Creating a Windows 98 DOS Boot USB Flash Drive

In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of creating a Windows 98 DOS boot USB flash drive that can run Norton Ghost and other DOS-based applications. This is useful for running legacy software on modern computers that no longer have a floppy disk drive. We will be using HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool, which is a free tool available on the internet.

Before we begin, it’s important to note that this guide assumes you already have a Windows 98 boot floppy disk and a copy of the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool. If you do not have these, you will need to obtain them before proceeding. Additionally, this guide is intended for beginners and assumes no prior knowledge of USB flash drives or DOS mode.

Step 1: Preparing the Windows 98 Boot Floppy Disk

First, insert your Windows 98 boot floppy disk into your computer’s floppy disk drive. Next, open the floppy disk in a file explorer or command prompt to ensure it is properly inserted and functioning correctly.

Step 2: Downloading and Installing HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool

Download the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool from a reputable source on the internet. The version we will be using is titled HPUSBFW.exe, is 436KB in size, and was created on 21/04/2004. Once downloaded, run the installation file to install the tool on your computer. Follow the prompts to complete the installation process.

Step 3: Creating a New USB Flash Drive

Insert your USB flash drive into your computer’s USB port. Open the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool and select “Create a new disk” from the menu. Choose “DOS” as the operating system and select the USB flash drive as the target device. Click “OK” to begin the creation process.

Step 4: Copying the Windows 98 Boot Floppy Disk to the USB Flash Drive

Once the USB flash drive has been created, copy the entire contents of the Windows 98 boot floppy disk to the USB flash drive. You can use a file explorer or command prompt to do this. Be sure to copy all files and folders from the floppy disk to the USB flash drive.

Step 5: Setting Up the USB Flash Drive for DOS Mode

Using the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool, set up the USB flash drive to boot into DOS mode. To do this, select the USB flash drive from the menu and choose “Set Up” from the sub-menu. Select “DOS” as the operating system and click “OK.” This will format the USB flash drive with a DOS file system.

Step 6: Testing the USB Flash Drive

Insert the USB flash drive into your computer’s USB port and restart your computer. If everything has been done correctly, your computer should boot from the USB flash drive into DOS mode. You can test this by opening a command prompt and typing “dir” to list the contents of the USB flash drive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating a Windows 98 DOS boot USB flash drive is a straightforward process that requires only a few basic tools and some simple instructions. With this guide, you should now have a fully functional USB flash drive that can run Norton Ghost and other DOS-based applications. This is useful for running legacy software on modern computers that no longer have a floppy disk drive.

The Aoostar Gem12 Pro is a powerful mini PC that impressed us with its strong performance, low noise level, and high-quality design. With a Ryzen 7 8845HS CPU, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, this system has everything you need for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and more.

The design of the Gem12 Pro is top-notch, with a metal body that provides excellent heat dissipation. The only drawback is that the surface is prone to fingerprints. However, the “GEM” logo on the top is a clever touch, as it’s made up of differently sized air vents.

The mini PC is VESA-compatible, so you can easily mount it behind a monitor with the included hardware. The underside is easy to access after removing a few screws, and the RAM and SSD are conveniently located near the bottom. However, one of the fans is attached to the underside, so be careful when handling the cables.

The Aoostar Gem12 Pro is available from the manufacturer for $629, but you can get it for a much better price of $570 with the code BGREUGEM12P from Banggood.com. For comparison, the Gmktec Nucbox K6 (review) and the Awow HA7 (review) are similar in performance but use different CPUs, while the Ouvis AMR5 (review) is a more budget-friendly option but with less powerful specs.

Overall, the Aoostar Gem12 Pro is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-performance mini PC without breaking the bank. Its strong performance, low noise level, and premium design make it a standout in its class. We give it a full five stars.

Recommended reading:

* Affiliate disclosure: The links marked with “*” are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, TechStage will receive a commission. This does not affect the price for the buyer.

