Current Stories
Friday 27th, June 2008
The Most Common Twitter Message10:41:20 PMLocation : Cleveland, OH
Dynamic Client Configuration - Enabled or Disabled?10:31:25 PMLocation : Cleveland, OH
Instead of posting a third SnTT post this week, let's try out posting one of my answers from the R6/R7 forum on developerWorks:Lotus. While the answer I provided was rather brief, this will allow me to expand upon it a little.
The question was: How do you stop a policy from being pushed to one user?
Polices are pushed to the client using a process called Dynamic Client Configuration (DCC). What is DCC?
Dynamic Client Configuration (DCC) is a Notes client process that runs when the user authenticates with the server. DCC updates certain information between the Notes client and the Domino server. A few items are the internet mail address and Policies. The DCC executable, ndyncfg.exe, is located in the Notes client program directory. It runs when the user authenticates with their home server, and either their Person document has been modified, or their assigned Desktop Policy has been modified since the last authentication. DCC is designed as a push mechanism only from the server to the client.
How do you stop it from being pushed to a particular client?
To either disable or enable Dynamic Client Configuration:
1. Edit the Location document from the user's workstation.
2. Go to Actions, Advanced, Set Update Flag. You will see a dialog box that states
"Allow administrators to keep this location's settings up to date with those settings on your mail server."
3. Click Yes to enable or No to disable.
4. Save and close the Location document.
To check whether DCC is enabled for a user:
1. Put the current Location document in Edit mode.
2. From the menu, select File, Document Properties, and then click the Fields tab.
3. Check the value of the Field named "AcceptUpdates":
- If the value is set to zero, DCC is disabled.
- If the value is set to "1", DCC is enabled
Another option to disable DCC is to add a line to the users' notes.ini: DisableDynConfigClient=1. If the user isn't getting the updates, the flip side is to check that the line isn't in the notes.ini.
Since I am on the topic, Lotus has published a FAQ on DCC which will provide you with more information. Questions such as "How do I know it is working?," "How do I know it isn't working?," and "How can I troubleshoot DCC issues?" are answered.
Link: Can Dynamic Client Configuration Be Disabled for Certain Users?
Link: Frequently Asked Questions about Dynamic Client Configuration (DCC)
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Simple Tips for Better Camera Phone Pictures07:47:22 AMLocation : Cleveland, OH
I think that most of us have camera phones. Granted, they aren't as nice as a dedicated digital camera, but that is no reason why you can't take better pictures. A while back, I read and reviewed The Camera Phone Book, which, I think, has allowed me to take better pictures with my Treo. If you don't have time to dedicate to the book, GearLog has a simple primer on taking better pictures with your camera phone. Two of my favorite tips, from the GearLog post, follow.
Use your camera's rule-of-third's framing system, if it has one. This helps you frame your shots better. While using this system, try to keep your subject right in the middle--the framing system will help you do so. That way when you're showing off a pic of your new puppy at work, people will know exactly where to look in the shot.
This tip was better explained in the book. One of the options for those that don't have a framing system is to use a clear protector for your phone's display, and, using a fine marker on the protector, divide into thirds.
The other tip that I thought was fairly common, is:
The slightest movement can make your pictures look grainy or blurry. So you need to hold your phone correctly, as optical image stabilization has not been implemented in phones yet. The phone may be very light-weight and your hands are probably steady, but you want to get the best quality possible. So flip your phone around and hold it the way you hold your point-and-shoot. Otherwise, try to hold your phone with two hands.
I always use two hands to take pictures with the Treo. It not only stabilizes the camera, it allows me to frame the shots better (Tip 1).
While the GearLog article is an excellent starting point, I highly recommend The Camera Phone Book if you want to exploit all of the features and functions of your camera phone. And to take better pictures.
