Evolution of Storage

It's sad... but I've worked with each of these (except for the wax cylinder)

How far back do you go?

Reading my posts in Facebook and/or Twitter

An Apology: If you follow my posts on Facebook and/or Twitter. You might only see my side of a conversation. That can be difficult to read.

If you want to see both sides of the conversation, follow me in Twitter (@keithparsons) and also follow whomever I'm talking with.

If my post starts with an @name - this means I'm responding to that person. So there was a part of the discussion that went on before.

If my post starts with a 'RT @name' - this means I'm re-quoting something someone else said.
After the quote I might add my own comment.

Sometimes I'll embed a picture in my post. This will look like the following URL http://twitpic.com/qqy53 (BYU Spring Lax Schedule)

Sometimes I'll embed a link to another web site using a 'URL Shortener' service. It looks like this http://tinyurl.com/yabdexb

Remember, you might be reading these posts in reverse order, so start at the bottom of the conversation.

And finally - sometimes I might add a hashtag. So others can follow the topic easier online. These will start with a # followed by a tag.

Sometimes I'll make comments about Technology, sometimes about my Professional Interests, or other times just what I'm doing.

Sometimes I use this forum for 'mini blogs'. Short 140 character comments. If there is more to say I might post a larger blog entry.

If there is a blog entry - I'll post it with a URL so you can link to the larger blog post. At either my personal or professional blogs.

Further questions? You can reply in Facebook, Twitter, or drop me an e-mail to keith at inpnet dot org.

The more you learn...

I had an open week last week because of a last minute cancellation... so I took advantage of the time to catch up on some updated technology. A chance to 'Sharpen the Saw'.

Turned my home office into a little lab area and tested a variety of new technologies. Wi-Fi access points, baby FTP Servers on a USB drive (for class), beta testing some new software for a variety of vendors, configuring Wi-Fi on a series of netbooks using Linux, XP, Vista, and Windows 7, re-wiring a cradlepoint device to a battery for more MiFi type usage, etc.

Through this experience I was reminded of a thought I've had over the years.

"The more you learn about something, the more you understand how little you really know..."

I've focused most of my professional energies for the last 8 years on learning about, installing, troubleshooting, and testing Wi-Fi. I thought it was wireless networking... but have since learned I can barely stay current with just 802.11 issues, let alone stay current in WiMax, Cellular, etc.

Now I can barely stay current with the equipment from a small subset of vendors. So many vendors in the Wi-Fi space are moving to more propietary solutions -- trying to carve out a niche for themselves -- that it's hard to have hands-on expereince with all of their various interfaces and technological improvements.

How do end-user IT departments expect to be able to decide on one vendor over another. They are all shouting and hawking their wares in the marketplace. Dis'ing one another, scambling to get an 'edge' on the competition.

If I'm having a hard time keeping them all straight--and this is my full time job--how can an IT Professional who has other responsibilites as well, make the correct decision for thier facility?

More and more it falls to the 'Certified Magazine Reader' class of managers and their counterparts in the vendor community (the marketing guys) to make the decisions. Then the IT folks are left trying to implement a wireless network that was never truly analyzed... just purchased.

An Unfair, and Unwise situation for any IT staff to be stuck with. They are now tasked with making a wireless network work... with equipment that may, or may not, be able to meet some undefined goal.

So with this second week of 'prep time' - I'll be looking into more Wi-Fi solutions, finding myself ever further behind on the proprietary techonology curve, but still trying to learn all their is to learn about Wi-Fi.

I do foresee a future where I'll have to focus my knowledge down even further to just one aspect of Wireless Networking... perhaps just Surveying (proving the capabilities of installed systems) - or focus only on designing for 802.11n or something like that with a tight focus.

There is just too much to learn...

Network Apps for iPhone - Revisited

Below is a list of the recommended Network Apps that I use on my iPhone and iPod Touches.

I posted a previous detailed review on my blog post earlier this year in April. This is an updated list to reflect updated apps and how I actually use these apps in my daily work. These are based on a review of over 100 network apps purchased and tested over the last few months.

Try them yourselves - I think you'll enjoy using your iPhone as a nice portable network analysis tool.

If you want to see the full 100+ apps, icons, pricing and features. Drop me an e-mail at KEITH at INPNET dot ORG and I'll send you the spreadsheet in Excel and PDF form for your review.

