This video is from our Cisco CCNA Security Series – Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security (IINS) for exam 640-553.

The full series contains 20 videos and is over 11 hours of world class training you can watch anytime, anywhere. Our training comes in High Resolution AVI, iPod and mp3 formats to give you a number of choices in how you want to study and train.

Our training also comes with MeasureUp exam prep software, to fully prepare for the exam and the real world.

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Cisco CCNA Security Series Released!

Palaestra Training creates IT Certification Training videos for Information Technology professionals looking to achieve Microsoft, Cisco or CompTIA certifications as well as people looking to learn new skills. 

We’re pleased to announce that we now offer the award-winning MeasureUp exam simulation software with most of our training titles.

We include a full copy of MeasureUp’s award-winning exam prep software with most of our training titles.  This allows us to provide students with the best possible training experience.

MeasureUp has been a long time favorite among IT professionals and was awarded Redmond Magazine’s Preferred Product award as well as being a CertCities Reader’s Choice Awards finalist. 

Palaestra Training President, Christopher Rees states,  “MeasureUp’s exam preparation software is a great addition to our product offerings, and a perfect compliment to our already solid training.  Students are assured of getting the best training at a great price, now with the addition of exam prep tools to make sure they’re able to apply what they’re learning.”

Even in today’s economy, IT professionals continue to be in high demand and this trend is likely to continue for the next decade.  Our Computer Training Videos allow you to learn anytime, anywhere at your own pace.  Now is the time to invest in yourself and learn the skills that will make the difference in your career.

For more information, visit us online at www.PalaestraTraining.com

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Computer Training videos now with MeasureUp Exam Prep Software

Over 15 million PCs have reportedly been infected, and all of these suspected infections are supposed to kick in and “phone home’” on April 1st.  What happens when all these machines start phoning home?  No one knows for sure since it hasn’t happened yet, but the general consensus is that one goal may be to create a giant distributed computing environment that can be used for many different purposes; from spamming to snooping, collecting data, logins and passwords, sensitive information and so forth.  Another potential use would be a large-scale Distributed Denial of Service attack (DDOS attack).

Most of the Anti-Virus companies out there have been talking about conficker for weeks or more, and offer ways to keep your systems updated.  Make sure whatever anti-virus package you use, you keep updated.  Also install all the latest patches and/or service packs for your operating system (Mac users don’t have to worry about conficker unless you’re running Windows in a virtual machine or dual booting (i.e. bootcamp)).

Another great weapon against worms like conficker is the free DNS service called OpenDNS (www.opendns.com).  We’ve talked about OpenDNS before and how it can keep your browsing safer and more secure.  They’re an excellent service that enables you to fine tune your DNS and control what your users (or children) can and can’t get to.

OpenDNS has been actively updating their blocklist to include all the domains conficker may try to contact.  Worms like conficker, once activated, contact sites on the internet to get further instructions on what do to, where to go, etc.  Conficker.C supposedly generates some 50,000 domain names a day so trying to keep up with your own blocklist by hand would be a daunting, if not impossible task.

That’s one of the beautiful things about OpenDNS, is that they keep those blocklists updated for you.  By blocking access to those domains at the DNS level, you can effectively shut out any possibility (or most possibilities) of the worm actually being able to do anything.

So to protect yourself, some things to consider:

1. Update your anti-virus programs as soon as possible
2. Ensure real-time scanning is enabled on your Anti-Virus programs
3. Install all hotfixes, patches and updates
4. Turn on firewalls if appropriate (at the router or perimeter as well as individual machines – Again, do so where appropriate and make sure doing so doesn’t break any critical applications or connectivity)
5. Utilize a service like OpenDNS that blocks the vast majority of threats like the Conficker worm at the DNS level

Following these steps can go a long way to preventing the spread of worms, viruses and other general nuisances.

If you have a method or tool you use to keep your networks safe, please feel free to share!

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Protect Against the Conficker Worm

Others have posted some new screenshots, updates and information on the new build as well, including Paul Thurrott’s Windows Supersite.  Paul’s website is a wealth of information on all things Microsoft and definitely worth checking out if you haven’t been there before.

What does this mean in the grand scheme of things?  Basically it means the Release Candidate (RC1) is getting closer (rumor has sometime in April) and each successive leaked release gives you a closer hint at how this new OS is going to perform.

As an IT professional, it’s always good to get a jump on what’s coming down the pike so you can test things like application, driver and component compatibility.  At this stage a beta doesn’t really help in those areas, but it does prepare you with regard to the overall look and feel, where things are located, nuances with the user interface, imaging requirements, tweaks, etc. 

I haven’t had time to really spend with the new build, but I wanted to let everyone now about it and also get some feedback.  If you’ve been using it (or any Windows 7 build) leave a comment and let everyone know your thoughts.

