Network Computing Report #278
http://www.networkcomputing.com/
Monday, December 9, 2002

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This issue sponsored by Fluke Networks
FREE Wireless LAN Poster. Everything you need to know about 
wireless LANs all in one place: 802.11 state diagrams,
802.11 MAC frame formats with bit decodes, recommended wireless 
cell layout & channel assignment, plus antenna types. 
Get wireless SuperVision today. 
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40BgQM0AO 
-----------------------------------------------------------

Coverage of our new NWC lab continues. This week, we examine how
applications were chosen and interoperability issues overcome. The
editors were also busy testing six end-to-end management products.
Read our analysis of each product's reporting and other features.
Plus, we invite you to try your hand at our TechQuiz on IPSec vs. SSL.

Be sure to bookmark our Weblog, the Network Computing Daily Blog, and
check back often for IT news and views.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40BkzI0A4

As always, please feel free to message us directly if you have any
comments or questions (mailto:newsletter@nwc.com).

Best regards,
--The Network Computing Report Team

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In This Issue:
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1)  Newsletter Specials
2)  Editor's Bookshelf
3)  BuzzCut
4)  Feature: Software Focus
5)  Review: The End-All of Network Performance Management
6)  Review: High on Fibre
7)  Workshop: Software Legislation: Read the Fine Print
8)  Interactive Buyer's Guide: Video Servers
9)  Sneak Preview: Xandros' Xandros Desktop
10) Sneak Preview: TeleSym's SymPhone System
11) The Inside Story: Thief, Thief!
12) Down to Business: Buy the Best Mousetrap
13) Legal Eagle: Wanna Buy the Brooklyn Bridge?
14) Letters
15) Career Coach
16) Peerstone ERP Survey
17) CMP Marketplace
18) Latest IT Professional Downloads
19) Subscription Information

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1) Newsletter Specials
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a) Five-Minute Workout: Working Between Application- and Network-Layer
Security
Let our multimedia tutorial help you evaluate IPSec and SSL VPNs.
We'll find out where each approach excels and why the two solutions
are more complimentary than competitive.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40BnaV0Au

b) TechQuiz: IPSec vs. SSL
This week is the last chance you'll have to try your hand at our quiz
on IPSec vs. SSL. If you get all the answers correct, we'll toss your
name in the hat to possibly win one of five USB security tokens from
our sponsor, Rainbow Technologies. Good luck!
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40TNs0AY

c) NWC Inc. Ready to Go!
Now that our enterprise-application testing lab is up and running, we
invite you to visit our NWC Inc. blog and take Lori MacVittie's new
customer service application out for a test drive. Widgets for
everyone!
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40Bnrt0Ah

d) Top 11 List
This week, we're looking for a few more Top 11 New Year's IT
resolutions you know you'll just never keep. Here's an example from
NWC reader Karla Davis: "Try to sound helpful when asking 'is it
plugged in?'"
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40BjCi0Af

e) Compare IT: Content-Aware Switches
Efficient handling of Internet traffic requires a content-aware switch
that can determine the best way to process Web traffic while also
providing increased availability and performance through load
balancing and server redundancy. Compare and get quotes now from
Cisco, F5, Radware and Sysmaster!
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40Bnru0Ai

f) CEO Minute: Securing Storage
Tune in to hear EIC Online, Brad Shimmin, talk with Decru's Dan Avida
on the importance of encrypting NAS and SAN environments both on the
fly and over the wire.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40Bnrv0Aj

g) New White Papers
If you're an information junky, you'll love our new RSS and HTML feeds
of newly added white papers and research reports. Each day, you'll
find hundreds of links to tactical how-tos, industry overviews and
product news.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40Bnrw0Ak

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2) Editor's Bookshelf
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In keeping with this issue's theme of desktop-ready Linux, our editors
have chosen the following book, "Linux Administration Handbook,"
written by Evi Nemeth, Garth Snyder and Trent R. Hein.