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Tier One Apps
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Deep Whois - Professional Whois Browser

NetBrowser - does Multicast DNS searches (Bonjour) with nice details

Bytes - does dec/hex/bin conversions, ASCII reference and metric units

My System 2 - gives you System information as well as Local station info

ASCII Chart - the best of the many ASCII reference apps

My Network Ports On-The-Go - detailed analysis fo the port database

Pinouts - Details on RJ-45, Firewire, USB, etc.

Emerald Time - NTP Accurate time

iNet - Professional robust network tool with Scan, Bonjour, Portscan & Device Info

Net Scan - Scan IP, Range, Country, MAC, Whois, ICMP, TCP

Network Diagnostics Pro - Ping, Ping Range, Tracert, DNS, Device Info

Snap - Local Scan, ID Devices, Bonjour Services, detailed export

Net Status - Professional TCP, UDP update and MAC Lookup

Nice Trace - Professional Trace, Whois, Country and Details

TCPinger - Both ICMP and TCP Ping with details and 'What's Up'

RF Toolbox - Very well done RF, GPS and Site tools for Wireless Pros

IP Calc - the best of the myriad of Subnet calculators

iPico SIP Client - a fully configurable and robust SIP Client

Skype Client - yep - just what you think

WiFiFoFum - best 'NetStumbler' around for iPhone - Get it!

FTP On The Go - FTP App with Viewer capability


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Tier Two Apps
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DNS-SD - $2.99 - Browse Bonjour Services
nDNS Watch - $0.00 - Browse Multicast DNS Services
Network Solutions Whois - $0.00
iNetCalc - $0.99 - Calculate file transfers, bandwidth, VoIP
SpeedCalc - $0.00 - Calculate file transfer times
iNetInfo - $0.00 - Quick MAC, IP, Gateway, DNS
File Name Extension Reference - $0.00 - Yep, just hat is sounds like
iHexView - $0.99 - Base converter for bin/dec/oct/hex
IT Tools - $2.00 - Ping, Route, Interface, ARP, MAC Database
IP Port LIst - $0.99 - Reference Tool for IANA Ports
RF Calc - $0.00 - CWNP RF Calculators from G.T. Hill
IP Calc - $0.99 - Best Simple IPv4 Subnet Calculator
IPEToolbox - $0.99 - IP Engineer's Toolbox with Subnet, VoIP bandwidth
NetCalc - $0.00 - Easy to use Subnet calculator
The Mask - $9.99 - Professional Extensive IPv4, BinHexDec, VLSM, CIDR
Acrobits Softphone - $6.99 - Customizable SIP Soft Phone with easy setup
WiFiTrak - $0.99 - WiFi Scanner with Connect
Datacase - $6.99 - WiFi Drive Apps with Viewers
iDisk Mobile Me - $0.00 = Access your Mobile Me iDisk

Internet Speeds and Costs Around the World

I saw this graphic about the various connection speeds and costs around the world for Internet access.

We in the US are no where near the top on this one... shame on us! Not to mention, we are paying too much!

Check it out.

Carrying Case for Lots of USB Devices

I carry with me a bunch of little devices that do different, necessary at specific times, things. I've tried lots of different contraptions and cases trying to get 'just right'. Lately I've been using some cosmetic bags (don't laugh - since they are see-through, they get through TSA security at the airport easier)

But it wasn't 'just right' - So I decided to design up my own solution. I made a pattern out of paper, dummied up a cardboard version, then asked a nice neighbor lady who has sewing skills to make me one. I even went to the fabric store and crafts stores to get the components. (that was almost more embarrassing than buying the cosmetic bags)

Here is the result.It allows me to carry lots of USB devices all at the same time. Folds right up, and velcros shut so everything stays copacetic in my shipping cases during transport. In class, or on a client's site, I just whip this out and all my tools are ready and waiting to go!

I've already got the seamstress working on a couple more. Then on to getting ones designed to hold all the PCMCIA cards I carry as well.

