Kitkatninja

We have had the intel modular server now for 1 1/2 years. It's their version of blades, with an internal SAN. We have that system with the external Promise array track (extra storage). It's pretty good, had a couple of teething problems mainly due to the compatibility problems with the Intel E5500 series chip and Hyper-V. -Ken

I agree, I've been on two courses with them and they are good -ken

You made me double check my spelling -ken

If you were doing those things, then yes, ignore what I said in my previous post and go for the likes of the MCSE/MCITP: EA/SA For alot of the qualifications, you do not need to go on a course. Get yourself the books/CBT's and use a test environment to "play" around with, then purchase some legit practice exams (eg preplogic, boson, transcender, etc) and sit the exam. -ken

Well I would rule out the likes of the MCSE, MCITP: Enterprise Admin/Server Admin, etc... If you're not managing the servers or switches, you're going to struggle with those exams (especially designing domains, forests, etc...). Added to that holding those higher level certs without the relevant experience can/may go against you. I would recommend looking at the following certs: 1. Vendor neutral certs like the: A+, Network+, Security+ & Server+ 2. Vendor specific certs like the: MCDST, MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician (for Windows 7) 3. IT Related certs like the: Project+, FITS, ITIL Foundation See above As for if ITIL is worth it? Yes, any best practice methodology is a bonus, as you're in education FITS would be the logical choice, plus it does have it's foundation in ITIL. Other things that you may want to consider is the LCGI award from C&G's in IT and the ICTTech Professional Registration from the ECUK. -Ken

I run Windows 7 Enterprise 64bit and the latest version of Daemon Tools lite with no problems. During the install of daemon tool lite, you have to deselect all the default options (aka the adware options) and just install the tool itself. -Ken

I was going to suggest create a user in AD and have no GPO (including the ones that redirect things) applied to it. I was going to say that the best bet is to ring up the test centre directly, as they may charge a proctoring fee in conjunction with the exam fee. -ken

Maybe you could even see if you could pay a D&T tech at your local school to make one? -Ken

You can always use the HP Universal Print Drivers, for Windows 2008 r2 you can use the Win7 ones. We've had to use them for some of the HP printers that we have (there were issues when trying to print from clients via a 2008 r2 print server). -ken

Systems Engineer / Trainee Systems Engineer, Computing Services (Open U, MK) Based in Milton Keynes £29,853 - £35,646 circulation date : 21/10/2010 closing date : 11/11/2010 Looking for a new technical challenge? The Open University Computing Service seeks an enthusiastic and motivated person with suitable experience and aspiration to join our team of IT System Engineers. The successful applicant will implement, maintain and enhance our core IT services across a range of business and operational functions. You will need the following skills and interests: An enthusiasm for exploring and evaluating new technologies. A keen interest in computer systems infrastructure and systems administration. Proven ability to build, tune and maintain Linux or UNIX systems. Experience programming in scripting languages such as Perl, PHP and UNIX shells. An ability to work in teams and to communicate clearly with colleagues. You are likely to be a graduate. See here. -Ken

I guess it would depend on various factors, eg: 1. How fast Ashman91 learns & what style of learning Ashman91 has 2. How much experience Ashman91 has with Cisco kit & 3. How different the CCNA Exploration course is different from the 6 day CCNA course (see here for an example of it), considering that both route leads to the CCNA. -Ken

Not saying if it's right or wrong, just saying that it could be done. It's down to the individual's morality to decide if they want to support future free courses or not (and or break the T&C's if any). And let's face it in a forum of people that work with technology, day in/day out, there will be some that have already thought about this/done this already. If you're asking if I'll do it, the answer is "no". -Ken

That's correct, saying that what's stopping you from recording the session from your own PC/laptop for future use? -Ken

See here for the offers. -Ken

Overall... No, however somethings which were faster/simplier to access in Windows 2k3 is now an extra click here and there (that adds up) -Ken

Wasn't there something about not using Ebay from the Finance guy a couple of IT Manager's meetings ago, lol -ken

