Windows Server 2016 KMS Server

January 24, 2017IT Support, Staff Tech ReviewsGerrit Anderson

<![CDATA[Windows Server 2016 KMS – Office 2016 & Server16/Win10 KMS
Recently, we found that Server 2016 standard was having issues using the volume activation tools that are built in. Instead of using the VAT role, we elected to build our KMS server through command line. In this tutorial, I will walk you through the steps necessary to complete your new KMS install using Server 2016 Standard.
We are installing a KMS server for Server 2016, Windows 10, and Office 2016 Pro Plus clients. (Other versions also activate as it is backwards compatible.)
Note: We are using VMware Hypervisor 6.5 (Free), and our KMS server is running as a VM using Windows Server 2016 Standard (with desktop experience). Screen capture images can be browsed here. -> Steps

Create a Windows Server 2016 Server (any edition).
- Set the timezone, name (and join) your server with your Active Directory.
- Enable Remote Desktop and set a static IP address (optional)
- Check for, and install, all windows updates.
- Reboot the server
Install the Volume Activation Services Role through the server manager. Click next through the entire process leaving the defaults. (This GUI is what crashes for us, which is why we are using command line.)
- Reboot the server once the installation completes.
Visit the Microsoft Volume Licensing Center and obtain your KMS keys for Office 2016 and Server 2016. Keep these for future reference. While on the volume site, download “Office Professional Plus 2016 Key Management Service Host”. It will be an ISO file.
- Extract the ISO to C:\kms or an appropriate location.
Use an elevated command prompt for all of the following steps
- Install the Office 2016 KMS Host pack (What we extracted to C:\kms)
  1. cd c:\kms
  2. cscript kms_host.vbs
  3. After the VAT popup appears, close VAT and hit enter twice to return to a standard command line.
- Install the KMS keys for Windows and Office, one at a time, waiting for the confirmation that the key has been installed prior to continuing to the next.
  1. slmgr.vbs -ipk <insert Server 2016 key here>
  2. slmgr.vbs -ipk <insert Office 2016 key here>
- Export the licensing information. This is for two reasons. First, to make sure both keys have been inserted correctly, and to obtain the activation ID.
  1. cd c:\windows\system32
  2. cscript slmgr.vbs -dlv all >C:\kms\export.txt
    - cscript must be used to export the information into a txt file.
- Open the recently created export.txt file, and scroll to the licensed products. Copy the Activation ID‘s for both products and keep for the next step. NOTE: The Activation ID and Application ID are NOT the same, so make sure you obtain the correct ID. The easiest way to find the correct product is to locate the Installation ID. It will only be present on the two products that we have installed a key on (even though we will not be using the Installation ID.)
- Activate your product keys. Do each command one at a time, waiting for the confirmation before moving to the next.
  1. slmgr.vbs -ato <insert Activation ID for Server 2016 here with the dashes>
  2. slmgr.vbs -ato <insert Activation ID for Office 2016 here with the dashes>
- Confirm that your products are activated and licensed.
  1. cscript slmgr.vbs -dlv all >C:\kms\export2.txt
    - Confirm that the two products identified before have “licensed” as their licensing status.
Now your server is licensing clients. There are thresholds that will determine when activation starts.
- Windows Server will activate after a count of 5.
- Windows 10 will activate after a count of 25.
- Office 2016 will activate after a count of 5.

Additional Information about KMS:
A Server 2016 KMS key will activate all server editions up to 2016. It will also activate all Windows Client editions up to Windows 10 including 7, 8 and 8.1. The Office 2016 Professional Plus key will activate both Pro Plus and Standard Office 2016 installations.]]>

Intel i5-6500 – This is a review.

