Thursday, August 30, 2012

Windows Server 2008 - Firewall, Antivirus, AntiSpyware

This article list some free, cheap or affordable alternatives for security software for Windows Server 2008 and possibly other Windows Server family of products. I was initially surprised to find that popular security products including Firewall, Antivirus and AntiSpyware do not work for Windows Server 2008, but worked for Windows 7. Especially due to the fact that Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 share the same code base, this means they have the same engine under the hood.

Yet the Firewall and Antivirus and AntiSpyware that worked on Windows 7, refused to work on Windows Server 2008 and I think I know the reason. The reason must be purely commercial. Look at some software from Avira and Emsisoft, their Windows Server products are classified as Business Products but the Windows 7 and Vista are Home products. The Home products are between $50 - $100 while the Server or Business products can be more than $300.


So here are the things I tried and have not worked - so you can save yourself the trouble. Then I will show the things that do work.

Firewall that Don't work on Windows Server 2008
Comodo Firewall
Outpost Security Suite Free

Antivirus that Don't work on Windows Server 2008
Avira Antivirus
Avast Antivirus

Emsisoft Trial did work - but I'm not sure if it will work if I buy the standard edition. There is a server edition that costs hundreds of dollars.

Now for the good news.


Firewall that Work on Windows Server 2008
Zone Alarm Antivirus and Firewall Free

Antivirus that Work on Windows Server 2008
Zone Alarm Antivirus and Firewall Free
Microsoft Security Essentials
WinPatrol
SuperAntiSpyware
Spybot Search and Destroy
ThreatFire
Spyware Terminator

For Reviews, Discounts and Free Security Software, see:
http://xtechnotes.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/security-software-discounts-and-special.html




Saturday, August 11, 2012

How To Point Your Blogger - Blogspot Blog to Your Own Domain Name


The following steps show you how to connect your existing blog to your own domain name.

Why do this?
- You have a blog about BLAH already, at www.blah.blogspot.com or blah.blogspot.com
Notice the "blogspot" word which seems rather messy.
- So you actually want something like:
www.blah.com    or www.blah.org
..... then read on ......

What you need?
- You already have established a blog with Blogger, also called Blogspot.com
- You need to buy / register a Domain Name.
- Having a Domain Name is not enough, you also need to get DNS services from the Domain Name seller. This is an extra charge.

What is DNS Services?
- When you see things like "CNAME" or "MX records" or "C records", you are on the right track.
- From the CrazyDomains website, DNS services allow you to:
"Modify the zone files for your DNS information assigned to your domain. Update and add A records, CNAME or MX records."
- In simple terms, it lets you point your www.blah.com website to the actual blog at blah.blogspot.com. When people go to the www.blah.com, they will see your blog.

How to do it?
1. Ensure all the requirements above are met.
2. Get login DNS settings page for the domain.
3. Edit the domain settings to add a record:
   Fully Qualified Domain Name: www
   Record Type:CNAME
   Record Value: ghs.google.com
4. Go to Blogspot.com and login.
5. Go to "Settings", then "Basic", then "Publishing".
6. Below the "Blog Address", click the link "Add a Custom Domain".
7. Click "Switch to Advanced Settings".
8. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete.

Others
http://kb.weebly.com/domain-settings.html#arecord
The link above talks about MX, A-Records, CNames and how they are used when the Hosting And Domain provider are different. Very useful in setting up new domains or new web hosting different to domains.