Scripting - Using telnet through command line or PowerShell

Other than using telnet with this syntax (it is required to install Telnet Client on device using add/remove program or alternative ways)

telnet IP/hostname port_number

telnet 192.168.100.2 443

otherwise you can utilize powershell too with this syntax

PS C:\> Test-NetConnection

or PS C:\> tnc

Example 1: Test ping connectivity

PS C:\> Test-NetConnection

Example 2: Test ping connectivity with detailed results

PS C:\> Test-NetConnection -Port 80 -InformationLevel "Detailed"

Example 3: Test TCP connectivity and display detailed results

PS C:\> Test-NetConnection -ComputerName ayampenyet.com -Port 443

Example 6: Perform route diagnostics to connect to a remote host with routing constraints

PS C:\> Test-NetConnection -ComputerName "www.contoso.com" -ConstrainInterface 5 -DiagnoseRouting -InformationLevel "Detailed"

more examples coud be found here

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/nettcpip/test-netconnection?view=windowsserver2022-ps

Extra IT - Linkedin Social Selling Index

Thanks to "third parties" knowledge sharing I discovered that Linkedin measures our social selling index.

This is link in case you are curious about your SSI:

https://www.linkedin.com/sales/ssi

P.S. Considering that I do not spend so much time on linkedin I think it's a good result.




Music - How to build STREAMER TOUCH in conjunction with Raspberry and Volumio!

I am taking note, on blog, on how to build streamer touch in conjunction with Raspberry and Volumio

On internet there are surely better videos and tutorials but, in any case, I am going to share concept.

https://raspberrytips.com/install-volumio-on-raspberry-pi/


[UPDATE 2024.10.21]

https://it.shop.volumio.com/ 

Server #SAN Dell HDD substitution procedure

About these SAN models, if any HDD fault occur, here it is relative substitution procedure:

https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000117921/replacing-disks-in-sc-series-via-the-dell-storage-manager-client

https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000114471/dell-storage-sc-how-to-send-supportassist-and-enable-secure-console

Affected devices

Compellent (SC, SCv & FS Series), Dell Compellent SC4020, Dell Storage SC8000, Dell Storage SCv2000, Dell Storage SCv2020, Dell Storage SCv2080, Dell Storage SC5020, Dell Storage SC5020F, Dell Storage SC7020, Dell Storage SC7020F, Dell Storage SC9000 , Dell Storage SCv3000, Dell Storage SCv3020


Tutorial - Office 365 and Visio/project 2016 coexistence

Office installed with Click-to-Run and Windows Installer on same computer isn't supported.

Due to this reason you could read below article to have more information:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/office-installed-with-click-to-run-and-windows-installer-on-same-computer-isn-t-supported-30775ef4-fa77-4f47-98fb-c5826a6926cd

Here they are errors that will occur trying Vision/Office 365 Installation




If you have a volume license for Project 2016 or Visio 2016 and you’re trying to install the Click-to-Run version of Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, you can use the Office Deployment Tool to download and install the Click-to-Run perpetual (stand-alone) versions of Project 2016 or Visio 2016. 
See below link:
  1. Related article Use the Office Deployment Tool to install volume licensed versions of Project 2016 and Visio 2016

  2. Start, download the most current version of the Office Deployment Tool from the Microsoft Download Center and install on c:\ODT path.

  3. Instead of using a text editor to create your configuration file, it is easier to use the Office Customization Tool (OCT). 
    https://config.office.com/

  4. Start downloading installation files on cmd.exe command prompt
    setup.exe /download c:\ODT\configurationFileName.xml

  5. When download will end you will see folder and several installation files here located C:\ODT\Office

  6. Afterward this is final installation command that you should launch:
    setup.exe /configure ConfigurationFileName.xml

  7. You will receive installation Visio installation finish windows.

  8. After few minutes Visio will be installed in your pc succesfully

[related articles]




Windows 10/11 #how to disable permanently windows update

This article explain on how to disable windows update on Windows 10/11 client devices.

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-10-update-enables-even-turning-off

here they are actions that you need to know:

a) Disable Windows Update using Windows Services

b) Change the Log on account for Windows Update Service (logon as .\guest user with blank password)

c) Turn Off Windows Update using Group Policy  --> gpedit.msc --> Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage end user experience. --> Configure Automatic Updates setting. --> Disable

d) Disable Windows Update Medic Service (consider that this service [or WaaSMedicSVC using Windows Update Blocker.]) is a service introduecd to repair Windows components.

Freeware #Outlook alternative Mozilla Thunderbird

Here it is an Outlook Alternative that I would like to take note and mention on blog:

https://www.thunderbird.net/en-US/

Mobile #CamScanner

In case a scanner is not immediately available you might consider acquire document with your mobile phone camera.
Usually quality is not so good and each document will be associated to a single HD images.
I found CamScanner mobile app that has several features.
From my side it permit to easily create .pdf file (containing all your document photo) and with good quality.

