Old South Exchange

Server Log Analysis

Microsoft Log Parser Toolkit $41.95 HIGHLIGHT Written by Microsoft’s Log Parser developer, this is the first book available on Microsoft’s popular yet undocumented log parser tool. The book and accompanying Web site contain hundreds of customized, working scripts and templates that system administrators will find invaluable for analyzing the log files from Windows Server, Snort IDS, ISA Server, IIS Server, Exchange Server, and other products. System administrators running Windows, Unix, and Linux networks manage anywhere from 1 to thousands of operating systems (Windows, Unix, etc.), Applications (Exchange, Snort, IIS, etc.), and hardware devices (firewalls, routers, etc.) that generate incredibly long and detailed log files of all activity on the particular application or device. This book will teach administrators how to use Microsoft’s Log Parser to data mine all of the information available within these countless logs. The book teaches readers how all queries within Log Parser work (for example: a Log Parser query to an Exchange log may provide information on the origin of spam, viruses, etc.). Also, Log Parser is completely scriptable and customizable so the book and accompanying Web site will provide the reader with hundreds of original, working scripts that will automate these tasks and provide formatted charts and reports detailing the results of the queries. * Written by Microsoft’s sole developer of Log Parser, this is the first book available on the powerful yet completely undocumented product that ships with Microsoft’s IIS, Windows Advanced Server 2003, and is available as a free download from the Microsoft Web site. * The book and accompanying Web site contain dozens of original, working Log Parser scripts and templates for Windows Server, ISA Server, Snort IDS, Exchange Server, IIS, and more! * This book and accompanying scripts will save system administrators countless hours by scripting and automating the most common to the most complex log analysis tasks.

Northern Exposure Log Sofa Server $111.66 Northern Exposure Collection Made to order in the US Pictured in Clear Lifetime warranty 14 in. W x 12 in. D x 24.5 in. H The Log Sofa Server is used with any of our log futons or with any upholstered sofa. Its great for setting drinks or snacks on when watching TV or just visiting with friends. The log sofa server is very functional, especially when there is not enough room for a log coffee table. It’s rustic look goes with any cabin decor.

Mastering SQL Server 2008 $59.99 As Microsoft’s bestselling database manager, SQL Server is highly flexible and customizable, and has excellent support—the 2008 version offers several significant new capabilities. This book offers accurate and expert coverage on the updates to SQL Server 2008 such as its enhanced security; the ability to encrypt an entire database, data files, and log files without the need for application changes; a scalable infrastructure that can manage reports and analysis of any size and complexity; and its extensive performance data collection.

Security Log Management $51.95 This book teaches IT professionals how to analyze, manage, and automate their security log files to generate useful, repeatable information that can be use to make their networks more efficient and secure using primarily open source tools. The book begins by discussing the Top 10 security logs that every IT professional should be regularly analyzing. These 10 logs cover everything from the top workstations sending/receiving data through a firewall to the top targets of IDS alerts. The book then goes on to discuss the relevancy of all of this information. Next, the book describes how to script open source reporting tools like Tcpdstats to automatically correlate log files from the various network devices to the Top 10 list. By doing so, the IT professional is instantly made aware of any critical vulnerabilities or serious degradation of network performance. All of the scripts presented within the book will be available for download from the Syngress Solutions Web site. Almost every operating system, firewall, router, switch, intrusion detection system, mail server, Web server, and database produces some type of log file. This is true of both open source tools and commercial software and hardware from every IT manufacturer. Each of these logs is reviewed and analyzed by a system administrator or security professional responsible for that particular piece of hardware or software. As a result, almost everyone involved in the IT industry works with log files in some capacity. * Provides turn-key, inexpensive, open source solutions for system administrators to analyze and evaluate the overall performance and security of their network * Dozens of working scripts and tools presented throughout the book are available for download from Syngress Solutions Web site. * Will save system administrators countless hours by scripting and automating the most common to the most complex log analysis tasks

Peachtree Complete Accounting 2010 $19.99 Peachtree by Sage Complete Accounting 2010 combines robust core accounting with advanced features like job costing, time and billing, in-depth inventory capabilities, and analysis tools. Its multi-user option* helps improve productivity while providing control over who accesses data. Plus, a clear audit trail helps track errors and deter fraud. (*See www.peachtree.com/disclosures for details.) …

