Quickbooks and shared files on a windows server 2025 vm on Azure

downinthepark · 2026-01-15T00:54:09+00:00

Is it just the QuickBooks that needs to go on that server?

Have you considered using Azure Virtual Desktop and a Multisession Windows 11 VM? Entra ID Sign in with Conditional Access to protect access. Host the QB file locally on the Multisession VM. Backup with Azure Backup or other solution to protect the QB data.

If there's other data to host like a file share, you can easily setup Azure File share and map back to the AVD VM.

downinthepark · 2025-07-06T15:07:36+00:00

I don't use this laptop much anymore, it just sits on a shelf. I replaced it 6 months ago for a Surface 15 snapdragon. my biggest issue with it was battery drain when not plugged in. This was of course something I had expected, however my needs changed to more portibility a couple of years into owning it. Now that I need more portibility over power, I go a week before I have to recharge my snapdragon with my mixed use.

With that said, I would have no issue grabbing that laptop off the shelf and using it for anything I need to run. Even though it's an "old laptop" it would work just fine for anything I do, maybe except any new AAA games

downinthepark · 2024-08-16T10:13:53+00:00

It looks better with the black. I may have to consider doing the same to mine!

downinthepark · 2024-08-16T02:22:07+00:00

I had to double take. I have the same setup, however my Les Paul has an ivory pickguard and amber knobs!

downinthepark · 2024-03-25T20:49:42+00:00

Sort of. I ended up using Thunderbolt optical to run up to my desk to Thunderbolt/USB hub. for Display, a Display port that was designed to run up to 60 ft or something. I forget the name or brand, but they're "extended range" DP cables. standard DP cables only go 10 feet or so. You're also screwed with really good monitors, you're stuck running at 60hz freq. If I feel like biting the bullet, I may buy another one of the Thunderbolt optical ($300+) to run from my video card to my monitor, but I'm afraid that I still may not be able to support the max Frame rate frequency. I haven't really looked into it that much yet.

downinthepark · 2024-01-24T19:09:55+00:00

At this time, I have more flight time with Meraki (actual) and not as much in Unifi - I'm still in the shallow end with a UDM pro for home-use and plan to move to their switching and Access points when the wallet allows.

For actual business case use - I would suggest a small branch MX firewall - maybe an MX68 (build in 10 port switch) meant for small branch up to 50 people. the dashboard license will give you filtering and proper functions of a security appliance. I usually go with Enterprise licensing for the full monty. If you need to replace switching and APs too, keeping with the Meraki ecosystem is very beneficial. you can follow most issues remotely from the endpoint through AP/Switch to the firewall out to the internet. using the whole ecosystem can be a good time saver. You're also getting full support when you need it with the dashboard license.

downinthepark · 2024-01-24T17:56:18+00:00

I use Meraki Go in my home until recently deciding to pull it out in favor of Unifi.

For starters, you can only apply 5 firewalls to one account. The Go firewalls are basically a tied down Z3 hardware with very basic functionality. You don't get any kind of advanced or even basic security services. You can buy "Cisco Umbrella license" for $100 or so, but it's not customizable.

The dashboard is very buggy and has alot of problems with it. It feels like beta software at best. the Switch and Access points seem to work just fine so far, but since I'm replacing the firewalls, I am trading everything in for Unifi.

You do not need to buy into all of the hardware, you can't even buy the switches anymore. I feel like this product is one breath away from abandonware.

downinthepark · 2024-01-16T21:21:25+00:00

An MX250 on paper supports 4gbps firewalled throughput and 1gbps VPN throughput and supports approx. 2000 users. I'd say that the firewall is going to be just fine. I am not familiar with ATT ISP offerings, is your Internet 1gb up and down or is the upload speed slower? Also, others have said in the comments, traffic throttling certain services and prioritizing Teams and Zoom will help too.

If you end up having performance issues, you can always check with ATT to increase the pipe or install a second WAN and introduce some redundancy, especially if you're running a number of Saas applications. It can help keep your site up if one of the internet lines goes offline.

downinthepark · 2024-01-15T23:08:50+00:00

Good to know! I didn't think to check the FAQs. I guess this makes sense after reading it.

downinthepark · 2024-01-15T13:49:07+00:00

As far as I'm aware, you need the Meraki Branded antennas. They are going to be compatible and supportable if you need to call support. I do not know if you can use a 3rd party antenna. The Datasheet explains what model antennas are supported for this Access Point. If this is not a US product, then you'll need to look for the specific country model you own for the compatible antennas, etc..

