TR Dojo
This blog will help IT pros in small and mom-and-pop shops tweak and bolster their systems without breaking the bank.
-
Manage MySQL databases from a Windows desktop with Toad
Jack Wallen walks through the process of installing Toad for MySQL, connecting to a server, creating a database, and creating a table on the new database.
-
Access and sync folders with AjaXplorer
AjaXplorer is a powerful, open source, web-based file sync tool. Learn how to install and configure this file management system.
-
Wireshark makes locating bandwidth issues easy
When a small business experiences network bottlenecks, the best troubleshooting tool for the job is Wireshark, according to Jack Wallen.
-
Use this lightweight WAMP server to serve content on a Windows machine
With the free Uniform Server, you could easily take a simple Windows desktop PC, turn it into an internal web server, and create a useful portal for whatever you need.
-
Manage the product inventory in your TomatoCart installation
In this TomatoCart tutorial, learn how to add tax codes and zones, manage product categories, add products, and change banner images in the ecommerce solution.
-
Customize and manage your TomatoCart website
Jack Wallen clues you in on where to look in the TomatoCart's admin control site to configure the open source shopping cart solution to best meet your needs.
-
Use TomatoCart to sell your products and services online
TomatoCart is a powerful and flexible open source shopping cart solution. Here are instructions on how to install TomatoCart.
-
Replace SyncToy with FreeFileSync for your SMB backup needs
FreeFileSync is an open source, cross-platform backup tool. Learn how to install it and then use it to set up a backup job.
-
Recover data from a damaged Office file with the help of 7-Zip
Jack Wallen walks you through how to recover data using 7-Zip. He notes this data recovery solution isn't ideal, but it could put you back in business.
-
Use RedNotebook as your IT admin journal
RedNotebook is a modern journaling application that is available on Linux, Windows, and Mac. The tool's standout feature is that you can create your own templates.
-
Tonido: A Dropbox alternative for SMBs
Jack Wallen calls Tonido a nice change from the standard cloud-based Dropbox clones. Find out why he recommends SMBs give it a try.
-
Create virtual FTP servers with Xlight FTP Server
Learn how to make the best use out of virtual FTP servers on Xlight to give you the most flexible FTP server available for a Windows desktop or server machine.
-
Let FARR make your Windows desktop easier to search
Stop wasting time switching from keyboard to mouse and opt for an keyboard-only interface. Discover how the Let Find and Run Robot problem can make your desktop search more efficient.
-
Give this tiny 'out of the box' server suite a try
The Smallest Server Suite is free, easy to administer, and requires very little in the way of hardware. Your SMB can get TheSSS up and running in minutes.
-
Try the solid, configurable firewall distribution Sphirewall
If you're looking for a firewall distribution for your small business, Sphirewall is worth a look. Jack Wallen informs you on how to install and configure the Linux-based tool.
-
Video: Windows 7 and Vista tweak: Select multiple files with checkboxes
Bill Detwiler shows you how to select multiple files in Windows 7 and Vista with the "Use Check Boxes to Select Items" feature.
-
Video: Disable Solve PC Issues notification in Windows 7
Bill Detwiler shows you how to make the Windows 7 "Solve PC Issues" notifications a little less annoying or disable them all together.
-
Laptop innovation flop: Detachable displays
Laptop innovations, like the trackpad and built-in webcam, have been hits. But, these US patent drawings show a definite miss--detachable displays.
-
Video: Lock down Windows 7 to run only specified applications
Bill Detwiler shows you how to use the Local Group Policy Editor to make Windows 7 run only the applications you approve.
-
Pop Quiz: Command-line network troubleshooting tools
Do you know the difference between ping and traceroute? Take this short quiz and test your knowledge of command-line networking utilities.
-
Geek Gifts 2010: ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ID11 living room PC
The ZBOX HD-ID11 is great for living rooms, bedrooms, or anywhere you need a mini-PC. However, some assembly is required.
-
Server Room Nightmare Challenge 2010 winners announced
Bill Detwiler asked TR members to submit their photos of nightmare server rooms they've encountered. TechRepublic editors picked our top three, but it was hard!
-
Video: Five tips for improving Linux security
Bill Detwiler shares five tips for improving Linux security, such as not logging in as root and using keyring.
-
Video: Five mistakes to avoid when supporting smartphones and mobile devices
Bill Detwiler outlines five mistakes that IT departments should avoid when supporting smartphones and mobile devices.
-
Video: Extend lithium-ion battery life with these five tips
In today’s mobile world, battery life is precious. Bill Detwiler shares five things you can do to increase Lithium-ion battery longevity.
-
Cut through IT/end-user confusion with Windows 7 Problem Steps Recorder
Bill Detwiler shows you how Windows 7 Problem Steps Recorder can show you exactly what was happening when a computer problem occurred.
-
Nook 2011 cracking open analysis: Battery replaceable, same processor as Nook Color
Bill Detwiler cracks open the 2011 Nook and discovers that the reader has an easily-replaceable battery and the same processor as the Nook Color.
-
Flush the ARP cache in Windows from the command line
Bill Detwiler shows you how to clear a specific entry from the ARP cache using the arp command and flush the whole thing with the netsh command.
-
TR Dojo Quiz: 100 years of IBM history
As International Business Machines (IBM) prepares to celebrate its 100th birthday, test your knowledge of this American tech icon.
-
Samsung Series 5 Chromebook cracking open hardware analysis
The Samsung Series 5 is easily disassembled and has replaceable components, but there's at least one surprise inside the first commercial Chromebook.