Advantages of Performing Computer Inventory

It is difficult to imagine the modern life without computers. Moreover, it's impossible to think about the offices', companies' and organizations' operation process without these machines. Nowadays, almost any field is connected with computers: the work of accountants, engineers, journalists, designers, estimators, and so on. That is why not only the company's income, but its viability depends on stable operation of the computers. It is not difficult to keep a dozen of computers in a proper condition. But what if there are hundreds of them in the company? In this case, the system administrator has to organize the centralized computer inventory system. What is it? Let's try to give the definition.

The computer inventory process is a part of computer asset management in any organization. It includes creating the list of computers that are available in the company, recording their operational condition and parameters, collecting the inventory data from every organization's PC, and generating corresponding reports.

The computer inventory consists of a few parts:

1. The computer inventory process itself. In other words, it is an audit of all the machines in the organization, their allocation in offices and departments.

2. Hardware audit. It is a process of constant auditing the data on hardware: inventory of every monitor, every HDD, every video card, mouse, etc.

3. Software inventory process. It is the process of gathering and collecting data on software that is installed on every remote PC in the organization, versions of applications, updates and hotfixes installed.

The computer inventory process has to be employed systematically. What for? To answer this question, it is enough to say, that computer is an implement and it needs to be kept in a proper condition, which can be rather expensive. Often, the higher the investments you spend on the maintenance, the more profit the computer owner gets. Computer inventory software helps to keep machines in the operable state, and thus, to save the organization's money. How?

Firstly, the hardware inventory allows the system administrator to prevent losses of computer parts during their replacement with new ones or their repair. Moreover, hardware inventory helps to detect in time the computers details' disappearance or their replacement with the older ones, and, hence, to discover dishonest employees.

Secondly, software inventory helps to detect all changes in software that is installed on users' PCs. Unlicensed or cracked programs are against the Copyright Law, and lead to unpleasant consequences for the company. That is why the system administrator has to get all the information on a program's developer, its size, installation date, and the license key during the software audit process. Also, he has to know whether the program is needed for work or for personal affairs.

Thirdly, advanced computer inventory software allows generating summary tables on the company's hardware and software installed on PCs. This helps the system administrator to discover, which programs have to be updated, which have to be purchased to perform the particular tasks, which computer parts and on which PCs are out of date and should be replaced with newer ones. All this allows the head manager to plan future company expenses.

Usually, it is the system administrator who has to perform the computer inventory in a company. The dedicated computer inventory software makes this process much easier. It is usually installed on the system administrator's PC only and allows him to gather all the network information remotely. It is important for IT manager to have an opportunity to receive email notifications, for instance, if some software or hardware changes take place, because usually he is responsible for the security as well.

Top 5 Network Security Fundamentals

Relentless cyber criminals, disgruntled current and former employees and careless users can bring down your computer networks and compromise data. Network security's made up of the hardware, software, policies and procedures designed to defend against both internal and external threats to your company's computer systems. Multiple layers of hardware and software can prevent threats from damaging computer networks, and stop them from spreading if they slip past your defenses.

The most common threats to your systems:

Malicious programs like viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, malware, adware and botnets

Zero-day and zero-hour attacks

Hacker attacks

Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service Attacks (DDoS)

Data theft

These threats look to exploit:

Unsecured wireless networks

Unpatched software and hardware

Unsecured websites

Potentially unwanted applications (PUAs)

Weak passwords

Lost devices

Unwitting users or users with malicious intent

Top 5 fundamentals of network security 

These network security fundamentals are vital to downtime prevention, government regulation compliance, reduced liability and reputation protection:

1. Keep patches and updates current 

Cyber criminals exploit vulnerabilities in operating systems, software applications, web browsers and browser plug-ins when administrators are lax about applying patches and updates.