PowerShell #delete specific folders through script

In case you need to search recursively  folders in a specific path and then delete them you can use below powershell script. (these example folders are related to teams cache cleaning topic)

Be aware that -whatif option permits to see output without really deleting folders. 

Get-ChildItem "diskdrive:\path\*\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Teams\*" -directory | Where name -in ('application cache','blob storage','databases','GPUcache','IndexedDB','Local Storage','tmp', 'cache') | ForEach{Remove-Item $_.FullName -Recurse -Force -whatif}


SECURITY #FILE SERVER AUDITING PERMISSIONS CHANGES ON FOLDERS

 If you have necessity to audit folder permissions change these articles would be helpful for you.

ID Event 4670.

https://www.manageengine.com/products/active-directory-audit/kb/how-to/how-to-find-out-who-changed-the-folder-permissions.html

https://www.rootusers.com/configure-file-access-auditing-in-windows-server-2016/

https://keys.direct/blogs/blog/how-to-enable-file-auditing-in-windows-server-2016





Extra IT #7 Japanese Techniques To Overcome Laziness

I am taking note about this video that Explain these concepts:

1.) Ikigai (life purpose)

  • Discover your purpose in life
    Determine the reason you wake up each morning
  • Choose something that aligns with your strenghts, passions, and the needs of the world
  • This is what gives life meaning
2.) Kaizen (continuous improvement)
  • focus on small improvememnts every day
  • You don't have to do everything at once, just aim to make progress little by little
3) Pomodoro Technique
  • Work for 25 minutes, take a break for 5, then repeat. This helps you stay focused and avoid burnout.
  • It's a game charger for productivity.
4) Hara Hachi Bu
  • Don't stuff yourself!
  • Eat until you're 80% full and you'll feel more energizzed throughout the day
  • Plus, you won't have to unbotton your pants after lunch
5) Shoshin (beginner's mind)
  • Approach tasks with a beginner's mindset. Don't worry about being perfect or having all the answers.
  • Just be open to learning and trying new things
6) Wabi-sabi (beauty of imperfection)
  • Embrace imperfection!
  • Instead of stressing over every little detail, focus on what's important and find beauty in simplificity
  • Taking action is better than waiting or perfection.
7) Kaikeibo
  • Make a budget and stick to it
  • When you have your finances in order, you'll feel less stressed and more motivated to tackly your other goals
8) (optional) Nature's Healing tough

  • Spend time in nature
  • It's scientifically proven to reduce stress and improve your mood
  • Take a wal in the park, breathe in fresh air, and let nature recharge you

[related articles]


[update 2024.08.06]
web site/app that should help you to achieve previous 3) Pomodoro Technique
https://pomofocus.io/

TEAMS & OFFICE #ERROR #vdi #citrix #2022 #how to fix

 On VDI environment new Teams version might have below problem evidence:


Otherwise you might not be able to logon on Teams having below error




Finally you might be asked to logon with your user account each time that you close an re-open Microsoft application such Word, Excel ...

These are steps necessary to fix problem.
  1. Logoff user from Teams/Office Application session.
  2. Close teams/Office program
  3. Delete this folder and all its content
    C:\Users\user\AppData\Local\packages\Microsoft.AAD.BrokerPlugin_cw5n1h2txyewy
  4. Execute Teams/Office application once again

Security - LastPass

 website used to create automatically complex passwords

https://www.lastpass.com/

FIREWALL #HOW TO DOWNLOAD GLOBAL PROTECT CLIENT ON PALO ALTO PORTAL

In case you need to download global Protect client, other than on public Firewall IP here it is relative procedure that you should follow:

  1. Customer Support Portal
  2. Login with valid support account
  3. Updates --> Software Updates --> Global Protect Agent for Windows64 --> GlobalProtect64-6.x.y.z.msi

https://knowledgebase.paloaltonetworks.com/KCSArticleDetail?id=kA10g000000PNlXCAW

CISCO #HOW TO ENABLE DHCP ON SPECIFIC VLAN #switch #routers

Here they are commands that are required to, on a Router/L3 Switch, enable DHCP service.

There are other settings but, this example, simple give you a general idea:

Switch# config t

Switch(config)# 

Switch(config)# ip dhcp pool description_or_vlan_name

Switch(config-dhcp)# network lower_vlan_ip subnet

Switch(config-dhcp)# domain-name domain name

Switch(config-dhcp)# dns-server dns_server_1 dns_server_2 

Switch(config-dhcp)# default-router default_gateway_ip

Switch(config-dhcp)# ip dhcp excluded-address lower_vlan_ip_range upper_vlan_ip_range

Switch(config-dhcp)# ip dhcp excluded-address lower_vlan_ip_range upper_vlan_ip_range

related articles:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/ios-xml/ios/ipaddr_dhcp/configuration/xe-3se/3850/dhcp-xe-3se-3850-book/config-dhcp-server.html

https://www.networkstraining.com/cisco-dhcp-configuration/

MICROSOFT #LSASS high usage #after patch installation #MARCH 2024 **how to fix**

Microsoft released bullettin advising customers experiencing excessive memory consumption by LSASS on Windows Server 2012-2022 DCs that have installed the following Windows Update(s): 

