Iain's World

Custom PowerShell Prompt

2008-02-20T16:01:00Z

After looking at PowerShell in more detail recently I'd like to share a few tips I've discovered, so here is my first. The default PowerShell prompt is provided as built-in function, but this can be modified easily by including your own function prompt{} in your $profile.

Since I often work within deep paths, I've decided that for any paths over 20 characters, I'd like the path displayed in yellow, with my ">" prompt on a new line. Any short paths will be displayed as usual.

function prompt {if (((get-location).path).length -gt 20){write-host -ForegroundColor yellow "$(Get-Location)";"> "} else {"$(Get-Location)`> "}}

This is only a simple example - things can get more interesting as you can see here

Windows Server 2008 Failover Clustering Lab

2007-07-24T13:22:09Z

If you haven't already tried out the Failover Clustering, there is now a great hands on lab available via TechNet. Enjoy!

TechNet Virtual Lab: Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Failover Clustering Lab

“For the exercises in this lab, you will be responsible for the configuration of Windows Server 2008 Enterprise failover clustering for your organization.”

Overview:
•    Create failback policies for the cluster
•    Make Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS) highly available on a Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Failover Cluster
•    Make a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server highly available with a Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Failover Cluster
•    Add nodes to Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Failover Cluster
•    Create file share cluster
•    Create print share cluster

ClusPrep

2007-02-15T14:50:21Z

Clusprep RTW'd last week:

Microsoft Cluster Configuration Validation Wizard (ClusPrep)

The Microsoft Cluster Configuration Validation Wizard, a.k.a. "ClusPrep", is a validation tool that does a complete system inventory and runs focused tests on servers that are configured and ready for Microsoft Server Cluster installation (in other words, before the servers are a cluster). ClusPrep will also run the inventory and many of these same tests after clustering is installed, however, because of their potentially disruptive nature, most storage tests are not run if the servers are already a cluster.
ClusPrep will validate that your system is configured properly by taking inventory of your system configuration and highlighting discrepancies in service pack levels, driver versions, etc.; evaluating and testing your network and storage configuration.
If the results of your ClusPrep execution do not show errors (viewable in detail from the XML report) then you can have a high level of confidence that your subsequent cluster installation and/or operation will be successful.
ClusPrep is a “client/server” tool: you install it on one machine (must be installed on a 32-bit architecture machine), and it drives tests on a collection of server machines (can be any architecture). All drivers and test agents are automatically installed on the servers as part of ClusPrep operation. In other words, the only install you do is on the machine from which you initiate the testing.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=bf9eb3a7-fb91-4691-9c16-553604265c31&DisplayLang=en

HD DVD

2007-01-10T16:09:49Z

Interesting talk on HD DVD and Windows Vista by Harry Potter's long lost brother :-)

Do you want to cluster SQL Server?

2006-12-12T00:04:51Z

If you are interested in clustering SQL server, then the following links provide a great place to get started:

SQL 2000

SQL Server 2000 Failover Clustering

SQL Server 2000 High Availability Series

FAQs - SQL Server 2000 - failover clustering

SQL Server 2000 Clustering Tips

How to Install SQL Server 2000 Clustering

Support WebCast: Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Failover Clustering Disaster Recovery Procedures

SQL 2005

SQL Server 2005 Failover Clustering White Paper

With thanks to my colleague Gareth Ford for these.

Sell Sell Sell?

2006-12-07T13:50:01Z

Well actually Buy, Sell, Swap... Windows Live Expo is now in public beta:

"Expo is more than just your basic buying and selling - there are loads of features which make the process quicker and easier. And now with the move to a pubic beta, there are even more people visiting the site; which means more content to explore and better opportunities to sell your stuff. And remember, it's all free!

With Expo you can:

Trade exclusively with those you trust, like your colleagues or schoolmates, using Expo Communities.
Search for items locally or across the UK using the integrated Windows Live Local maps.
List items quickly and easily, and most importantly, for free!

http://uk.expo.live.com

Since this is a public beta there are no invitations or waitlist, so click the link above and get started buying and selling!"

Remote Desktop Connection 6.0 client update

2006-12-06T23:16:57Z

In case you haven't already heard, RDP 6.0 is available for download. See KB925876 for further details.

Reason on Vista

2006-12-06T14:53:00Z

I've been running Windows Vista now for several months and as a long time user of Propellerhead's Reason software, I was pleased to come across the following compatibility statement. All I need now is some beta drivers for my X-Station...

The Props Vista Statement

First post

2006-12-06T14:44:00Z

Well here is my first blog entry just to get me started. I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to write about yet, but no doubt it will involve my core technology areas of Clustering and Virtualisation, along with the odd bit of music related software. What ever it will be, I'm looking forward to it!