In particular, verify that office computers are running current versions of these much used programs:

Adobe Acrobat and Reader

Adobe Flash

Oracle Java

Microsoft Internet Explorer

Microsoft Office Suite

Keep an inventory to make sure each device is updated regularly, including mobile devices and network hardware. And make sure Windows and Apple computers have automatic updating enabled.

2. Use strong passwords 

By now, most users know not to write their passwords on Post-It Notes that are plastered to their monitors. But there's more to keeping passwords secure than keeping them out of plain sight.

The definition of a strong password is one that's difficult to detect by humans and computers, is at least 6 characters, preferably more, and uses a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and symbols.

Symantec gives additional suggestions:

Don't use any words from the dictionary. Also avoid proper nouns or foreign words.

Don't use anything remotely related to your name, nickname, family members or pets.

Don't use any numbers someone could guess by looking at your mail like phone numbers and street numbers.

Choose a phrase that means something to you, take the first letters of each word and convert some into characters.

The SANS Institute recommends passwords be changed at least every 90 days, and that users not be allowed to reuse their last 15 passwords. They also suggest that users be locked out of their accounts for an hour and a half after eight failed log-on attempts within a 45-minute period.

Train users to recognize social engineering techniques used to trick them into divulging their passwords. Hackers are known to impersonate tech support to get people to give out their passwords or simply look over users' shoulders while they type in their passwords.

3. Secure your VPN 

Data encryption and identity authentication are especially important to securing a VPN. Any open network connection is a vulnerability hackers can exploit to sneak onto your network. Moreover, data is particularly vulnerable while it is traveling over the Internet. Review the documentation for your server and VPN software to make sure that the strongest possible protocols for encryption and authentication are in use.

Multi-factor authentication is the most secure identity authentication method. The more steps your users must take to prove their identity, the better. For example, in addition to a password, users could be required to enter a PIN. Or, a random numerical code generated by a key-fob authenticator every 60 seconds could be used in conjunction with a PIN or password.

It is also a good idea to use a firewall to separate the VPN network from the rest of the network. 

Other tips include:

Use cloud-based email and file sharing instead of a VPN.

Create and enforce user-access policies. Be stingy when granting access to employees, contractors and business partners.

Make sure employees know how to secure their home wireless networks. Malicious software that infects their devices at home can infect the company network via an open VPN connection.

Before granting mobile devices full access to the network, check them for up-to-date anti-virus software, firewalls and spam filters.

4. Actively manage user access privileges 

Inappropriate user-access privileges pose a significant security threat. Managing employee access to critical data on an ongoing basis should not be overlooked. More than half of 5,500 companies recently surveyed by HP and the Ponemon Institute said that their employees had access to "sensitive, confidential data outside the scope of their job requirements." In reporting on the study's findings, eWeek.com said "general business data such as documents, spreadsheets, emails and other sources of unstructured data were most at risk for snooping, followed by customer data." When an employee's job changes, make sure the IT department is notified so their access privileges can be modified to fit the duties of the new position.

5. Clean up inactive accounts 

Hackers use inactive accounts once assigned to contractors and former employees to gain access and disguise their activity. The HP/Ponemon Institute report did find that the companies in the survey were doing a good job deleting accounts once an employee quit or was laid off. Software is available for cleaning up inactive accounts on large networks with many users.

Know The Job Responsibilities Of Server Administrator

To maintain and implement the system and to monitor the server activity and security is referred as server administration. It improves the server management, consistency, safety measures and performance. The person who handles these server administration jobs is called as server admin or administrator. Server admin has the authority to manage and maintain the server, and to implement the system. In an organization server admin is the brain of the company because he has the main control of server. Admin has to manage windows server and also web application server. All organizations are in need of a server admin because all of them are maintaining a server for their business necessities. Usually they work with computer networks and make sure to maintain the software updates. They will tune the servers as needed to support the high performance business applications and assist the security and integrity of the data server. Server admins develop strategies to implement client server and to architect the infrastructure to support it.

