Recent Blog Posts - Page 24 of 27

SPF

In case any of you are dealing with SPF on your Exchange system, here are a few tips.

First, ensure that you are modifying the correct external DNS. I recently was attempting to configure an SPF record for a customer, and we were modifying what we thought was her external DNS, but it wasn't (anymore). Use nslookup or dig (from a Unix machine) from outside the network to verify that you are modifying the correct DNS.

Second, we found a simple SPF record that works. Here it is:
v=spf1 IP4:type.your.ip.address ~all

Of course, you'll have to put in the IP address of the machine your email originates from, but this seems to be the simplest SPF record you can use.

Third, note that your ISP will probably have to enable reverse DNS for you as well.

If you follow these tips, or have some to share, drop me a line. My info is on the Contact page. Thanks!

Microsoft Releases Windows Vista

Well, I had the opportunity to deploy a Windows Vista machine yesterday. Yes, on Windows Vista Launch Day, I actually deployed a retail Vista machine for a client. Who would have thought? Well, they needed a new machine set up, and of course, all of the XP machines are "sold out" all across town… the pre-built ones, anyway.

First impressions? It's a lot more polished than the last version I ran, which admittedly was RC1. It was pretty slow on a 3.4Ghz 512MB machine, though. Tolerable, but slow. What's weird is that it was "Home Basic" installed, so no Aero interface, and it was still slow. On a PCI-E Radeon 1100. Hrm.

Anyways, if you are thinking of checking out Vista, and I suggest you do, view this webpage at Microsoft so that you can see the difference between the "editions" of Windows Vista that have been released.

Also, if you are thinking of moving to Vista, I strongly recommend that you go to your local Apple store and play with a new iMac or MacBook. After all, Vista is such a major upgrade, you're going to be purchasing a new machine and new versions of most (if not all) of your software. Don't forget that you can get Microsoft Office for Mac, if you need to.

Alternatively, download and check out Ubuntu Linux. It comes with OpenOffice.org pre-installed, and the downloaded CD that you get can even be used as a "Live" bootable on your existing computer without screwing up the OS you already have installed.

Windows Vista Article

"You've deployed Windows XP in the past, and now you're thinking ahead to Windows Vista."

Here's a short article on what to look for when deploying Windows Vista.

SofTouch Systems Newsletter.