Have you actually made sure that the currency is correct in Windows 7? It may be that the location is correct, but it hasn't changed the correct currency symbol. 1. Open the Control Panel (All Items view), and choose the Region and Language Options icon. 2. In the Regional and Language options window . Click on the Additional Settings button. 3. Click on the Currency tab, and change the Currency to the format you want to use (£). -Ken

We've had problems with these cards in the Toshiba Laptop's under XP. We tried practically everything we could thing of (different drivers, settings, fresh build, reseating the card, etc...). However in the end, in order to get it working with XP and WPA/WPA2, we had to change the wireless cards in all 15 of them to Intels. I believe that with Windows 7, it actually works. -Ken

Done -Ken

ICT Systems Engineer This vacancy is: Permanent full time Salary: Starting Salary £24,646 Description: You will have experience of the management of Storage Area Networks (preferably EMC) and the support and development of a VMware based virtual environment. Exposure to a variety of Novell and Microsoft technologies including Active Directory, Exchange 2007 onwards, ZENworks and SQL Server 2000 onwards would also be beneficial. Key projects you will be leading on will be development of a SAN and backup strategy and the review and monitoring of ICT's Disaster Recovery arrangements. For an informal discussion about the role please contact Ian Peters on 01832 742328. Interviews will be held on: Wednesday 3rd & Thursday 4th November. Closing Date: Friday 22nd October 2010 See here. I have no links with this Council, just saw it in the local paper. -Ken

The minimum pay was £95pw (16-18 year olds and 19 year old's and above in the first year), there was no upper limit. However it's changed now from the old Apprentice National Minimum Wage rate of £95pw to the new Apprentice National Minimum Wage rate of £2.50ph (England only, unless you were currently employed under the old scheme and were receiving £95pw, then it stays at £95 until you meet the requirements to be paid at the National Minimum Wage rate), see here for more information. -Ken

Our's is now 20, he started when he was 18. Well until they have been trained - None and that doesn't apply to just apprentices (or 16 year olds)... I've known mature 16 year olds who put 20 year old's to shame, saying that I've come across more immature 16 year old's. Plus you don't have to give domain admin rights, you could just give him local admin rights on certain machines to do certain tasks (eg install software, unlock PC's that students have locked, etc). You also could assign certain rights in AD to only change passwords. You don't have to give any admin rights to change toner/ink, to log calls on the servicedesk/helpdesk, to answer the phone, to keep stock checks/levels, keep the IT Services room tidy, reset projectors (if you keep the panels), to do some basic initial investigation (eg from calls that say PC is broken), paperwork, etc...

Both myself and Modey (Dom) have already submitted our forms to go on the training, actually looking forward to it -Ken

I went to the IT Services Meeting and I'll put my hand up to say that I've been asked to look into whether or not continuing with EMBC is a viable option. Currently I am neither pro or against EMBC, however this bill on it's way has kinda put my nose out of joint (that's not to say that I don't understand why this is happening). It's not just the case of swapping internet providers for internet access, there's also the following to take into consideration: 1. Filtering (internet, as well as e-mail) and the responsibility fall's with them if anything goes wrong. 2. E-mail access. 3. Videoconferencing 4. Web Hosting 5. Same Bi-directional speed (eg 10mb up/down and not 10mb down/756kb up) And a whole range of other services that they provide (waiting for the list). -Ken

Yes, we have an IT Apprentice at our's. He's about 3/4 of the way thru his NVQ2 and will start his NVQ3 in Jan. Well, he kinda sits with his knees bent and back straight, just joking His job title is currently IT Assistant (with a possible review of that in the next 6 months), but his job role is that of a tier 1 tech. To be honest I expect the same level and quality of work from him as I do from a technician not on a apprenticeship. From a job/role point of view, there is no difference between an apprentice and another person who isn't an apprentice (eg a person who has just entered the IT Field) apart from the apprentice goes to college 1 day a week (and the funding/salary, but that shouldn't reflect on the job). -ken