Windows Server 2008 running SLOW

Server Manager Tool Locking Up My Server

I have had this recent issue with some Windows Server 2008 R2 (s). The server is slowing down tremendously, administrator log ins can take a very long time, and overall performance is terrible. It seems like it has happened all at once, so maybe a recent Windows Update is to blame. I have not had time to figure out exactly what may be the cause, but I use WSUS (update services) on a scheduled basis, so all my servers are updated together. My main concern was stopping the pain.

Although I don't always use the built in Server Manager tool, I determined that in fact this tool is the culprit. I opened it on one of the servers and it locked up terribly - and brought everything else to a standstill. CPU and RAM usage spiked for lengthy periods. On one server I was even getting an error within the Server Manager tool, even after multiple refresh tries.

Remember that as the Server Manager is customized, changes are actually saved in the profile (usually the Administrator profile). So, we have to essentially clear some temp files to clean out some stale cache. Sound familiar?

Solution? Open Server Manager, but be sure to give it ample time to fully open. If you force close it then the situation is even worse. Once opened, go to File/Options and then click "DELETE FILES". Restart the Server Manager Tools (NOT the whole server). It is not going to save large amounts of space. In fact, it has nothing to do with this (may range from 500 KB - 3 Megabytes). But it looks like if Roles and Features are edited a few times, i.e. added/removed from the server, then the old settings hang around and cause trouble.

The above worked instantly for me. Hope it helps!

Lenovo Windows 8 for $279.99

Don't look now, but ...an IdeaPad for $279.99. Again, I don't work at BestBuy (no offense to anyone who does, but THANK GOD, because they work work very hard ;>) ...but this is a 'phat' deal!

"Lenovo - IdeaPad 15.6" Laptop - 4GB Memory - 320GB Hard Drive - Black"

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Lenovo+-+IdeaPad+15.6%26%2334%3B+Laptop+-+4GB+Memory+-+320GB+Hard+Drive/8814652.p?id=1218902554441&skuId=8814652

Xbox One is Coming

It looks really fancy, and Xbox One will surely try to maintain its dominace over all competitors. It should be a true "all in one entertainment system".

You have to check out the preview video:

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/xboxone/meet-xbox-one?xr=shellnav

Windows 8 Phone Storage Check

I have discovered the awesome Windows 8 "storage check" on my Lumia 920. The new tool is available in the latest software update. It is really, really good. Storage Check gives an overview of disk usage on the phone and allows for viewing a break down of the Apps installed, and for some Temp files clean up.

It is a good looking graphical overview of how much space is in use, and of how much is free or available. For example, my phone has 29 Gigabytes of storage (likely it's 30 GB total, with 1 GB going to the OS). 16 GB is in use. You can see the breakdown below. The Details section shows specifics, like how much space is taken by Photos, Email+contacts, Office Documents, Ringtones etc.

 

 

You can also go into Details and clear Temporary files manually, although the OS does this periodically for you theoretically. I had 630 Megabytes of Temp files so I cleared them manually.[I did not screen shot this]. Note that some level of Temp files are normal and cannot be cleared.

Windows 8 Phone Update

I installed the latest Windows 8 Phone (Nokia Lumia 920) software update successfully. It went well. The firmware revision numbers do vary slightly. I like comparing before and after to verify the install went well. Again, this is in Settings/About/More Info

Before:

 

 

After:

 

Windows 8 Phone Screen Shot

One neat little feature of the Lumia 920 Windows 8 phone is the screen shot. On the surface, it is easy as pie. You have to press and hold the Start button and also the Power button at the same time for a quick second or two. But you have to do it just right. It may take a few tries.

When done right, you will a loud camera picture taking sound sound ("c-l-i-c-k"!). This is a good sign and means success. The screen shot goes into your Photo Albums.

It may be useful for troubleshooting or app comparisons or to show off your colorful Windows screen to your iPhone friends, who are still stuck with the drab Apple backgrounds and app logos.

Lumia 920 Windows Software Update

I recently got a notice that there was a software update available for my Windows phone. Since I was about to head out for some camping with the family, I was not able to do it. In fact, I only wanted to enjoy some nature so I didn't use any technology ;>
The notification disappeared. I believe it will periodically notify, but I am not sure of the schedule. So, I had to manually force the update by going into the Settings, then "phone update". I selected both options already - "Tell me when updates are available for my phone" and "Automatically download updates if my settings allow it" [in other words, you likely need to be on WiFi].
I went into Show Details, read the notice and hit Install.
Piece of cake!

