for mobile devices.

New Toy - Dell Latitude D820

DISCLAIMER: This hardware review was conducted on product purchased with cold hard cash; therefore, if it appears that this review is bias towards Dell, it is because I love Dell laptop’s and when I purchase product, it is usually because it meets MY requirements and I’ve researched what I want.

FURTHER DISCLAIMER: The copy of Windows Vista Ultimate used for this review was a gift from Microsoft to say thanks for helping out on the Beta. The fact that I used this free version, instead of a copy from our MSDN Subscription, has not influenced my review one iota.

Just before Christmas I took delivery of a new toy; a Dell Latitude D820 laptop. This is my 5^th Dell laptop and once again I’m very impressed. I’m not going to do a full review as there are heaps out there already (like this one), I’m just going to tell you a bit about it's configuration, security features and my Vista experience.

The first thing I noticed about my new toy was how much lighter it was than my Acer C300 Tablet, despite being a fair bit larger. How much lighter? Who cares! It’s lighter and I’m not about to weigh them just so that I can discuss grams with everyone and get flamed by people who compare laptop weights and complain about how heavey model xyz is. This is a desktop replacement so get over it! The unit is also well built, has no dead pixels, is super fast and very quiet (even with the fan running at full throttle). Heat wise it’s pretty good and hasn’t managed to melt my nylon trackies (like the Acer) or catch on fire (yet!).

The unit came pre-loaded with Windows XP Professional with an Express Upgrade to Windows Vista Business due for delivery in February 2007. The important specs of the unit are:

• Intel Core 2 Duo T7600 2.33 GHz
• 4GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM
• Discrete 512MB NVIDIA Quadro NVS 120M TurboCache Video Card
• 15.4” Wide Aspect UXGA+ (1920 x 1200) UltraSharp TM Display
• Intel PROWireless 3945 (802.11 a/g) MiniPCI
• Integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet
• Dell TrueMobile 350 Bluetooth
• 100GB SATA 7200RPM
• 8X DVD+/-RW Combo Drive
• UPEK Fingerprint Reader
• Trusted Platform Module
• SmartCard Reader
• PCI Card Slot
• ExpressCard Slot
• 3 x USB 2.0
• 2 x Powered USB
• 1394 Connector

I was very keen to install Vista, but decided to do three things first:

1. Play around with the security features of the laptop
2. Install all my development software, utilities and Microsoft Office Ultimate
3. Buy a second 100GB SATA 7200rpm Hard Drive for Vista (so that I can still use XP)

Security Features

Although the D820 comes with the Smart Card reader and Trusted Platform Module as part of the standard package, I configured my unit with a Fingerprint reader as well. Why? Because my Acer has a Smart Card and I just left it in the unit all the time which defeats the purpose of having one and I also have fingerprint readers at home (Microsoft Keyboard) and work (Microsoft Standalone Reader) and use them all the time. Do I need all this security? Depends how valuable you consider client data or the IP in your code!

Smart Card

Cards supported:-ISO 7816 1/2/3/4 microprocessor cards (T=0, T=1), 3v & 5v, Java Card
Reader certification:- WHQL certified for Microsoft PS/SC, EMV Level 1, 9600 to 115200 BPS

Fingerprint Reader

The fingerprint reader is very responsive and positioned between the left and right mouse buttons of the touchpad which makes it quick and easy to access. The ETS software is simple to use and leaves the DigitalPersona Software (bundled with MS products) for dead.

Marketing blurb: The fingerprint reader helps deliver a higher level of security than passwords by offering the capability to perform fingerprint authentication and template storage within a module in the scanner. This hardware-based security prevents software hackers from influencing match results. Advanced sensing technology counters spoofing and hacking attempts e.g. using a photocopy of a fingerprint or a fake finger and the 248-pixel-wide swipe reader senses both the surface and subsurface of the finger providing high quality sensing that recognises authorised users and rejects unauthorised users more reliably.

With the pre-installed ETS security software, you can enroll your fingerprint and from then on all you need to do is swipe your finger to log on to Windows. For added security, you can also use pre-boot authentication to protect the notebook at the power-on level and counter data theft.

Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

The TPM is a security hardware device on the system board that will hold computer generated keys for encryption. It is a hardware based solution that can help avoid attacks by hackers looking to capture passwords and encryption keys to sensitive data.

The security features provided by the TPM are internally supported by the following cryptographic capabilities of each TPM: hashing, random number generation, asymmetric key generation, and asymmetric encryption/decryption. Each individual TPM on each individual computer system has a unique signature initialized during the silicon manufacturing process that further enhances its trust/security effectiveness. Each individual TPM must have an Owner before it is useful as a security device.

TPM is useful for anyone that is interested in providing an addition layer of security to the computer system. The TPM, when bundled with an optional security software package (ETS), can provide overall system security, file protection capabilities and protect against email /privacy concerns. TPM helps provide security that can be stronger than that contained in the system BIOS, operating system, or any non-TPM application.

