dRews Rambling Thoughts

VMware iFix Webspace Performance Issues - JAVA

2010-09-06T19:51:00.000-07:00

We have consolidated some JAVA based workloads into ESXi and some performance issues found us.
Specifically, we virtualized the GE Webspace product for our manufacturing equipment and after a few concurrent users it would respond erratically - either slowly or just crash outright.

After attending a VMware support session they talked about how JAVA was one of their Top-10 support calls. Webspace is a JAVA based application.

Here is the link to the Support Best Practices from VMware for JAVA:
http://www.vmware.com/resources/techresources/1087

What I found - use the RAM reservation!!

I enabled the RAM reservation and rebooted the server and all of our performance issues went away. There are several other best practice suggestions in the document and I'm sure they will help in an environment that is more heavily utilized then ours. But for us, the RAM reservation solved the problem.

First Step to Virtualizing - Consolidation

2010-09-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

Several people I have talked too think that virtualizing their environment with VMware is just too expensive. They are looking at the whole pie and not taking individual pieces.

Step #1 - Consolidation

How many physical servers do you have in a server room (or closet as the case may be)?

For most mid-size companies this could be 10-15 or more servers. In our case it was close to 30 servers and growing when I started our virtualization project.

So how to start? This seems to be one of the thorniest issues around. Do you go "all-in" or start slow with some small scale proof-of-concept P2V (physical-to-virtual) conversions? Truth is, go with what you are comfortable with. If you have zero virtualization experience, I suggest starting with a workstation product for a few weeks to get used to working in a virtualized environment.
If you are more comfortable in virtualization then find an older server and install on of the free hypervisors - my preference is VMware ESXi free edition. It is exactly the same as the super expensive vSphere Enterprise Plus edition but just does not contain all the management tools and features. A great way to start down the path.

Also, don't be fooled by the hype - Consolidation ratios published by VMware are TRUE!!
I have achieved 12 to 15 server consolidation ratio. That is, on a single dual processor server I am running, in production, 12-15 virtualized servers. The largest constraint on consolidate I have found is - RAM. Not disk I/O, not network performance, not CPU but physical RAM in the server.

We have virtualized SQL Server 2005, Exchange 2007, Red-Hat Linux, Hyperion, GE iFix WebSpace and many other production, "Tier 1" applications.

Next post - Step 2 - Physical Servers and why you don't need to purchase the newest, greatest fire-breathing monster of a server for virtualization. Chances are you either have one today you can use or you can get one rather inexpensively.
So, get out there and go for it!

New Blog Focus - Virtualization in the Middle of SMB

2010-09-02T18:53:00.000-07:00

I am going to try and renew some focus to this blog and my work on virtualization projects.

Specifically - how do you virtualize a Middle size business and do so within the constraints of small budgets.

So - stay tuned, more to come

Gestalt IT - VMworld contest

2010-08-12T10:51:00.000-07:00

Gestalt IT is running a contest to "Get away to VMworld"

Just go to this site:
http://gestaltit.com/all/tech/virtualization/stephen/vmworld-contest-enhanced-extended/

The contest askes for a "Pay it Forward" idea for your free trip to VMWorld.

Sponsers:
Zetta, Veeam, Xsigo and Symantec

VSphere 4 ESXi iSCSI - Iomega IX-200 setup

2010-02-07T12:19:00.000-08:00

I purchased a Iomega IX-200 2TB NAS and was getting it setup for my ESXi server to connect to.

Setup an iSCSI share in the IX-200
Run the VSphere Client and connect to your ESXi system

Go to the configuration tab
Click on the Networking section

Add Networking

Add a VMKernal
Setup on either the same vSwitch if you only have one or on a secondary NIC
Assign it to a static IP address on your network

Click on the Storage Adapters section

Click on the iSCSI entry under Software Adapters
Click on Properties
Click on the box to enable iSCSI
Click on the tab for Dynamic Discovery
Add the IP address of the IX-200

Rescan all the adapters to find the iSCSI share on the IX-200
Once the new iSCSI share is found you can create a new storage datashare

Windows 7 64bit VPN client - Cisco ASA

2010-01-12T15:05:00.000-08:00

Had a minor issue with connecting my 64bit Win7 client to our Cisco ASA.
Our ASA does not currently support the AnyConnect Cisco client (our firmware/software combo does not support this yet).