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Streamlining Remote Desktop Connection Manager with PowerShell

Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan) is an excellent tool from Microsoft that enables you to manage and keep track of all your Remote Desktop connections in a user-friendly graphical interface. However, one feature it lacks is the ability to automatically import server objects from Active Directory. This can be a time-consuming task, especially when dealing with a large infrastructure.

To address this gap, I have created a simple PowerShell script that queries your Active Directory for server objects and exports their names into a text file. This text file can then be imported into RDCMan, saving you the hassle of manually adding or removing servers as your infrastructure changes over time.

The script is very straightforward and easy to use. Simply replace the path in line 11 with the desired location for the output file, and run the script. It will create a text file called “servers-{current-date}.txt” in the specified path, containing one server definition per line.

To import the servers into RDCMan, simply go to the Edit menu and select “Import Servers.” This will bring up the Import Servers dialog box, where you can browse to the text file created by the PowerShell script. Click on the “Import” button, and all your servers should now be listed in RDCMan.

The next time you need to update your server list, simply delete the existing servers in RDCMan, re-run the PowerShell script, and import the updated text file. This will ensure that your RDCMan configuration remains up-to-date with your changing infrastructure.

While this solution is not fully automated, it provides a quick and easy way to manage your Remote Desktop connections without manually creating each entry. For a more elaborate and comprehensive solution, you may want to consider the “Dynamic Remote Desktop Connection Manager connection list” proposed by Jan Egil Ring, which utilizes PowerShell scripts to automatically query Active Directory for new servers and remove obsolete ones.

In conclusion, this PowerShell script provides a simple yet effective way to streamline your RDCMan configuration and keep it in sync with your Active Directory infrastructure. By automating the process of importing server objects, you can save time and effort while maintaining an accurate list of all your Remote Desktop connections.

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I hope this blog post helps you simplify your RDCMan experience and make your remote desktop management more efficient!

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streamlining Remote Desktop Connection Manager with PowerShell

As a fan of Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan), I’ve been looking for ways to make it even more efficient and effective. One feature that’s been missing from the tool is the ability to import server objects directly from Active Directory, rather than manually adding or removing servers as your infrastructure changes over time.

To address this gap, I’ve created a simple PowerShell script that queries Active Directory for server objects and dumps their names into a text file that can be imported into RDCMan. This solution is far from automated, but it’s a quick and easy way to get your current servers into RDCMan without having to create each entry manually.

Here’s how to use the script:

1. Replace the path in line 11 of the script with the desired output file path (e.g., C:\servers).

2. Run the script, which will create a text file called servers-{current-date}.txt in the specified path.

3. Import the text file into RDCMan by going to the Edit menu and selecting Import Servers. This brings up the Import Servers dialog box, where you can browse to the file that the PowerShell script created. Click on the Import button, and all your servers should now be listed in RDCMan.

4. The next time you need to update your server list, simply delete the existing servers, re-run the script, and import the updated text file into RDCMan.

While this solution is far from perfect, it’s a useful work-around that can save you time and effort when managing your RDP connections. For a more elaborate and fully automated solution, check out Jan Egil Ring’s “Dynamic Remote Desktop Connection Manager connection list” solution, which is the way it should be done!

If you have any questions or feedback on this script or RDCMan in general, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy remote desktop management!

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Sorting Named Ranges in Ascending Order with Excel Macros

As a data analyst, I often work with large datasets that contain addresses and their corresponding grid references. To keep my data organized and easily accessible, I use named ranges to refer to specific columns and rows. However, when I need to sort my data, I found that the standard sorting methods in Excel do not work well with named ranges. That’s why I turned to Excel macros for help.

In this blog post, I will show you how to sort a named range in ascending order using an Excel macro. This technique can be applied to any version of Excel, including the latest Office 365.

The Problem with Standard Sorting Methods

—————————————

When you try to sort a named range in ascending order using the standard sorting methods in Excel, you may encounter some issues. For example, if you have a named range called “Addresses” that contains both addresses and their corresponding grid references, the standard sorting methods will not be able to distinguish between the two types of data. As a result, your sorted data may contain duplicate entries or incorrect grid references.

