In this guide I will walk you through the steps necessary to get your new iSCSI drive initialized and ready for use.

Initialize the Disk

1. Click to open the Start Menu and right-click Computer. Click Manage when the menu appears.

Optional: You can access the Management console by typing diskmgmt.msc in the Start Menu search box. When the item appears on the search results, click to open it.

2. When the Computer Management window opens, click to expand Storage and then click Disk Management.

3. A pop-up (Initialize Disk) should appear prompting you to initialize the disk. Leave the default settings and click OK to bring the disk online.

Create a New Volume

4. Right-click the new drive (list of drives on lower section of the window). Select New Simple Volume from the menu.

The New Simple Volume Wizard will open.

5. Use the default settings and click Next until you complete the wizard.

The next step of the process will automatically format the drive which can take anywhere from a couple of minutes to a couple of hours, depending on the hard drive’s capacity.

Access the Hard Drive

When formatting is complete you will be able to access your iSCSI hard drive as it were physically located on your computer.

If you have any comments or questions please use the comments form below.

KernSafe is global leader in storage virtualization and data security solutions from desktop to the data center. Our costumers vary from individuals, through middle size firms and finishing at big multinational companies. We are dedicated to produce the highest quality software possible and, at the same time, provide the outstanding customer support.

As one of the fastest-growing public software organizations, KernSafe is producing software that is easy to use but can also benefit in professional solutions. You can check KernSafe products offer on our website www.kernsafe.com

All you need to do is follow the instructions below to learn how to connect to the iSCSI Target from your Windows 7 machine.

Note: If you are using Windows XP, download the Initiator application from Microsoft to connect to your iSCSI Target.

Launch Initiator in Windows 7

The beauty of using Windows 7 with iSCSI devices is that the feature is already built-in. You just need to know where to look.

1. Open the Start Menu and enter Initiator in the search box. When iSCSI Initiator appears in the search results under Programs, click iSCSI Initiator to launch the application.

Configure iSCSI Initiator

2. The iSCSI Initiator Properties window will open. Click the Discovery tab.

3. Click the Discover Portal to add a target Portal.

4. Enter the IP address that you pulled from the Target (here’s how to the get the IP address in case you missed that article). Click OK.

Note: Unless you are using another port, leave the default Port entry.

Connect to Target Portal

5. Go back to the Targets tab and your target should appear on the list.

6. Select the Target from the list and click the Connect button.

7. When the Connect to Target prompt appears check Add this connection to the list of Favorite Targets. This will ensure that your computer connects to the target even when you reboot.

Click OK to finish the connection.

Once connected you will notice that the target will be listed as Connected in the Status column. Click OK to close the iSCSI Initiator window.

That’s it! You’re connected to the target. Now you just need to initialize the drive, which will be covered in a future post. If you have any comments or questions please use the comments form below.

KernSafe is global leader in storage virtualization and data security solutions from desktop to the data center. Our costumers vary from individuals, through middle size firms and finishing at big multinational companies. We are dedicated to produce the highest quality software possible and, at the same time, provide the outstanding customer support.

As one of the fastest-growing public software organizations, KernSafe is producing software that is easy to use but can also benefit in professional solutions. You can check KernSafe products offer on our website www.kernsafe.com.

On this guide I will show you how to discover the target’s IP address using iStorage Server, the software used to generate the target in Windows.

If you are on the target machine you can locate the address by following the instructions on the Find Your IP address in Windows, otherwise locate the IP address in iStorage Server using the instructions below.

How to Find the iSCSI IP Address in iStorage Server

1. Launch iStorage Server and click on the target you created located on the pane to the left.

2. When you select the target you will notice that the main application screen will display a summary of the target, titled Target General Properties.

Scroll down the page until you reach Server Portal IP Address.

Take note of the IP address as you will need it to connect to the iSCSI Target remotely. If you have any comments or questions please use the comments form below.

Before you continue with the guide below, download and install the free version of iStorage Server.

Once installed, launch the iStorage application. The iStorage Server Management Console will appear. The console is where you will be able to access all of iStorage Server’s features.

In this guide I will show you how to create a basic iSCSI Target using an image file.

How to Create a New iSCSI Target in iStorage

Click the Create button to start creating iSCSI Target in the Console window.

You will notice that new window will appear with Create iSCSI Target Wizard. The wizard will walk you through the target creation process.

Image Type and Medium Type

Select Hard Disk from the list and and click Next to proceed.

When prompted select Image File from the list and click Next.

To keep the guide simple, select Standard Image File from the list of options provided and click Next.

Image Disk Configuration

In next step you will have to create a new image file and specify its size.

1. To create the image disk, select Create a new image file.

Note: A new window will appear asking you to choose the directory where the image file should be located. Select a location that will be easy to remember.

2. Once you set the image disk location you will need to specify the size of the image. Make sure not to exceed available space on the drive you selected and of course to leave extra space should you need it.