So, I had to go looking for a VPN client that could connect my laptop....found it with a company called NCP. Look for their Universal IPSec client.

http://www.ncp-e.com/

Purchased their client - installed the client.
Now - how do I configure this thing.....

Turns out it is very, very easy.

Just do a file/open in NCP and point it at your Cisco config file - it magically does the rest.

Fully configured and ready to go without my having to do anything other than an installation.

I Love it!

Software List - WIndows 7 64bit

2010-01-12T15:00:00.000-08:00

Here is my updated list of software I have running on my Windows 7 64bit machine:

Flash 10
Apple iTunes with iPhone support
Java 6 update 17 (32 and 64 bit)
JRE 1.6.0_10
KeePass 2.09
Microsoft Live Meeting
Microsoft Forefront Client
Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 R2 (OCS)
Microsoft Office 2007 Professional Plus
NCP VPN Client (for 64 bit VPN access to Cisco ASA)
Nitro PDF Pro
OpenEdge 10.1B
PGP Desktop
QuickTime
Royal TS
Skype 4.1
TinyTerm
TreeSize Pro 5.3.2
Vmware Infrastructure Client 2.5
VMware Workstation
WebEx Client
Windows Live Essentials
Windows XP Mode (just about to ditch this and go total VMware Workstation)
WinRAR

Forefront Corporate AV Malware Solution - Single Server

2010-01-10T14:57:00.000-08:00

I have finished a project to install and configure a Forefront single server solution. We are using this to replace a current TrendMicro Officescan product.
     My experience with Trend was that it did great with AV but was very lacking in tools and detection of malware. So far Forefront has been excellent at detection and cleaning of malware issues.

This solution is installed under VMWare ESX v3.5 running a guest OS of Windows 2003 R2.

Installed Forefront server in a single server mode using most of the default settings.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb404225.aspx

Once installed you have to setup your initial Forefront policies - this is done in the admin console. Once you have defined a policy for scanning and what the client will allow you have the option to either add this to an existing GPO or create/link a new GPO. This is very easy and the software does most of the work for you.

Now that you have a policy linked in GPO you have to deploy the client software.
For us, we use SCCM and this was setup to push to all of our Office grade machines. Just created a silent installation package and pushed it via SCCM.
       This link my help in locating the new Forefront client installation MSI:
http://blogs.technet.com/fcsnerds/archive/2009/04/01/slipstreaming-a-client-security-client-installation.aspx
       Here is a good blog entry on how to create the package in SCCM (it is very straightforward to do)
http://blogs.microsoft.co.il/blogs/yanivf/archive/2008/02/20/deploying-forefront-client-security-using-sccm-2007-step-by-step.aspx

Lastly, we have to setup SCCM to update all the definitions. I used the following post as a template for how to get this done:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd185652.aspx

I have had great success with this setup. If you want to experiment with Forefront prior to your own installatoin I suggest the Technet Virtual Labs:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/forefront/clientsecurity/bb499665.aspx

MOSS 2007 Slow with Windows 7 - RESOLVED!

2009-09-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

I have been having a problem with my new Windows 7 (64 bit) installation where SharePoint 2007 was running really SLOW.

Found this posting and it's solution worked for me - MOSS is lightning fast now both with upload and download.

www.graphicalwonder.com/?p=711

In IE - Tools, Internet Options, Connections, LAN Settings, unselect the option for Automatically detect settings.

Windows 7 Avast Antivirus

2009-09-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

Running the personal edition of Avast (v 4.8-1351)

So far it runs will with no major problems.

It does seem to have an issue when it wants to update the program. It says that it needs to update but it never seems to engage the UAC - thus, it never updates.

The virus databases do seem to be updating - just the main program that has an issue.

Windows 7 64 bit HP Laserjet 1022 driver RESOLVED

2009-09-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

I have finally resolved my problems with the 1022 laserjet driver and Windows 7 64 bit.