The Solution: Using Excel Macros

———————————–

To sort a named range in ascending order with Excel macros, you can use the following steps:

1. Select the named range you want to sort.

2. Create a new macro in the Visual Basic Editor (VBE) by going to Developer > Visual Basic.

3. In the VBE, insert a new module and paste the following code:

“`vbnet

Sub SortNamedRange()

‘ Set the named range to be sorted

Dim namedRange As Range

Set namedRange = Sheets(“Grid_References”).Range(“Addresses”)

‘ Sort the named range in ascending order

namedRange.Sort Key1:=namedRange, Order1:=xlAscending, Header:=xlYes

End Sub

“`

4. Save the macro and close the VBE.

5. Select the named range you want to sort and run the macro by clicking on the “SortNamedRange” button or by pressing Alt + F8.

The code above uses the Sort method to sort the named range in ascending order. The Key1 parameter specifies the range to be sorted, and the Order1 parameter specifies the sorting order (in this case, ascending). The Header parameter is set to xlYes to include column headers in the sort.

Tips and Variations

———————

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize your macro:

* To sort a named range based on multiple columns, you can use the Sort method with multiple Key1 parameters. For example, to sort a named range based on both address and grid reference, you can use the following code:

“`vbnet

Sub SortNamedRange()

‘ Set the named range to be sorted

Dim namedRange As Range

Set namedRange = Sheets(“Grid_References”).Range(“Addresses”)

‘ Sort the named range in ascending order based on address and grid reference

namedRange.Sort Key1:=namedRange, Order1:=xlAscending, Header:=xlYes

End Sub

“`

* To sort a named range in descending order, you can use the xlDescending sorting order instead of xlAscending. For example:

“`vbnet

Sub SortNamedRange()

‘ Set the named range to be sorted

Dim namedRange As Range

Set namedRange = Sheets(“Grid_References”).Range(“Addresses”)

‘ Sort the named range in descending order based on address and grid reference

namedRange.Sort Key1:=namedRange, Order1:=xlDescending, Header:=xlYes

End Sub

“`

* To include or exclude specific columns from the sort, you can use the SortFields property to specify which columns to include or exclude. For example:

“`vbnet

Sub SortNamedRange()

‘ Set the named range to be sorted

Dim namedRange As Range

Set namedRange = Sheets(“Grid_References”).Range(“Addresses”)

‘ Sort the named range in ascending order based on address and grid reference, excluding column B

namedRange.Sort Key1:=namedRange, Order1:=xlAscending, Header:=xlYes, SortFields:=[“A”]

End Sub

“`

Conclusion

———-

In this blog post, we have learned how to sort a named range in ascending order using Excel macros. This technique can be applied to any version of Excel, including the latest Office 365. By using the Sort method and specifying the named range as the Key1 parameter, you can easily sort your data based on specific columns or rows.

I hope this tutorial has been helpful! Do you have any questions or comments about this technique? Please leave them in the comment section below.

Based on the information provided, it appears that there are several significant announcements related to VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) and its license portability across different cloud providers. Here are some key points:

1. Broadcom, the new owner of VMware, has announced that VCF subscriptions can be migrated to Google Cloud Platform (GCP) without any additional costs or fees. This means that customers with existing VCF subscriptions can move their workloads to GCP and continue to use VCF-based services without incurring any additional costs.

2. The license portability feature allows customers to move their VCF subscriptions between different cloud providers, including GCP, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Microsoft Azure. This provides customers with greater flexibility and choice when it comes to deploying and managing their VMware-based workloads in the cloud.

3. The announcement also mentions that Azure and AWS will soon offer similar license portability features for VCF subscriptions, although the exact details of these plans have not been disclosed yet.

4. The move towards multi-cloud and hybrid cloud environments is becoming increasingly important as more organizations look to adopt a mix of on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure and services. VMware’s VCF and license portability features are positioned to help customers navigate this transition and take advantage of the benefits offered by different cloud providers.

5. The announcement highlights the importance of workload mobility and the ability to move workloads between different environments without being locked into a specific cloud provider. This is a key benefit of VCF and license portability, as it allows customers to choose the best cloud provider for their needs and avoid vendor lock-in.