January 19, 2017CPU reviewsIan

<![CDATA[
The CPU is the mind of the computer and is a necessity of a functioning computer. Some might consider the CPU the most important part of a PC as it is needed to do most of the thinking of all components of the computer. I have looked over a CPU of the i5 that can go into a Intel grade ASUS motherboard for gaming.
Intel is a Processor manufacturer company and is widely known, as they are mostly LGA based CPU products today. Thy have provided us with the i5-6500 Intel core processor.
the socket type of the CPU is to be a 1151, and is a available as a LGA CPU due to it being a Intel grade processor. The bus speed of the CPU is 3.2Ghz, as of the motherboard’s ram is close to this number to remove any excessive amount of bottleneck. In which this is a fairly well off CPU and it is well close to the RAM amount of the gamer Motherboard.
The CPU is hyper threaded into 4 threads. The cache amount of L2 is 4x256KB and L3 is around 6MB. The motherboard can support DDR3 and DDR4 for a wide expansive choice in quality.
overall, the CPU meets its standards and gets to a close fit for a working gaming machine, as of it does it even better. with the CPU running at 3.2 GHz as close to what the motherboard runs at the bottleneck is smaller than average and will run smoother. the CPU can also support up to 64GB of memory, a fair amount for a well off gamer PC.
This CPU is Hyper threaded into 4 threads, this can conclude that the CPU is actually a “Dual-Core” which isn’t that big of a deal, but I can be accounted for. It also sits at a 65W Thermal cooling, so It’s not that beefy. but it can still provide much of what you need.
Intel has once again priced it over with a 209.99 fee at the moment and if you have the cash, I’d say this would be a better choice, but it also remains that there are also other CPU processors out there for a cheaper price that could have similar out comes, but this is a gamer PC, and if the money is on the table. I would take this CPU.
Works Cited
Intel. “Data Center Solutions, IOT, and PC Innovation.” Intel. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Jan. 2017.
Newegg. “Intel Core I5-6500 6MB Skylake Quad-Core 3.2 GHz LGA 1151 65W BX80662I56500 Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 530.” Computer Parts, Laptops, Electronics, and More – Newegg.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Jan. 2017
Wikipidia Contributers. “Intel.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 16 Jan. 2017. ]]>

AMD FX-8350 Review

January 17, 2017CPU reviewsmplankenhorn

<![CDATA[AMD has been the one and only rival to the "superior" CPU company, Intel, and has stayed close in the race since creation. They have always been right next to Intel with the speed of processors, and in my personal opinion, they won the pricing with their products.
Out of all the processors that I've tested, this processor is one of the best for the value. This CPU will give you the best bang for your buck and give you the best experience if you are looking for a cheaper, and faster CPU.

This CPU is an AM3+ socket with a CPU speed of 4GHz with a speed of 4.2GHz with turbo. It has 8 cores, technically 4 cores, with 8 hyper threaded, but I digress, with 4 x 2 MB of L2 Cache and 8 MB of L3 Cache. this processor will give you the best power that you need, without taking a huge hole out of your pocket. The price of this particular CPU is $179.99 and is a very reliable CPU for this price.
Personally, this is one of my favorite processors, just for the simple fact that it can keep up with the higher end products and other CPU’s, while having a very reasonable price for the capability this CPU carries.
Works Cited:
“Advanced Micro Devices.” Wikipedia. N.p., 3 May 2016. Web. 12 Jan. 2017.
”Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. History.” FundingUniverse. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2017.]]>

ASUS ROG Crosshair V Formula-Z Review

January 17, 2017Motherboard reviewsBranden

<![CDATA[ASUS ROG Crosshair V Formula-Z Review
This motherboard is a gaming motherboard created by ASUS. The packaging was professional, as you would expect for a high-end gaming motherboard. Not only was the motherboard protected by a sturdy box, that box was within another box! It appears they spent a lot of time thinking out the design. Here is a quick overview of its specs:
CPU Socket Type: AM3+
Memory Supported: DDR3 Image result for ASUS ROG Crosshair V Formula-Z
Memory Speed: 2400 (O.C) / 1600
Form Factor: ATX

The only problem I have with this motherboard is the fact that, not overclocked, this motherboard can only run DDR3 1600 RAM. In comparison, the ASUS TUF Sabertooth 990FX can run a max of DDR3 1866 RAM without being overclocked. Overclocked, however, this motherboard can become a lot faster than this competitor, so I’ll let it slide.

Though this motherboard has onboard audio, you won’t be able to find integrated video on this motherboard. Then again, what would you expect from a gaming motherboard? This motherboard has one PS/2 keyboard or mouse port for those who use older keyboards or mice. In addition, it boasts four USB 3.0 and eight USB 2.0 ports, making it easy for you to find a plugin for all of your gadgets. To top it all off, this motherboard supports the ROG equipment from ASUS.

