The Sauer Family Blog

just a test image from the ipad.

Well, I have had my iPad for just over 2 weeks and so far I am finding that I can use it for just about anything I need to so far. Sure, there are a few quirks. For instance, I can’t read one of my favorite online comics because images get cut off in Safari. It’s annoying, but then reminds me that I have a laptop for things like that.

I ahve found that I can type fairly fast in this thing, though. In fact, this post is coming from the WordPress app on my iPad, as the last one did. (more…)

So, I picked up an iPad 3 yesterday and figured I would get mobile posting setup. It also gives me the chance to write more about the iPad and what my initial thoughts are on the device. I’m actually finding that I can type a lot easier on this than I could on my other tablet. It’s a great experience in that respect. However, haptic feedback would be a great addition.

I’ll post more as I use the iPad further. Right now I am going to keep looking for apps that will help me administer servers and other devices as part of my job.

Took this one while waiting for the ferry at Kingston over the weekend.

I’ve now had my SBS 2008 server running at the house for over 2 months. It went through a couple of good storms, survived a few backup/restore issues, and is running like a champ. You’d think that would qualify it for sticking around a bit longer, huh? (more…)

Well, I needed to get better internet at the house so I can run my own servers and it looks like I found a provider. We have had comcast’s residential service for quite a while now, but I think it’s time to upgrade them to Business Class so I can provide support for my family to keep in better contact. I also figure that I can help out with the uploads of our customer’s backups if a temporary node is needed, and I get a static IP Address, so it makes it even nicer.

Not a fan of the cost, but that’s normal as no-one ever is. But I think it will be worth it in the end.

So, I’m really getting back into photography and am trying to come up with ideas for a home studio. I’ve been debating on what to do with my garage for a while, including turning it into a family room, a couple of bedrooms, and even just a tech room for me to play with computers. Lately, though, I’ve thought about turning it into a photography studio.

I’ve been tinkering with my picture taking again, but now I want to start working with more live models, and not just my kids. I think it will be an interesting challenge, and can’t wait to get started.  Since my garage is a pretty huge mess, I’ll likely not get there until the spring, as that’s the soonest I will get the time to clean it out. However, in the meantime, I think I might start looking for friends and family that need things like graduation or senior pictures done, or as a backup for weddings and other events.  With any luck, I might be able to make a few dollars and buy a better lens, body, or better lighting.

We’ll see how this adventure goes.

So, I’m running an SBS 2008 server at home and for some reason my updates aren’t indicating that a new Service Pack for Exchange 2007 is available.  No worries, I can manually download it from the Microsoft download center.

I’ve got the download going, so we will see what happens as soon as it finishes.  I figured I would get this blog post started and update everyone as I go through the installation process.  Hopefully things will go smoothly and we won’t find any issues.  The only thing I’m worried about is that by updating, I might change a setting here or there that will throw off my certification process.

So, the main problem I’m having with using SBS at home is my internet connection. I’m currently using Comcast for my internet provider. I really like the fast speeds, but it seems like running the server in this scenario may become difficult.

SBS wants a lot of ports to be available to the server from the public internet (25 for email, 80 for http, 443 for ssl, and 987 for Remote Web Workplace). It appears that Comcast is blocking the majority of these, as well as some Activesync commands.  I have an android phone and am unable to get the Corporate email setup to work with the Exchange server at home.  However, if I use TouchDown or possibly some other software, I have a feeling it will work. (more…)

So I am learning small business serever 2008 for certification and thought it might be fun to use it as a household server. The next few months will see me updating this blog with my progress on using a full domain at home and any issues I run into.