Dan Thomson at myITforum.com

Pick a scripting language....

If you are seeking to do some automation in not only VBScript, but other languages too, don't forget that the TechNet Scripting Guys also have code samples in the following languages: JScript, Kixtart, Object REXX, Perl, and Python.

Here's a link: Scripting Languages Available in the Script Center

Even though there are not as many code samples available for the languages listed above as there are for VBScript, they should nonetheless prove to be a nice basis for learning those languages.

Posted Wednesday, March 22, 2006 11:25 AM by dthomson | with no comments

Go ahead, make the call...

If you feel that one of your friends or associates might be down or going through a bit of a tough spell and your gut is telling you to give the person a call, then I suggest going ahead and doing it. You might just end up being what that person needed to get them through that day.

BTW: This also applies to sending emails, letters, or whatever.

Posted Wednesday, March 22, 2006 9:31 AM by dthomson | with no comments

New article from the TechNet Scripting Guys: "Why Did You Do That?"

The TechNet Scripting Guys have a new article titled Why Did You Do That? (In case you have a hard time finding it, it's listed as Be a Better Scripter off the main Script Center page). This article discusses a few poor habits of some of us scripters.

A few points are as follows:

• Wscript.Quit: There's no need to include a Wscript.Quit in your script unless you are prematurely exiting the script execution mid-level in the code, or if you are supplying an exit code to demonstrate a success or failure condition ( IE: Wscript.Quit(10) ).
• Dim: It is mentioned that there are many cases where the use of the Dim statement doesn't really accomplish anything. On the other hand, there are occurrences of when the Dim statement is a must. For example, the need to declare global variables in your code so that those variable carry across various sub-routines and functions.
• Nothing: Including a statement such as Set objReference = Nothing in the code is not necessary unless the script is going to consume a fair amount of memory, or if the object reference is going to be re-used. I sometimes re-use object references in loop statements and will set the reference to Nothing at the bottom of each loop. I've known about the lack of a need to release object references, but I kept including them in the bottom of my code anyway. I guess I'll go ahead and stop that practice. These object references will be released automatically when the script ends.
• Code Formatting: Proper code formatting helps to make the code more easily readable.
• Code Comments: Be sure to include ample comments in your code so that you, or someone else who will review your code can easily understand the various intricacies of the code.

As with most of their articles, I list this one as a good read.

Posted Wednesday, March 22, 2006 9:12 AM by dthomson | with no comments

Windows Vista webcasts

I have been reviewing some of the webcasts and such which Microsoft has posted for Windows Vista. I have watched three today and I must say that I am truly excited about the strides Microsoft is making in easing the burden of operating system deployment for Windows Vista.

• Deployment Overview
  

  Tim Sinclair, General Manager, Microsoft and Manu Namboodiri, Senior Product Manager, Microsoft
  Windows Vista brings significant innovations and technologies to make deploying desktops easier than it has ever been. In this webcast, find out more about the new capabilities, tools, and best practices, along with a demo of Microsoft’s new imaging tools.

• Windows Vista Imaging
  

  Windows Imaging (WIM) is designed to reduce the cost and complexity of deploying Windows. This talk provides a brief overview of the technology and a detailed discussion on the WIM capabilities, file format, integration with OS Setup and usage scenarios for ximage.

• Customizing and Servicing Windows Vista Images
  

  Understanding the component architecture as well as tools such as System Image Manager will be key for successful Windows Vista deployments. This presentation and demo will provide a high level look at some of these new technologies.

A quick generalized takeaway from these three webcasts is as follows:

• Vista will be HAL independent. This means that we can now truly have a single image for all platforms and we'll no longer have to worry about what HAL based image needs to be applied to which PC. I know there have been some workarounds to the HAL issue, but it's nice to now have something supported by Microsoft.
• All Windows Vista deployments are going to be image based irrespective of whether or not you are deploying off the factory media or from your own custom based installation.
• It was mentioned that text mode of setup no longer exists.
• Vista and related deployment tools will now use a single XML based answer file. No longer will we be required to modify inf's, ini's, or whatever other text based answer files as what was required for previous operating systems.
• All deployment tools will be standardized so that they are all using the new WIM format. I believe it was mentioned that the list included the following: ADS, RIS, SMS v4, Windows Embedded
• Windows Vista will have enhanced capabilities to run apps which would not normally run properly under a LUA user environment.
• Due to the new WIM deployment method, setup is said to be considerably faster than previous operating systems.
• Windows Deployment Services (WDS) will be a replacement to the current RIS offering. This new technology will support the deployment of the following operating systems: Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003.
• All deployment tools are going to have mechanisms in place (public .Net API's) to provide for automation (IE: scriptable)
• Windows Vista's Package Manager allows for updates to be applied to an offline captured image.
• As with most imaging products, Ximage only supports offline image capture.
• Windows System Image Manager notes:
  • Windows Vista has been broken down into a ton of modularized components. To make adjusting the settings of these components easy, the Windows System Image Manager available to adjust all settings which are available to use for customizing the deployment. This tool will also be used to include other software or operating system related items which need to be included in the answer file and run at some point during deployment (I didn't catch at what point these items would run). There appears to be some great context help for this tool.
  • Provides a single interface for configuring settings, installing packages, and customizing images
• Ximage/WIM notes:
  • WIM files are created/modified using the new XImage tool.
  • WIM files can contain 1 or more images. The benefits of this is when there is a need to store more than one image. When storing images into a single WIM file, the characteristics of how XImage performs single instance file storage will result in the overall size of the WIM file being reduced versus the size required if multiple WIM files were created.
  • There is a facility which allows WinPE to boot from a WIM file into RAM.
  • WIM images are allowed to be mounted into the Windows file system for browsing and/or modification. Note: This requires a file system filter driver to be installed first.
  • WIM files can be compressed using LZX or XPress methods. Best image deployment performance can be seen when using the XPress (FAST) compression option.
  • WIM files can be spanned split into multiple parts to allow for spanning across smaller media formats.
  • WIMGAPI provides programmatic access to all Windows Imaging functions.

Some additional links of interest:

• Windows Vista home

• Deploying Windows Vista - Explore installation and configuration options for Windows Vista according to recommended topologies. This page contains information on:  Deployment Overviews, Technical Guidance, Application Compatibility, Imaging, User State Migration, Automated Installation

• Ximage and WIM Image Format

• Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK) User's Guide for Windows Code-named "Longhorn" - The Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK) is designed to help Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), system builders, and corporate IT professionals deploy Windows onto new hardware. The WAIK is a new set of deployment tools supporting the latest release of Windows. This guide describes the current methods, tools, and requirements for deploying Windows. (Note: This is pre-release documentation for the Windows Automated Installation Kit and Unattended Setup Reference)

Posted Monday, March 20, 2006 9:46 PM by dthomson | with no comments

Just a thought...

If you are like me and trying to travel a Christian path in life then I'd like to offer this simple thought.

As we find things in our lives which we find offensive or contrary to God's direction and it has been implanted in ours hearts that it is necessary for us to put such things aside, may we put those things aside in a manner that doesn't cause them or us to become a stumbling block for our fellow travelers.

Here's a for instance: I heard a story the other day of a tobacco farmer who decided that it was no longer appropriate for him to be growing and selling tobacco. Instead of selling his current crop and moving on from there, he decided that it would be best for him to destroy the crop so that it could not be processed and subsequently become a stumbling block for those struggling with tobacco related issues.

Just a thought...

Posted Saturday, March 18, 2006 11:56 PM by dthomson | with no comments

Movie night: The Shaggy Dog

It's been a while since my family has been out to the movies, so we decided to go today. We usually go for the matinee's, but we were a bit late today and had to see an evening show. Needless to say that we were a bit sticker shocked when we realized that adult tickets are up to $9.25 and children are $6.75. I think we will try harder to make it to the less expensive matinee next time.

Anyway, my daughter just loves dogs, so we thought it would be great to see Tim Allen's new The Shaggy Dog movie. We found the movie to be pretty upbeat and without any harsh language. I believe that we all really enjoyed it, especially my daughter. If you are looking for a nice family movie to go out and see, then this might be a good choice.

