iSmakkk ....cUp of cOffeE

How to Configure Cisco ASA 5505 to Use a Syslog Server

2011-12-26T21:25:00.000-08:00

How to Configure Cisco ASA 5505 to Use a Syslog Server

The Cisco ASA 5505 is usually deployed to stand between your private network and the Internet, so it is critically important that performance and security issues are logged and records retained as they may be needed for forensic investigation. Due to limited space on the ASA 5505, storing logs on a Syslog server is a necessity.

Difficulty:: Moderate

Instructions

ASA 5505 firewall appliance
Computer (Windows, Linux or Mac)
Cisco serial cable
Syslog server configured to receive messages on default UDP port 514

- 1
  
  Plug a Cisco serial cable from a computer to the ASA 5505. Open a terminal console program such as Hyperterminal or Putty (Microsoft Windows), or Minicom (Linux) and select the com port in use by the Cisco serial cable. Press the Enter key to receive a prompt response from the ASA 5505. Type in an account name and password if required to log in.
- 2
  
  Test connectivity from the ASA 5505 to the Syslog server by typing the following on the ASA 5505 command line interface:
  
  ASA5505>enable
  ASA5505>password:
  ASA5505#ping 10.0.0.1
  
  and press Enter. (Enter the specific enable password for the ASA 5505 when requested and replace the 10.0.0.1 with the IP address of your Syslog server). If connectivity is established the terminal will display the following:
  
  Type escape sequence to abort.
  Sending 5, 100-byte ICMP Echos to 10.0.0.1, timeout is 2 seconds:
  !!!!
  Success rate is 100 percent (5/5), round-trip min/avg/max = 1/1/1 ms
  
  If the output displays that the ping is not successful, check all cables, connectors and network connectivity between the ASA 5505 and the Syslog server, and run the ping test again.
- 3
  
  Type 'config t' on the ASA 5505 command line. Press Enter to access configuration mode. The command prompt should now look similar to the following:
  
  ASA5505 (config) #
  
  where (config) indicates that the context has changed to configuration mode.
- 4
  
  Type ‘logging enable’ on the command line, and press the Enter key. This will activate the logging service on the ASA5505.
- 5
  
  Configure the ASA 5505 to send log messages to a specific Syslog server. While you are still in configuration mode, on the command line, use the following syntax to specify the Syslog server where the log messages will be recorded:
  
  logging host interface name IP_address TCP/port_number UDP/port_number
  
  and press the Enter key. Follow the format of this example:
  
  ASA5505 (config) #logging host inside 10.20.20.10
  
  In the example above, ‘inside’ is the name of the interface out of which the log messages will be sent and 10.20.20.10 is the IP address of the Syslog server.
- 6
  
  Configure the log message severity parameters to specify the level of detail required for messages sent to the Syslog server. The severity parameter has eight levels numbered from 0 to 7 which can also be specified by name. Severity level names and numbers are:
  
  0 = emergencies
  1 = alerts
  2 = critical
  3 = error
  4 = warning
  5 = notification
  6 = informational
  7 = debugging
  
  The higher the severity level number, the more verbose the messages. As a general rule, configuring severity to 3, or error, is the best balance to ensure that necessary messages are received while suppressing unnecessary messages that consume storage space. The command to specify the Syslog message severity level must be entered in configuration mode following the syntax below:
  
  logging trap severity_level
  
  Severity level can be specified either by name or by number. Here is an example command line severity level configuration:
  
  ASA5505 (config) #logging trap 3
  
  The new configuration is now held in memory.
- 7
  
  Save the configuration by exiting from configuration mode, and save the memory to non-volatile memory or NVRAM. Type exit and press then Enter key and then type copy run start and press the Enter key again. Follow the example below to complete the configuration:
  
  ASA5505 (config) #exit
  ASA5505 #copy run start
- 8
  
  Test the configuration by exiting the ASA 5505 command line. Log in again using SSH and check the log files on the Syslog server. The log files should show entries reporting that the ASA 5505 received a connection and successful login.

How to renew a Self-Signed certificate in Exchange Server 2007

2011-12-18T21:23:00.000-08:00

How to renew a self signed certificate in Exchange Server 2007

When a new Exchange Server 2007 role is installed on a computer the server automatically generates a self signed certificate to be used with services like transport (SMTP), POP, IIS (OWA and Exchange Web Services) and IMAP. This certificate expires right after the completion of one year from the date server was installed or the certificate was reassigned manually. To check the status of the certificate using Exchange Management Shell. Executing the cmdlet Get-ExchangeCertificate |FL displays all relevant information about all the certificates assigned, enabled and being used or not used by Exchange Services.

You may see more than one certificate listed on your exchange server(s) and that may be simply because you or someone else from your team have already tried working with certificates on the server.

If you see the above picture, you will notice that the certificate I have on my server is valid till 24th March 2010. NotAfter holds the value in mm/dd/yyyy h:mm:ss format. NotAfter – means this certificate will not be valid after the time stamp listed in this field. On the other hand the value NotBefore – means that this certificate will not be valid before the time stamp mentioned.