Link: GearLog: How to Get the Most out of Your Cell Phone Camera
Link: Book Review: The Camera Phone Book
Technorati tag: camera phone
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Thursday 26th, June 2008
Unify - "The Right Platform" and Lotus Notes/Domino10:41:32 PMLocation : Cleveland, OH
One of my many (maybe too many) e-mail newsletters I receive has a link to a whitepaper entitled "Hosting Lotus Notes: The Right Platform for the Job." Published by Unify (more items on Unify can be found here and here). The teaser for the whitepaper states:
With organizations facing mandates to standardize and consolidate platforms, reduce costs, and improve scalability, manageability and interoperability of their systems, application migration is fast becoming a business priority. Migrations offer a compelling alternative to an application rewrite by reducing the cost and time in adopting new platforms. The result – an opportunity to maximize diminishing budgets and minimize end-user disruption by preserving the business logic and workflow functionality.
Reading that paragraph, I was thinking that Duffbert and Ed were wrong; Unity is talking about Lotus Notes and Domino. After all, they talk about:
Reducing costs. Domino runs on every operating system platform, including Linux. The Notes client runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. You are not tied to any one operating system and are free to use the platform that makes the most sense to the business, economically and technically.
Scalability. One properly sized server can support thousands of users (IBM has tested it on one server with 18,000 users).
Interoperability. Notes and Domino can, and does, move data between disparate systems. There are many methods to accomplish this task depending on the release of Domino, the expertise of your development staff, and your budget.
Workflow. A term that epitomizes Lotus Notes and Domino.
But, no, they are talking about the Microsoft stack.
Looking at the whitepaper, they basically show that you are migrating from one Domino server to Visual Studio, .Net, Active Directory, SharePoint 2007, and SQL Server 2005. I don't know a lot about Microsoft, but all of that can't possibly end up on one Windows server.
A thumbnail sketch of a sample migration includes the Domino application migrated to a SQL Server database. The logic is done in C# Web Services in Visual Studio. The Notes interface is recreated into SharePoint Lists, Web Parts, and .Net applications. Your ACL is moved into Active Directory. Once done, it is enhanced using workflows, better user interfaces, and data integration. In the Microsoft stack.
This sort of thing has been attempted in the past with limited success and I expect the same from the current endeavor.
But while we are watching Microsoft and their partners, are we keeping an eye on other competitors who may have their sights on the Notes/Domino market? And I am not talking about the big firms, in front of us. I am referring to start ups, the ones that may be on the flanks.
On a related note, Keith Brooks has been on a roll lately. I hope that he is getting some feedback privately, because there are hardly any comments on his blog.
Link: Unify: Composer Brochure
Link: Ed Brill: And what did all of that marketing get them?
Link: Duffbert: I stumbled across the transcript for Unify's financial conference call today
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Known Limitations of Notes and Domino 8.002:30:11 PMLocation : Cleveland, OH
A newly published TechNote details the list of known limitations in both Notes and Domino Release 8.0.
So, you aren't running Notes and Domino 8 and want the same information? No problem. Ben has posted the limits for the other releases.
Link: Known limitations of Notes and Domino 8.0 Releases
Link: Genii Software: Domino Limits - Release 4.6.x
Link: Genii Software: Domino Limits - Releases R5/R6.x
Link: Genii Software: Domino Limits - Releases 6.5.x/7.x/8.x
Technorati tag: Lotus Domino Notes
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Angel's Dance - A Great Movie You Probably Never Saw12:04:24 AMLocation : Cleveland, OH
Last night, I found myself watching Angel's Dance until it ended, way past 2:00AM. I think that it is one of James Belushi's best films. Not only is his "zen hitman" near perfect, but the supporting cast is wonderful and the film contains a mix of comedy, action, and drama. What is the plot (taken from NetFlix)?
