TAKE YOUR MARK: The Starting Point

In the last topic of this Technology Makeover forum, the PC Mac Divide, I said that instead of throwing out the entire network and starting from scratch, I want to integrate the new computer into my existing environment and migrate to a simpler system over time.  Currently my desktop Dell that needs to be replaced uses an Enterprise version of MS Outlook 2003 to access an Exchange server that houses my email, calendar and contacts.

In selecting a new computer, I want to make sure it can also send and receive my emails, see my contacts, and access my calendar.  At least in the beginning it has to interact with the Exchange Server.

So, how did I end up with an Exchange Server?  Here’s the story of how my current technology environment evolved.  (it may get a little geeky but here goes…).

Moving the Server to the Closet

I ran a not-for-profit health consultancy where client confidentiality was critical.  Consequently my consultancy ran its own email server and kept contacts on an Exchange Server.  We also did surveys using software housed on the server.  We maintained a security certificate (SSL) for our website and online surveys, and we had a dedicated IP address so that the email and survey links would always work.

When the business ended a few years ago, I moved the company’s server, an IBM Series 10 running MS Server 2003 and Exchange Server 2003, from my office to my linen closet.  The linen closet Server runs my network.  The server allows me to see, synchronize, and backup my files, calendars, and, until recently, emails. 

In my experience, that IBM Series 10 is one of the most reliable servers in the history of man.  It hums away keeping our sheets warm and files centralized.  However the move from office to linen closet had a number of obstacles to overcome.

Connecting to the Outside Safely

When I moved the server to my linen closet at home, I replaced our expensive Internet Service Provider (ISP) and dedicated IP address with my considerably less costly home cable provider who provides a dynamic IP address.  The home system is connected to the internet through an RCA digital broadband cable modem.

The cable modem, in turn, links to a CISCO Pix 501 firewall and hub in order to keep out unwanted cyber-intruders.  Notably, in more than one instance, the firewall also kept me out of my own network as I tried to synchronize email and calendars to my cell phone and laptop.  When that happened I was amazed that CISCO continues to provide amazing telephone support in contrast to Microsoft, Adobe, and other vendors who frequently remind me that my warrantee period has long expired and that there is a large fee-per-problem solution available should I want to talk to a real person.

The Pix 501, in turn, is linked to two old Netgear WGR614 wireless-G routers and hubs.  The G-standard allows information to travel up to 54 Mbps, while the Ethernet hubs allow information to be transferred at a rate of 100 Mbps.  One of the Netgear Wireless router and hubs sits on my desk and the other is hidden in the linen closet near the server. Together they allow WEP protected wireless access throughout the apartment.

My son and partner’s computers access the Internet and network through the slower wireless connection, while my computers use the faster wired Ethernet connection.  The Vonage Internet phone service and household printers are connected to the network through the hubs.  Since one of the printers also has an IP address, anyone with wireless access to the network can also access the printer directly.

Keeping the Internet Pointed to My Domain: Moving from a Static IP to a Dynamic IP using a Dynamic DNS

When I moved the server to the linen closet, there was a problem staying connected to my email, contacts, and calendar because the much less expensive dynamic IP service changes the IP address every now-and-then.  When the IP address changes the server cannot find my domain and link to my email, calendar, and contacts through my server.

To overcome that problem, I subscribed to a dynamic DNS service through DynDNS.  It is a little complicated, but basically this service notifies the Internet when the IP address changes.  Consequently, when the domain is specified by a devise it always connects through the right IP address -- see www.Dyndns.com for more details, or you have a similar issue and want more information let me know using the “contact” link above.

Moving Email to the Cloud

With the expectation of phasing out the Server, I moved my email accounts from the linen closet Exchange server to the clouds vis-à-vis Host Monster (www.hostmonster.com), the company that is hosting my website for $5.95 a month.  There is no additional cost to hosting my email.

For my email, I decided on using the IMAP protocol rather that the POP protocol and continued to view my email through MS Outlook on the old Dell.  I chose the IMAP over the POP protocol because it keeps messages on the server rather than transfers them to the local machine, and facilitates accessing email while traveling.  This link (http://www.ofzenandcomputing.com/zanswers/889) provides a good explanation of the difference between POP and IMAP protocols.

I link my email to my Palm Treo cell phone (no, I don’t have an iPhone or Droid -- yet!) using the IMAP protocol.  With the exception of downloading voice messages, it works fine.

Keeping the Calendar and Contacts on the Exchange Server and Synching the Cell

I use the Exchange Server and MS Outlook on my Desktop for my calendar and contacts and synchronize them to my Palm Treo phone using Exchange Active Sync. Configuring the cell phone synchronization was less than straightforward due to an expiring SSL Certificate.  It became so frustrating that I even hired an outside expert found through Craigslist.  This Russian bred middle-aged Geek spoke Exchangeze – but even he was stuck for a bit, until we figured out the correct settings on the Exchange server and phone.  But that is a whole other story.  In the end, Exchange Active Sync works fine and my calendar, task list, email, and contacts stay synchronized on my phone.

Staying Connected When Traveling; Using a VPN

When traveling I use my IBM ThinkPad T42 laptop – which is also a little long-in-the-tooth.  For the purposes of security, it accesses the home network through a virtual private network (VPN) with software provided by CISCO, and it seems to work since my network is rarely invaded by unwanted intruders.

Creating a Technology Monster

So, everything works on my home network.  But in transferring equipment from office to home-office I created a monster!  The new computer will have to fit into this complex system.  For the moment I want it to connect to the Exchange server and my email through IMAP. 

While my IBM linen-closet-server is one of the most reliable pieces of machinery imaginable, it is like using a big rig 18-wheeler to haul our household information while a little nimble sports car would do just as well.  I would rather spend my time with my son than acting as my own IT department that keeps viruses away and my network humming.   I know the climate is changing and the clouds are blowing in.  It is time for technology makeover and the new computer is the centerpiece of the upcoming change.

In the next forum, I’ll start to narrow down the choices for the new household systems.