So once you cross the date listed in field NotAfter the certificate becomes invalid and indeed may open up doors to many other troubles like connectivity to web services, SMTP transport, POP and IMAP retrieval, etc. To renew the certificate you can simply run a cmdlet and get a new self signed certificate. But, this is just not as simple as simply running a cmdlet and get a new certificate, there is a procedure to do it. Check the following steps:

1. Run Get-ExchangeCertificate |FL – This will list details of all certificates that you have assigned to Exchange Services. Please understand, this cmdlet does not retrieve any information about any other certificate from local certificate store which is not used by Exchange. Once you get the output printed on the screen; note down the Thumbprint of certificate into a notepad.

2. Run Get-ExchangeCertificate –Thumbprint “58C846DEEA2865CA9E6DD4B42329A9AC994EBF63” | New-ExchangeCertificate . This renews the certificate. You will notice the moment you press enter on keyboard you may be prompted to confirm if you want to use the same certificate for SMTP service.

3. Check if the certificate is renewed. This can be simply examined by looking at the changes in thumbprint of the certificate after running the cmdlet mentioned in step 2. You can see the changed thumbprint in below picture.

4. Looking correctly to the above picture you will also notice that the certificate is not being used to secure IIS based services anymore though the NotAfter and NotBefore dates have changed. To enable this renewed certificate for IIS as well run Enable-ExchangeCertificate – Thumbprint “E0BB201793DC74D0F94F3275E6AA53BA75907565” –Services IIS

5. Verify all the services are working correctly after renewing and enabling the certificate.

6. Remove old certificate by running Remove-ExchangeCertificate –Thumbprint “58C846DEEA2865CA9E6DD4B42329A9AC994EBF63”

source: http://www.msexchangegeek.com/2009/04/24/how-to-renew-a-self-signed-certificate-in-exchange-server-2007/

Android newbies

2011-08-03T00:10:00.000-07:00

Of all the new trends in IT, most of the mobile phone have different platforms ie symbian, android, mac and many more. On this occasion we will discuss the Android with Eclipse installation.

What are the things needed:-

1. Android SDK
2. Java SDK
3. Eclipse
4. ADT Plugin for Eclipse

simple huh :)

Anroid Installation Procedure for Windows with 32bit

1. Download Java SDK and install http://download.oracle.com/otn-pub/java/jdk/7/jdk-7-windows-i586.exe

2. Download Android-SDK depending on your OS, in my pc i downloaded http://dl.google.com/android/android-sdk_r12-windows.zip

3. Refer to this for SDK installation procedure http://developer.android.com/sdk/installing.html

4. Download and install now Eclipse http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/download.php?file=/technology/epp/downloads/release/indigo/R/eclipse-jee-indigo-win32.zip

5. After installing the Eclipse it is time to install the ADT plugin, following this procedure

Done the installation, now we are ready to create Android Applications

Thanks to my daugther for bringing up this topic :)

Arroyo faces plunder raps over 'misuse' of OWWA funds | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features

2011-04-26T10:50:00.000-07:00

Arroyo faces plunder raps over 'misuse' of OWWA funds | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features

Arroyo ally says use of OWWA funds legal

MANILA, Philippines (1st UPDATE) - Plunder and malversation complaints were filed on Tuesday against former President and now Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and several allies for alleged misuse of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) funds.

In his complaint, former Solicitor General Frank Chavez accused Arroyo, former Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and former OWWA Administrator Virgilio Angelo of "purposely and systematically orchestrated diversion and/or misuse of the OWWA fund, financing questionable acquisitions by several Philippine diplomatic posts in the Mid East, the humanitarian assistance to Iraq, and the reelection bid of CGMA [Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo]." (Click here to read complaint-affidavit)

Your iPhone Is Tracking Your Every Move

2011-04-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

Your iPhone Is Tracking Your Every Move

Researchers have discovered that the iPhone is keeping track of where you go and storing that information in a file that is stored - unencrypted and unprotected - on any machine with which you synchronize your phone. It is not clear why Apple is collecting this data.

Data scientists Alasdair Allan and Pete Warden came across the file - "consolidated.db" - while they were thinking about the potential trove of mobile data stored on a cellphone and thinking about ways to visualize this data. Allan and Warden will present their findings today at the Where 2.0 conference.

While it is not unusual for cellphones to track users' location, that information is typically kept behind a firewall and it requires a court order for others to be able to access it. This isn't the case with this particular file, raising serious questions about privacy and security

Manila Hongkong nationals hostage incident

2010-08-31T00:58:00.000-07:00

My condolences to all victims of hostage taking in manila. For the past few days, it is really unfortunate that this happened in the philippines though it happening all over the world as it seems. So many lapses has been unfolded with the blow by blow media coverage. What did we learn from this? Why start pinpointing whose to blame? Why not instead restructure everything to comeout with a better solution next time. We have learned our lesson with this tragedy and its time for all of us work hand in hand for a proper rules and policy incase this occur again.

Why is't that media is kept on asking other personalities that deals with the hostage crisis? Did they even bother to ask themselves whether they are part of the problem? Leave the negotiation to negotiators, they were trained to do that. Are we not watching any movies that deals with this kind of scenario wherein media should know where to stop airing live telecast? Maybe criminals next time will bring small am/fm tuner just to listen where the exact location of the police that surrounds them, no need for television.