6. The news about VCF license portability comes on the heels of Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware, which has raised hopes among customers and partners that the combined company will continue to innovate and expand its offerings in the cloud and virtualization markets.

VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) subscription model is changing, and the company has announced that it will be moving to a new, multi-cloud-based subscription model. This means that VCF subscriptions will no longer be tied to a specific on-premises data center, but instead can be used across multiple cloud providers, including Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Azure.

The move is seen as a significant development in the cloud computing industry, as it allows for greater flexibility and portability of VCF subscriptions. This could potentially disrupt the traditional on-premises data center business model, as more companies are expected to shift their operations to the cloud.

Broadcom, which acquired VMware last year, has been aggressively pushing the adoption of its cloud technologies, and this move is seen as a key part of that strategy. The company has also announced that it will be offering a new, multi-cloud-based subscription model for VCF, which will allow customers to use their subscriptions across multiple cloud providers.

The move to a multi-cloud-based subscription model is significant because it allows for greater flexibility and portability of VCF subscriptions. This could potentially disrupt the traditional on-premises data center business model, as more companies are expected to shift their operations to the cloud.

The new subscription model will be available starting in the second half of this year, and customers who are currently subscribed to VCF on-premises will have the option to migrate their subscriptions to the new, multi-cloud-based model.

This announcement is significant because it marks a major shift in the cloud computing industry, as more companies are expected to move their operations to the cloud. The move to a multi-cloud-based subscription model is a key part of this trend, and it could potentially disrupt the traditional on-premises data center business model.

In conclusion, the announcement by VMware that it will be moving to a new, multi-cloud-based subscription model for its Cloud Foundation (VCF) product is a significant development in the cloud computing industry. The move allows for greater flexibility and portability of VCF subscriptions, and it could potentially disrupt the traditional on-premises data center business model as more companies are expected to shift their operations to the cloud.

VMware has always been committed to operating sustainably and reducing its environmental impact. In its recently released FY19 Global Impact Report, the company highlights its progress towards carbon neutrality, its innovative Project Taara initiative in Guatemala, and its partnership with the Taproot Foundation.

Carbon Neutrality

VMware has set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025, and the company is well on its way to meeting this target. In FY19, VMware reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 34% compared to the previous year, primarily due to the use of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. The company has also implemented energy-efficient technologies and practices across its global operations.

Project Taara

In Guatemala, VMware has launched Project Taara, an innovative initiative that aims to improve access to technology and education in rural areas. The project uses a combination of solar power, Wi-Fi connectivity, and digital content to provide communities with the resources they need to thrive. To date, Project Taara has reached over 10,000 students and teachers across 25 schools in Guatemala, providing them with access to quality education and opportunities for economic growth.

Partnership with Taproot Foundation

VMware has also partnered with the Taproot Foundation, a non-profit organization that connects companies with social impact projects. Through this partnership, VMware has been able to support a variety of initiatives that promote education, environmental sustainability, and community development. For example, VMware has supported the Taproot Foundation’s “Trees for Technology” program, which provides schools with much-needed technology resources in exchange for planting trees.

Other Initiatives

In addition to its carbon neutrality goal, Project Taara, and partnership with the Taproot Foundation, VMware has implemented a variety of other sustainability initiatives across its global operations. These include:

* Renewable energy: VMware has committed to using 100% renewable energy for its electricity consumption by 2025.

* Energy efficiency: The company has implemented energy-efficient technologies and practices across its global operations, such as using LED lighting and upgrading to energy-efficient HVAC systems.

* Sustainable procurement: VMware has committed to purchasing only sustainably sourced materials for its products and services.

* Employee engagement: The company has established an employee engagement program that encourages employees to participate in sustainability initiatives and reduce their own environmental impact.

