Anyway, I have now hauled the recliner down to my office, and I even tried it out in front of my desk, replacing the standard office chair for a while. The poofy recliner definitely sits lower, but not so low that the desk is totally unusable. In fact, with my center monitor slid forward, and the chair kicked back, it's quite comfy, and I still have access to all of my toys. As time permits, I'll shuffle a few other things around, and perhaps add a second (and third) webcam view to the room so you can get a better idea of how bad I really am at keeping a tidy office.

I must admit that I really do like Chris's Friday GnomeREPORT format, which he implemented two weeks ago. It started with the geeky couple and their handheld video arcades, then moved to a day in the life of Sprocket. For what it's worth, Diana and I do indeed communicate between the floor via instant messages, as well as by phone if need be, since we have two lines. And yes, it really is THAT much of a hassle to walk upstairs to simply ask if she turned off the sprinkler.

See You at Gnomedex,              
Randy Nieland       

GnomeNETWORK

New Active Directory Scripts

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/scriptcenter/default.asp

Microsoft has posted over a dozen new sample scripts in the TechNet Script Center, focusing mainly on Active Directory administration. Tasks such as creating an active directory site/subnet, creating an OU in an existing OU, deleting a subnet, removing a user from all AD security groups, etc. Many of the additions apply to Windows Server 2003, as well as Windows 2000, of course, so take a look at the code to see if there are any shortcuts you can use in your migration efforts.

MBSA 1.1.1 Released

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;320454&sd=tech

Only a couple of changes were made to the latest version of the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA). First, support for Windows Server 2003 has been added. Also, MBSA v1.1.1 includes version 3.82 of the HFNetChk engine. MBSA v1.1 replaced the standalone HFNetChk tool, and provided support for much more functionality by way of command line switches and additional GUI options.

Submit a Resource | Discuss | Recommend It!

GnomeSYSTEM

Convert your VHS tapes to DVD! Video tapes have an average shelf-life of about 10-15 years before they really start to wear down. And that's if you never watch them! Keep your old videos around for years to come by converting all those old tapes to DVD. It's easier than you think! Using this electronic guide will show you how. We cover the equipment you need and the steps to get you from VHS to DVD in a matter of a few brief lessons. Start saving your old VHS tapes now. Download your copy of Lockergnome's Guide to Converting VHS to DVD.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=0fa11476-2ba7-4474-bc35-8fc38c65ef16

Windows Server 2003 includes many default configurations aimed at locking things down in an effort to improve security. My thanks to whoever made that move happen because it's something I've been wanting to see for years. However, there are times when you want to alter the default setup to enable particular options or components that you're accustomed to seeing. That's where this document comes in.

Submit a Resource | Discuss | Recommend It!

Gnomedex 3.0

 

VIA Technologies, Inc. presents: "Current Enthusiast Technology" ~ Kyle Bennett is Editor-in-Chief of one of the largest and influential desktop computer hardware sites on the Net. Kyle is known for his outspoken opinions that do not necessarily always keep a smile on the faces of the companies they address. His views on HardOCP are known for making a difference in the enthusiast tech community and keeping a grass roots approach to technology and gaming. Only at Gnomedex 3.0.

NVIDIA Corporation presents: "In-Depth How-to" ~ Scott Baker is senior product manager in the platform business group at NVIDIA, where he oversees the development and execution of the Company's industry-leading and award-winning NVIDIA nForce2 platform processors. Prior to joining the platform business group, Mr. Baker was the manager of OEM program management for NVIDIA's mobile business group. Mr. Baker has also held several influential positions at IBM, including Product Engineer, Project Manager, and Engineering Manager. Mr. Baker holds a BA in Economics from The Johns Hopkins University, a BSEE from The University of Maryland, College Park, and an MBA from Duke University. And you can meet him at Gnomedex 3.0.

Submit a Resource | Discuss | Recommend It!