Don't even tell the President to be part of the hostage negotiation, your just encouraging criminals if you do. Leave it to the expert negotiators and everyone should cooperate and not be part of the problem as what happened here.

Don't point finger to other as more fingers were pointing towards you.

If we need to trained those guys then we should, if we need to restrain the media from covering the event then i guess its proper but please don't just pretend that media cannot have self-restrain by its own. We all have mistakes but we need to learn from it.

It's really a sad day for Philippines, amids frustration we have to move on and learned from this mistakes.

Hacking PCOS Machine

2010-04-18T04:01:00.001-07:00

Was the machine really hackable? Well, I think it is. That's the reason why you found my blog, so you want to hack this machine?

Sad to say but i really have no idea how to do it :) even if i know for sure i will not share it because its not the right thing to do :)

For security reason I'm glad that Smartmatic doesn't show the source code to others, you know why? Those personnel who wants to see the source code have vested interest in it, for sure most of our politician will pay a lot to those who can hack this machine in order for them to win.

Let's just hope that the Comelec secured every aspect of problem that might arise if there is, to ensure an honest election in our country which most filipinos like us are hoping for so long.

See the following security features of the PCOS:

Security Features

Bar Code. The ballot contains a bar code that guarantees the ballot’s authenticity. If the bar code is compromised in any way, the ballot will no longer be read by the PCOS. This will prevent the proliferation of fake ballots that could be used to pad results.

Maximum Number of Ballots. Each PCOS can only count a maximum number of ballots equal to the number of registered voters plus the BEIs. This will prevent ballot stuffing as the PCOS will not be able to count ballots beyond the maximum number.

Precinct Based. Since the PCOS is precinct-based, there will be no transportation of ballots. All the ballots for a given precinct will be counted by the PCOS within the precinct and the results transmitted directly to the central server and boards of canvassers. This will prevent ballot snatching and ballot switching.

Paper Based. The PCOS utilizes a paper ballot, so results can be audited by opening the ballot box and manually counting the ballots. This will be done during the random manual audit to be conducted by the COMELEC immediately after the elections and during electoral protests.

Optical Scan. In addition to counting the marks on the ballots, the PCOS also scans each ballot and stores the image in memory. This provides another layer of auditability in addition to the paper ballots. This will also ensure the ballots are not tampered with after they have been cast.

Encryption. Transmissions of results will be encrypted using 128-bit encryption. This means a total of 2128 possible combinations for the encryption key. A device that could check a billion-billion keys (1018) per second would still require about 1013 years, which is longer than the age of the universe.

Access Codes. Each PCOS operator will be given a unique access code that will allow him/her to operate the PCOS machine. This will prevent unauthorized individuals from operating the PCOS machines and even prevent authorized individuals from operating other PCOS machines.

Audit Log. The PCOS machine and the consolidation and canvassing system both maintain an immutable audit log that tracks all users and actions performed on the system. This will enable the COMELEC to identify any perpetrators who attempt to manipulate the system or results.

Transparency. Results will be made available immediately after they are transmitted from the precinct to the central server. This will allow the public to track the unofficial results in real-time. While the proclamation might take a few days due to the required verification of the boards of canvassers, the unofficial results should be complete within a few hours, which practically eliminates the window for manipulation.
So you think you can hack it? Goodluck !!!

Exchange 2007 OWA not Working

2009-10-20T23:06:00.000-07:00

Issue these commands from the Exchange 2007 Management Shell.

1. remove-owavirtualdirectory -Identity "owa (Default Web Site)" (Note the website name is case sensitive)

2. New-owavirtualdirectory –Name “owa” –website “Default Web Site”

You will likely have to re-add the certificate and\or re-enable Forms Based Authentication if applicable.

3. Re-register the .NET 2.0

IIS 6.0 supports both the 32-bit mode and the 64-bit mode. However IIS 6.0 does not support running both modes at the same time on a 64-bit version of Windows. ASP.NET 1.1 runs only in 32-bit mode. ASP.NET 2.0 runs in 32-bit mode or in 64-bit mode. Therefore, if you want to run ASP.NET 1.1 and ASP.NET 2.0 at the same time, you must run IIS in 32-bit mode.

Note If you have Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 installed on the computer, use the instructions for ASP.NET 2.0, 64-bit version.

Before you can switch between the different versions of ASP.NET, visit the following Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) Web site to download and install both the .NET Framework 1.1 and the .NET Framework 2.0:

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/netframework/aa731542.aspx (http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/netframework/aa731542.aspx)

For example, if you are running Microsoft Windows x64 Edition, download the following two redistributable packages:

The .NET Framework Version 2.0 Redistributable Package x64 (64 Bit)
The .NET Framework Version 1.1 Redistributable

After you install the redistributable packages, you can switch between the different versions of ASP.NET. To do this, follow these steps for each ASP.NET version:

ASP.NET 1.1, 32-bit version

To run the 32-bit version of ASP.NET 1.1, follow these steps:

Click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then click OK.
Type the following command to enable the 32-bit mode:
cscript %SYSTEMDRIVE%\inetpub\adminscripts\adsutil.vbs SET W3SVC/AppPools/Enable32bitAppOnWin64 1
Type the following command to install the version of ASP.NET 1.1 and to install the script maps at the IIS root and under:
%SYSTEMROOT%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v1.1.4322\aspnet_regiis.exe -i
Make sure that the status of ASP.NET version 1.1.4322 is set to Allowed in the Web service extension list in Internet Information Services Manager.