Intel and Windows to Slash PC Prices?

Windows and Intel may work together to bring down Windows 8 pricing.

Suggestion: INCLUDE FREE MS OFFICE SOFTWARE (AT LEAST STANDARD). I know there is cloud based available but ... so too is Google Docs available in cloud...

"The chip giant is planning to work with hardware makers and Microsoft to bring to market cheap, touch-enabled Windows 8 notebooks powered by the companies upcoming Bay Trail Atom silicon.
CEO Paul Otellini hopes that "touch-enabled Intel based notebooks that are ultrathin and light using non-core processors" could come to market "as low as $200 probably."

http://www.zdnet.com/how-intel-could-give-windows-8-the-break-it-has-been-waiting-for-7000014153/

New HP Windows 8 Laptop for $289.99

Wha wha wha what?! A brand spanking new HP Windows 8 Laptop for $289.99 at Bestbuy??
Most of the details:

AMD E-300 Accelerated Processor with AMD Radeon HD 6310 discrete-class graphics

Offers enhanced performance.

4GB DDR3 SDRAM

For multitasking power, expandable to 8GB.

Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive

Create custom DVDs and CDs.

15.6" LED-backlit high-definition widescreen display

With BrightView technology and 1366 x 768 resolution showcases movies and games in stunning clarity.

320GB hard drive (5400 rpm)

Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times.

AMD Radeon HD 6310 discrete-class graphics

Feature up to 1972MB total video memory for lush images with vivid detail. HDMI output for connection to an HDTV.



http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+15.6%22+Laptop+-+4GB+Memory+-+320GB+Hard+Drive/8808193.p?id=1218897640426&skuId=8808193&st=hottest_deals_2013&cp=1&lp=1

ASUS Wireless Unit rocks!

I just got a brand new Wireless device at Bestbuy. I think I am in love. It is an RT-N66R, Dual-band Wireless-N900 Gigabit Router. I have been stuck on NetGears for the past 5 years. Although they are generally reliable, I have noticed they 'burn out' faster (1-2 years) and also the web management interfaces are not very good. For example, on my last Netgear wireless router, I changed the SSID passcode or key, and the unit would not allow me back in after applying. I had to pull the plug after 10 minutes. It also got the latest firmware from me. My reward? Signal strength dropped by 80%. It has not been the same since. A complete factory reset did not help. So I took it offline.

Enter ASUS. My company has been using ASUS laptops now for past year. They are reliable and cost-effective. So, I decided to try the wireless router. This is not meant to be an official nor all-encompassing review.

All I can tell you is this:
The ASUS RT-N66R Gigabit Router's range is stellar and the web interface is magical. It is straight to the point, does not waste space on little used bells and whistles, and more importantly, after applying LAN, WAN or security edits, it goes into effect within seconds. The firmware updating is smooth as well.

So far so good!

http://usa.asus.com/Networks/Wireless_Routers/RTN66R/

Windows 8 sales are not doing so well. As a result OEMs and Microsoft are dropping the prices.

"Despite Microsoft's best efforts, it seems that Windows 8 isn't meeting expectations. According to research firm Net Applications, Microsoft's latest OS hasn't even been able to match sales of Vista (which, if you recall, was a major fail for the company). Making matters worse, Microsoft has a long line of unhappy manufacturers — including HP, ASUS, Fujitsu, and Samsung — upset with Windows 8's failure to revitalize an already-sluggish PC market."

http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/Saving-Money/2013/0406/Laptop-sales-Windows-8-s-loss-is-your-gain

Big Data: Petabytes Are Us

Speaking of Petabytes ...

"While the rise of the terabyte (and petabyte) era is terrifying for some, others see it as an opportunity to fundamentally transform how their organisations operate and make decisions.
According to Gartner, Big Data is forecast to drive $34 billion of IT spending in 2013. But what most people think of when they hear the term ‘Big Data’ almost certainly isn’t what I'm talking about. What many organisations still regard as Big Data – unstructured information contained in emails, electronic documents, social media interactions etc – is just a thin layer in the vast strata of data available to them."


Read more: http://www.itproportal.com/2013/03/20/rise-machines-why-big-data-getting-bigger-every-day/#ixzz2PRhjVGac