Applied Tech

How to conceptualize physical vs. virtual servers

Takeaway: Although their use continues to grow by leaps and bounds, conceptualizing a virtual infrastructure requires a new way of thinking. Here's a short explanation to help you along the way.

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Applied Tech

How to manage database log files gone wild

Takeaway: Sometimes, things don't go as planned. Database log files are critical to proper operation. Here's one log file situation that ended well.

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IT Underworld

Down and out? Nope. Just out.

In which Elias explains to the suit why he can't get there from here.

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Smart Tech for Small Biz

Disk Storage Drops to Dime per Gigabyte

Combining constantly dropping hard disk storage pricing with the holiday desperation on the part of retailers everywhere gave me a sign I've been anticipating: a 1TB (yes, one terabyte, or 1,000 gigabytes) hard disk drive with a $100 or less price tag. I saw an ad for a 1TB Samsung hard disk for $99.

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The Left Field

Implement first, design later

If I were to utter the two words "implementation" and "design" in the context of an IT project, would you be inclined to re-order them in your head? I.e. to think in terms of "design" first and "implementation" second?

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Security Visualization

How do you encode hundreds of data points into one single graph? Use Sparklines.

Have you tried to visualize your traffic flows? Did you have the problem that your graphs got really cluttered? Did you find a way around that problem? Did you filter data? Did you aggregate multiple nodes into one?

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ITwhirled

Spider loose on the International Space Station?

Two spiders have been launched into space to examine the effects of zero-gravity on their Web spinning. The problem: only one of them seems to be in their little spider home at the moment.

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ITwhirled

They saved Copernicus' skull

Some clever DNA detective work has confirmed that some bones found under one of the side altars in the Roman Catholic cathedral in Frombork, Poland were in fact those of Nicholas Copernicus.

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Unix as a Second Language

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Linux command: Side by side diff

Tired of looking at strings of "28,30d27" characters separating the differences between files you're comparing? Try a side by side diff listing that works the way your brain does.

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ITwhirled

Quiz: This week in quotes

This week we learned (among other things) that Indonesia plans to tackle AIDS with RFID chips; that Spam is just like any other business; and that Apple discussion forums are a gateway to divorce court. Can you match the quote to the quoted? Go on, give it a whirl.

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Free books

Build your tech library with our book giveaways.

Windows PowerShell 2.0 Unleashed
By Tyson Kopczynski, Pete Handley, Marco Shaw; Published by Sams

Windows PowerShell Unleashed will not only give you deep mastery over PowerShell but also a greater understanding of the features being introduced in PowerShell 2.0–and show you how to use it to solve your challenges in your production environment. Enter now!

 

Ubuntu Server Administration
By Michael Jang; Published by McGraw-Hill Osborne Media

Realize a dynamic, stable, and secure Ubuntu Server environment with expert guidance, tips, and techniques from a Linux professional. Ubuntu Server Administration covers every facet of system management -- from users and file systems to performance tuning and troubleshooting. Enter now!

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