Here's a list of what is in the current USB Case:
- CACE Technologies - AirPcap Nx 802.11n Packet Capture
- PowerDsine - Power over Ethernet test tool
- CACE Technologies - AirPcap Tx - 2.4GHz Packet Capture
- three of these so I can scan Channels 1, 6, 11 simultaneously
- MetaGeek - WiSpy 2.4i - Spectrum Analyzer w/3D
- MetaGeek - WiSpy 2.4x - Spectrum Analyzer with External Antenna
- MetaGeek - WiSpy dBx - 2.4GHz and 5GHz Spectrum Analyzer
- NutsAboutNets - AirHorn 2.4GHz Jammer w/External Antenna
- NutsAboutNets - AirHorn 2.4GHz and 5GHz Jammer
- NutsAboutNets - AirHorn 2.4GHz Jammer - small form factor
- Smartronix - LinkCheck - tests 10/100 Ethernet
- Nintendo - WiFi USB Connector - Insidious automatic Rogue AP
- Xyzel - AG-225H - 802.11 abg WiFi Finder, NIC and Soft AP
- NetGear - WNDA3100 802.11n Dual-Band USB Adapter
- Ubiquiti - SR71USB 802.11n Dual-Band USB Adapter

Plus a couple of PCMCIA cards I always have with me:
- Ubiquiti - SRC 300mw abg Card
- Senao - 802.11b (with Prism Chipset)
- AirMagnet - C1060 abgn Card
- AirMagnet - Cognio Spectrum Analysis Card

Free WiFi HotSpots

OK, I like Free WiFi.

NOT the kind that makes you pay per minute.
NOT the kind where you watch lots of adverts.
NOT the kind where all web pages go through something that puts an advert on every page.
NOT the kind where you have to put in some special code.
NOT the kind where they block ports so you can't get your e-mail, VPN, etc.
NOT the kind where they throttle the connection to a crawl.
NOT the kind where you can only be in lobby to get net access.

Just REAL Free WiFi!

Oh, I don't mind hitting a web page and clicking 'yes' to their silly legal pages.

What I really like is the kind where you just get fast, easy access to the things you normally do with your laptop/iPhone. That's the kind that will keep me coming back again and again to your establishment.

I think it should be more like a water fountain, or a public bathroom. A service that is provided by businesses freely for their patrons. Not just in hospitality - but in all businesses that work with the public.

Most of the hotel chains have figured this one out. (not the high-end ones - they still charge, but then again they charge a lot for everything)

Now let's get the rest of the business world to come on-board!I've been in business a long time, have a MBA, and have run many companies. So I *do* understand there are costs involved in Free WiFi that have to be paid from somewhere.

Installation costs, maintenance costs, and of course the monthly Internet connection costs. But when you compare the actual cost per user, it will be WAY BELOW what a business would pay for getting a new client/or keeping a client. (compare to marketing and advertising costs)

So the next time you are somewhere with real Free WiFi - thank the management folks and tell them it made a difference in your choice to be there.

And for all those sites who still - "Don't Get It" - and do any of the things on the NOT list above. Remind them there is a better way to offer WiFi to their customers.

What about your own company?
Do you have REAL Free WiFi for your customers?

Moved to a New Macintosh

I just moved my 'main computer' from a MacBook 13" uni-body to a new MacBookPro 13". Now I can have a 'spare' in case anything happens in the future.

I'm using SuperDuper to keep a 'mirror image' of the working hard drive. If anything goes wrong, I can be back up and running very quickly.

The process to 'move' my main computer to the new one was quite simple. (So much easier than the move to a new 'Instructor' computer last week. Thank move from a Dell D630 to a Dell E6400 took over 10 hours of manual work.... whew!)

I purchased a 'spare' 500GB 7200rpm hard drive from NewEgg to be the 'main' HD for the MacBookPro. (I put the 250GB that came with it in a drawer so I can have a 'factory fresh' install whenever I like)

I put the 500GB Drive in a USB enclosure and plugged it into my MacBook Unibody 13" and ran the 'SuperDuper' program (well worth the money) and 'cloned' the internal hard drive to the new external drive. This did take a couple of hours... but no time on my part other than a couple of minutes to get it plugged in and started. I made sure to check the 'Make Disk Startup' when the copying was complete.

Then I opened the case of the new MacBookPro 13" - only needed a small phillips head screwdriver. Removed the factory HD and replaced it with the cloned 500GB HD.

Put everything back together and fired it up.