The problem is related to a HP dll - hpbmini.dll

What you have to do is the following:

Install the 64 bit HP 1022 driver in Compatibility mode for Vista 64 bit SP1
Download the HP driver for the Laserjet 4345 MFP (driver only NOT the plug-n-play version)
Extract the driver to a temp folder
Open the hpc4345t.cab file using windows (just double-click the file to open it like a zip)
Locate the hpbmini.dll file and extract it (right-click and select extract) back to the temp location
Verify the file is the correct version (1.0.0.19 or higher) - right-click the file, select properties, then the details tab to view this.
Copy this file into the following locations - replace the older version that is there: c:\windows\system32
c:\windows\system32\spool\drivers\x64\3 (your system may have a different number, do a search for hpbmini.dll to find its locations)
Reboot
Add the new printer using the existing driver (do not replace the driver or you will have to do this again)

This should also work for other Host based HP printers that are having driver issues - HP 2600n printer for example.

Windows 7 64 bit - PDF Viewer - PDFXchange

2009-08-17T12:20:00.001-07:00

I found (as have several others) that Adobe products are not native 64 bit.

On Windows 7 64 bit the Adobe PDF viewer was crashing the 32bit print spooler.
I could not find a work-around for this issue.

I downloaded and installed the PDFXchange viewer from www.docu-track.com - it is a native 64 bit PDF viewer and it works great with both 32 and 64 bit IE 8.
Printing works great with no issues.

Windows 7 64bit - HP 2600n Printer Driver

2009-08-17T11:50:00.001-07:00

I have so far been unsuccessful in install the 64 bit driver for the HP Laserjet 2600n printer on Windows 7 64 bit.
The universal driver, which I have installed and use, does not work for host based printers.

When I attempt to point the printer to the driver files it will crash the Print Spooler and then if you force the installation it will crash WIndows Explorer!!

I have not found a solution to this - anyone??

WIndows 7 D630 - Alps Touchpad

2009-05-17T07:34:00.001-07:00

Found this site which referenced a newer Vista version of the TouchPad drivers.
http://windows7forums.com/windows-7-support/882-laptop-touchpad-not-working-windows-7-7000-a.html

I went to the Toshiba site and downloaded the newest version available for Vista:
http://eu.computers.toshiba-europe.com/innovation/download_driver_details.jsp?service=EU&selCategory=2&selFamily=4&selSeries=243&selProduct=821&selShortMod=null&language=13&selOS=all&selType=all&yearupload=&monthupload=&dayupload=&useDate=null&mode=allMachines&search=&action=search&macId=&country=all&selectedLanguage=13&type=all&page=1&ID=65296&OSID=26&driverLanguage=42

I have installed this on my D630 and so far so good - no errors.

Windows 7 RC Quest AD Powershell ISE

2009-05-12T11:14:00.000-07:00

I added the Quest AD Powershell Management tools to my Windows 7 RC build.
They work great in the built-in Powershell ISE.

You do have to have a single line first in the script to make them available:
add-pssnapin Quest.ActiveRoles.ADManagement

Windows 7 RC WinDirStat

2009-05-12T11:06:00.000-07:00

Another program update.

WinDirStat v1.1.2 is working just fine. It did flag a installation warning that I had to click on the 'This Program installed Correctly' button.
http://windirstat.info/

Great little program for finding what is chewing all your local drive space.

Windows 7 HP 1022n

2009-05-11T11:08:00.001-07:00

Downloaded the newest Vista driver from HP for the 1022 series printer.
Ran the install and then pointed the printer to use this driver for the 1022n printer and it works great now.

Windows 7 RC Printer Drivers

2009-05-05T14:29:00.001-07:00

I have installed the following printers on my Win7 RC build:

HP Color Laserjet 3800dtn
-driver installs without problem (did not use the universal driver)
HP Color Laserjet 3600
-there is no driver for this unit - using the universal color laserjet PCL driver
HP Laserjet 1022n
-no driver for this one, using the Laserjet 1015 driver
HP Laserjet 8100
-driver installs without a issue

These drivers were either obtained using the Windows Update or direct download from HP.