ASP.NET 2.0, 32-bit version

To run the 32-bit version of ASP.NET 2.0, follow these steps:

Click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then click OK.
Type the following command to enable the 32-bit mode:
cscript %SYSTEMDRIVE%\inetpub\adminscripts\adsutil.vbs SET W3SVC/AppPools/Enable32bitAppOnWin64 1
Type the following command to install the version of ASP.NET 2.0 (32-bit) and to install the script maps at the IIS root and under:
%SYSTEMROOT%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\aspnet_regiis.exe -i
Make sure that the status of ASP.NET version 2.0.50727 (32-bit) is set to Allowed in the Web service extension list in Internet Information Services Manager.

ASP.NET 2.0, 64-bit version

To run the 64-bit version of ASP.NET 2.0, follow these steps:

Click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then click OK.
Type the following command to disable the 32-bit mode:
cscript %SYSTEMDRIVE%\inetpub\adminscripts\adsutil.vbs SET W3SVC/AppPools/Enable32bitAppOnWin64 0
Type the following command to install the version of ASP.NET 2.0 and to install the script maps at the IIS root and under:
%SYSTEMROOT%\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v2.0.50727\aspnet_regiis.exe -i
Make sure that the status of ASP.NET version 2.0.50727 is set to Allowed in the Web service extension list in Internet Information Services Manager.

Note The build version of ASP.NET 2.0 may differ depending on what the currently released build version is. These steps are for build version 2.0.50727.

In Exchange Manager, disable Outlook Anywhere, IISRESET, Enable OutlookAnywhere, IISRESET

In EM set the path properties and set Forms Authenticaion, disbale Anonymous access, Turn on Require SSL in IIS

IISRESET

Configure Cisco Port Security on Switches and Router interface

2009-10-14T02:25:00.001-07:00

Configure Cisco Port Security on Switches and Router interface

Shared via AddThis

Using Recovery Storage Group in Exchange 2007

2009-10-14T01:45:00.001-07:00

Using Recovery Storage Group in Exchange 2007

Posted using ShareThis

Restoring Exchange Mailbox Data Using the Recovery Storage Group, Part 2

2009-10-14T01:44:00.003-07:00

Restoring Exchange Mailbox Data Using the Recovery Storage Group, Part 2

Posted using ShareThis

Restoring Exchange Mailbox Data Using the Recovery Storage Group, Part 1

2009-10-14T01:44:00.001-07:00

Restoring Exchange Mailbox Data Using the Recovery Storage Group, Part 1

Posted using ShareThis

How can I gain access to a Windows NT/2000/XP/2003 computer if I forgot the administrator

2009-10-13T23:31:00.001-07:00

How can I gain access to a Windows NT/2000/XP/2003 computer if I forgot the administrator’s password? How can I reset the administrator’s password if I forgot it?

Posted using ShareThis

Reset your Cisco PIX password

2009-10-13T22:26:00.000-07:00

Takeaway: Losing the password to your firewall can be a nightmare. Fortunately, there are a couple of methods for resetting the password on your Cisco PIX firewall. Scott Lowe explains how you can use either a floppy disk or a TFTP server to reset it.

Admit it. You’ve at one point or another forgotten a password or two, which probably wasn't fun but didn't cause any major problems. However, forgetting the password to your firewall will cause headaches no administrator wants to weather. And, when such a password is forgotten, there's little you can do but give up the ghost. Or is there?

In this Daily Feature, I will show you two different methods you can use to reset your Cisco PIX firewall password. Although both methods take advantage of similar techniques, each uses different hardware. The first method employs the use of a floppy drive, and the second uses a TFTP server.

Physical security
The resetting of the password field assumes that physical security for the network hardware is in place, because it requires either a serial connection to the PIX or access to the firewall's floppy drive.

As Cisco suggests, the procedure you use depends on the version of the PIX software that you are running and whether or not your PIX has a floppy drive. If there is no floppy drive in your PIX, you will either have to use a TFTP server or directly access specific memory locations on the PIX memory. The latter solution is both complex and dangerous, so either the floppy or TFTP method is recommended.

Downtime
Please note that some PIX downtime is required to perform the following procedures.

Resetting your password with a floppy device
To begin, download two files from Cisco's Web site (you must have a username/password to enter this area of the site). The first is a file named rawrite.exe, and the second is a binary file that is dependent upon the version of the PIX software that you are running.

The rawrite.exe utility is used to create a bootable PIX floppy disk. This bootable disk will be used to install the .bin file that you downloaded. To create this floppy disk, make sure that there is a floppy disk in your PC and then execute the rawrite.exe utility. For my system, I downloaded the rawrite.exe file and the np52.bin file (since I am running the 5.2 version of the PIX software) and created the boot floppy with these steps.