Posted Saturday, March 18, 2006 11:32 PM by dthomson | with no comments

I ordered some new computer hardware today

I have an upcoming project which necessitates that I purchase some new computer hardware. I was feeling fairly lazy and didn't feel like thoroughly researching what to buy. I ended up going to www.newegg.com and decided what to buy based on price, availability, and peer reviews.

Here's what I bought...

• Intel 945G 775 BLKD945GNTLKR motherboard
• Socket T (LGA 775) which supports Pentium D / Pentium 4 HT / Celeron D
• FSB: 1066 / 800 MHz
• Hyper-Threading
• Chipset: Intel 945G (north bridge) with ICH7R (south bridge)
• Memory: DDR2 667 with Dual Channel support, Max 4GB via 4 240 pin slots
• Expansion slots: PCIx 16, PCIx 1 (total of 4 slots)
• Storage device support: 1 x PATA (legacy), 4 x SATAII, SATA RAID
• Video: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• Audio: 8 Channel SigmaTel STAC9220
• Networking:  10/100/1000Mbps
• Connections: The usual plus USB 2.0 and 1394 (FireWire)
• Intel Pentium P4 630 3GHz processor
• Corsair DDR2 667 1GB memory module (x2)

I was a little curious about some things before I actually ordered the parts listed above and decided to check out Dell's Outlet Store which sells their refurbished systems. I found a couple which seemed decent and the prices were only slightly more than my parts. I have purchased other refurbished systems from Dell and have never had a problem. But I really wanted to use up my extra junk, so I skipped the Dell Outlet option. I also checked out EBay to see what those folks have listed over there. There was one comparable motherboard, but it didn't have the RAID and FireWire options so I skipped it too. The motherboard I am ordering is a refurbished item from newegg, so I may end up getting bit by that, but I am a little bit of a risk taker anyway.

I'll be assembly these items together with a bunch of other stuff that I have cluttering my storage area. The new items should all be here Monday or Tuesday, so I'll post back in a week or so with a product review of everything and how well it supports Vista.

Posted Saturday, March 18, 2006 4:32 PM by dthomson | with no comments

That was too close to home...

A couple 17 year olds were driving WAY too fast down my street and lost control in the turn just in front of the house we are temporarily renting. After a little bit of slipping and sliding past 2 cars and a telephone pole, they ended their journey upside down in a ditch. Good thing no-one was hurt, especially the little tykes who were playing with chalk in the driveway across the street. I'm a very cautious driver, but I've even had a couple near misses just trying to drive head first out of my driveway. I've been telling my temporary neighbors that they really need to speak to the county officials and get a speed bump or two installed out here so that the speed of traffic can be limited better. Maybe this will help move the cause along a bit.

Drivers these days really need to begin to have some respect for each other and practice some common sense. I think my wife and I are going to hold off on getting my daughter a license until she is 18 so that she is a little more mature when she gets onto the road.

Posted Friday, March 17, 2006 5:19 PM by dthomson | with no comments

No MMS this year for me

I am not currently employed where I am administering SMS and my proposed presentation topic seems to have not been accepted. I guess I'll be missing MMS this year. Too bad, it seems like it will be a pretty interesting time this year between the sessions which are being presented and the new location. I'll be thinking of you all....

My proposed topic was on WinPE 2005 (building, customizing, using, ..). If there is any interest, I'm game for making some blogcasts. Let me know...

Posted Wednesday, March 15, 2006 7:50 AM by dthomson | 3 comment(s)

My MVP award is coming to a close shortly

Due to various circumstances this last year, I wasn't much help around the IT Community. As a result, I couldn't find it in me to try to convince my MVP lead that I was justified in being re-awarded and will therefore be losing my MVP status this April. If there is anything which relates to systems automation that you need help with and that you feel you need me to take up with some higher level folks, then please shoot it my way before the end of March. I'll make sure it gets to the correct people.

Posted Tuesday, March 14, 2006 4:03 PM by dthomson | 3 comment(s)

Getting back my 'mojo'

From May to November, I was involved with what I was calling my Gilligan's Island Project. I seemed to have lost my mojo there for a while as a result of me working a full time job and staying up late at night working on that project. Well, I have have taken a few months off from doing after hours stuff and believe I am mostly recovered. Maybe now I can get back to wrapping up some projects that were put onto the back burner last year.