Microsoft Visual Studio Team Edition for Software Testers 2005 w/MSDN Premium Renewal [Old Version] $2,299.00 In the past, testing tools were kept separate from development tools, or were poorly integrated with development tools. Testers used a separate environment, and the test scripts that they wrote were stored in a separate repository from source code control. Microsoft Visual Studio Team Edition for Software Testers 2005 With MSDN Premium introduces a set of test tools that are integrated into the Vi…

Microsoft Visual Studio Team Edition for Software Testers 2005 With MSDN Premium [Old Version] $5,479.00 VISUAL STUDIO TEAM ED TEST 2005 W/ MSDN PREM CD…

Windows Powershell Pocket Reference (Pocket Reference (O’Reilly)) $10.99 This portable reference to Windows PowerShell summarizes both the command shell and scripting language, and provides a concise reference to the major tasks that make PowerShell so successful. It’s an ideal on-the-job tool for Windows administrators who don’t have time to plow through huge books or search online.Written by Microsoft PowerShell team member Lee Holmes, and excerpted from his Windows …

Thwart the Three Biggest Internet Threats of 2007

The same Internet connection that lets you reach out and touch millions of Web servers, e-mail addresses, and other digital entities across the globe also endangers your PC and the information it contains about you. Here's how to stymie the three gravest Internet risks.

Threat1: IE

Internet Explorer heads the list of top Internet security attack targets in the most recent joint report of the FBI and security organization SANS Institute.

One reason: As the most widely used browser, IE provides the biggest payoff for malicious hackers who set out to exploit its flaws. The biggest problem with IE is its reliance on Microsoft ActiveX technology, which allows Web sites to run executable programs on your PC via your browser.

Security patches and upgrades, including Windows XP Service Pack 2 and the recently released IE 7, make ActiveX safer, but the inevitable flaws that allow malware to circumvent those security measures--combined with the reality that we computer users are often a credulous lot--make ActiveX a risk not worth taking.

Happily, with very few exceptions (such as Microsoft Windows Update site), you can browse the Internet effectively without ActiveX.
To disable ActiveX in IE 6 and 7, choose Tools, Internet Options, Security, Custom Level, scroll to 'Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins, and select Disable.

Click OK, Yes, and OK to close the dialog boxes. To enable ActiveX on a known and trusted site, click Tools, Internet Options, Security, choose Trusted Sites, click Sites, enter the site address in the text box, and click Add. Uncheck Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone, and click Close and OK.

If you leave ActiveX enabled, you may quickly encounter malware-harboring sites and e-mail attachments that ask you to let them install their ActiveX controls on your system. Unless you are 100 percent certain that the control is safe and legitimate, do not allow it.

Regardless of which browser is set as the default on your system, always keep Windows (and IE) updated to minimize your risk.

To keep Windows XP up-to-date, visit update.microsoft.com (you will have to use Internet Explorer) and install Service Pack 2, if you have not already. Next, choose Start, Control Panel, System, and click the Automatic Updates tab.

Select Automatic (recommended) If you trust Microsoft implicitly, Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them if you trust the company a little bit, or Notify me but do not automatically download or install them to play it safest. (Click "Do not Let a Windows Update Bring You Down" for more on Windows updates.)
Whichever option you choose, click OK to download and install the most recent security patches.

If you stick with IE, upgrade to version 7, which improves ActiveX security. Still, the best way to reduce your PC vulnerability to ActiveX exploits is to download and install another browser, and set it as your default browser.

Mozilla Firefox is the most popular IE alternative. Unfortunately, Firefox growing popularity has enticed malware authors to exploit its own flaws. While no software is perfectly secure, many experts think the Opera browser is safer than either IE or Firefox.

Threat 2: Phishing and Identity Theft

You have probably seen your share of phishing attacks, which look like communications from your bank, PayPal, eBay, or another online account. The message may ask you to click a link that leads to a bogus Web page, complete with realistic user-name and password log-in fields, or it might ask for a credit-card number.

The fake address often resembles the real institution URL--'citibank.fakesite.com' in place of 'citibank.com', for example. The phishers site and e-mail message may even load images from your bank, or have links to the institution own Web site.

When you take the bait, the phisher harvests your data, and either sells it to someone else, or uses it to drain your account right away. A variant called spear phishing identifies you by name in the lure message or Web site, making the sham even harder to spot.

You may have read that your bank will never send you an e-mail asking you to log in to your account, and it should not, though it does happen on occasion. The vast majority of messages that appear to come from financial institutions are phishing attacks, so assume that such messages are bogus and avoid opening them at all, let alone clicking any links they contain.