Set the size of the image file in MB, so if you want 1GB, enter 1,024 MB.

Note: You will notice that there’s an additional option which is available to you, Use sparse file on NTFS file system. This is asking you if you would like to create a fixed or auto-expanding image file. The advantage of using an expanding volume is that space is only used when it is needed.

Aside from the obvious benefit, it has one drawback – dynamically expanding files do not offer the same performance as a fixed size set from the beginning.

This option is entirely up to you.

3. Click Next to proceed.

Access Authorization Mode

In this window you may choose the authorization method for your iSCSI Target. I will explain more about it in another article.

For now leave it as Anonymous and click Next to continue.

Complete the iSCSI Target Creation Wizard

In last step of creating iSCSI Target in iStorage Server we need to enter name for the new target.

Note: When you name the target make sure not to use spaces or other special characters.

Note: There are two options before you complete the Wizard, but we will cover these in a future article. Leave the default values and continue.

Name the target and click Finish to exit the wizard.

After successfully creating your target, you should be able to see the target listed in the iStorage Server Management Console:

In the next guide I will show you how to find your target’s IP address so that you can connect to it remotely.

If you have any comments or questions please post them below.

KernSafe is global leader in storage virtualization and data security solutions from desktop to the data center. Our costumers vary from individuals, through middle size firms and finishing at big multinational companies. We are dedicated to produce the highest quality software possible and, at the same time, provide the outstanding customer support.

As one of the fastest-growing public software organizations, KernSafe is producing software that is easy to use but can also benefit in professional solutions. You can check KernSafe products offer on our website www.kernsafe.com

In the iSCSI series we will publish this week we will discuss the benefits and usage of iSCSI as well as how to set it up on your computer.

iSCSI Basics

Don’t worry, you don’t need to buy any special hardware! You will only need two things, an iSCSI Target (something that will be able to share your device) and an iSCSI Initiator (something that will connect to iSCSI Target).

iSCSI (“eye-scuzzy”) – translates to Internet Small Computer System Interface is a technology that allows you to connect to different devices (such as hard drives, printers, scanners etc.) via Ethernet network.

What does this mean? It means that you can share a partition or optical drive through the Internet! You are probably thinking ‘This isn’t news, I’ve been able to do that for ages’. Not exactly.

The main difference is that when you share a hard disk as an iSCSI Target and then connect to it using iSCSI Initiator, the hard disk will appear as an actual local hard drive on the client. This means you can format, partition, label that drive as you wish, just like you would on a physical drive.

Same concept applies for other devices like printers, scanners, tape drives, optical drives, etc.

Getting Started

Now that you have a basic understanding of iSCSI, let’s discuss the software options necessary to set up iSCSI software.

In order to configure iSCSI targets on your computer you will need to download and install iStorage Server. iStorage Server will allow you to setup the iSCSI target that will be accessed with the iSCSI Initiatior included in Windows 7.

There is a free 20-day trial version that has available all features, but most importantly there is also a free version of iStorage Server.

If you don’t use Windows 7 you can download Initiator from Microsoft to set up the iSCSI initiatior on your Windows PC.

The next set of articles that will publish this week will show you how to configure iSCSI and initiate connections from your Windows PC.

• How to Install & Configure iStorage Server for Windows
• How to Find the iSCSI Server IP Address
• How to Connect to a Target with iSCSI Initiator in Windows 7
• How to Initialize an iSCSI Drive in Windows 7

These guides should provide you with all the instructions you will need to begin working with iSCSI initiators and targets.

KernSafe is global leader in storage virtualization and data security solutions from desktop to the data center. Our costumers vary from individuals, through middle size firms and finishing at big multinational companies. We are dedicated to produce the highest quality software possible and, at the same time, provide the outstanding customer support. As one of the fastest-growing public software organizations, KernSafe is producing software that is easy to use but can also benefit in professional solutions. You can check KernSafe products offer on our website www.kernsafe.com

Rather than tossing your computer out the window in frustration, try a few of these ideas to see if you can get your PC up and running like new.

Programs

MalwareBytes Anti-Malware

One of the first things you’ll want to look for is malicious software such as spyware, adware, and malware. Rather than spending $30 or more on a licensing agreement, download the free version of MalwareBytes.

This program is effective, fast and does a great job of detecting and removing malware.

CCleaner

Over time, your computer can build up an impressive library of temporary and unused files. Though the lengthy list may be impressive, it results in performance that is anything but.

CCleaner offers a fast and easy way to remove these files and assists you with uninstalling programs you no longer use. Best of all, CCleaner is free.

Autoruns

Many programs have a sneaky autorun feature. For commonly used programs, you can easily adjust the setting in that application’s menu.

However, there may be programs running without you knowing it. Autoruns will help you identify those programs and alter their system settings.