Replete with war stories and hard-won insights, the "Linux
Administration Handbook" examines how Linux systems behave in
real-world ecosystems, not in ideal environments. Difficult tasks are
described in all their complexity, including DNS configuration,
networking, sendmail configuration, security management, kernel
building, performance analysis and routing. The book's many true-life
examples will help administrators implement solutions that continue to
work effectively as their operations grow.

For more information.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40Bnrx0Al

Find other books.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40BjYs0AD

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3) BuzzCut
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a) Beware the Initiative
By Mike Fratto
No, it's not some evil government faction, but the Initiative for
Software Choice (ISC) may as well be. In a special online-only
buzzcut, Mike explains how this organization is all about actually
squashing choice--and its main target is open source.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40Bnry0Am

b) WLAN Security: Five Simple Truths
By Dave Molta
If you see someone driving with what looks like a Pringles potato chip
can pointing out of the passenger window, don't be alarmed.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40Bnrz0An

c) Eclipse: Overshadowing All Other IDEs?
By Don MacVittie
The IBM-led Eclipse Consortium has been telling the world about the
power of Eclipse for months.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40Bnr10Aa

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4) Feature: Software Focus
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By Lori MacVittie
Software and servers and databases, oh my! In choosing applications
for our new lab and fictitious business, NWC Inc., we had to overcome
interoperability glitches, faulty assumptions and Murphy's Law.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40Bnr20Ab

Read books on this topic.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40BjYs0AD

Read more articles on this subject.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40COC0AU

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5) Review: The End-All of Network Performance Management
------------------------------------------------------------
By Bruce Boardman
Performance-management products need to get to the source of network
problems and present data in a way that sheds light on what's actually
happening. We tested six end-to-end management products, evaluating
their root-cause analysis, data collection and reporting features.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40Bnr30Ac

Read books on this topic.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40BjYs0AD

Read more articles on this subject.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40CTE0Ab

Download network monitoring white papers.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40O3R0AT

Research network management products and vendors.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40OTA0Aj

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6) Review: High on Fibre
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By Steven J. Schuchart Jr.
To stave off competition from iSCI and Ethernet, storage vendors are
touting interoperable Fibre Channel. We tested three Fibre Channel
switches to determine how compatible they really are.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40Bnr40Ad

Read books on this topic.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40BjYs0AD

Read more articles on this subject.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40CTE0Ab

Download storage hardware white papers.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40OMi0AI

Research storage products and vendors.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40OMj0AJ

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7) Workshop: Software Legislation: Read the Fine Print
------------------------------------------------------------
By Sean Doherty
The Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act (UCITA) will be
arriving in state legislatures soon. Before you sign any licensing
agreements, find out how this law will affect your right to
reverse-engineer software.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40Bnr50Ae

Read books on this topic.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40BjYs0AD

Read more articles on this subject.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40BDfY0AM

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8) Interactive Buyer's Guide: Video Servers
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Today's video-on-demand servers can deliver a movie or other video
program to an individual Web browser or TV set over a data network. We
highlight key features to help select the product that's right for
your company.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40Bnr60Af

Read books on this topic.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40BjYs0AD

Read more articles on this subject.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40CTK0Ah

Download videoconferencing software white papers.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40Pbw0As

Research video products and vendors.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40SuY0Ak

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9) Sneak Preview: Xandros' Xandros Desktop
------------------------------------------------------------
By Lori Macvittie
With its Microsoft Explorer look and feel, Xandros' new operating
system aims to prove that Linux is ready for the desktop.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40Bnr70Ag

Read books on this topic.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40BjYs0AD

Read more articles on this subject.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40CTM0Aj

Download Linux white papers.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40Njk0Am

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10) Sneak Preview: TeleSym's SymPhone System
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By Saurabh Bhasin
If your environment combines PDAs and WLANs or you are planning to
deploy one that does, take a look at this voice-over-WLAN application.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40Bnr80Ah

Read books on this topic.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40BjYs0AD

Read more articles on this subject.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40CTL0Ai

Download wireless LANs white papers.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40PW80Ae

Research voice system products and vendors.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40BnsA0Ar

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11) The Inside Story: Thief, Thief!
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By James Hutchinson
"These must have been good ideas because someone stole them."
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40BnsB0As

