Modifying a phpBB forum from its base installation can add new features or change behavior to get a final product that works how you want it to do. In order to do this, you download and install a mod. This typically comes in the form of a zip file containing instructions and some new php/html files. Installations consist of copying files to your web server and changing the code … [Read more...]
10 Signs of an IT Noob
Let's say the vendor sent out a technician to install some software or you're conducting interviews for an IT position, what are some of the things you notice that lets you resolutely label this individual as an IT noob? This seems like it could make a decent Goofus and Galant parody. The IT Noob: When installing software from a CD, to initiate the process of installing the … [Read more...]
PPTP VPN on Linksys Routers
I recently had to purchase a new router as my WRT-54G Linksys router had stopped working problem free. I purchased a Linksys WRT160N Router as a replacement. Unfortunately, since using the new router my VPN to work stopped connecting successfully. It would time out when trying to verify the user name and password. I confirmed all settings: VPN passthrough was enabled, I … [Read more...]
IT Goes Green, by the numbers
Out of curiosity's sake and putting some real numbers to the "green" movement, I bought an electricity usage meter. I chose the P3 International P4460 Kill A Watt EZ Electricity Usage Monitor. It's pretty simple to use and just tells you how many KWH consumed over a certain time period and if you input a rate of cost (off of your electric bill, for example) it will then … [Read more...]
Simple Tip: Launch programs quicker
If you're like me, you find the Windows XP Start Menu clunky and slow to deal with. Not only do you switch from keyboard to mouse, but you're also browsing a listing that can be in any order if you don't have your Start Menu alphabetically sorted. This is one of the biggest improvements in Vista, in my opinion. With Vista, you enter the Start Menu (Hit the Windows key or … [Read more...]