Windows 7 RC Programs Loaded

2009-05-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

Programs running on my Windows 7 RC build

Microsoft Office 2007 SP1
Citrix XenApp Client
PGP Desktop v9.9.1
- This has issues with the seamless detection and asking of passphrase
VMWare Workstation v6.5.2
Live Messenger
Live Outlook Connector
Microsoft Money Deluxe v17.0.120.1415
- There are some problems with this crashing during certain transactions
Cisco VPN Client v5.05
RoyalTS v1.6.6
Adobe Reader v9

Windows 7 RC on Dell D630

2009-05-05T14:14:00.001-07:00

I have rebuilt my laptop with Windows 7 RC.

So far it runs great. No extra drives and it found all the hardware.

It works with the dock and dual monitors without issue.

Hot undock and hot dock works as well.

Running 4GB RAM and Windows consumes about 25% with only Live Messenger and IE running.

Use PowerShell to change Local Admin Passwords on Multiple Machines

2008-11-03T12:53:00.001-08:00

Ran into an issue with the need to change the local administrator password on several servers.
Decided to try my hand with PowerShell to do the job.

After some research I found a few scripts that got me close, so I have done some tweaking and created a script that will:
Thanks to http://poshcode.org/567 and http://myitforum.com/cs2/blogs/yli628/archive/2007/08/23/powershell-script-to-change-administrator-password-on-a-list-of-machines.aspx for getting me on my way with this.

Use a text file list of machine names as input to the script
Create a randomly generated complex password for each machine
Ping the machine to verify it is online
Change the local admin password to the new complex password
Write all changes and passwords to an Excel file

I decided to have it write the passwords to an Excel File so I can easily import them into our Secret Server password management system.

Your milage may vary but this is what I needed:

Copy the below code into PowerGUI Script Editor (or your favorite editor) and it should format all the line breaks correctly.