Ultimate Windows Tweaker

If you love Windows, but wish you could customize it more, you’ll love Ultimate Windows Tweaker. This application allows you to adjust settings you may not have even known about.

Take care to see what each change does before making it and remember to backup your system first.

Performance Tweaks

Relocate Infrequently Used Files

Photos, music, lengthy PDFs and image heavy documents are the files guiltiest of being memory hogs.

Moving files to an external hard drive or a partitioned drive won’t just help speed up your PC, they’ll serve as system backup too.

Windows Search Index

Windows Search can be extremely useful, unfortunately it is guilty of system resource gluttony. Windows Search runs constantly, which creates a serious drain on your computer’s resources.

You can opt to turn it off completely, or adjust the settings so it only searches for files in specific folders.

Disable Unused Services

PC’s come loaded with extra software and when the computer starts running slow, these programs should be the first to go. Before going down the list of programs and clicking uninstall on ones you don’t recognize, read a services guide or community forum to see what other users have done away with.

It’s easy to mistakenly delete a program or component you use often.

Use Lightweight Alternatives

Instant Messaging

Rather than keeping track of several instant messaging services, opt for a universal IM system like Pidgin, Digsby, or Trillian Astra.

These applications are lightweight and offer improved functionality. Take care not to install the extra programs that are sometimes bundled with these applications.

Change Your PDF Reader

Adobe Reader may be the only program you think of when it’s time to open a PDF, but it is far from the only option.

Foxit Reader works just as well, uses fewer system resources and is available for free.

Get a New Video Player

Video is the medium of choice for many websites and PC users. VLC Media Player is a fast and free alternative to Windows Media Player that offers a wide range of both video and audio formats.

Change Browsers

Most of you are probably viewing this article in Firefox or Chrome, but there are still quite a few people who place their trust in the often buggier and shakier Internet Explorer 7 or even IE6.

Not only do Firefox, Internet Explorer 9 and Chrome outperform these two older browsers, users have reported fewer complications and these browsers don’t cause a great drain on memory.

Like anything, computers require maintenance. If focusing on software and applications doesn’t work, consider upgrading the hardware. You shouldn’t have to invest hundreds in your old computer to get it running like new, but there are more than a few things to try before giving it a toss or kick, depending on which your frustration is most likely to inspire.

Katie Campbell is an editor for Bestcovery.com where she writes software and internet reviews. After experiencing her fair share of computer problems, she decided it was time to educate herself and help others to do the same.

Now Microsoft is trying to make it easier for anyone to make a pinned site. Most pinned site setups take less than a day, but now Microsoft is releasing a new site which will allow developers to create a pinned site in 15 minutes or less. BuildMyPinnedSite.com shows you the seven easy steps to creating a pinned site:

1. Create a hi-res favicon
2. Add a Jump List
3. Set-up notifications
4. Use thumbnail preview controls
5. Let users discover it
6. Measure your success
7. Share and promote

The website shows you what to do and gives you some examples of sites and their improvements in the following categories: Games, Media, News, Marketing, Shopping, Social, and Sports.

SeniorNet is now celebrating their 25^th anniversary with a new program called, “Helping Seniors Get Back to Work”. This new program, expected to be announced on May 19^th, will include a new series of one hour workshops for older citizens around the country.

Workshops will include ways to help seniors connect with family, such as video chat on Windows Live Messenger, photo albums with Windows Live Photo Gallery and sharing more family memories on SkyDrive. Seniors are expected to learn how to use the PC, Windows 7 and digital photography in a way that makes sense to them, without all of the technicalities.

If you’re interested in attending the anniversary celebration it will be on Capitol Hill May 19^th, 2011 from 5pm-8pm

Windows + P – Setting up projector displays

Snipping Tool – Snip screenshots without Paint

Smart Location Based Printing

Using Windows XP inside of Windows 7

Help others understand your computer problems

1. Is Windows XP Good Enough? The Springboard Series Virtual Round Table covers a variety of common topics on switching off of Windows XP.
2. See if your skills are good enough to deploy Windows 7 with the Learning Portal.
3. Follow the Springboard Series Tour across many US cities to get helpful hints and deployment techniques.
4. If you’re in Atlanta, or wish to visit there, check out some of the Windows Deployment Sessions at TechEd May 16-19, 2011.
5. Become an Insider for the Springboard Series and receive monthly tips and tricks right in your inbox.
6. Looking for a specific application to switch over or deploy? Check out one of the many Springboard Zone applications, which include Internet Explorer, Office and many others.
7. Find a Springboard Technical Experts Program (STEP) member near you
8. Follow the Springboard Twitter Feed for updates, tips, and tricks.
9. Try Windows 7 on a 90-day trial to see if you’re ready for deployment.
10. Download the Windows XP Desktop Gadget to watch the day’s countdown until you no longer have support for Windows XP.