mark1408, Author at TechRepublic

mark1408

Bio

Independent IT consultant offering help and advice to small businesses. Promoter of IT risk management and good cyber security practice. \ \ Previously IT manager for a UK manufacturing SME 2008 - 2018. \ \ ERP & database support specialist since 1999. \ \ Freelance blogger for TechRepublic 2012-2013.

Latest from mark1408

Collaboration

Prevent unwanted credentials prompts with SharePoint Document Libraries

Many SharePoint users are plagued with being asked for credentials when opening Word or Excel files from a Document Library. In this case, the fix was a change of authentication protocol.

Virtualization

The three mistakes I made creating a Hyper-V virtual machine

When creating a Hyper-V virtual machine from scratch, beware of issues with Windows licenses and disk creation. Oh, and don't forget the administrator password!

CXO

New IT manager tip: Decide who does what and when

When you're taking control of your organisation's IT, write down every area of operational activity and decide who's responsible.

SMBs

Connect to SQL Server 2008 Express from a remote SQL Server 2005 Management Studio

Connecting to a remote instance of SQL Server 2008 Express from SQL Server 2005 Management Studio sounds easy, but Mark Pimperton had to overcome a series of errors before it would work.

Virtualization

Using an emergency virtual machine on a disk-based backup system

When a server problem required a complete machine restore, the first stage was to run an emergency copy of the server on a local disk-based backup system. Mark Pimperton describes what happened.

SMBs

Fixing a PCI DSS scan failure on the SonicWALL IPSec VPN, part two

An IPSec VPN using pre-shared secret for authentication will fail PCI DSS security scans. Here's how to switch to using certificates on the router and the VPN client to pass the scan.

SMBs

Fixing a PCI DSS scan failure on the SonicWALL IPSec VPN, part one

An IPSec VPN using pre-shared secret for authentication will fail PCI DSS security scans. Here's how to switch to using certificates on the router and the VPN client to pass the scan.

SMBs

CRM for ERP: Built-in or best of breed?

In the experience of one UK SMB, CRM functionality in manufacturing ERP packages is often added as an afterthought and doesn't quite measure up to what sales and marketing departments need.

SMBs

Problematic firmware upgrades in NETGEAR switches

To get the latest OS on his NETGEAR switches, Mark Pimperton wrestled two-stage upgrades, multiple "latest versions," and failed file transfers.

SMBs

Moving away from tape backup: One SMB’s journey

Mark Pimperton describes how his company's move to a disk/online-based backup system has made file restore easier and provided much improved disaster recovery.

PURPOSE These guidelines from TechRepublic Premium will help you define the necessary ingredients of a security policy and assist in its proper construction. They’re designed to work hand in hand with the subjective knowledge you have of your company, environment and employees. Using this information, your business can establish new policies or elaborate on those ...

PURPOSE Recruiting an Artificial Intelligence Architect with the right combination of technical expertise and experience will require a comprehensive screening process. This Hiring Kit from TechRepublic Premium provides an adjustable framework your business can use to find, recruit and ultimately hire the right person for the job. From the hiring kit: DETERMINING FACTORS, DESIRABLE PERSONALITY ...

PURPOSE Hiring the right Autonomous Systems Engineer requires a specific and precise recruitment process, supported by a thorough understanding of the project requirements. This Hiring Kit from TechRepublic Premium provides an adjustable framework your business can use to find, recruit and ultimately hire the right person for the job. From the hiring kit: DETERMINING FACTORS, ...

mark1408

Prevent unwanted credentials prompts with SharePoint Document Libraries

The three mistakes I made creating a Hyper-V virtual machine

New IT manager tip: Decide who does what and when

Connect to SQL Server 2008 Express from a remote SQL Server 2005 Management Studio

Using an emergency virtual machine on a disk-based backup system

Fixing a PCI DSS scan failure on the SonicWALL IPSec VPN, part two

Fixing a PCI DSS scan failure on the SonicWALL IPSec VPN, part one

CRM for ERP: Built-in or best of breed?

Problematic firmware upgrades in NETGEAR switches

Moving away from tape backup: One SMB’s journey

Guidelines for building security policies

Hiring kit: Artificial intelligence architect

Hiring kit: Autonomous systems engineer

Hiring kit: Application support engineer