---------------------------

#
# Script Name: Change Local Admin Passwords
# Version: 1.5
# Author: Andrew H. Bradley II
# Date: 11/3/08
#
# Description:
# Requires Microsoft Excel to be available on the machine running this script!
#
# This script will accept a list of machine names from c:\MachineList.txt
# Using that list it will ping each machine to verify it is active.
# Once verified it will use the credentials of the script to change the local Administrator account password.
# It will then open an Excel Spreadsheet and write the status of each MachineName and what it's password now is.
# All passwords are randomly generated - the random nature of the passwords can be controlled via the script in line 122
#
# Special Thanks to Ying Li at myITforum.com and to the PowerShell Code Repository for the Complex Password Function
# http://myitforum.com/cs2/blogs/yli628
# http://poshcode.org/567
#
# Functions
Function New-ComplexPassword ([int]$Length=8, $digits=$null, $alphaUpper=$null, $alphaLower=$null, $special=$null)
{
# ASCII data taken from http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/60ecse8t(VS.80).aspx
# Make sure the password is long enough to meet complexity requirements
if($digits+$alphaUpper+$alphaLower+$special -gt $Length) { throw "Password too short for specified complexity" }
# Define character groups and the number of each required by passwords
# In case this is used in a DCPromo answer files, theres a few chars to
# avoid: Ampersand, Less than, double quote and back slash
# (34,38,60,92)
$groups = @()
$group = New-Object System.Object
Add-Member -In $group -Type NoteProperty -Name "Group" -Value "0123456789" # 48..57
Add-Member -In $group -Type NoteProperty -Name "Count" -Value $Digits
$groups += $group
$group = New-Object System.Object
Add-Member -In $group -Type NoteProperty -Name "Group" -Value "ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ" # 65..90
Add-Member -In $group -Type NoteProperty -Name "Count" -Value $alphaUpper
$groups += $group
$group = New-Object System.Object
Add-Member -In $group -Type NoteProperty -Name "Group" -Value "abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyk" # 97..122
Add-Member -In $group -Type NoteProperty -Name "Count" -Value $alphaLower
$groups += $group
$group = New-Object System.Object
Add-Member -In $group -Type NoteProperty -Name "Group" -Value '~`!@#$%^&*()-_={}[]\;:"<>?,./'' ' # 32..47, 58..64, 91..96, 123..126
Add-Member -In $group -Type NoteProperty -Name "Count" -Value $special
$groups += $group
# initilize random number generator
$ran = New-Object Random
# make sure password meets complexity requirements
foreach ($req in $groups)
{
if ($req.count)
{
$charsAllowed += $req.group
for ($i=0; $i -lt $req.count; $i++)
{
$r = $ran.Next(0,$req.group.length)
$password += $req.group[$r]
}
} elseif ($req.count -eq 0) {
$charsAllowed += $req.group
}
}
# make sure password meets length requirement
if(!$charsAllowed)
{
$groups % { $charsAllowed += $_.group }
}
for($i=$password.length; $i -lt $length; $i++)
{
$r = $ran.Next(0,$charsAllowed.length)
$password += $charsAllowed[$r]
}
# randomize the password
return [string]::join('',($password.ToCharArray()sort {$ran.next()}))
}
# Main Program
# Open Excel Object
$a = New-Object -comobject Excel.Application
$a.visible = $True
# Create a new WorkBook/WorkSheet
$b = $a.Workbooks.Add()
$c = $b.Worksheets.Item(1)
# Create the Column Headers
$c.Cells.Item(1,1) = "Machine Name"
$c.Cells.Item(1,2) = "Password Changed"
$c.Cells.Item(1,3) = "Report Time Stamp"
$c.Cells.Item(1,4) = "Password"
# Format the Column Headers
$d = $c.UsedRange
$d.Interior.ColorIndex = 19
$d.Font.ColorIndex = 11
$d.Font.Bold = $True
# Setup first data row following headers
$intRow = 2
# Run this loop for every machine listed in the MachineList.txt file
foreach ($strComputer in get-content C:\MachineList.Txt)
{
$c.Cells.Item($intRow,1) = $strComputer.ToUpper()
#This is using WMI to ping the computers and return a status
$Reply = Gwmi Win32_PingStatus -Filter "Address = '$strComputer'" Select-Object StatusCode
if ($Reply.StatusCode -eq 0)
{
# Use ADSI to change the local administrator account's password
$admin=[adsi]("WinNT://" + $strComputer + "/administrator, user")
# Call the New-ComplexPassword Function to create a new random password
$adminpass=New-ComplexPassword 8 3 2 2 1
# Set the password to the local machine
$admin.SetPassword($adminpass)
# Write the results to the Excel Sheet
$c.Cells.Item($intRow,2).Interior.ColorIndex = 4
$c.Cells.Item($intRow,2) = "Yes"
$c.Cells.Item($intRow,3) = Get-Date
$c.Cells.Item($introw,4) = $adminpass
}
#If the ping reqest fails
Else
{
$c.Cells.Item($intRow,2).Interior.ColorIndex = 3
$c.Cells.Item($intRow,2) = "Not Pingable"
$c.Cells.Item($intRow,3) = Get-Date
}

# Clear the variables for the next loop and increment the row number
$Reply = ""
$adminpass = ""
$intRow = $intRow + 1
}
# Autofit the entire WorkSheet
$d.EntireColumn.AutoFit()
cls

Indy Racing Experience

2008-10-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

I recently had the opportunity to drive an Indy car at the Indianapolis 500 track - part of the Indy Racing Experience.

What a rush! Even if I only got to drive 3 laps, it was a once in a lifetime experience.

When you first get to the track you have to sign your life away on about 10 different forms and insurance paperwork. Then the fun begins. They have you change into a Indy firesuit and shoes - now you start to feel like a driver.

They sit you down in a small room and go over the car:

No Shifting - they will push-start the car in top gear
Gas/Brake/Clutch/Dead Pedal - it is pretty tight in the car and you cannot see down so you have to quickly feel for the pedals.
There is a pace car leading you around the track on the ideal line - stay behind that car at least 6 car lengths.
Drive at your own pace - the pace car will slow you down if the track spotters think you are driving too erratic for the speed.

