advanced computing

August 5, 2009

What is Microsoft .NET Framework and Do I Need It?

Filed under: advanced computing,Windows — Tags: .NET, .NET Framework, Microsoft .NET Framework, virtual machine, virtualization — admin @ 2:54 pm

by David Hakala

When you go to update Windows on the Microsoft update Web site, you have the option to select which specific updates you want to download and install. One update you may see is “Microsoft .NET Framework.” As of this writing, it is a whopping 284 MB package. Should you download and install it?
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June 16, 2009

What Is Virtualization, A Virtual Machine, and a Virtual PC?

Filed under: advanced computing,Linux,Macintosh,Vista,Windows — Tags: dual-boot, Microsoft Virtual PC, operating systems, virtualization — admin @ 4:38 pm

by David Hakala

In a recent answer to a reader’s question, I discussed Running Vista and XP Simultaneously.” That article discussed the dual-boot method of keeping two operating systems on one machine, loading one at a time by rebooting. There is another more convenient way to switch from one operating system to another.
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April 16, 2009

Expect Saves Time on Tedious Command-Line Tasks

Filed under: advanced computing,applications,network administration,servers — Tags: Expect, Expect scripting, FTP, network administration, passwd, telnet, text scripting — admin @ 8:00 am

by Cameron Laird

Expect can save you time–hours, or even weeks, of time. If you work at the command line, and ever find yourself annoyed at how tedious some task is, you’re a potential Expect customer. Expect automates interactive applications including telnet, ftp, password updates and more.

The cost to start is small, too: modern Mac OS and many popular Linux distributions include it, and convenient installable packages are available at no charge for Windows and all leading Unix releases.
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