Remote Desktop MMC

This is a great shortcut that can save the average, over-worked IT guy many moments of sanity!
Find all of your remote desktop sessions in one convenient place and have the ability to log into them autmatically. This tool is free because it uses Microsofts built-in MMC snap-ins. To get started, follow these easy steps…

1. Go to Start > Run type MMC and press enter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Next Goto File > Add/Remove Snap-In Scroll down until you see the Remote Desktops Snap-in and click Add. Click Ok, to accept and exit to the main screen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. You will now find your Remote Dekstop Snap-in under the Console Root directory. Right-click this icon and choose Add New Connection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Enter in your Remote Desktop information, you can also choose to enter in your username and password, which will allow you to automatically log-in. Checking the “Connect to console” is the same as using the /console switch when connecting via MSTSC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Save your MMC as a shortcut on your desktop for quick and easy access. As far as I am aware there is not a limit to the number of sessions or remote desktop connections you can have. Sit back and enjoy connecting to multiple servers without cluttering your desktop.

Malwarebytes DEFEATS XP Antivirus 2008

If I could give an award to the best tool of 2008, it would be Malwarebytes, anti-spyware application. This tool has saved me hours of work, time and time again. You may recall in late 2008, a virus that was sweeping the internet and infecting machines so badly they became unusable, it disquized itself as many things but mainly called itself XP Anti-Virus 2008. This nasty little virus emerged when surfing the web and tricked unsuspecting victims into clicking a malformed link, by warning them their computers were infected with a virus. If you were one of the lucky ones that fell victim, you can attest to its reign of terror.

When I first encountered this virus/spyware there was not a tool known to me that could successfully remove all the tentacles. I would have to either manually remove all of the virus or parts of it, other anti-virus/anti-spyware tools left behind. Finally in mid-September early October, I ran across a free tool called Malwarebytes, that would successfully remove all aspects of XP Anti-Virus 2008! Since finding out about this tool I have probably used it 60 times, in cases of extreme malware infection.

The tool is called Malwarebytes, it has a free component and a paid service with more features, you can download it and read more at Malwarebytes.org. I highly recommend this tool, it has worked wonders for me and my clients.

Drive Space Mapping using SpaceMonger

Next up in the tool section, is Spacemonger, a fantastic Free tool that makes analyzing drive space a breeze. The developer of Spacemonger had the insight to know we are all visual creatures and he created this tool that would visually map a drive so as to proportion the directory size to the physical drive size. The visual representation allows the user to view at-a-glance what files/directories on a drive are consuming the most space. The visual representation is great for today’s large drives and the application is a self-contained .exe, so you can take it anywhere.

 

The next time you find yourself running out of space on a drive, use Spacemonger to map out where you can make some cutbacks! Here are a few screenshots:

 

 

Process Explorer - Windows Task Manager on Steriods

Windows Task Manager is a useful utility for troubleshooting system problems as well as monitoring overall system health and performance. However when dealing with particularly elusive issues, the statistics Task Manager shows sometimes just aren’t enough.

 

For instance, if you’ve looked in Task Manager before you’ve probably noticed five or six processes running simultaneously as “svchost.exe”. Because Task Manager doesn’t give you any more detailed information, it’s hard to tell what distinguishes these seemingly identical processes.

 

By using a freeware tool Process Explorer you can investigate each process running on your system, down to the command line that started the thread. Linux/Unix users familiar with the “lsof” command understand its usefulness for tracking down open files and troubleshooting process dead-locks. Process Explorer brings this troubleshooting technique to the Windows desktop as well.

 

The next time you’re wonder what xyz.exe is doing running on your computer, use Process Explorer to really find out.

 

SCREENSHOTS

 

Whisper32 - Securing and Remembering passwords for you.

 To kick off the new Tools category I would like to promote a great tool that I use on a regular basis called Whisper32. Whisper is a password manager and a pretty simple one at that. I know, you’re thinking, who needs simple? I want a password manager that also, emails, saves bookmarks, prints, and brews my coffee.  …what?  Sometimes it’s nice just to have a program that does one thing well. Whisper is great because it does just that. It has a small footprint, so feel free to take it with you on a usb drive. The database file itself is password protected by a master password and you can create multiple master files. I use multiple password files for internet accounts, local domain accounts, and financial accounts, all with different master passwords.

Whisper allows you to keep your passwords/accounts safe, secure, and in one place. An invaluable tool for anyone that is conscious about password security.

Here are some screenshots:

  

You can download the program here.

 

 

Let us know what you think of this tool and feel free to suggest your own password manager.