using DynDNS with AWS

So, let's say you have an AWS instance that you don't run all the time, and you get a new IP each time you run it.

Sign up for an account on DynDNS and install the ddclient on your instance.
ddclient.conf example

syslog=yes # log update msgs to syslog
mail=root # mail all msgs to root
mail-failure=root # mail failed update msgs to root
pid=/var/run/ddclient.pid # record PID in file.
ssl=yes # use ssl-support. Works with
login=dyndnsusername
password=dyndnspassword
protocol=dyndns2
server=members.dyndns.org
dyndnshostname.dyndnsdomain.dyndnstld, anotherdyndnshostname.dyndnsdomain.dyndnstld
use=web
web=checkip.dyndns.org

now each time you start the service, you can go to the dyndns account instead of trying to figure out the new IP address/dns

Can not mark 'xubuntu-desktop' for upgrade

upgrading Ubuntu 10.10 maverick to 11.04 narwhal. so I went into synaptic and uninstalled xubuntu-desktop and got on with life.

Vipre no wireless?

working on a client's computer that sbamtray.exe when loaded at startup prevented wireless networks from being seen. msconfig clear check by it ...

Use your domain with a dynamic DNS service

Interested how to use *your* domain with a dynamic dns service? It's so easy. Create a new CNAME that points to the dynamic dns name.

Change the icon for PcHelpWare, et al

Looking to customize PCHelpWare for yourself?

There's documentation online, but the change of icon doesn't exactly work in Vista/Windows 7. There's a program that can help, though: IcoFX. Just grab PcHelpWare.sfx, and briefly change it to PcHelpWare.exe, then in IcoFX, go to Tools, Resource Editor, and open the newly named PcHelpWare.exe (open folder icon). Highlight the yellow Uvnc icon, then click the Change icon button and point it to the icon of choice. Click save, then close. Rename the PcHelpWare.exe to PcHelpWare.sfx and now your PcHelpWare app will be branded with your new icon.

IPSEC prevents Windows Server 2003 to connect network

Problem: Network connection fails completely on Windows Small Business Server SBS 2003. Can't ping. Can't browse the Internet.
Reason: IPSEC service doesn't start. (Usually after SP2 install)

Problem: IPSEC service doesn't start because of some "only one" error on "port"
Solution:
HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Reserved Ports
add:
4500-4500
to the list
restart DNS.
start IPSEC.
You should have network connection.

Better Windows 98 video driver for VirtualBox

It's 2011, and ... you don't care. All you want to know is how not to be stuck at 640x480 and 16 colors on Windows 98 guest on VirtualBox and guest additions won't ever be made on Windows 98 or 95.

How easy is it? go to http://bearwindows.zcm.com.au/vbe9x.htm and download, for instance, 2010.06.01 (click one of the ? on the right).


Now you have a .zip. Extract it.
Make a .iso from that folder with your favorite program.
You now can mount that on your Windows 98 image.
Update the driver from Device manager and point it to the VBE9X\UNI folder and let it install. Reboot and you have color!

YRMV, don't blame me if it doesn't work, etc. All I can say is it worked well for me.

I suppose you're also looking for AMD PCnet drivers at the same time. Stop. Don't panic yourself about it, but stop the vm, go to network, advanced, and change the nic to the one above it -- NOT the FAST one. (have your Windows 98 CD available, and ... it is installed.)

2015: updated to a different domain.