Using vCenter Converter in standalone mode

Taking physical machines and making them virtual is a complex task. That’s why you’ll need tools like VMware’s vCenter Converter to handle the conversion.

How to migrate a firewall

How to  migrate a firewall the ITX how to guide

Set up event subscriptions in Windows 2008

Set up an event subscription between two Windows Server 2008 systems

Sponsored feature - Would the last person out please lock the door

GPO for IE8

If you’re using Active Directory and Group Policies to administer computers on customer networks, suggest they adopt Internet Explorer 8 to get more than 100 new Group Policies that you can use to maintain a stable configuration.

Protecting against power issues in a small office takes more than picking a UPS

Protect computers from power problems and you can extend their working life as well as avoiding downtime and possible data corruption. Losing data on a laptop or desktop is bad enough, but losing a server to a power surge or power cut can be much more severe, potentially even a threat to the business. Losing a mail server or a major database can lead to serious data corruption that will take you time, perhaps even days, to resolve. During that time, your customer’s business is being impacted, and even if they’ve ignored your advice they’re likely to blame you, so you need to explain the danger and convince them to protect their systems.

Dirtection Inc: episode 3

In which a bit of fluff yields up its terrible secret!

Ethel works in Admin. I generally see her at 11 o’clock in the morning and half-past three in the afternoon. We meet by the drinks machine in the foyer of Building C. The machine dispenses a tasteless brown liquid

Managing iPhones more easily

The iPhone continues to increase in popularity and it’s been more suitable for business since the launch of the 3GS, which added hardware encryption. However, configuring and deploying devices remains an issue. Apple’s iPhone management tools are primitive at best, and awkward for any business trying to manage a fleet of devices.

Getting ISO27001 Certification

The requirement for information security certification is spreading from large organisations to small ones. What’s involved, and do you need it?

Saving power, saving money with a green energy audit: cut printer costs and create power plans

Cold mornings and the clocks going back are going to put up heating and lighting bills for businesses as winter draws in, but increasingly IT is putting up the electricity bill too. Power prices have increased significantly this year and it’s not yet clear whether they have peaked. Offer customers a power audit that covers printing, servers, desktop PCs, storage and peripherals or include it when you’re planning a new deployment to sweeten the deal — and try it out in your own office to find out how much you can save by managing IT power.