So how much does someone pay for this? On Newegg, at the time of writing this, it was running at $219.99 with free shipping.
Note: This review is part of a classroom project.

ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z Special Unboxing – FX-8350 – TridentX – EK C5F-Z Overview. Perf. Florian Uhlemann. YouTube. N.p., 29 Jan. 2013. Web. 16 Jan. 2017. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84K2jRET3cY>.

“ASUS ROG Crosshair V Formula-Z AM3+ AMD 990FX + SB950 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Gaming Motherboard with 3-Way SLI/CrossFireX Support and UEFI BIOS.” Newegg. Newegg Inc., n.d. Web. 2 Dec. 2016. <http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131876&cm_re=asus_amd_motherboard-_-13-131-…>.
“ASUS TUF SABERTOOTH 990FX R2.0 AM3+ AMD 990FX + SB950 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard with UEFI BIOS.” Newegg. Newegg Inc., n.d. Web. 16 Jan. 2017. <http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?

]]>

Intel® Core™ i7-6700K Processor Review!

January 12, 2017CPU reviewsred code

<![CDATA[
Gaming CPU
In 1968 by Gordon E. Moore founded Intel. Originally Intel was the only CPU manufacturer, but has grown some competition. Despite the competition Intel remains the leading CPU manufacturer The headquarters for Intel is located in, Santa Clara, California.
This CPU will fit a LGA 1152 6th generation socket. It is a great gaming PC CPU. Even though this is a high-end CPU you can also place it in any PC with an Intel LGA1151 socket. It would be great for gaming, but if you just want to add a high powered CPU to your PC, you can. I would not recommend it though, unless you plan on upgrading all parts to match the level of the CPU. Below are some specifications on the CPU.
Cores: 4
Threads: 8
Base Speed: 4.00Ghz
Turbo Speed: 4.20Ghz
Power Used: 91w
Socket: LGA1151
Cache: L2- 4x 256KB, L3 8MB
This CPU would be great for a gamin PC. Although it is a bit pricey on the Intel website for, $339.00 – $350.00. You will be satisfied with it if you decide to purchase it, but if you are looking for something different I am confident that you can find it on Intel’s webpage.
Note: This review is part of a classroom project.
Work Cited
“CPU.” N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan. 2017. <https://ark.intel.com/products/88195/Intel-Core-i7-6700K-Processor-8M-Cache-up-to-4_20-GHz>.
“CPU.” N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan. 2017. <http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA1N83U90757&cm_re=Intel_Celeron_G1840_%40_2.80GHz-_-19-117-301-_-Product>.
Noyce, Robert N. “Intel Address.” Intel. Noyce, n.d. Web. 12 Jan. 2017.

]]>

AMD FX-9590 Review

January 12, 2017CPU reviewsBranden

<![CDATA[

AMD FX-9590 Review

My first impressions of the CPU is that its packaging is pretty low quality for what you’re buying. This processor is supposed to be one of AMD’s best processors, yet it comes in a flimsy cardboard box with little to no protection for the processor.

This CPU has an AM3+ socket and it has four cores with eight threads. As for caches, there are four 2MB L2 caches and 8MB L3 cache. It has a very fast speed of 5.0 Ghz in Turbo Speed (4.7GHz at regular clockspeed) with 220w TDP. With a passmark rating of 10270 (at the time of writing this), we can tell that this is a good CPU.

This CPU runs for $199.99 on sale at Newegg, where it would usually run for $239.99 without the sale. Overall, I believe the motherboard is a great value for the performance it puts out. The packaging put me off at the beginning, but the performance of this CPU definitely balanced it out in favor of the processor.

Works Cited:

AMD FX-9590 5 GHz CPU Unboxing! YouTube. Tech of Tomorrow, 25 July 2013. Web. 12 Jan. 2017. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wnam6Abo-Fw&t=62s>.

“AMD FX-9590 Eight-Core.” PassMark. PassMark Software, n.d. Web. 12 Jan. 2017. <https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=AMD+FX-9590+Eight-Core&id=2014>.
“AMD FX-9590 Vishera 8-Core 4.7 GHz Socket AM3+ 220W FD9590FHHKWOF Desktop Processor – Black Edition.” Newegg. Newegg Inc., n.d. Web. 08 Jan. 2017. <http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113347&cm_re=AMD_FX-9590-_-19-113-347-_-Product>.