IT industry has multiple openings for system admin or server admin, their job is to manage all network hardware equipment. Certification in hardware engineering is the educational qualifications for this job and experience in managing systems. The process of installation, configuration, troubleshooting of end user hardware and software is also includes in administration. One should be very sportive and competitive enough to perform a main role in background. Finally, it has many options to use the solutions. Basically, this job is performed by backend. They will maintain the server; so that the rest of the work is goes on by the other streamline. Without server it is difficult to maintain the backup resources, files and other details of the business. All the IT companies are looking for the talented professionals who can maintain and design the applications and operating systems for businesses. Not only IT companies, but also marketing and advertising companies are maintaining the server. In IT industry they have many available tools to manage the server. There is a good scope for system or server administration jobs in the IT industry. The main responsibility of this job is to interact and coordinate with network engineering, database administration and business application and also includes monitoring protocols and web services. Admins are technical professional who will configure and maintain the services like file sharing, directory, data, web page access, resource sharing on the server. They will also name the resolution services on it.

What You Need to Know About Entry Level Information Technology Jobs

Inquiring about entry-level Information technology jobs would not be something that a regular person would be doing.

Either you are considering changing careers, or you are probably a college graduate trying to get some experience in computers, so you can be equipped for your next big job.

The term Information technology is sometimes referred to as "IT", and can relate to many career paths. Wikipedia, a popular online encyclopedia defines this term as, "a branch of knowledge concerned with the development, management, and use of computer-based information systems".

This article will approach this topic from the same perspective of Wikipedia's explanation. The majority of jobs in the Information Technology field are centered on the management and development of computer systems, and technology. For this reason, many entry-levels to advanced jobs are available in data centers around the world.

There are many basic characteristics present in all entry-level information technology jobs. Being armed with what characteristics to look for will give you the best chances of success, in finding a good technology job.

If you are in the process of changing careers, then you may have some difficulty in finding the right entry-level technology job. This is especially true, if you have no knowledge, or experience about information technology. Always remember that once you have acquired some basic training in computers, that you would be in a better position to get the right job, in an information technology department.

You should also be aware that if you have no degree, or experience in computers that you can still learn, as long as you have the desire to do so. Everyone has a chance, as long as they are shown the correct path to follow.

Experience has shown that many individuals, who had only acquired a high school diploma or a leaving certificate, were able to advance through the ranks within a data center, and into many advanced to medium technology jobs.

Listed below are the names, and basic details of some of the many entry-level to advanced tech jobs, that are available in many information technology departments today. These jobs are listed from entry-level first, to advance.

Entry Level Positions

Many of these positions that are listed below do not require a degree in computer science. Sometimes a high school diploma, with the willingness to learn is all that is required.

· First Level Tech Support, or Help Desk Support Technician

Working in first level tech support represents one of the most basic entry-level jobs that you can acquire. You do not even need a degree in computer science, to fill this position. A basic high school diploma may be all that is required, with some basic knowledge of computers.

Even if you have a bachelor's degree in computers but no experience, this would also be a very good place to start. Most employers prefer some experience, even with a degree.

First level tech support would be considered training grounds for second level technical support. The daily routine working in the tech support department, consists of answering the phones when people call into the department for help, and taking clear notes about the customer issues. This information is then passed on to the second level support technician.

· Second Level Tech Support, or Help Desk Support Technician

Second level tech support can also be classified as an entry-level position. A diploma may be required, but not necessarily needed. As long as you are able to demonstrate some technical ability in the area of computer repairs, then you would be considered teachable.

· Network Operation Support Technician

The network operations support technician assists with the monitoring of the entire infrastructure, and computer equipment of a company. This monitoring is done using sophisticated monitoring appliances, and tools.

All that is required to work as a network operation center personal employee, would be common sense and the ability to act on issues as quickly as possible. No technical abilities may be required, but having some ability may be a plus.

· PC Repair Technician

A computer repair technician takes care of all computer related repairs, of desktop computers. Persons working as computer repair technicians, also work along with the system administrator when servers are being prepared for deployment.