Once the process is complete, remove the floppy disk from the drive and insert it into the PIX floppy drive. Next, make sure your serial connection to the PIX is working by attempting a standard login via hyperterminal. With a properly working serial connection and your floppy disk in the PIX floppy drive, reset the PIX. The PIX will boot from this disk and reset the password to the factory default, cisco. When it's done, you'll receive the following message on the connected PC or terminal:
Erasing Flash Password. Please eject diskette and reboot.

Reboot the unit again. The telnet password to the PIX will be set to cisco and can be changed using the commands passwd yourpassword and enable password yourenablepassword, where yourpassword and yourenablepassword are the administrator-specified passwords. Your PIX will be accessible again with the passwords that you specify.

Resetting with a TFTP server
If your PIX doesn't have a floppy drive, place the np52.bin file or whichever one matches your version of PIX software on your TFTP server. The PIX needs to be rebooted and an ESCAPE ([Ctrl][Z]) sequence sent as soon as the startup message appears. This puts the PIX to a monitor> command prompt. You will need to enter some basic parameters to give the PIX simple network connectivity. To do this, you will need to know the interface, address, server, and file commands necessary to establish a connection. Here is an example session that would set these parameters, assuming the inside interface is being used to connect to the TFTP server.

The PIX will reboot and you can reset the password as you like.

If your PIX firewall doesn't have a floppy drive and you don't have a TFTP server, I recommend that you get one. Having one will allow you to back up your configuration from time to time and restore corrupt images.

Last resort
If you cannot install a TFTP server and you don't have a floppy drive in your PIX, it's time to call the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC). They will walk you through a series of steps that involve accessing specific memory locations on the PIX without using the .bin file from the Web site. When resetting passwords in this way, be cautious, because the steps vary from model to model and can be dangerous if not used properly. Some steps involve directly accessing memory locations, which could easily overwrite a critical memory address and render your PIX unbootable, so be careful.

Resetting Cisco Switch Password

2009-10-13T22:11:00.000-07:00

This documents the procedure for performing a password recovery on a Cisco 2950 switch (and probably other models, as well).

1. Unplug the power cable

2. Hold down the mode button while replugging the power cable

3. Type flash_init over the console

4. Type load_helper

5. Type Dir flash :
//make sure to type the semi-colons

6. Type rename flash:config.txt flash:config.old
//the password is contained in the config.txt file

7. Type boot
//this reboots the system

8. Type n to skip the initial setup configuration

9. Type enable
//this takes you to the enable mode

10. Type rename flash:config.old flash:config.txt

11. Save config.txt to system
#copy flash:config.txt system:running-config

12. Enter config mode and change the password
# config t
# no enable secret
//this applies only if the enable secret password was created

13. Finally, write the changes to memory
# write memory

Acer AspireOne Bios Upgrade

2008-09-27T22:21:00.000-07:00

The AA1 has a built-in BIOS recovery routine, making it possible to flash the BIOS even if the system doesn't boot anymore. It's only meant for emergencies and may void your warranty, so use at your own risk.Follow every step carefully!First format an USB stick with FAT.Download the latest BIOS, and put both FLASHIT.EXE and the BIOS file in the root directory of the stick. Rename the BIOS file to ZG5IA32.FD, that's important. Do not remove the USB stick.Turn the AA1 off, make sure both battery and AC adapter are connected. Press Fn+Esc, keep it pressed and press the power button to turn the AA1 on. Release Fn+Esc after a few seconds, the power button will be blinking. Press the power button once. The AA1 will now initiate the BIOS flash, do not interrupt it under any circumstances. After a while the power button will stop blinking, and the AA1 will reboot shortly after. Wait patiently.The BIOS has been flashed and all settings reset to default.If for some reason you made a mistake during the procedure and it doesn't reboot by itself wait 5 minutes before turning it off, just to be safe that it isn't still flashing the BIOS.

Rapists cruised roads for victim By SARA SAMI

2008-09-16T22:34:00.000-07:00

THREE Bahraini men who kidnapped and gang-raped a Filipina had been cruising the streets for five hours looking for a victim, it emerged yesterday.
The men, all in their 20s, have admitted snatching the woman off the street at around 3am on Sunday, raping her and dumping her on the Manama coastline.
They hatched a plan earlier in the evening to find, snatch and rape a woman, Chief Public Prosecutor Usama Al Asfoor said yesterday..... > read full article

Alternative Treatments for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress

2008-09-03T02:45:00.000-07:00

by Dr. Podell's Perspective on Brain, Mind, and Mood

Adding natural alternative treatments for depression, natural anxiety treatments and stress management techniques can make a big difference in your life. Dr. Podell can help you understand your options for alternative treatments for depression, natural anxiety treatments and stress management techniques...> read full article

What Thyroid Patients Need to Know About Depression

2008-09-03T02:36:00.000-07:00

In any given 1-year period, 9.5 percent of the population, or about 18.8 million American adults, suffer from a depressive illness, and thyroid patients have a higher incidence of depression and anxiety disorders than the average public. Here are some key points to understand..> read full article

Warning for employers withholding their expatriate workers' passports

2008-09-02T22:17:00.001-07:00

Bahrain's bosses were yesterday warned against withholding their expatriate workers' passports. "Violators will face tough action if they encroach on foreigners' human and legal inalienable rights," said Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi yesterday.... > read full article