Note: This review is part of a classroom project.]]>

GIGABYTE GA-H81M-H Micro ATX Intel Motherboard

January 12, 2017Motherboard reviewsred code

<![CDATA[
Home PC Motherboard
Gigabyte was founded in 1986, and has been making motherboards ever since. The most recently recorded data shows that Gigabyte sold over 5 million motherboards. Gigabyte is located in New Taipei Taiwan. Gigabyte is known for the pure quality of the motherboards sold, and to have somewhat high prices. The price may look high but, the price fits the quality of motherboard you will receive.
The motherboard I am reviewing from gigabyte today is the GA-H81M-H. It is a micro ATX motherboard that takes a Intel processor. It has a fourth Generation LGA socket (a few Generations back, but still good). This is the least expensive Motherboard I could find made by Gigabyte, and it still surpasses the basic requirements for a good home PC. Below I will show a list of its specifications.
Max RAM: 16GB DDR3 1600/1333
CPU Socket: LGA 1150 G4
PS2 Slots: Mouse, Keyboard
Video: VGA, HDMi
USB: 2x 2.0, 2x 3.0
LAN: RJ45- Max Speed 10/100/1000Mbps
Audio: Line in, line out, mic in (Channel 2/4/5.1/7.1)
SATA: 2x SATA2, 2x SATA3
Expansion Slots: PCI Express 2.0 x 16, 2x PCI Express x1
Overall this is a great home PC. If you just need a PC to run at a good speed, to perform tasks on, this is the perfect Motherboard for you. I do not suggest getting this to build a gaming PC with this motherboard, it does not have the speed, memory, or video to do so. Overall this would be a great fit for a home PC, even a good fit for a business PC. It is also a great price, and you can find it at Newegg for only $37.99. Again, do not get this for a gaming PC.
Note: This review is part of a classroom project.

N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128693R&cm_re=gigabyte_motherboard-_-13-128-693R-_-Product>.

N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128941&cm_re=GA-Z170X-Ultra_Gaming_%28rev._1.0%29-_-13-128-941-_-Product+>.

N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Asus-Gigabyte-Sales-Business-Motherboard,22078.html>.

N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.wlivenews.com/top-5-best-motherboard-manufacturing-companies-brands-in-india.html>.

]]>

Why Virtualize?

October 24, 2016Tech AdministrationBrian Pool

<![CDATA[There are a lot of reasons to consider virtualizing your servers. Here is a short list.

A virtualized server is easier to backup.
- You can export, snapshort, image, or use a vendor provided backup option.
A virtualized server is easier to move to new hardware when needed.
- Easier hardware upgrades!
- Backup and restore to the new machine with increased capability.
- Add virtual drives, NICs, on the fly and they just appear on the server.
You can separate server roles so that if you are upgrading a single role, only one server is affected.
- I can’t oversell separating roles! If you have an AD, DNS, DHCP, File Server, Print server…you need to separate some things! While AD, DNS, DHCP may go together, print and file servers do not, they belong on their own servers.
You maximize your computing resources.
- You can afford a better machine if it is running 5 VMs on it, and when it needs power, it is there. Sharing 8 cores and 32Gb of RAM is cheap and runs 4 VMs easy.
It is more energy efficient (Go Green!)
- One PSU running those 4 VMs is 1/4 the power, enough said.
You can extend the life of old applications. If you have a piece of software that only works on an old OS, you can move that machine to a VM and have it rock on the new hardware. I hate keeping 2003 around, but the software only works on that OS, so we stripped everything else off of the server, virtualized, and can keep it running until the new software comes out.
Fast deployment.
- When I was asked if we could make a 2012R2 system for the new video surveillance system in a meeting I had the new server up before the meeting was over. (I have a 2012R2, 208R2, 2016 Sysprep and can make a server in 6 minutes)
- Did that impress my administrative team and the vendor? You bet. Be a IT superhero! 🙂
- I have a separate VM with no active machines on it for these fast requests and immediate needs. I move them later to the “right” place.
It is FREE! While there are obviously versions that do cost. VMWare ESXi is free and HyperV comes with your copy of Windows Server.

