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Cisco IS-IS Configuration Primer
With the expansion of today’s networks over the last 30 years, routing protocols have become a vital central part of these networks to ensure efficient routing and reachability.
Along with the well known routing protocols like OSPF and EIGRP there is also some other routing protocols which get less attention. These include BGP and IS-IS.
BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is used at the core of the modern Internet and focuses on linking large scale networks, IS-IS (Intermediate System to Intermediate System) is a routing protocol which closely resembles OSPF and actually has been around just as long. IS-IS is a protocol which is used as a competitor to OSPF as it is standards based and is supported by multiple vendors.
The commonly used version of IS-IS is called integrated IS-IS which is simply IS-IS being used to route IP traffic; it is important to note that this was not the original design intent with IS-IS.
IS-IS Protocol Basics
Initially the IS-IS protocol was designed to be used to route OSI traffic and used the Connectionless Network Protocol (CLNP) and was used by the Connectionless Network Service (CLNS).
The only detail from the original IS-IS implementation which must be understood on today’s networks is CLNS addressing as it is used for IS-IS administration.
Windows 7 Security Tips
Today’s computers store more sensitive data than ever before. From banking and investments, to intellectual capital and other business processes, our data has become more critical in nature.
Ubiquitous Internet access and the explosion of mobile computing devices mean that we have the ability to work from anyplace. Unfortunately, the price of this convenience is the constant threat of compromise.
The key then, for the enterprise and individuals alike, is to take advantage of the tools available to aid in protecting your sensitive information.
Windows 7 Security
Microsoft has made marked improvements in its security offerings with the release Windows 7. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to implement some of these tools and best practices. Today we’ll take a look at:
- Windows Firewall
- Microsoft Security Essentials
- Network Locations
- Encryption
- Windows Defender
- User Access Control (UAC)
Interview with Tjeerd Veninga, Microsoft MCT Community Lead
Did you know — there are over 17,000 Microsoft Certified Trainers in 150 different countries. Microsoft Certified Trainers are experts on Microsoft technologies and include classroom and e-learning instructors, learning consultants, authors, conference presenters and even user group leaders. MCT’s are also the only individuals authorized to deliver training for Microsoft Certifications.
What does it take to become an MCT?
The bare minimum requirements to become an MCT include at least one year of experience and one of the required Microsoft certifications. But don’t be fooled, MCT’s have to meet stringent requirements each year in order to renew their certifications.
But there are also many benefits to becoming a Microsoft Certified Trainer such as free access to the complete library of Microsoft learning products, discounts on exams and books, access to newsgroups and online resources as well as exclusive events and programs.
Meet Tjeerd Veninga, MCT Community Lead
If you’re an MCT or are interested in joining the ranks, the one person you need to know is Tjeerd Veninga, MCT Community Lead at Microsoft Learning.
Tjeerd is the person that brings the MCT community together through events like the MCT Live Summit which is coming up next month and the the ongoing MCT Readiness online programs.
Tjeerd also brings a wealth of information to the table on Born to Learn helping Microsoft trainers stay in the know and continue learning.
I got a chance to meet Tjeerd at TechEd and talk to him about what he does to keep the MCT program fresh, how cloud computing has changed Microsoft learning and much more.
Tjeerd also shared the secret to what makes a trainer the best trainer.
Watch the video below and connect with Tjeerd at the MCT Summit
Nimbula Goes After the Enterprise Cloud
Two former Amazon executives responsible for the development of Amazon’s EC2 cloud service, Chris Pinkham and Willem Van Biljon, launched Nimbula Cloud Operating System. Nimbula has been in covert development since 2009 after acquiring 5.75 million dollars in funding.
According to Roelof Botha, GP at Sequoia Capital, “Cloud computing is a game changing market opportunity and Nimbula is uniquely positioned to capitalize on it,”
What is Nimbula?
Simply defined, Nimbula like Amazon EC2 is an automated cloud management system that delivers services behind a firewall.
With Nimbula, you can extend or re-purpose your existing infrastructure and build a computing cloud in a trusted environment. By using a common API, you can access on and off premise cloud services.
How Does Nimbula Work?
As I understand it, Nimbula Director (cloud OS) allows you to manage both on-site and off-site cloud IT resources behind a firewall.(See Figure 1).
Interview with Steven Holcomb MCP & Olympic Gold Medalist
Last month at TechEd I had the honor of meeting Steven Holcomb, the 2010 Olympic Gold Medalist in bobsledding.
Steven’s achievement is even more astonishing when you consider that this is the first bobsledding gold medal for the US in 62 years! You can read more about that here.
Steven is also an aspiring IT professional who has earned his CompTIA A+ and MCP certifications. He was invited to TechEd to meet other IT professionals and to share his story.
I got a chance to ask Steven how he got into bobsledding and the technology filed, what certifications he’s planning on earning next and what his plans for the future are.
Watch the video below to see what Steven had to say!
Train Signal Interviews Born to Learn’s Ken Rosen
Born to Learn is without a doubt, the number 1 resource for Microsoft learning, exam, and certification information (and so much more) for current and aspiring MCPs and MCTs, Microsoft partners and many others.
The Born to Learn blog was started in September of 2008 by Ken Rosen, Director of Community, Marketing and Evangelism Team with Microsoft Learning after taking over Trika’s blog. Since its inception the Born to Learn blog has grown from a handful of informational blog posts published each month, to a thriving community and a wealth of information.
Ken has remained at the center of this community, helping it evolve and grow along the way. With innovative and fun programs like the Get on the Bus Tour and this year’s IT Grand Prix Ken has been instrumental in helping people learn about the opportunities to start and advance their careers with training and certification.
With a strong focus on helping others, Ken has also been involved (and working on getting others involved) in many philanthropic efforts, the latest of which is NetHope an organization focused on helping humanitarian organizations get access to information and communication technology when serving people in the developing world, most recently in Haiti.
Interview with Ken Rosen at TechEd 2010
While at TechEd this year, I got the honor of meeting Ken and a chance to talk with him about the NetHope Academy, the Born to Learn blog, the Get on the Bus Tour and the IT Grand Prix.
Ken was also kind enough to give some great advice to our very own Glen “the Raptor” Wiznewski the famous Windows 3.1 instructor.
Check out the video below and make sure
to say hello to Ken on Born to Learn!
CompTIA Security+ Cert Prep: Application Security Threats
It is nearly impossible to find a corporate network today that doesn’t have a connection to the Internet. While this ability facilitates many business and customer processes, it also opens up networks to security threats.
Web browsers are subject to a specific category of attack. Understanding how to secure these connections is an essential component of IT security strategy.
CompTIA’s Security+ is a vendor neutral exam, that certifies expertise in IT security.
We’ve covered the overall Security+ exam objectives in the past. On of the topics (objective 1.4), deals with application security threats. In this article, we’ll examine each of these threats.
What is Application Security?
Security controls can be implemented in both hardware and software. In terms of software or application security, certain procedures and settings can be used to help thwart unauthorized access. And more recently, security is being considered and actually coded in during the software development process.
Application Security Threats Covered on the Security+ Exam
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