Conclusion

VMware’s FY19 Global Impact Report highlights the company’s commitment to operating sustainably and reducing its environmental impact. From its carbon neutrality goal to its innovative Project Taara initiative in Guatemala, VMware is leading the way in corporate social responsibility. By partnering with non-profit organizations such as the Taproot Foundation and implementing a variety of sustainability initiatives across its global operations, VMware is making a positive impact on the environment and the communities it serves.

In ASP.NET, using a DropDownList control can be a straightforward way to allow users to select an option from a list of values. However, sometimes issues can arise when trying to use the OnSelectedIndexChanged event to execute code when the user selects an item from the drop-down list. In this blog post, we’ll explore one such issue and the solution to it.

The Issue: OnSelectedIndexChanged Event Not Being Executed

When developing an ASP.NET page with a DropDownList control, you might encounter a situation where the OnSelectedIndexChanged event is not being executed when the user selects an item from the list. This can be frustrating, especially if you have code that relies on this event to function correctly.

The Cause: Lack of AutoPostback

In most cases, the reason why the OnSelectedIndexChanged event is not being executed is because the DropDownList control does not have the AutoPostback property set to True. This property tells the ASP.NET page to post back to the server when the user selects an item from the drop-down list. Without this property set, the page will not know when the user has selected a new item, and the OnSelectedIndexChanged event will not be executed.

The Solution: Set AutoPostback to True

To resolve the issue of the OnSelectedIndexChanged event not being executed, you need to set the AutoPostback property of the DropDownList control to True. This can be done in the ASPX markup or in the code-behind file. Here’s how to do it:

In ASPX Markup:

“`aspnet

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

“`

In Code-Behind File:

“`csharp

protected void Page_Load(object sender, EventArgs e)

{

DropDownList1.AutoPostback = True;

}

protected void DropDownList1_OnSelectedIndexChanged(object sender, EventArgs e)

{

// Your code here

}

“`

By setting the AutoPostback property to True, you ensure that the page will post back to the server when the user selects an item from the drop-down list. This will trigger the OnSelectedIndexChanged event, and your code will be executed as expected.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we explored an issue with the OnSelectedIndexChanged event not being executed in an ASP.NET page with a DropDownList control. The solution was to set the AutoPostback property of the DropDownList control to True. This ensures that the page will post back to the server when the user selects an item from the drop-down list, and the OnSelectedIndexChanged event will be executed as expected. Remember, when using an OnSelectedIndexChanged event on a drop-down list in an ASP.NET page, make sure to add AutoPostback=”True” to the DropDownList entry, for example Copyright © IT SHOULD JUST WORK. All Rights Reserved.

The article discusses the current situation regarding the dependence of German industry on Chinese technology, particularly in the context of the recent decision to exclude Huawei from the country’s 5G network. The author argues that the German government has not taken sufficient steps to address the issue of dependence on Chinese technology, and that the recently passed Cyber Resilience Act does not go far enough in addressing the problem. The article also mentions the lack of a clear legal basis for excluding Chinese providers from public tenders, and the limited resources available to the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) to effectively enforce IT security regulations. The author concludes that the German government’s approach to dealing with the issue of dependence on Chinese technology is insufficient, and that a more comprehensive solution is needed.

The article raises several points for consideration:

1. Dependence on Chinese technology: The article highlights the fact that German industry is heavily dependent on Chinese technology, particularly in the context of 5G networks. This dependence creates vulnerabilities that can be exploited by the Chinese government for espionage and sabotage purposes.

2. Insufficient government action: The author argues that the German government has not taken sufficient steps to address the issue of dependence on Chinese technology. The recently passed Cyber Resilience Act is insufficient to effectively address the problem.

3. Lack of legal basis: The article notes that there is no clear legal basis for excluding Chinese providers from public tenders, which limits the government’s ability to take action against them.

4. Limited resources: The author points out that the BSI lacks the resources necessary to effectively enforce IT security regulations, further limiting the government’s ability to address the issue.

5. Need for a comprehensive solution: The article concludes that the German government’s approach to dealing with the issue of dependence on Chinese technology is insufficient, and that a more comprehensive solution is needed. This could include measures such as increasing the transparency and accountability of IT supply chains, and investing in alternative technologies and suppliers.