Working as a PC Repair Technician is somewhat entry-level in nature also. Even though it is a specialized job, it can still be filled in time by an entry-level person.

Working as a PC Repair Technician is somewhat entry-level in nature also. Even though it is a specialized job, it can still be filled in time by an entry-level person.

Sometimes we have to separate abilities, or gifting in areas related to computer repairs, from persons that are gifted in software applications.

In many organizations, you sometimes will encounter individuals that are really gifted in hardware support, but not software. If you try to fit an individual with talents in computer repairs into an administrative role, sometime that individual will fail.

Medium to Advance Positions

The positions listed below are advanced to medium and may require some kind of specialization to perform the duties required.

· Exchange System Administrator

This person normally works along with the System Administrators of a company. This position requires a trusted and dedicated individual. Trusted, mainly because that person would have wide open access to every employees email, including the Vice President of a company.

An exchange system administrator sometimes administrates the active directory of a company, in the absence of a system administrator. This normally happens within small to medium organizations, because of their inability to hire more employees.

This is also a specialized job function, but with some knowledge can be filled in time by anyone that has extensive understanding of email systems, including Microsoft Exchange Server.

The beauty of being an exchange administrator is that you would be highly respected by management.

· Windows System Administrator (Microsoft Applications)

These persons normally administrate Microsoft systems, including Active Directory and other Microsoft applications. They also work with other application like Symantec Backup Exec, and Net backup Applications.

The duties of this person may include, the daily administration of the company's domain, including adding new users to the company network.

· Network Engineer

Network Engineers normally works in the Network Services department, and takes care of the infrastructure, and security of the entire network of a company.

Persons working in the network services department, are normally persons that have acquired some sort of Cisco Certification.

This position is very specialized, and can only be filled by a certified Cisco person, or someone who has the ability to learn quickly. These persons are also known as the gate keepers of the company assets.

Always remember that any entry level computer job is good to start with, but once you have decided on a career path to pursue, you should strive to be the best you can be in your area of interest.

Computer Network Engineering Learning Choices

Computers are relied on to complete the day-to-day technological functions of a business. The maintenance of a businesses computer system is essential and without it operations would be hindered. The education required to be able to successfully work with a business in this capacity is gained through a computer network engineering degree program.

The main focus is to be able to create, maintain, repair, and update a computers network. The network is what links the information and data utilized by employees of a business. Employees use networks to perform their job and be able to fulfill their part in the businesses mission. Learning choices teach students everything from learning how to repair, create, research, and design a network system. Four primary options are available and students can work through any one of them to enter a career. The degree choices include:

*Associate's Degree in Computer Network Engineering

Students work through a two-year program where they learn how to work with computer technology. High emphasis is placed on understanding how to install, manage, operate, and fix a computers network. Wired and wireless networks are focused on to teach students how to understand the link between computers. Coursework teaches students how to perform these duties in light of the hardware and software used to create a network.

*Bachelor's Degree in Computer Network Engineering

This degree is typically the starting point for most students. This four-year degree has students studying how to create and operate networks. The focus of education is to give students advanced methodology to work with computers in this capacity. Computer architecture, microprocessor design, database design, and electronic transmission are some courses that develop the needed skills for students. These courses teach students to use computer software to design networks that can store and communicate electronically.

*Master's Degree in Computer Network Engineering

Once enrolled in a master's degree program students can choose a concentration that enables them to enter upper-level careers. Database design and administration topics are covered thoroughly to prepare students to design all types of networks. The technology and procedures to design advanced networks is covered through courses on information theory, optimization, coding, and transmission. The work required to understand computer architecture and network development is learned at this level.

*PhD in Computer Network Engineering

Education is centered on the concepts to design and contribute to research for networking systems. The advanced knowledge gained has students preparing for upper-level careers. Network software testing, quality assurance, research, advanced design, and more have students working towards facilitating the development and creation of networks.