If you are concerned that the bank or other service is really trying to notify you of a problem with your account, open your browser manually and log in to the site directly, or better yet, pick up the phone and call a customer service agent (if you can find one via the bank automated phone system).

The place you are most likely to notice that your credit card or bank account has been compromised by a phishing attack or identity theft is on the statement you receive from them via mail. Check it carefully for unauthorized charges, and report any to the institution immediately.

IE 7 asks you a couple of times if you had like to enable its phishing filter during installation; say yes. To enable this feature, choose Tools, Phishing Filter, Turn On Automatic Website Checking, and click OK.

Firefox 2 phishing filter is enabled by default, but it uses a static downloaded list of known phishing sites. Many firewalls and other security programs include identity-protection features that scan the stream of data leaving your PC for sensitive information, such as passwords or social security and credit card numbers, and then block the unauthorized transfers.

Resist the temptation to post personal information on your Web page, blog, or social site (Facebook/MySpace) account. Identity thieves, spammers, and online predators are always on the lookout for such data. Browse to "Safeguard Your Reputation While Socially Networking" for an explanation of the risks to both adults and children, and for tips on what you can do to avoid the dangers.

Threat 3: Malware

Every day, virus, spyware, and adware creators come up with new, ingenious ways to gain access to your PC.

These steps will help keep you safe:
Think before you click.Use a spam filter. Update your antivirus software.Download with discretion.Use a bidirectional firewall.Use antispyware.Cher K Markov articles on various subjects and has a treasure chest of information and resources onSoftware Downloadsat http://online-downloads.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/52135.html

ASP.NET at Work: Building 10 Enterprise Projects $54.99 Improve your ASP.NET know-how by building 10 ready-to-use applicationsASP.NET provides developers with more functionality and flexibility to develop dynamic Web applications while at the same time writing less code. If you're an ASP developer familiar with ASP.NET and Visual Studio .NET basics but unsure of how to connect all of these technologies to build useful applications, this book provides a unique approach to help you solve this problem.Centered on ten applications, these projects present complete programs that you can adopt and modify for use in your own organization. With special emphasis on those ASP.NET features that you'll utilize most often, seasoned ASP developer Eric Smith walks you through the following applications:* Project 1: Address Book-Build an ASP.NET application connected to a Microsoft SQL Server database.* Project 2: Contact Manager-Build reusable business objects to handle the business logic and validation necessary for most applications.* Project 3: Calendar Viewer -Use the date-and-time functions included in .NET to handle all sorts of calendar events, both one-time and recurring.* Project 4: Web Log Analyzer-Create applications for Web traffic, build a Windows service to gather logs and import them into SQL Server, and build an ASP.NET application to view the analysis.* Project 5: ASP.NET Error Manager -Use Event Log objects to collect errors from your ASP.NET applications in a central location and provide information on what occurred and when.* Project 6: Online Store-Build the "classic" online store from start to finish.* Projects 7-10: Teamwork Network-Build an online collaboration system that includes project tracking, file sharing, and discussion forums.The companion CD-ROM contains the complete code for the ten projects and bonus features for Project 10.The companion Web site contains a working version of each of the ten projects built in the book.Wiley

Automating Linux and Unix System Administration $39.99 Whether you need a network of ten Linux PCs and a server or a data center with a few thousand UNIX nodes, you need to know how to automate much of the installation, configuration, and standard system administration.Build your network once using cfengine, and the network build will work, without user intervention, on any hardware you prefer. Automating Linux and Unix System Administration, Second Edition is unique in its focus on how to make the system administrator’s job easier and more efficient: instead of just managing the system administrator’s time, the book explains the technology to automate repetitive tasks and the methodology to automate successfully. Both new and seasoned professionals will profit from industry–leading insights into the automation process. System administrators will attain a thorough grasp of cfengine, kickstart, and shell scripting for automation. After reading all chapters and following all exercises in this book, the reader will be able to set up anything from a Linux data center to a small office network. What you’ll learnSee how to make changes on many UNIX and Linux hosts at once in a reliable and repeatable manner. Learn how to automate things correctly so you only have to do it once, by leveraging the authors’ experience in setting up small, medium, and large networks. Set up a Linux data center or a network correctly. Explore handling real–world environments where not all hosts are configured alike via a case study of a fictional new data center build-out. Examine real–world examples for core infrastructure services (DNS, mail, monitoring, log analysis, security, cfengine, imaging) to build on in your environment. Understand core system administration best practices, which are a key part of how cfengine and automations deployments are outlined in the book. Learn