SQL Server 2008 R2 - How to gain access to a new installation

In case you ever need to connect to a fresh installation of MS SQL Server 2008 R2 and you were not added during the installation, follow this procedure to gain access :

http://beyondrelational.com/blogs/chintak/archive/2010/07/20/sql-2008-r2-new-installation-and-login-password-unknown.aspx

Disable UAC for Windows Servers through Group Policy

In Computer Configuration | Policies | Windows Settings | Security Settings | Local Policies | Security Options configure the following values:

- User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for administrators in Admin Approval Mode
- User Account Control: Detect application installations and prompt for elevation
- User Account Control: Turn on Admin Approval Mode

Source.

Install XBMC on an Apple TV 2

Link collection of what i used to install XBMC on my brand new apple TV 2 :

http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?t=99315
http://support.firecore.com/entries/387605
http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=Install_XBMC_on_ATV2
http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=Install_XBMC_on_ATV2#Nightly
http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=XBMC_for_iOS_specific_FAQ#direct_boot

Pagefile Management for Windows Server Core

First you need to disable the automatic management:

wmic
>computersystem where name="hostname" set AutomaticManagedPagefile=False

Next, you select where to put the pagefile and how big it should be (expressed in MB)

wmic
>pagefileset where name=”C:\\pagefile.sys” set InitialSize=8192,MaximumSize=8192

More info : http://blogs.dirteam.com/blogs/sanderberkouwer/archive/2007/12/27/page-files-in-server-core.aspx

Free eBook: TCP/IP Fundamentals for Microsoft Windows

This online book describes the fundamentals of TCP/IP in Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003.

http://blogs.technet.com/b/johnbaker/archive/2011/11/10/free-ebook-tcp-ip-fundamentals-for-microsoft-windows.aspx

Free eBook: Understanding Microsoft Virtualization R2 Solutions

Learn about the latest Microsoft Virtualization technologies, including Hyper-V and Windows Azure. Download Understanding Microsoft Virtualization R2 Solutions, written by industry expert Mitch Tulloch along with the Microsoft Virtualization team.

http://blogs.technet.com/b/johnbaker/archive/2011/11/04/free-ebook-understanding-microsoft-virtualization-r2-solutions.aspx

Securing an Ubuntu Server

Action for me, still to do on my vps : http://www.andrewault.net/2010/05/17/securing-an-ubuntu-server/