Other than a little error message that there was a duplicate name on the local area network (the Mac OS automatically made a new suffix to the computer name and moved right on past the error).

I had to do a little bit of 'tweaking' to the system preferences. First configured MobileMe preferences with my account information. Then let the 'Sync' begin. Within 10 minutes I had an identical duplicate of my origional machine.

E-mail, browser, Tweetie, Things, iTunes, etc. Everything ready and working. No more than 15 minutes of my time and the task was completed.

Done!

Soooooo much easier than the same process on a PC.

The MacBookPro is a bit faster - especially at starting up only 35 seconds from a cold boot, compared with 70 seconds on the older version. It also has a much better battery with better than 50% more juice, and not only a Firewire port, but also an SD card reader.

Computer Support Travel Kit

I do travel a lot... and like to get as much work done as possible, whether it be in the airport, hotel, or just about anywhere. After all these years of traveling - over 2 million miles and 1500 flights... let me share with you what I've finally coalesced on the near perfect travel kit for computers.

All of this fits in the front pocket of my backpack - is easy to use, easy to pack up, and makes for a consistently successful work environment for me.

Of course I have other stuff for in-flight entertainment, like my Amazon Kindle2 for reading, my iPhone 3GS for music and watching movies, and my wonderful Dr. Dre Noise Canceling Headphones. Those all go in the larger section of my backpack with my MacBookPro 13" Unibody laptop.

The below travel kit is the 'supporting stuff' that makes working away from home and office 'work'. After many attempts at finding the 'just right' bag for hauling stuff around I finally have ended up with a neoprene bag made for carrying charger bricks... I use it as a place to house most of this kit in one place. Easy to pickup - use - and put back. Enclosed in that kit are the following items - tucked into one of the six soft pockets of the bag.

AT&T USB Connect 881 - this 3G device lets me get Internet connection even when there is no WiFi available. As long as there is Digital Cell service - I can get on the 'net'. Syncharger Dual cable - allows for me to charge USB powered devices, my iPhone and also sync my iPhone when needed. Spare Cat5 Cable to connect either wired Ethernet, or the Apple Extreme to be able to share wired Internet wirelessly. DisplayPort to VGA adapter so I can project my Mac to a TV or LCD projector when needed.APC 4-port USB port - so I can have multiple USB devices all sharing a single USB port - Small and compact. Two Zio Shorty USB cables - one to 'mini' port and one extension. Apple 45w Power supply for MacBookPro - with 'stub' power so I don't need another power cord. Apple AirPort Extreme N - supports 802.11n and allows me to 'share' wirelessly wired connection. Great for running Skype or a SIP phone on the iPhone when overseas - and have multiple computers share a single hotel Internet connection. Invaluable! Kindle2 Power Charger - Not just for the Kindle2, but I use the USB power base to charge other USB items with differnet cables. Monster Power2Go - a 4-port power strip - small and the power cable folds back on itself for compact storage.In the bottom of the front backpack pocket I aslo put the following items:

• Two Western Digital 'Passport' 500GB drives - one that contains a full backup of my MacBookPro, and the other with 'working' documents, all my MP3 files, and hundreds of movies - both with Zio Shorty USB cables placed in a Case Logic portable hard drive case.

• A Stanley 12' extension cord - very useful in hotel rooms without power by the desk, or to get power while waiting in an airport.

• My latest addition is the amazing Kbex portable speaker systems from a previous post. This thing really works!

So that's what I carry with me. It helps a lot to the the right items with you when working on the road.

Computer Hardware Chart

Sometimes, you just need to look up a connector... here's a great resource. Go ahead and double-click on it to see the full size version.

Truly Amazing Portable Speaker

A while back I saw a little 'bit' on the Internet about this speaker that worked on any surface. I'm a 'gadget' kind of guy - so I purchased one.

This thing is AWESOME! - I've had lots of little speakers I take with me on the road to listen to music from my iPhone or laptop, or even sometimes watch a movie in the hotel room. I've reverted to using my 'Beats' noise-canceling headphones to get sound I liked to listen to.

Then came along the K-Box from - this thing is amazing. It has over a 20-hour internal rechargeable battery - that charges off a USB port (like all my other portable devices) - and turns on/off by simply plugging in a headphone cable into the device. (simple elegant solution) And it is smaller than a blackboard eraser.