EMBASSY Trust Suite (ETS)

The ETS is the key to using the above features and provides:

• Login Security


• Embassy Security Center - Manages multi-factor authentication (Passwords, fingerprint reader, Smart card & TPM) for a total of ten different combinations
• Pre-Boot Login - Support for Smart card or UPEK Fingerprint reader prompt before the operating system boots


• Data Protection & Encryption


• Document Manager - Designed for strong file and folder encryption with a protected virtual drive that is integrated with Windows^® Explorer and File menu operations.


• Password Protection and Automation


• Private Information Manager - Provides password protection & automation by password management for application, web, and TPM-based passwords including simplified sign on.


• Secure Email through TPM


• Secure Wizards - Wizards to add hardware-security to email, wireless authentication, and Microsoft's Encrypting File System


• Private Key Infrastructure Support


• Enabled Cryptographic Service Provider - Built in to allow any application that uses a PKI infrastructure to use the hardware security of the TPM.

Software Installation

Not much to say except that this machine is super fast and things installed very quickly and smoothly. Silk Road also runs superbly, even in the highest resolution and graphics quality :-)

Windows Vista

After searching for 3 days for a 100GB SATA 7200RPM hard drive and wasting 60 minutes (return trip) driving to AB&T Systems (Phillip ACT) because they said they had one but didn’t (Idiots), I finally gave up and ordered one from the Technology Warehouse (Mitchell ACT) and wait 2 days for delivery. Don’t ya hate it when you really want to do something but can’t due to circumstances beyond your control? Anyway, enough whining and on with the rest of my blog.

According to Dell’s Windows Vista Help Centre, the D820 is compatible with Windows Vista and Windows Aero as long as it is configured with at least 1GB of Dual Channel Memory and a premium graphics card. So, I’ve got 4GB of RAM, but what is a premium graphics card? Considering that the unit can only be configured with a “NVIDIA Quadro NVS 120M 512MB TurboCache” card, I assumed that this must be one.

Just to be sure, I downloaded the Dell Windows Vista Readiness Advisor and ran it on my machine. Imagine my shock when it reported back that Windows Aero was not supported on this machine. What the hell! How can this be so? I thought Dell’s site said it’s supported? Aaaaaarrrrrgggggg……After a few minutes of head banging, I decided to install Vista anyway

The install took about 10-15 minutes which was super fast; and guess what, no Aero!!!!! The first thing I did was check my Windows Experience Index and was disappointed to see that the D820 only rated 2.0. The scores were:

• Processor: 5.2
• Memory: 4.7
• Graphics: 2.0
• Primary Hard Disk: 4.9

Before I had a chance to do anything else, Windows Update popped up and advised of some updates. One of these was a NVIDIA update so I checked it and did the update. After the machine rebooted, I noticed that Aero was working. Now I’m really confused!!!!! I went back to check the Windows Experience Index as saw that it was showing “unrated”. So, I clicked on “Update my score” to see what would happen. Well, this time it returned with a score of 3.1 and showed Graphics as 3.7 and Gaming Graphics as 3.1. Very interesting indeed. I love you NVIDIA.

After a quick review of “Device Manager”, the only hardware not working was the “Biometric Coprocessor” which is the fingerprint reader. Dell’s support site had some updated drivers for Audio, QuickSet and Touchpad, but no fingerprint reader. I’m hoping this will become available closer to the Express Upgrade shipping date. They will certainly be on the Dell Upgrade companion CD.

I haven’t done anymore with Vista and don’t expect to until I get my upgrade package from Dell. Besides, I’ve been too busy playing Silk Road!!!!!!!

Cheers
Jeff

Update: Windows Mobile 70-500 and 70-540 Beta Exam Results

Below is an update from Howard Dierking (Product Planner, Developer and Database Certifications, Microsoft Corporation) regarding the release of Beta exam results for 70-500 and 70-540:

"We just finished (as in, this last week) the round of meetings where we determine the minimum passing scores. I don't have the exact date in front of me at the moment - but the live exam (and your scores) should be released very soon. I'll post an announcement on my blog when the release happens. If it would make life easier by not having to check this thread, just subscribe to the rss and you'll see when it happens."

His original post can be found here.

Cheers
Jeff

Tagged by Mitch

I haven't had much time to read all my blog subscriptions so wasn't really up with this 'tagging' thing that's been doing the rounds; that was until Mitch tagged me (never miss reading his blog on a daily basis).

So, here are five things you may not know about me (that doesn't include you honey!)

1. I had a Music Scholarship (Singing) at Perth Modern School (WA) and dropped out after 3 years to study computers.
2. I left school 6 weeks before the end of year 11 just to spite my parents.
3. My first job was working for Woolworths Mt Hawthorn (WA), as a Fruit and Veg Manager, which lasted 18 months.
4. I have Keratoconus and had a cornea transplant 4 years ago. Will probably need to have another one this year.
5. I was a choco (Australian Army Reservist) and was assigned to 'A Squadron - 10th Light Horse' in Perth WA. I drove armoured vehicles.

Now it's time for Warren Schaefer, Peter Ward, Karl Davies-Barrett, Kyle Rosenthal and Alexander Duggleby.

Cheers
Jeff