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12) Down to Business: Buy the Best Mousetrap
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By Rob Preston
"Don't just clip vendors from RFPs because they're not household names
with pristine balance sheets."
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40BnsC0At

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13) Legal Eagle: Wanna Buy the Brooklyn Bridge?
------------------------------------------------------------
By Sean Doherty
"Some products may comply with some parts of HIPAA, but they're far
from comprehensive solutions."
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40BnsD0Au

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14) Letters
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"Steve Ballmer jived and danced around the answer in what has become a
Microsoft tradition." --Ben Myers
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40BnsE0Av

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15) Career Coach
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This Week: Tips on impressing at an interview; and an IS manager
ponders the value of bachelor's degrees earned online.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40BnsF0Aw

------------------------------------------------------------
16) Peerstone ERP Survey
------------------------------------------------------------
Attention SAP users or potential users.
Are you using or evaluating MySAP or considering an upgrade from R/3?
Then we want to talk to you. Peerstone Research in collaboration with
InformationWeek, Optimize and Network Computing is conducting an
in-depth study of ERP projects at large and mid-size organizations.
Our focus is on the benefits and pitfalls of "business process 
computing".
Last April we published a ground breaking report on user experiences 
with
the leading ERP vendors. All qualified respondents will receive a free 
copy
of this report upon completing the questionnaire, as well as the 
complete
results of our new study when they are available.

Take the Peerstone ERP survey today.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40BnsG0Ax

The first 100 qualified respondents will also have a chance to win
$2,500 in Amazon.com gift certificates.

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17) CMP Marketplace
------------------------------------------------------------
FREE ONLINE NETWORK SYNCHRONIZATION RISK ASSESSMENT
Online analysis of your network's susceptibility to time
related failures. Receive an immediate report tailored
specifically to your network. Learn why reliable, secure
and accurate time may be essential in your network operations.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40BnsK0A2
------------------------------------------------------------
Learn about KVM ACCESS OVER WEB BROWSER, and WIN A PALM m505!
Raritan is the premier manufacturer of KVM switches for centralized,
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Browser
with TeleReach,Visit 
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40Bdey0AP 
and sign up for a live demo!
Visit 
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40Bdez0AQ 
to enter the Palm m505 drawing.

------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------
18) Latest IT Professional Downloads
------------------------------------------------------------
Find some of the newest files in IT Pro's collection of shareware,
utility and demo downloads for network and IT professionals below. If
you would like to see more downloads and begin receiving the latest
info on hot new utilities, packs and jewels, sign up for our free,
weekly IT Pro Downloads newsletter.
http://www.submag.com/sub/nc?wp=wpdly1&tc=1&pk=WMNCED

a) Atelier Web Firewall Tester 1.02
Atelier Web Firewall Tester probes your personal firewall software to
determine its strengths against outbound attempts from network trojan
horses and other malware or spyware so you can tweak your existing
personal firewall software for improved protection.

Download at:
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40Bnjy0Ae
Size: 829k
Platform: Windows NT only
Licensing: Shareware; $34.95

b) 2Morrow Visual Server Monitor 1.1
This easy-to-use program monitors critical systems on your servers and
diagnoses problems in real time.

Download at:
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40Bnju0Aa
Size: 5019k
Platform: Windows 2000
Licensing: Shareware; $0

By using IT Pro Downloads you agree to these terms of use.
http://www.nwc.com/itpro/itpro-terms.html

-----------------------------------------------------------
This issue sponsored by Fluke Networks
FREE Wireless LAN Poster. Everything you need to know about 
wireless LANs all in one place: 802.11 state diagrams,
802.11 MAC frame formats with bit decodes, recommended wireless 
cell layout & channel assignment, plus antenna types. 
Get wireless SuperVision today. 
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eJxj0Be3GS0V40BgQM0AO 
-----------------------------------------------------------

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------------------------------------------------------------
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Look for the next Network Computing newsletter on Monday, December
16, 2002.

Copyright (c) 2002 Network Computing, a CMP Media LLC publication.

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