Aspiring assassin Tony Greco (Kyle Chandler) heads to Los Angeles to train under hit man Steve Rossellini (James Belushi). The coaching begins with readings of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and marksmanship training with water pistols. But the stakes escalate after Steve orders Tony to off someone randomly picked from the phone book. When the target turns out to be a sexy mortician (Sheryl Lee), Tony has second thoughts about his career choice.
Highly recommended.
Comments (3)
Aspiring assassin Tony Greco (Kyle Chandler) heads to Los Angeles to train under hit man Steve Rossellini (James Belushi). The coaching begins with readings of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and marksmanship training with water pistols. But the stakes escalate after Steve orders Tony to off someone randomly picked from the phone book. When the target turns out to be a sexy mortician (Sheryl Lee), Tony has second thoughts about his career choice.
Highly recommended.
Comments (3)
Wednesday 25th, June 2008
SnTT - Domino Server Naming Conventions11:38:51 PMLocation : Cleveland, OH
Wow, two SnTT posts in one week!
A question was posed to me concerning the naming of a new, additional Domino server. This particular server would begin its name with a numeric instead of an alpha. All of the servers that I have named, have always began with an alpha; example: Server01/Acme. This server would be named something like 01Server/Acme. Is that naming convention supported by IBM?
Well, through my own search of TechNotes, I found the following guides on naming conventions:
Notes/Domino naming conventions and standards
Recommended naming conventions for server names or domain names
The latter link has this passage (emphasis, mine):
Consider that replication and mail routing tasks are usually performed based on numerical then alphabetical order. For example,when the router faces multiple choices for a routing path, Domino routes mail to the server 01Finance, then the server Accounting, then the server Research.
I would take that as solid confirmation that a numeric is acceptable, even though it is fairly plain after reading both TechNotes. But this also points out something that you may encounter: If there is an issue, Domino will route mail and replicate to the first server in its list of servers, starting with numerics. Further, Jean-Yves noted that the Catalog will also default to the first server in the list, if there is any question. I am sure that there will be other tasks that will use the same sorting.
Finally, Phigment recommended that I confirm that leading numerics would be acceptable to DNS (they are). That was an excellent observation.
Link: Notes/Domino naming conventions and standards
Link: Recommended naming conventions for server names or domain names
Link: developerWorks:Lotus R4/R5 Forum: RE: Doclink issues between R4 and R5
Technorati tag: SnTT Show-n-Tell Thursday
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Resume as Tag Cloud - Wordle11:15:08 PMLocation : Cleveland, OH
Following along with others, here is my resume as presented as a tag cloud using Wordle:
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SnTT - Methods to Resolve Manager ACL IssuesLocation : Cleveland, OH
You have just inherited a Domino environment. The prior Admin was the Manager in all databases on the server and was explicitly named as the only Manager of a database (or all databases). Your Admin "friend" never thought to use Groups. Further, before he left, he didn't leave his password or his ID. You need to change the Manager in the ACLs of all of the databases to reflect your new Administration Group. What do you do?
First, if an Administration group isn't in your Domino Directory, create one. If you have the right to do so. Then add the appropriate people to it. You may also want to consider the creation of an ID for administration of the databases (at this point, I hope that you have access to the Cert.ID and the password).
Next, the use of one of these little applications may be of some use:
ACL Setter
ACL "Modificator" 1.0
AdminACL
Admin ACL 2
R5 Database Manager
PowerTools from HelpSoft
ServerAdmin Plus from Axceler
The latter two are not free, but they do have trial software. And they are excellent tools (I've used them both).
Add Your Name to the ACL
ACLHelp
DomainPatrol
If you are really in pain, you might want to see Hacking the ACL
If you are running Domino R6 and above, you might find some solace in the Full Access Administrator function. From Administrator Help:
Full access administrator is the highest level of administrative access to the server. The full access administrator feature replaces the need to run a Notes client locally on a server. It resolves access control problems -- for example, such as those caused when the only managers of a database ACL have left an organization.
Full access administrators have the following rights:
- All the rights as listed for all administrator access levels (see above).