Network Engineering and Project Management

A Network Engineer is a computer professional who builds and maintains the networks that computers use to communicate. These networks might be small business networks or huge global networks. Clearly, that is a highly technical job that demands a professional with a huge degree of detail orientation. The stereotype would have us perceive them as a group of brilliant book worms with poor social skills.

That is a generalization and not applicable to everyone in computer science. However, it would probably be fair to say that most information technology professionals are more comfortable working with computer code and networks than working in sales, marketing or public relations. Obviously, they felt a draw toward the tasks involved in that professional and chose to pursue it over other options.

That creates an interesting opportunity for professionals that are skilled in both technical and social aspects. There are two primary examples, technical sales and project management. Both positions involve taking a strong technical knowledge and relating that to other non-technical business people.

In computer networking, project managers are often part of service firms that are contracted by client companies to build, expand, or repair computer networks. A project manager has the responsibility of planning and executing projects. That requires heavy client interaction to achieve an exact understanding of their needs. Often times, the clients may not understand what is involved from a technical aspect to meet those needs, and it will be the responsibility of the project manager to educate them.

Once the project requirements are established, it is the job of the PM to design a plan for implementation including details like manpower, cost, timelines and scope of work. Then, they are responsible for coordinating all the components of that plan until completion while constantly communicating with the client and managing their expectations.

A good manager will quickly become the key point of contact between the computer services firm and their client. Their ability to utilize resources to efficiently complete the project, while simultaneously building rapport with the client company's decision makers will heavily influence the client's opinion of the IT firm. As a result, the project manager can be quintessential in building a relationship that will lead to lucrative future business.

The value of a project manager in the job market is demonstrated by the fact that among the top IT Certifications, the one that provides the most additional income is the Project Management Professional Certification, or PMP. The average PMP salary is roughly $90,000 per year, compared to other purely technical certifications. For example, the median CCNA salary is just about $60,000 annually.

Benefits Of Being A Computer Engineer

When we see the demand increasing in the computer software and hardware, we can definitely foresee the need for increase in the need of computer experts also. Computer engineers are the ones who have chosen to be in the profession that is of the computer field. As IT industry is the fastest growing industry in any country possible there is no chance that you can fall back with your career. The trend from the automobile engineering has now shifted to Computer engineering because of the progress in the technology. The pay packages offered to the professionals are also very good.

To become a computer expert there are many course offered these days so that you can get trained and have a qualification high enough to get a job into a good company. The computer institutes willingly give the knowledge about the basics of computers as well as the advanced courses that give you a proper certification. These training centers make you aware of the things like what computer hardware actually is, it includes- Monitor, Motherboard, CPU, RAM apart from these Expansion cards, Hard disk drive, Keyboard etc. the computer software includes the operating softwares like Linux and Windows.

If you want to have a job that is not ordinary but of a certain level, then it is advisable for you to go for certification that makes a differentiation between you and just a graduate. Many institutes train the candidates with the CCNA, MCSE certifications and give them the placements which they actually deserve. With their help nobody can question your knowledge and skills about computers. If you wish to have a future with computers you can even go for the courses online. There are institutes that allow you to give certain exams online only without you being actually there; this helps in appearing for a curse which is not within your reach. They may prove to be faulty, if not taken proper measures while choosing them. The online IT courses can help too but can ruin also, they take your fees money and might just end up not giving you the desired results.

The same measures go for the computer training institutes also. It is your responsibility to select the correct center and the suitable course that will benefit you with your computer filled career. With the fast track life of the people the progress is also fast and so is the need for computer engineers who take care about the whereabouts of the computer systems. This has smoothly led the functioning of computers which are used by all even if they are not experts or professionals. Engineering is such a subject matter that always is going to be in need. With the passage of time, this stream is evolving and so the requirement of engineers is never going down. From mechanical engineering to computer engineering it has found its own importance and so it can be something else also tomorrow. But for today its obvious for one to go for a computer field related career.