KB 5035857: March 12, 2024, KB5035857 (OS Build 20348.2340) Windows Server 2022 

KB 5035849: March 12, 2024, KB5035849 (OS Build 17763.5576) Windows Server 2019 

KB 5035855: March 14, 2024, KB5035855 (OS Build 14393.5786) Windows Server 2016

KB 5035885: March 12, 2024, KB5035885 Monthly Rollup for Windows Server 2012 R2: March 12, 2024 

Fortunately, there are workable solutions that you can use to address the high LSASS usage after the 3b Windows update has been installed.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/status-windows-server-2022#march-2024

Workarounds suggested by Microsoft are related to install below fix

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/march-22-2024-kb5037422-os-build-20348-2342-out-of-band-e8f5bf56-c7cb-4051-bd5c-cc35963b18f3

[original article]

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/ask-the-directory-services-team/this-just-in-high-lsass-usage-after-windows-update-3b-march-2024/ba-p/4096250

TEAMS #new for Virtualized Desktop Infrascructure (VDI) #deadline 30/06/2024 **no longer supported on 2016**

IMPORTANT

Microsoft announced that Classic Teams for VDI will reach end of availability on June 30th, 2024.

In case your VDI farm is on Windows Server 2016 this is no longer supported, consider previous announcement you must plan VDI migration asap.

Original article

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/new-teams-vdi-requirements-deploy

Other important blog articles:

Teams #New Virtual Desktop Infrastructure solution #MC717969 **CITRIX**365**AZURE**

Office - Microsoft 365 Apps and operative system supported roadmap

  • Windows Server 2016: October 2025
  • Windows Server 2019: October 2025
  • Windows Server 2022: October 2026

[update 2024.06.24]

about this topic there these new dealines

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/new-teams-vdi-requirements-deploy#requirements



Teams #New Virtual Desktop Infrastructure solution #MC717969 **CITRIX**365**AZURE**

Microsoft announced that The new Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solution for Microsoft Teams is a redesigned version of the existing VDI optimization (WebRTC based) 

This release applies to Microsoft Windows endpoints connecting to Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktops, Microsoft Windows 365, and Citrix VDI environments only.

Citrix Workspace app for Windows (2203 Long Term Service Release [LTSR], or 2302 Current Release [CR] or higher)

When this will happen:

Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out early April 2024 and expect to complete by late April 2024.

Standard Release: We will begin rolling out in late April 2024 and expect to complete by early May 2024.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 375418

more details might be found here:


Office - Microsoft 365 Apps and operative system supported roadmap

I am taking note about fact that Microsoft 365 Apps is supported on the following versions of Windows Server until the dates specified:

  • Windows Server 2016: October 2025
  • Windows Server 2019: October 2025
  • Windows Server 2022: October 2026

This news will strongly affect infrastrucures where VDI are used on previously O.S. 

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployoffice/endofsupport/windows-server-migration

Vmware #ESX upgrade from 6.7. to 7 version #Error Failed to set the time via NTP

When you upgrade vCenter from 6.7 to 7 version you might face this error:

Error Failed to set the time via NTP

Details failed to synch to the NTP server

Code com.vmware.applmgmt.err_ntp_sync_failed

Could not setup time synchronization.

Resolution Verify that provided NTP servers are valid


Solution would be to sincronize NTP service pointing internal/external IP but changing Time Syncronization Settings mode to host

Here it is more detailed article:

https://pradeeppapnai.wordpress.com/2019/06/02/vcentermigrationntperror/

Software - FastStone Capture 10.0.4 screen/video capture and other similar softwares.

I would like to mention an excellent shareware software (that till 5.3 release version was free for personal use)
FastStone Capture has several features to acquire desktop screens and video as well (with high compression ratio)

Allows you to easily capture and annotate anything on the screen including windows, objects, menus, full screen, rectangular/freehand regions and even scrolling windows/web pages. It also allows you to record screen activities, sound and webcam into MP4 video files.

Here they are relative download links:

- Old versions: http://www.oldversion.com/windows/faststone-capture/
- Freeware 5.3 version: https://www.portablefreeware.com/?id=775
- Lastest versions: https://www.faststone.org/download.htm (20$ license price)






About similar softwares I would like to mention:
- PickPic https://picpick.app/
ShareX which has powerfull settings and it is completely open-source
- LightBox that permit to easily copy and paste images https://lightboxsoftware.com/
- Greenshot that permit to modify and acquire screenshots, saving to folder, in jpg format. Be aware that all steps are automatically done https://getgreenshot.org/

ANTIVIRUS #ERROR Request: WinHttpSendRequest failed: 12029 #SOPHOS

If you have a server/client 8.1/2012 facing this problem, indicated in device sophos log, you should follow this article installing correct Microsoft Patch:

https://support.sophos.com/support/s/article/KB-000039876?language=en_US