• Do you like Windows 7 compared to Vista or Windows XP?
• Are you planning on upgrading your personal computer, or if you’re an IT person – upgrading your company
• What enhancements would you like to see that aren’t there?

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New Windows 7 Build Leaked – 7057

Koren has been training and consulting in the most dynamic environments for over 10 years. She has worked and trained people across a wide spectrum of industries including government, commercial, secure, and extremely large network infrastructures. Koren is also a Microsoft Certified Trainer and consultant with a remarkable ability to convey information clearly and creatively in a technical environment.

She is the president of Wise Technical Innovations in Norfolk, Virginia and her company specializes in the following:

• Creating Cisco secure environments
• System Center Configuration Manager 2007
• SMS
• Project Server 2007 deployments in multi-site environments.

She is well-known for providing tailored solutions that are a perfect blend of training and consulting and Palaestra Training is excited to be able to provide that perfect blend of technical expertise and engaging presentation skills to our students and customers.

Other certifications Koren holds:

• Cisco Certified Systems Instructor #30837
• Cisco CCNA
• Cisco CCNP
• Microsoft MCSE on 2003, 2000 and NT 4.0
• Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT)
• MCTS Windows Server 2008 Active Directory & Applications Infrastructure
• MCTS Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure & Windows Vista
• MCTS Microsoft Office Project 2007
• IT Project+
• Network +

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New Trainer – Cisco Security Expert

I recently ran into an extremely annoying situation on two different computers, and strangely enough, two different operating systems.  One was a Windows Vista desktop and the other an Windows 2003 Terminal Server.

Every time I would launch Microsoft Word, it would crash upon exit.  I tried a number of recommendations from various tech websites, but nothing did the trick.

Finally I came across the fix, which was to fire up the good old registry editor (start > run > regedit) and delete a specific key in the registry.

The offending key is the DATA key under the following location:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Word\

The “12.0” will vary depending on what version of Office you have installed.  Backup your registry first (anytime you work with the registry, back it up before you do anything…..  Just in case..).  Super important.  Hopefully you never need it, but it can save your rear-end should you ever need to revert back if something goes wrong.

Once you’ve “backed that thang up”, delete the “Data” key and fire Word back up.  Once I did that, Word started without a hitch and shutdown without a problem.  Hopefully this quick fix helps you as well!

Please leave a comment and let me know how you made out!

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Microsoft Word Continually Crashes when Shutdown – Quick Fix

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Cisco CCNA Video – Inter-VLAN Routing

Combining the best of breed tools for research and discovery, this is one toolbar you’ll want to add to Firefox if you’re serious about SEO.  I replaced my Google toolbar with this one (the only thing I really used the Google toolbar for was to get a quick glance and a site’s PageRank) and a link to gmail.

The toolbar provides a very robust toolset, but also provides a built-in RSS reader already populated with many popular SEO RSS feeds.

To really get a feel for all this toolbar has to offer, check out Aaron’s site and description of the toolset.  I think you’ll find it a huge timesaver when researching and comparing one site to another, against competitors, etc.  I will post another review of the toolbar and how it’s helped us once I’ve had a week or two to use it and dig into the power it provides.  Thanks Aaron for another great contribution to the SEO community.

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SEO Toolbar – Wealth of SEO Tools for Free

There are a multitude of ways to connect to the internet these days, from internet-enabled cell phones, online games, gaming consoles (xbox, xbox360, Wii, PS3, etc).  Additionally, it doesn’t necessarily protect you simply because you have strict rules in your house or you monitor what your children do. 

For example, you might have strict internet usage polices at home, but that doesn’t mean the neighbor’s do as well.  That doesn’t mean your child wont be able to access the internet unrestricted at a friend’s house.  With WiFi hotspots practically everywhere, a child with a laptop can connect virtually anywhere if they exhibit a little persistence.

What does this mean as parents?  It means you have to go the extra mile to stay informed, educate your children to obvious (and not so obvious) dangers, and take the steps necessary to stay ahead of the curve.

Online services such as Family Watchdog help keep you informed about predators in your neighborhood, or surrounding areas.  These types of tools are invaluable and I highly recommend them.  However, use them for what they are:  tools in the arsenal, not the entire weapon’s chest.  Just because Family Watchdog or similar service doesn’t report a sexual predator in your area doesn’t mean they don’t exist.  It simply means they haven’t been caught, or perhaps they are passing through the area.  Always keep a watchful eye, and understand that there are dangers out there that we all need to be aware of.

A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety is a great way to get informed and stay educated with regard to the dangers children face both online and offline.  Everything from hackers to scam artists, cyber-bullies to online predators are covered and explanations on how to use tools like Family Watchdog are covered in detail.

It’s up to each of us to protect our families, so no matter where you decide to get educated about the online dangers our children face; get educated somewhere.  