Low-cost System System Thwarts Internet Eavesdropping

2008-09-02T21:45:00.000-07:00

ScienceDaily (2008-08-26) -- The growth of shared Wi-Fi and other wireless computer networks has increased the risk of eavesdropping on Internet communications, but researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science and College of Engineering have devised a low-cost system that can thwart these "Man-in-the-Middle" attacks. ... > read full article

Potentially Serious Security Flaws Found In Most Bank Websites, Including Large Bank Sites, Study Shows

2008-09-01T01:53:00.000-07:00

ScienceDaily (2008-07-23) -- More than 75 percent of the bank Web sites surveyed had at least one design flaw that could make customers vulnerable to cyber thieves after their money or even their identity. These design flaws aren't bugs that can be fixed with a patch. They stem from the flow and the layout of these Web sites, according to the study. The flaws include placing log-in boxes and contact information on insecure web pages as well as failing to keep users on the site they initially visited...> read full article

Protect Yourself From Computer Hackers -- Computer Scientists Say Hackers Prey On Those Who Don't Protect Themselves

2008-08-31T23:55:00.000-07:00

ScienceDaily () -- Computer scientists observe that the people most at risk for the loss of private information and other computer problems are those who create easily guessed passwords and user names. They advise creating and regularly updating complicated passwords that contain upper- and lower-case letters as well as numbers. They also recommend running regular virus checks on the computer.... read full article

What is Bipolar Depression?

2008-08-31T23:53:00.001-07:00

ScienceDaily (2008-08-31) -- Bipolar disorder is one of the most important psychiatric diseases, often associated with considerable treatment needs and tremendous social and occupational burden for both the individual and family (Pini et al., 2005). Previously also labeled manic-depressive illness, bipolar disorder is typically referred to as an episodic, yet lifelong and clinically severe mood (or affective) disorder. ... > read full article

Laughter Is The Best Medicine

2008-08-31T23:50:00.000-07:00

ScienceDaily (2008-01-26) -- Laughter is the best medicine. We've heard the expression time and again. For decades, researchers have explored how humor helps patients relieve stress and heal. Now, researchers have taken it one step further, with new research on how humor helps medical professionals cope with their difficult jobs. She also looked at how humor affects the elderly and how it can increase communication in the workplace and in the classroom. ... > read full article

Ten Ways to Increasing Intranet Exposure

2008-08-28T00:27:00.000-07:00

Intranet Rollout: Loud Versus Quiet

Most company's are familiar with the traditional method of system launch: creating a buildup of expectation, lead by a high-profile marketing campaign, prior to the system's official launch date. But a trend that's been gaining momentum is the idea of the non-launch, or a “quiet” launch. Unlike the fanfare often associated with traditional, “loud” launches, quiet launches rely mostly on word-of-mouth and low-key promotion.

The idea of using quiet rollouts as opposed to grand system launches came about as a result of user communities that have grown wary, even cynical, of past IT system rollout failures — late launch dates, missing features, marketing that exaggerated true system value, or the system not living up to the hype. Creating a lot of buzz surrounding an intranet launch in this type of cynical environment will cause users to think, "Oh great, here we go again. What is it this time?"

Ten Ways to Increasing Intranet Exposure

Regardless of whether you decide to implement a high-profile or low-key system launch, there are numerous ways to increase intranet exposure from within your company. Many of the methods mentioned below can be used concurrently and will be most effective when you understand your user community.

1. Intranet Presentations

It's not always feasible to provide presentations to the entire company — especially for larger corporations with thousands of employees, or employees working from remote, satellite offices where time zone differences with corporate headquarters may make it difficult.

But presentations can be given to smaller groups — department heads, group and project leaders — highlighting key intranet features and the types of content that can be found in the system. Then they, in turn, can introduce the system to their own staff.
The added benefit of this top-down approach will allow intranet marketers to adapt their presentation to focus on each department's key needs (targeted marketing is discussed below). And, since you're presenting to much smaller groups of key individuals, satellite offices can be introduced to the intranet with the use of a real-time Web conferencing software such as WebEx — a tool that I've had success with in the past.

2. Targeted Marketing

Rather than using a blanket marketing model to introduce your intranet to potential users, you should focus on the needs of each individual department or workgroup, highlighting the features and content that will be of the most use to them.
Since first impressions play such a big role in system adoption, users should always be made aware of those features that will be most applicable to them during their initial exposure to the system. Once their attention has been piqued, they will most likely explore other areas of the intranet on their own and find more relevant information. No amount of marketing will match the effectiveness of a user's curiosity.

3. Word-of-Mouth

All non-secured information contained within an intranet should have an "E-mail this article to a colleague" feature that allows users to forward an article, or a link to an article, to someone else in the company. This works well in a company that's adopted the quiet method of system rollout since it allows the user community to create awareness of the system through word-of-mouth. In a sense, this acts as a user-based version of targeted marketing because employees who are not aware of the system will receive information most applicable to them from their own colleagues and will, therefore, be more likely to read it.