- Manager access, with all access privileges enabled, to all databases on the server, regardless of the database ACL settings.
- Note ACL roles must still be enabled manually for full access administrators.
- Manager access, with all roles and access privileges enabled, to the Web Administrator database (WEBADMIN.NSF).
- Access to all documents in all databases, regardless of Reader names fields.
- The ability to create agents that run in unrestricted mode with full administration rights.
- Access to any unencrypted data on the server.
Unfortunately, if you aren't listed as Full Access Admin, and if you do not have the right to edit and change Server Documents, this won't work for you. Go back to the applications, above, and hope that one of them will crack an ACL for you.
If nothing else, I hope that this shows that you need to plan for this eventuality. No matter how large or small your organization, you need to prepare for an Admin to leave. Think of it as part of your "Disaster Recovery" plan. Think of it as good business.
Technorati tag: SnTT Show-n-Tell Thursday
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Tuesday 24th, June 2008
Bill Gates Bows Out10:08:00 PMLocation : Cleveland, OH
In case you didn't know, next week, Bill Gates will stop working full-time at Microsoft. Of the many news reports, I want to single out two articles of interest. The first, from ComputerWorld, provides some Bill Gates quotes. And they explain that the "640K is all the memory you will need" legend:
"I've said some stupid things and some wrong things, but not that. No one involved in computers would ever say that a certain amount of memory is enough for all time," he [Bill Gates] told Bloomberg Business News in 1996. "I keep bumping into that silly quotation attributed to me that says 640K of memory is enough. There's never a citation; the quotation just floats like a rumor, repeated again and again. Do you realize the pain the industry went through while the IBM PC was limited to 640K? The machine was going to be 512K at one point, and we kept pushing it up. I never said that statement, I said the opposite of that."
CNet News published an interesting interview with Bill Gates, where he shares some insights into the early Microsoft days as well as some anecdotes concerning Lotus and IBM. Bill is asked a question about if there was a time where Microsoft came from behind. This is excerpted from his answer:
There's a lot of interesting twists and turns. There was actually a point where we talked with Lotus about getting together with them, but it wasn't a good cultural fit there. It was actually (Lotus CEO Jim) Manzi who--I mean, it wouldn't necessarily have happened--but it was Manzi who ended the discussions.
There was one day that was rather funny. IBM didn't invite us to the introduction of the PC. We'd been invited, and then they decided not to invite us. Well, we had been working night and day. I had told people, yeah, we had this invitation that said, yeah, we're going to go, there's going to be a big deal, and then they decided, nah, we don't want you to come to the thing. That was a little bit of a downer. Now, who cares, but...
Lotus as a Microsoft brand. Ponder that one.
Link: ComputerWorld: The quotable Bill Gates: In his own words
Link: CNet News: Ina Fried: Co-founder shares surprises, letdowns, morsels from early Microsoft days
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CRN.com: Microsoft Won't Budge on Windows XP Dirt Nap04:19:36 PMLocation : Cleveland, OH
My main interest in posting this is due to the headline. "Dirt Nap," that's funny.
Any way, Microsoft is not budging from it's June 30 end-of-life date for Windows XP.
In a thank you letter sent to customers Monday, Bill Veghte, senior vice president of Microsoft's Online Services and Windows Business Group, reiterated Microsoft's June 30 end-of-life date for XP and said Microsoft plans to continue supporting XP with security updates and other critical updates until April 2014.
However, you may still be able to purchase systems with Windows XP until January 31, 2009, from your reseller. Microsoft is also allowing the "downgrade" from Vista to XP to continue.
Microsoft's Bill Veghte, senior vice-president of the Windows Group, says that the "market's perception of Vista is quite different from the reality." I base my reality on the experiences of my blogger friends. Maybe I've been wrong.
But I doubt it.
Link: CRN.com: Microsoft Won't Budge On Windows XP Dirt Nap
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