Out to the track to look at the pit and cars - then you DRIVE!

Once out there I learned that these cars have a Honda Goldwing engine (it is what would fit in the engine compartment). Average speeds range all over, but the fastest was a professional driver with a average of around 120mph.

When it is your turn you get a fire mask and helmet - then strapped into the car. It is a unique feeling as you are mostly laying down in the car and strapped with the racing harness. Not much room at all - I am 6' 3" and very close to the top of the range of allowable heights due to the space constraints.

When the pace car comes around they push you off and you release the clutch and GO!!!!

What a rrush - driving around the track that I have watched many a race on. I now have a totally different view of Indy Racing and even more of an appreciation for what the drivers go thru in a race.

You hit the banked turns and it just sucks the car down the track. Following the lead car, you try and hit the turns high - but that is harder than it seems because in the car it looks like you are driving right into the wall until the turn sucks you down.
The steering is very, very tight - only a little movement causes the car to turn. Definitely not like driving my VW....

They time the second of three laps to get your average speed. I did not do too badly - missed turn two low and drove mostly thru the middle of the turn losing some speed. Other than that I had my foot on the floor and drove!

Average Speed: 105 mph

I'll take that. The fastest driver in our group that day was 110 mph. I think I could have gotten close to that had I not missed the turn low.....

What a great experience. I recommend it for anyone that enjoys racing and driving.

ESXi Copy/Clone VM - Poor Man's Template and Clone

2008-10-01T07:43:00.000-07:00

Ran into an issue today on a ESXi box.

We do not have VirtualCenter in a remote location and we wanted to add a new ESXi server. Do it as cheap as possible - no VC and thus no Templates.

1st problem - need to copy ISO's to the ESXi box to do the Windows installations.
No Problems - just login to the local VI client of the server and use the datastore browser to upload files to the root of datastore1.

Now - use these ISOs to install Windows Server.
Patch Windows Server.

Problem 2 - Without VirtualCenter you do not have the ability to make a template of this server. Also on ESXi you cannot clone a server.

In VI create a new directory in the datastore for your new server
Copy the vmdk file from the Windows Server you created 1st into this new directory. Only copy the vmdk file - nothing else.
Now you need to get a console on ESXi to do some of this work. But, no service console and no SSH. I found a posting on how to enable the 'Tech Support' mode on ESXi and that will open SSH.

WARNING - This is NOT SUPPORTED and introduces Security Issues, follow at your own risk.
From (http://www.yellow-bricks.com/2008/08/10/howto-esxi-and-ssh/)

Go to the ESXi console and press alt+F1
Type: unsupported
Enter the root password
At the prompt type “vi /etc/inetd.conf”
Look for the line that starts with “#ssh” (you can search with pressing “/”)
Remove the “#” (press the “x” if the cursor is on the character)
Save “/etc/inetd.conf” by typing “:wq!”
Restart the management service “/sbin/services.sh restart”

Now login via Putty to get a console.

Navigate to the new directory created above. (cd \vmfs\volumes\datastore1\xxx)
rename the Server to the new name (mv 'Windows1.vmdk' 'Windows2.vmdk')
Need to do this for both files - the vmdk and the *-flat.vmdk
VI Windows2.vmdk
find the line near the top that has the old filename listed
change this filename to the new one and save/exit VI

Back to VMWare VI client

Make a new VM on this server
Choose 'Custom' and when you get to the 'Select a Disk' portion of creation you will browse the datastore and select this newly renamed vmdk file.

Now just start the new VM and go!

EDIT

You can use these same steps to clone a VM.
Just take the VM that you wish to clone and do the VMDK copy from above. Don't forget to edit the new vmdk file and then create a new VM - attach this copy of the vmdk and you have now cloned a VM in ESXi!

ESXi home setup for Cheap

2008-09-21T10:40:00.000-07:00

I was looking to build a cheap home system to run ESXi v3.5.

I was looking to build a system with a dual-core processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB drive. I was also wanting to have a very small case and a system with low electrical consumption.