Posted Tuesday, March 14, 2006 3:51 PM by dthomson | with no comments

Adding to Explorer's My Network Places context menu

I found this little registry edit which will allow commands to be added to Explorer's right click context menu which opens while navigating through the systems listed in My Network Places.

Here is a sample of some possible menu additions. In this sample, I have added 3 options: Open Computer Management MMC, Ping, and Open RDP Connection

Here is the registry file which I used for the above sample.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\NetServer\shell]
@="none"

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\NetServer\shell\manage]
@="Open Computer Management MMC"

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\NetServer\shell\manage\command]
@="cmd.exe /q /c for /f \"delims=\\\\\" %%i in (\"%d\") do mmc.exe %%systemroot%%\\system32\\compmgmt.msc -s /computer:%%i"

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\NetServer\shell\pingthis]
@="Ping"

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\NetServer\shell\pingthis\command]
@="cmd.exe /q /c for /f \"delims=\\\\\" %%i in (\"%d\") do ping.exe -t %%i"

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\NetServer\shell\RemoteDesktop]
@="Open RDP Connection"

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\NetServer\shell\RemoteDesktop\command]
@="cmd.exe /q /c for /f \"delims=\\\\\" %%i in (\"%d\") do mstsc.exe /v:%%i"

I thought this was pretty cool. I hope you do too.

Posted Tuesday, March 14, 2006 3:31 PM by dthomson | 1 comment(s)

Missed a headache

I had some business to take care of today which took me across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Maryland. On my way home, I thought I would take an alternate route. I sure am glad. It appears that a barge on the Severn River came lose from its moorings this morning and is stuck under the Severn River Bridge. This has closed the bridge for the remainder of the day as workers tend to the barge and inspect the bridge for any damage. If damage is found, the bridge could be closed for some time while repairs are made. Route 50/301 goes across the Severn River Bridge and it is the main East/West thoroughfare in the area. If I had taken the usual route, I would have been on the wrong side of that bridge and wouldn't have made it home for many hours.

Posted Tuesday, March 14, 2006 12:40 PM by dthomson | with no comments

There's something about the word "got"

The word got never really bothered me until my 3 year old daughter started using it. I don't really know exactly what it is that bothers me, but it may be the seemingly laziness which surrounds its use? I know I use it when I'm feeling lazy, and in doing so, I feel my message seems butchered for some reason because I don't feel like I'm using proper English.

 

Here are a few examples...

 

I've got a ... 

This seems a bit redundant. Can't we just say: I have a ... 

What you got? 

How about: What do you have?

I eventually got well.

This one is not too bad, but I'd rather hear: I eventually became well. OR I eventually overcame my illness.

I'm not an English major and could be out in left field on this topic. I guess I'll have to chalk this oddity of mine up as me becoming a bit eccentric.

Posted Monday, March 13, 2006 10:01 AM by dthomson | 3 comment(s)

Something I'd like to see...

I can't help but think, as we approach the rainy season here on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, that it would be great if vehicle manufacturers would design cars and trucks so that, when driving in rainy weather, there isn't a huge mist cloud generated by the tires. This mist cloud can be fairly dramatic at times, especially if driving near (behind or beside) a truck. I would imagine that the problem could be mitigated a bit if adequate mud flaps (or some similar body sculpting) were added and the aerodynamic styling was adjusted slightly.

I would even venture to say that I think it should be a law that any vehicle matching the following criteria should be mandated to have proper control mechanisms in place:

• Any vehicle which has over 8 inches of ground clearance (the space between the vehicle undercarraige and the ground)

or

• Any vehicle which has a tire diameter greater than 22 inches (true tire diameter as measured with a measuring stick)

or

• Any vehicle which has more than 2 tires per axle

I foresee driving in poor weather conditions being greatly improved if we could limit the amount of mist generated.

Let me know what you think. Am I crazy or does this sound like something we should get our representatives working on?

Posted Sunday, March 12, 2006 10:42 AM by dthomson | with no comments