When you hold the little speaker thing in your hand it sounds very 'tinny' and weak. But place it on a flat surface and the internal 'guts' work with a gel pad on the bottom to produce astonishing bass. So much I had to change my iPhone equalizer settings because it was too 'bassy'.

This thing can rumble a room! I was watching the last couple of episodes of 'Winds of War' - and the Pearl Harbor scene made me turn down the volume. That *never* happens with other small portable speakers - they just don't have anything at the bottom end. This little guy, however, ROCKS!

I can wholeheartedly recommend this speaker for anyone who travels (it comes with it's own little travel case) it doesn't weigh much, is easy to use and recharge and best of all - sounds great!
Specs below:

Plug it into your laptop, phone, mp3 or portable gaming device and experience it turn surfaces into sound! Using patented 'gel-audio' technology when placed upon any solid flat surface, a wall, table or even windows, the K-box turns the surface into sound with a truly incredible bass response!

High Quality Audio Full Bass response 40-20KHz Compact and Portable (115x55x20mm) Up to 20 hours battery life (recharge via USB)

Travel Tips

Having spent two weeks in Europe on a little family vacation - it made me think a bit about some travel tips for those of you who might need to travel for work or holiday.

I've logged nearly 2 million miles in the last 15 years - and have gleaned some experience from all that travel.

In no particular order:
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Camera Strap - Black Rapid's RS-4
This strap is a new way to carry your D-SLR camera. Instead of a strap going around your neck, making the camera bounce along in front of your stomach - this strap is designed to mount to the tripod mounting hole in the bottom of your camera - and then go over one shoulder/neck, thus the camera rides easily off your back/hip and yet is still very easy to bring your camera up to eye level for a picture.This was a fantastic upgrade to my old Nikon camera strap. Much easier to carry a large camera all day - yet still very user friendly and easy to learn. Highly Highly Recommended!
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Travel Clothing
When teaching - I just wear dockers and a long-sleeve button-down shirt. But then again, those days are spent all inside teaching. But when traveling, or doing sightseeing I like to wear specially made travel clothing. A shirt with two front pockets (passport/tickets/iPhone/glasses) for flying and sight-seeing. Pants with more zipper pockets to help deter pick-pockets and are very lightweight.I've found it to be very difficult for pick-pockets to access shirt pockets that are buttoned - a person is much more protective of the front chest area - especially in a crowded area like the subway. Even with extra zippered pants pockets, I've found pick-pockets now how to work the zippers. So the wallet and cash go in the right front shirt pocket! (and the camera strap also covers right over that area for even extra security)

It might cost a bit more, but it is made for easy care, functional, and nearly wrinkle-free.
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Apple iPhones are Everywhere!
I thought our family was a bit on the edge with most of us having iPhones. But more and more I've been seeing iPhones everywhere. They do have a distinct look, so they are fairly easy to spot. More people on planes, hotel lobbies, and now even all over Europe the iPhones have really taken hold. I really enjoy mine, and find it to be not only a great phone, but a game platform, contact lists, calendars, to do list, Internet access, alarm clock, GPS, iPod for music and portable movie player.
No wonder they are everywhere!

This is also very highly recommended.
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Big Zoom Lens
I've got an older body Nikon D40 as the base... but put the extra money into a very nice lens. The Nikkor 18-200 VR lens is a great single lens to take on a trip. Not only can it let you capture wide-angle panoramic scenes, but lets you zoom way in. As a single lens it does just about all you'd want. And with the Vibration Reduction elements, you can shoot in much lower light conditions, even taking hand-held shots.Some of the shots inside the Cathedrals of Europe where made with just this lens in a hand-held position. A great addition to your camera bag. I'd opt for this upgraded lens and save money on the camera body - oh yeah, I already did that.All the pictures on my personal blog as well as my son Ryan's facebook were taken with this lens.
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England, UK, Britain Confusion
Check out an earlier blog that answers these questions.
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Skype - the ONLY way to call
I pre-loaded Skype on the iPhones before heading off to Europe. On previous trips, I've used a variety of methods to call home. Small WiFi phones, Skype specific phones, headsets and Skype on my laptop. But Skype on the iPhone was very easy to use. My wife Jill and daughter Alysha both have iPhones, and it was a simple transition to just use the Skype App rather than the normal Phone App.This saved us $$$ - especially with the daughter calling home to her boyfriend (they liked to talk...) At only $.02 per minute (an hour-long call only cost $1.20) it was great.In order to make the Skype phone work - you need to have Wireless Network Access. See following note.
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Bring your own Access Point
I travel with an Apple Airport Express - little guy - but packs a pretty good punch. I have it programmed with WPA for security, and it is easily 110v-220v capable. And it is 802.11n to boot!This just plugs into the hotel's Internet - then you do everything via WiFi. This lets us all share WiFi in the hotel. 4 iPhones and three laptops all using one Internet connection.