4. Create Brochures and Posters

A colorful, one-page brochure will go a long way towards creating awareness of your intranet. But in order to be effective, an introductory brochure must remain simple; the longer it is, the less likely people will be to read it. It must contain several important pieces of information: the intranet's URL, screen shots of the main page and any other key pages, and a short description of the system's purpose (i.e., its mission statement) and main features.

In addition to a brochure, you can place eye-catching, easy-to-read posters advertising your intranet in high-traffic areas such as near main entrances, foyers, and the cafeteria. And since many companies have their own internal communications and graphics departments, their skills can be put to good use in order to accomplish these tasks.

5. Intranet Merchandise

Intranet exposure can be increased by creating free or low-cost intranet branded merchandise such as mouse pads, pens, letterheads, and stickers, just to name a few. But, depending on the other ongoing promotional activities that you may have going at the same time, you may discover that the cost of producing these items in large quantities may not be worth the payoff.

6. Send Regular Newsletters

To keep existing intranet users up-to-date and to introduce the system to new users, include a feature allowing them to subscribe to regular e-mail based "What's New" newsletters that list the latest additions to the intranet with active links to the content.
The advantage here is that it allows you to steer users directly to the intranet (as opposed to including the full text of the information on the e-mail) where they will find not only the information associated with the link they clicked on in their e-mail, but hopefully, other useful content that they may discover along the way.

7. Name Contest

One of the most popular and successful methods of creating exposure for your intranet is by holding a contest giving your employees the opportunity to come up with a name and/or logo for the system. The prize for the winning entry could be anything from gift certificates to extra vacation days.

8. Use a Recognizable URL

Your intranet's URL is just as important as its brand (intranet branding is discussed in my article Intranet Standardization: All For One, and One For All). And as such, it must be short and memorable — something that can be quickly typed into a Web browser regardless of whether you have the site bookmarked. For example:
www.IntranetName.com is good;www.CompanyName.com/Applications/IntranetName/Home.html is not.

9. Use an E-Mail Signature

Key intranet players — content owners, developers, designers — can place a link and short description or catch phrase into their internal e-mail signature.

10. Intranet as a Base of Support

Implementing online discussion forums can be a good way to direct users — users who may not normally visit the intranet — to the system.

Reference Books

2008-05-08T22:54:00.000-07:00

ERP Make It Happen
ITIL Concept
SAP Business Process
Six Sigma for Dummies
Sybex Certified Ethical Hacker
Hacking Wirelss Network
ArcGIS Desktop Developer Guide
Exploring ArcObjects
Getting Started with ArcIMS
Oracle 10g Administration
Performance Tuning SQL
Programming ArcObjects with VBA 2nd ed.
SQL for Dummies
Understanding ArcSDE