AMD is selling the cheapest processors for dual-core systems and all of their processors in this range are 64bit compatible. They also have lower power draws than the Intels.
Drawback to the AMD system is that you have to add a NIC and SATA card as ESXi does not support the ones on the motherboard - unless you purchase a more expensive board. To save money I chose to purchase the cheaper motherboard and add the components as it was less expensive than the supported board with integrated components.

Here are the specifications I settled on:
ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS - $46.99 (newegg) AMDA64 X2 5000+ 2.6G - $59.50 (newegg)
2GX2KST KVR800D2K2/4GR RT - $68.49 (newegg)
NIC INTELPWLA8391GTBLK - $24.99 (newegg)
LITE-ONDH-16D3P-08 - $17.99 (newegg)
HD 500GHITC 7K 16M HDP725050GLA360 - $64.99 (newegg)
CASE APEVIA(ASP)X-QPACK-NW-BK/420 - $64.99 (newegg)
Adaptec Serial ATA RAID 1210SA - $19.99 (e-bay)

Total Price with Shipping: $409.39

SmartPhone replacement for Pager

2008-09-21T10:35:00.001-07:00

Here is a great little program that will allow you to use your Windows Mobile SmartPhone as a replacement to a pager.

http://www.watchflag.com

It will "watch" for both e-mail and SMS messages - then it has rules based alerts that can be configured for both the subject and message body.

ESX on Dell Optiplex 755

2008-09-07T19:48:00.000-07:00

In my test environment I am going to use Dell Optiplex 755 machine(s) in place of our normal rack servers. This is for cost reasons as we lease Dell 755 computers and I can use a few of our spare units for this test lab.

The NIC that is in the Optiplex desktops does NOT work with ESX/ESXi
There are several options but the one that seems to be the best is the Intel Pro 1000 series. For this I needed the low profile option as our machines are the SFF model and only support low profile cards. (Intel Pro/1000 GT #PWLA8391GTLBL) $38
I increased the interal drive to a Hitachi 500GB drive (Hitachi #P7K500) $72
RAM is a huge factor for Virtualization so I added 4GB and can go to 8GB if necessary
(Kingston 240 pin DDR2) $87

I did encounter a few bumps along the way:

Processor - you need to have a processor that can run 64bit. Initially my 755 shipped with a E4600 dual-core processor. I enabled VT in the BIOS but it would not run 64bit VMs. This is because all "E" series processor's do not support 64bit - you need to have a "Q" series processor
Here is a link from Intel that will allow a comparison of any processor and the options that each will support:
http://compare.intel.com/PCC/intro.aspx
select "Intel Desktop"
You can use the AMD processors if your box supports them as all of the new AMD processors support 64-bit

I opted to move to a quad-core processor as the costs have decreased:
Q6600 (Quad-Core 2.4GHz) $245

There are a few steps to be taken to get ESX/ESXi to install on a desktop machine. Here are the link that I got this information from:
http://www.vm-help.com/esx/esx3.5/Whiteboxes_SATA_Controllers_for_ESX_3.5_3i.htm
This link gives a good breakdown of what motherboards/machines ESX can run on

http://x220.minasi.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=27913
This link has the setup to get ESX/ESXi to install

Pre-install:
* Go into the Bios and change the SATA operation to "Legacy"
* Enable Virtualization and VT for Direct I/O
* Disable NIC, the NIC on the mobo will not work

VMWare ESX Test/Dev Setup

2008-09-07T19:40:00.001-07:00

I am going to setup a VMWare test environment in order to do both development testing with VMWare and to be able to bring online a "copy" of our production environment.

This test lab will be composed of older servers that have been obsoleted as well as some powerful desktop units.

The goal of this is to be able to bring online VMs that are both 32bit and 64bit - restores from the vRangerPro backup and new VMs. Also, bring online different test iSCSI appliances for testing.

Lastly, in the environment be able to bring in a Backup-Exec v11 and v12 setup to test restorations of our backup to disk and tape situations.

1st Post

2008-09-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

Here I am - guess it is time to get with the technology and start my own blog.

Here is where I am going to post random thoughts about technology and anything else that crosses my mind.

Stay tuned - more to come!