Our current VMWare servers are 20 core i7s with128Gb of DDR4 RAM. We use a 2Tb M2 SSD as well as additional 2Tb 850 Pros as needed. The server can maintain 10+ servers without seeming to be running more than 1. The cost per server are around 4000. We reuse the server cases but include new gold rated PSUs with a new build.]]>

Windows Server 2016 RDS Client Server

October 18, 2016IT Support, Staff Tech ReviewsGerrit Anderson

<![CDATA[Windows Server 2016 : Remote Desktop Services
This guide will walk you through how to setup Remote Desktop Session Host on Server 2016. Our application of this role is to provide a central connection server for thin client users. There are two parts of this guide, the licensing server and connection server. This guide covers the connection server, and assumes you have already setup a licensing server named “TRAIL5”.

Connection Server
After creating a new Windows Server 2016 server, open the server dashboard and add “Remote Desktop Services”. (figure 1-1)

Continue through the wizard by clicking next, without adding features. The next screen will display role services for remote desktop services. Add “Remote Desktop Gateway” and “Remote Desktop Session Host” and then finish the wizard. (figure 1-2)

After Installation completes, restart the server as required. Once restart has completed, create a group policy to define the licensing information. This can be achieved on the local machine by running “gpedit.msc” or by creating a group policy object applied to the container in which this server resides. Local policy can be applied at the following path: Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Licensing. This is where you set the licensing server and type. (figure 1-3)

A policy that is applied through group policy rather than locally would be below. (figure 1-4)

Once this policy is applied, you may restart the server. After a restart, it will be fully licensed and ready to use.

This guide was to setup the client access server portion of a remote desktop environment. To setup the licensing server to process CAL’s, please see this post.]]>

Linux vs. Windows

September 27, 2016OS Reviewsred code

<![CDATA[Linux vs. Windows
I like Linux and Windows but one of them is obviously more appealing to me. I like Linux better for a multitude of reasons that show it is either better than Windows or generally good. Windows does not have half of what Linux offers when it comes to customization, but cost $100-$200. “Windows 10 Pro would sell at $199 and Windows 10 Home would cost $119”, (www.techtimes.com) this is the going price for Windows OS right now. Linux however is completely free of charge and easy to download.
Linux if fast just like Windows I cannot tell which is faster if one is. I think we should use it for the school PC so that way the school can save money on an OS and Linux is safer than Windows when it comes to virus prevention. According to an article provided by Mr. Pool, Linux gets less viruses and has less of a chance to get viruses. It is simple to use, and makes you put in an admin password to delete or change important files, so no one should be able to mess up your computer that way. It has all the software we need for school; we should definitely switch.
I wish I was able to use this before today, I would have used it with every PC I have ever owned. I wonder how I was not able to find and use it until now. Originally I figured it would be a knock off of windows because it was free to use, but it is completely different and has everything you could want, and if not it has an easy software manager to find what you need. I would recommend this OS to anyone and everyone. Once downloaded and opened from my experience it only downloads what you want it to. Windows downloads what they think you want, “They are installing programs onto your computer before you purchase it, thinking they will improve your experience” (http://www.whylinuxisbetter.net).
It is actually compatible with almost any PC as well. You could download it on that dinosaur computer you have sitting in your basement and it will actually run like new and well like a new computer. It is supported by just about every computer and works great on them. Obviously with an older computer it can only operate so quickly but it is still does well. I have a computer at home that has no OS because it crashed during a reinstall of windows, I want to use Linux on it to restore it to a condition better than before. Another good thing is it installs so much faster than windows, and allows you to customize what you get and don’t get during the installation. I was able to use the Linux disc and complete repair the laptop, and it works like new again.
So Linux is if not faster than Windows, then just as fast. It installs more quickly than Windows, and allows you to customize what you want and don’t want. It also has less viruses along with, problems are fixed at a much more productive rate. It is absolutely free, which you will pay hundreds for Windows. Linux comes equipped with software you need for actual activities like reading a PDF instead of making you go search down a PDF reader like Adobe Reader. Overall Linux beats out Windows in just about every category. I would personally recommend this OS for everyone with a computer. Although I favor Linux, but this doesn’t mean I am saying for fact that it is better. I just personally feel this way about Linux and Windows

Work Cited

“Tech Times.” Tech times. N.p., n.d. Web.

“Why Linux Is Better.” Why Linux Is Better. N.p., Mar. 2003. Web. Sept. 2016.

]]>