GnomeASSISTANT

Round and Round

http://www.lapworksinc.com/access-swivlpadf.html

I feel complete. First there came the Laptop Desk v2.0, which brought comfort, convenience and portability. Next was the Nite-Key-Lite, illuminating my notebook keyboard when working in a dark room. My loyal mouse was feeling left out until the debut of the MouzPad add-on for the Laptop Desk, providing a dedicated space for the rodent to roam. A solid mobile package, but why stop there?

The Laptop Desk's non-slip rubber surfaces work exceptionally well, even too well when used in a desktop configuration with the unit folded in half with the rear of the notebook elevated. You wouldn't think so, but small side-to-side angle adjustments are frequent, and irritating given the gription of the Laptop Desk. How many times have you been plugging away on your notebook and had to spin it around in order to show a friend a hilarious website or cool new desktop wallpaper? Problem solved.

The new SwivlPad is a lazy susan sort of thing, but without the bulk. Proving yet again that simplicity doesn't have to mean limited function, LapWorks, Inc. has crafted a very portable swiveling base, originally intended to sit under a Laptop Desk, but I'm finding plenty of alternative uses as the days pass.

The design consists of two rubber disks with a slippery Teflon sheet sandwiched in between. A metal grommet in the middle holds everything together, but is recessed just enough to avoid any nasty scratches on a delicate surface, provided you don't drop an unusual amount of weight on top.

A makeshift frisbee came to mind as a fun thing to try, but the last thing you want to do is cause any damage to the thin Teflon film, and there's just enough stiffness to cause a spiffy welt if you get dinged with one when not paying attention, so I wouldn't advise using the SwivlPad for sport. It's all fun and games until somebody loses a thumbnail. Take a few laps around the office with scissors if you want to take risks that would have your mother cringing.

Measuring just under nine inches in diameter, about 3/16" thick and tipping the postal scale at a slight 6.6 ounces, it certainly isn't going to cause any noticeable mobility problems when slipped into your laptop bag. It's even thin enough to fit in the middle of a folded Laptop Desk, leaving only a little extra bulge.

When combined with the other LapWorks gizmos, you have the complete ensemble. Speaking of a total package, word has it that LapWorks will be bundling several of the above items into just that. Right now, you can pick up a SwivlPad for $19.95 or two for $34.95. The Laptop Desk is packaged with the SwivlPad for a total of $44.95 as well.

GnomeHELP

XP Chat Nuggets

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/itcommunity/chats/trans/winxppro/wxp60403.asp

A Windows XP Tips and Tricks live chat was held a couple of weeks ago, and while there isn't anything ground-breaking, there are plenty of good tips and links to stash away for future reference. I like perusing free-flow discussions like this because it often provides a good refresher on things I've forgotten or adds contextual flavor to a particular topic that could spark an idea for a creative new use for a setting or utility.

Submit a Resource | Discuss | Recommend It!

GnomeSTUFF

Patent Insanity

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-loccatnip15061503jun15,0,2055531.story?coll=orl-home-headlines

So let me get this straight... if I suddenly find a "new" use for orange juice, such as clearing out my nasal passages when I happen to be drinking and reading Dilbert, I can apply for a patent? Apparently so. Iowa State University has applied for a patent after finding that plain old catnip wards off bugs. And this is news? I've known for years that the mosquitoes are in every plant box except the one where we plant the grove of catnip. It doesn't take a genius to figure this one out. Just a little back yard observation.

Iowa State has a kickin' entomology department, so it doesn't surprise me much that they have done official research on the subject, but I still don't think it qualifies for a patent. Regardless, they are being fought by a Florida college student that discovered the repellent nature of catnip with respect to her termite-infested home, and also has applied for a patent.

Furo's Fruity Fizz - Specially formulated to clean out that honker when snorted in the proper dose. Only $34.95. Operators are standing by. Patent soon-to-be-pending.

Submit a Resource | Discuss | Recommend It!

GnomeTRAFFIC

Global Internet Traffic Index

The Internet Traffic Report monitors the flow of data around the world. It then displays a value between zero and 100. Higher values indicate faster and more reliable connections. Times are U.S. Mountain Standard Time (GMT -7).