Crossroad - Bone Thugs

2008-05-07T23:39:00.000-07:00

Song lyrics | Crossroad lyrics

PSP Games

2008-05-07T23:13:00.000-07:00

Bleach Heat The Soul 5 JPN FULL CSO 435 MB

--------------
Guitarway to Heaven 4 Amplified 704 MB FULL

------------

AVATAR the legend of Aang EUR FULL CSO 107 MB

----------

R TYPE Command USA CSO 153 MB

----------------
Lanfeust of Troy EUR MULTI5 FULL CSO 199 MB

-------------
Dragonball Z Shin Budokai Another Road USA FULL 336 MB

-------------------

Tekken: Dark Resurrection USA FULL

----------
Ultimate Board Game Collection EUR MULTI5 FULL 47 MB

----------

Dragon Quest & Final Fantasy in Itadaki Street Portable JPN FULL ISO 294 MB

-------------

Killzone Liberation EUR FULL CSO 496 MB + UPDATE1.2+NEW CHAPTER

-----------------
Naruto Narutimate Portable JAP FULL CSO 532 MB

--------------
Genso Suikoden I and II JAP FULL CSO 777 MB

----------------
Street Fighter Alpha 3 MAX CSO 96.3 MB

-------------
Fired Up EUR [MULTi 5] FULL CSO 179 MB

------------------

Bleach Heat The Soul JAP CSO 275 MB

-----------

Bleach Heat The Soul 2 JAP FULL ISO 636 MB

-------------
Bleach Heat the Soul 3 JAP FULL ISO 762 MB

--------------
Bleach Heat The soul 4 JPN FULL ISO 786 MB

-------------
Iron Man MULTi 3 USA FULL CSO

--------------
Valkyrie Profile Lenneth USA FULL

----------------
Ridge Racer EUR FULL

---------------
SCARFACE: Money.Power.Respect USA

---------------------

Lord Of The Rings - Tactics USA FULL

---------------

PQ2: Practical Intelligence Quotient USA FULL

----------------
Neopets Petpet Adventures USA FULL CSO 521 MB

-----------------
World Of Pool EUR FULL CSO 121 MB

----------------------

Infected FULL CSO 530 MB

-------------------
Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos

------------------------

Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of The Lions

---------------
Fl0w

----------------

God of War Chains of Olympus 254mb full

-----------------

Mega Man Maverick Hunter X USA FULL ISO 448 MB

Megaman Powered Up USA CSO 249 MB

-----------------

Street Riders EUR FULL

--------------

Untold Legends Brotherhood Of The Blade

------------

SNK Arcade Classics

----------------

Vantage Master Portable

----------------

War Ni Chi KOR/ENGLISH

------------

SBK Superbike World Championship

------------

UEFA Euro 2008 PROPER EUR

-------------
Ape Quest USA Starter Pack

--------------

Go Puzzle USA FULL

----------
Beats USA FULL

------------
Hot Wheels Ultimate Racing USA

----------------------------

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories

------------------
Lemmings USA FULL

--------------------

Rainbow Six Vegas USA

--------------------
Bounty Hounds

------------------------
Warriors Orochi USA FULL

--------------
Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops Plus

-------------------------

Metel Gear Solid Portable Ops

---------------------------

Metal Gear Solid Digital Graphic Novel

-------------------------

Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice EUR MULTI

------------------

Pursuit Force

-------------------------

NBA Street Showdown

--------------

Monster Hunter Portable 2nd

-------------------------

Puzzle Guzzle USA FULL

--------------------------

Chessmaster The Art of Learning USA

--------------------
Downstream Panic USA FULL

------------------

Free Running

-------------------------

Silent Hill Origins

----------------------------

Tomb Raider: Legend EUR FULL

-------------------

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes USA FULL

--------------------

God of War: Chains of Olympus USA FULL CSO 1.22 GB

------------------------------------

Need for Speed ProStreet EUR MULTI5 FULL ISO 1.43 GB

------------------------------

Patapon EUR FULL CSO 223 MB

---------------------------------

Luxor: Pharaoh's Challenge USA FULL CSO 38.6 MB

--------------------------

Metal Slug Anthology USA FULL CSO 741 MB

---------------

Call of Duty: Roads to Victory USA 479 MB FULL CSO

------------------

Winning Eleven Ubiquitous Evolution 2008

-------------------

Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars USA FULL CSO 331 MB

-----------------------

SEGA Rally Revo (PROMO) EUR ISO 188 MB

---------------------------------

7 Wonders FULL CSO 18,3 MB

---------------------

Super Collapse 3 USA FULL CSO 33 MB

-------------------------------

Dynasty Warriors FULL CSO 115 MB

-----------------------------------

Dynasty Warriors Vol.2 USA FULL CSO 180 MB

------------------------------
Loco Roco EUR FULL CSO 617 MB

--------------------------

Ultimate Block Party

-------------

WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2007 FULL CSO 1,27 GB

-------------------------------------

Exit FULL CSO 65 MB

------------
GTA: Vice City Stories USA FULL ISO 1.57 GB

------------------------

Need for Speed Carbon: FULL CSO 298 MB

-------------------
Super Monkey Ball Adventure

--------------
Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core USA FULL

--------------------

Test Drive Unlimited PROMO Full

-------------------

Wipeout Pulse USA FULL

---------------

Wipeout Pure 2 FULL

--------------------

Twisted Metal Head On EUR FULL

-----------------------------

The Godfather: Mob Wars FULL

-------------------

Gangs Of London FULL

------------------------

Miami Vice USA FULL

--------------------------

The Hustle: Detroit Streets EUR FULL

----------------------

50 Cent: Bulletproof USA FULL

Stay - Cushe

2008-05-07T22:31:00.000-07:00

I believe
We shouldn't let the moment pass us by
Life's too short
We shouldn't wait for the water to run dry

Think about it
Cause we only have one shot at destiny
All im asking
Could it possibly be you and me?

So if you'd still go, i'll understand
Would you give me something just to hold on to?
And if you'll stay, I'll hold your hand
Cause im truly, madly, crazily in love with you

Time has come
For us to go our separate ways
God forbid
But my mind is going crazy today

I feel so cold
Feel so numb
Im having nightmares but im awake
Help me lord
Fight this loneliness
Take this pain away

So if you'd still go, i'll understand
Would you give me something just to hold on to?
And if you'll stay, I'll hold your hand
Cause im truly, madly, crazily in love with you

Now that you're gone, im all alone
Im still hoping that you would come back home
Don't care how long, but im willing to wait
Cause im truly, madly, crazily in love with you

Song lyrics | Stay lyrics

Way back into Love

2008-05-07T22:23:00.000-07:00

I’ve been living with a shadow overhead
I’ve been sleeping with a cloud above my bed
I’ve been lonely for so long
Trapped in the past, I just can’t seem to move on

I’ve been hiding all my hopes and dreams away
Just in case I ever need em again someday
I’ve been setting aside time
To clear a little space in the corners of my mind

All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can’t make it through without a way back into love
Oh oh oh

I’ve been watching but the stars refuse to shine
I’ve been searching but I just don’t see the signs
I know that it’s out there
There’s got to be something for my soul somewhere

I’ve been looking for someone to shed some light
Not just somebody just to get me through the night
I could use some direction
And I’m open to your suggestions

All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can’t make it through without a way back into love
And if I open my heart again
I guess I’m hoping you’ll be there for me in the end

There are moments when I don’t know if it’s real
Or if anybody feels the way I feel
I need inspiration
Not just another negotiation

All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can’t make it through without a way back into love
And if I open my heart to you
I’m hoping you’ll show me what to do
And if you help me to start again
You know that I’ll be there for you in the end

Song lyrics | Way Back Into Love lyrics