What is a VPN?

A. VPN is an acronym for Virtual Private Network. A VPN provides an encrypted and secure connection “tunnel” from a user’s computer to its destination over the Internet.

Windows Server 2012 “Early Experts” Challenge – December Sweepstakes

You could win a FREE exam voucher pack for the MCSA on Windows Server 2012 certification! In December 2012, we are sponsoring an “Early Experts” Challenge Sweepstakes for IT Pros located in the US!  To be eligible, you’ll just need to complete one new Knowledge Quest on Windows Server 2012 between Dec 3rd and Dec […]

RAID 5, explained

RAID 5, explained RAID 5 (block-level striping with distributed parity) distributes parity along with the data and requires all drives but one to be present to operate; drive failure requires replacement, but the array is not destroyed by a single drive failure. Upon drive failure, any subsequent reads can be calculated from the distributed parity such […]

Windows 2003 Firewall – Allow FTP in Passive Mode

Over the past few years, I have written many applications that are stand-alone executables (Win Forms) that manage all of the business’ information locally and then sync up with a web server (real time or periodically). These applications (inventory, eBay-related, apartment finders, photography studios, etc.) will sync information through secure web services but often need to FTP files (PDFs, […]