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Microsoft fix: IISLockDown

Microsoft released IISLockdown tool in response to the rapid spread of the nimbda and Code Red viruses. This tool is supposed to close up holes within their IIS server. From the initial impressions, it sounds great and I decided to install it more out of precaution than anything else. Suddenly I find many of my sites broken, giving out errors such as "Object Disabled" and the such. My initial thought is that I am using the server in many unconventional ways than other users. Perhaps that is why it broke. I then proceeded to install a new server and installed LockDown. Maybe if I install it first before other applications, I can debug them individually. I found that route didn't work either.

It is not only me who is facing this problem. In summary, my recommendation for this tool is to not use it unless you are using IIS in the standard way prescribed by Microsoft. It does a good job of locking everything up. But that's the problem, it locks everything up so your server stops working except in the static website mode.

Beautiful landscape

Las Vegas has beautiful landscape. As I was driving down the newly opened 215 beltway between Tropicana and Charleston, my eyes could not help but gaze into the distance. The empty desert stretches out very far and in the distance, mountains provide a background much like a surreal painting. The highway is quite empty on this weekend which was a big contrast to me, having come from Silicon Valley. Being able to stretch my eyes across the vast empty space gives me a sense that I can finally breathe in comfort. This scene, the yet-to-be developed part of Las Vegas, is a stark contrast to the hustle-and-bustle of the Strip. In my opinion, I think it is this dual-faced dichotomy of Vegas which makes it an interesting place. To be both near everything and yet also far from everything. Furthermore, both could be achieved within a short 30 minute leisurely drive.

Hard Rock Casino

My girlfriend and I decided to pick up tickets for Nellie Furtado. She is coming to Vegas and will be playing at the Hard Rock Cafe/Casino on February 8th. Ok, this is my first trip here and I was surprised that this Casino (despite its notoriety) is not located on the Strip. Outside the casino, palm trees were planted in rows surrounding the area. Upon entering the casino, I couldn't help but act like a tourist gawking at all the Rock & Roll memorabilia strewn all over the place. Like anything and everything in Vegas, themes were blown out of proportion with the intent of presenting the viewer with a "Wow" impression. I must admit, even after seeing Vegas several times already, I am still in awe whenever I come across something new.
Unfortunately my girlfriend and I didn't linger long as our intent was just to drop by for the tickets and go. However, my curiousity was peaked enough that I made a mental note to come back and linger a little longer to soak up the atmosphere. It may be a little while before I can act like a local but that's ok. For now, I am still enjoying the little surprises that Vegas is dishing out for me.

Kick off

I decided to start to write with this theme in order to capture some of the more memorable aspects that I have come across. Usually during an experience, I only have enough time and attention to just digest it. It is only later, when there is more time to digest and look at the experience in retrospect do I realize how memoriable the experience is. Some experiences are big, some are small.... it really depends on how you look at it.

Seeing as I just recently moved to Las Vegas, many of the sights and sounds of the city are truly new to me. But aside from the touristy things, I am hoping to capture some of the nice things about being a local also.

Cox Cable Modem fiascos

It is getting to be a bad habid now all because of Cox Communications' insufferable cable modem service. I am constantly browsing the newsgroup "coxcablelv.talk" in the hope of finding the solution to a constantly dropped connection problem. I receive internet access for between 30 minutes to an hour before the head-end equipment drops my connection. The only way around this seems to be to reboot the computer as well as the modem. This has been going on for 2 weeks. Since last week, I have decided to drop their service and sign up with Sprint DSL. Unfortunately Sprint isn't so great with turnarounds either so I expect to wait at least another 2 weeks before getting service. Until then, I guess I will have to bear with Cox. As a broadband user for the past 2 years.... I can attest that problematic installations is really one major reason why people aren't signing up.

Rolling your own server

I am currently debating between the options of running your own server versus getting a WebHost account. I have been running my own IIS server for about 1 1/2 years so I can definitely name all the intricacies regarding this route. Ok, let me just list some of the good and bad that I have had experience with:

Good