I've tried 5 other 'travel routers' but this is the smallest, simplest, and easiest to use. At only $99 - don't leave home without it!
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Pack only what you need
You can usually get just about anything you might need locally - if you need it. If you don't need it, why schlep it all over the world?

I use a very nice bag from RedOxx out of Montana. A single bag is a great way to travel. Easy, you can (if you have to) use it as carry-on. (see additional item below on carry-on luggage) - but it can easily hold a week's worth of stuff.Minimize the 'extra' stuff you 'think' you might need. Just learn to live with what you have and be glad for it. If you *really* need anything else - buy it locally.
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Know you own bags!
Another little pet peeve of mine with regards to luggage. At the baggage pickup, when people pick up and check bag after bag, trying to find their own. You just put in on the plane a couple of hours ago, you've already forgotten what it looks like?

If you need to easily identify your bags, just tie a piece of colored yarn or ribbon to the handle (or buy those ridiculous large luggage tags in bright green)
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Airline Carry On
Just because you *can* take a bag on carry on doesn't mean you *should*! Be a bit considerate of others on the plane. The overhead compartments need to be shared by everyone. And me, for one, ALWAYS put my backpack in the overhead compartment. I'm not going to travel uncomfortably with my feet wrapped around a piece of luggage. Don't ask to put your second carry on under my feet - just don't bring it on the plane. They have an entire baggage system to get your bag to where you are going!

Out of 2million miles of travel - I've have the airlines loose my bags on 9 times, and 5 of those were on my way home. So out of hundreds and hundreds of flights I've had to do without my bags 4 times. This is not the risk you are making it out to be. Pack an extra set of underwear in your carry on and be done with it.
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Always have pen and paper with you
I was taught by my father - and hopefully I'll pass it on to all my children - to always carry a pen with you! It is a sign of maturity and preparedness!

Also, within the last couple of years I've also started to carry 3x5 cards in my pocket. These have also been invaluable at times. Someplace to write little notes, take informaiton down, jot down a phone number or address.

Even in the age of iPhones - an index card in your pocket can be a great thing.

Always have a Pen and Paper with you!
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Get money locally
When you travel to different countries - it is so much easier (and way cheaper) to just get money locally from an ATM. They are everywhere. Don't waste your money, nor your time at the money changer places.

You use an ATM for cash at home, use one abroad as well!
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Don't Stink
This is to all the folks in Europe (and a couple in the States) - It is possible to have personal hygiene and not STINK! - Alysha would cover her nose with her hand when on the subways in Europe because all the body odor, and smell of unwashed clothes.

It's not that hard to clean yourself and your clothes! Just do it!

I think I blame the women in Europe. If they wouldn't have anything to do with these stinky men, the men would soon learn to change and worry about personal hygiene. The European women must like that smell of old sweat and wool... yeck!

If you haven't washed up your person or your clothes - don't travel! Sitting next to one of these on flights is nearly unbearable. They don't even seem to notice.
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Have stuff with you
If you need medicines, take them with you in your carry on. If you like to read, have a book with you, watch movies? take along an iPhone of iPod Touch. Just be prepared. Worried they won't have food for you, bring your own.
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Kindle & iPhone
Between these two little devices I can keep myself occupied for hours, even days.

My Kindle has hundreds of books just waiting to be read - waiting for me to have some 'down time' to read them.My iPhone is full of great games, audiobooks, Internet, and videos. If I've got time, I've got a way to spend it.
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Relax
There is usually nothing you can do to change travel fiascos around you - so just be prepared with media of some type and just enjoy the extra time. You can't change anything - so don't let the stress get to you.

Enjoy!