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Internet Safety and Family Watchdog

When it comes to getting ahead at work, there are lots of ways to improve your station in life.  Most people want the brass ring, but few are willing to do what it takes to get it.

As the old saying goes, “Some People Dream of Success, While Others Wake up and Work Hard at It”.  It really holds true, and work ethic is what separates the winners from losers.  No matter what the endeavor, be it work, sports, relationships, etc., nothing was ever attained without the consistent application of hard work.

Keeping this in mind, 10 things you can do to get ahead at work, are:

1. Be willing to do the things others wont.  That sounds like common sense, but it’s typically harder than it sounds.  Most people have their ‘”job description” and are resistant do extra work.  The immediate response from most people is “That’s not my job” or “am I getting paid extra for that”?  Be the one who does extra without being told, helps out a co-worker or picks up the slack when the rubber hits the road.
2. Be a team player.  No one likes the person who’s out only for themselves and if you have that mentality it will shine through in everything you do.  Most people have the WIIFM mentality (What’s In It for Me).  Again, separate yourself from the majority of people out there by being willing to help others without expecting anything back.  These things get noticed, even if it’s not an immediate return.
3. Do the job before you Get It.  What this means is that you have to function, as much as possible, in the role you want to get promoted into.  Showing your superiors you can do the job already goes a long way to getting you the gig.  After awhile, everyone already thinks of you in that role and your chances for promotion go up greatly.  Conversely, if you become the best “worker bee” ever, the company will see the value of keeping you in that role.  That seems to be in direct conflict with the first two suggestions, but it’s really not.  You can apply to first two, while taking on management or other roles (depending on where you want to go) and do things with the team in mind.
4. Always be Early.  The old adage “Get in Early and Work Late” holds true even in today’s virtual world.  Employers want to know your committed and being there when they need you goes a long way to that end.  Additionally, it shows co-workers and others that you are a go-to person.  Conversely, not being there or getting in late and leaving early builds resentment among others and brings the whole team down.  Being a leader, means leading by example and the more you do, the more encouraged your co-workers will be to do the same.
5. Model Success.  If you want to achieve a certain level of success, whatever that means to you, the quickest way to achieve that goal is to find someone else who already has achieved that goal, and do what they did.  That sounds incredibly overly-simplistic, and it is.  If you listen to any of the NLP practitioners, perhaps the most famous being Anthony Robbins, they talk in great detail about modeling.  “Success Leaves Clues”, and that really holds true.  Modeling is much more than just wearing the same suit or watch as someone successful.  It means learning what drives them, what beliefs they have, how they approach situations, how they make decisions, etc., and applying those same drivers to your own life. Easier said than done, but you don’t necessarily have to personally meet someone to get an insight into their mind and motivations.  Many successful people have written books and given interviews talking about their lives and what drives them.
6. Set Goals and Be Specific.  Very few things are more frustrating than working hard and getting nowhere.  Without specific, written goals, it’s very difficult to achieve success.  Your goals are your roadmap and will help you get to where you want to go by keeping you focused and on track.  Your goals (i.e. map) need to be specific and focused.  Just as it wouldn’t do you much good to be driving in Chicago with a map of Delaware, you must have a clear vision of what you want and how to get there.
7. Know Your Outcome.  In keeping with setting goals, knowing your outcome helps get you through any situation.  When you enter into a business meeting, interview, etc., know ahead of time what you want to achieve.  By knowing what you want and working backward from there, you can see at any point in time if you are on track, or if things need to be readjusted.  This can be applied to anything, even with things like meeting a new person, going to gym, time spent with family, etc.
8. Be Personable.  People like to feel good about themselves, and are attracted to people who make that happen.  Being upbeat, funny and engaging makes people feel good about themselves.  If people feel better when they’re around you than when they’re not, you’ll attract a great many people.  Some can help you achieve your goals directly, while others will help indirectly.
9. Understand Personality Types.  Almost everyone likes the same basic things (i.e. being liked, feeling appreciated and valued, laughing, feeling secure, etc).  Not everyone fills those things the same way though; and to be successful you need to figure out what connects with each person.  Some people like to discuss family or friends (be social) before getting down to business, while others couldn’t be bothered and just want the facts.  Some like specific details while others just want the bullet points.  Being able to adjust your approach for the different personality types increases your chance for connection and for success.
10. Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously.  Being motivated and success driven is great and can provide an amazing life.  However, you must learn to balance that with rest, relaxation, good friends, family, etc.  Work, not to mention life, can be very stressful, and if you to be able to actually enjoy the fruits of your labor you need to learn how to pull back occasionally, put things on hold and recharge the batteries.  Be able to laugh at yourself and understand nothing is as important as your health.  Others pick up on that as well, and it helps give a sense of true genuineness to all the other traits mentioned here.

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10 Ways to Get Ahead at Work