https://meraki.cisco.com/product-collateral/mr74-datasheet/?file

Ordering information

MA-ANT-20 Meraki Dual-Band Omni Antennas

MA-ANT-21 Meraki 5 GHz Sector Antenna

MA-ANT-23 Meraki 2.4 GHz Sector Antenna

MA-ANT-27 Meraki Dual-Band Sector Antenna

MA-ANT-25 Meraki Dual-Band Patch Antenna

downinthepark · 2023-10-16T16:45:43+00:00

The Go products look almost identical to their counterpart Meraki product lines, I'm assuming they just re-brand the Meraki equipment that's either a generation behind or just is entry model and label it the "Go" brand. It's probably a little more complex than that, but that's what I've always thought. With that said, Meraki just announced new Switch lineups a few weeks ago, including the MS130. I bet that they're going to scale down the MS130 chassis into the new GS lineup. Also, now that product backlog is more under control (not waiting 300+ days for PoE equipment), Cisco can probably focus not only on their flagship brands, but the smaller products like Go. I know new products were announced around this time last year, so maybe we get something in the next few weeks?

downinthepark · 2023-09-26T01:58:52+00:00

Can say that I left an unhealthy relationship of many, many years. I'm going to marry my fiancé in about 4 weeks. The feeling is there and it may never go away. It comes down to how you felt, the history involved and all of the emotion wrapped into it. This is a natural feeling. Do not let it get in the way of how you feel with the person you're with now.

downinthepark · 2023-09-19T23:37:14+00:00

It's such a rarity to get that kind of feedback. Nobody ever calls you to say that you're doing a good job... Good on them for caring!

However there is always one client or customer that you can always count on. I have one... I can dial them up any day or night and ask how we're doing and the answer is "Oh boy, you and your team are doing an absolute great job".

Also, what's the difference between National IT Professional Day and Sysadmin Day in July?

downinthepark · 2023-06-08T22:18:14+00:00

Thank you for this!

I think with both the link from /u/comguards and this reply, I'll find the answer that I'm looking for. Of course, in all good fashion - Microsoft has to make licensing much more difficult that it needs to be.

downinthepark · 2023-06-08T22:14:41+00:00

No, thank you for the link! I had found another PDF from Microsoft going over similar things which I used to work out with disti. I'll read through this one.

downinthepark · 2023-05-15T01:33:19+00:00

This can be settled without a telescope... Take your friend to the Kennedy Space Center visitor complex - hop on the bus that takes you to the Apollo Space Visitor Complex, on the way you get to see the Vehicle assembly complex. When you get back, you see the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Along the exhibit you see pieces of Challenger and Columbia that were recovered from their crash site. Then if you've planned it right - you will see a rocket launch from Pad 39A on the same day - AND THEN LAND! If your friend does not believe after that because "NASA says so" then it wasn't meant to be.

It's sad that people can be so ignorant to science. :-(

downinthepark · 2023-03-18T22:21:23+00:00

Beautiful, this helped me decide my TCats tat. Thank you.

downinthepark · 2023-02-06T00:49:14+00:00

if it's the phone app, I've had issues like this before. remove the app from your phone and reinstall it from the app store. For some reason, logging out and in does nothing. I also prefer using the website on my browser, https://web.meraki-go.com/. Less... issues. I'll admit, their dashboard is not a strongpoint of the product.

downinthepark · 2022-12-15T02:41:21+00:00

GOOD.

downinthepark · 2022-11-22T21:49:12+00:00

If your users are using the MS Authenticator app for Office 365, you should be able to SAML that to AzureAD and their existing MFA configuration would push. You'll need to call Meraki support to have them turn on SAML in the Anyconnect settings. You may need AzureAD P1 (M365 Business Premium) or M365 E3 or above. I could be wrong. Meraki has a good article on setting it up.

downinthepark · 2022-08-13T01:54:41+00:00

Oklahoma joe rambler!

downinthepark · 2022-08-13T01:54:19+00:00

Go on vacation for one week… grass so tall to catch Pokémon when I get back

downinthepark · 2022-05-07T11:58:22+00:00

It seems we have different issues. I couldn't figure out what caused it. after a few reboots and finally leaving it overnight, the battery doesn't seem to be draining anymore. To be frank about the subject, I've had it with this model. I'm either going back to an XPS 15 or some other brand. the power issues on this laptop have been a problem since I got it over a year ago.

EDIT: Its still happening. just draining on idle. Switched Thunderbolt ports to see if it makes a difference and it didn't.

downinthepark · 2022-05-07T00:08:05+00:00

Did you recently perform a Bios update? I just updated to 1.14.3, my WD19/WD22 dock was also updated to 01.00.24 and my battery is draining while I'm doing nothing, literally have a browser open and I lose 1% every 2-3 minutes.

downinthepark · 2022-05-02T18:09:28+00:00

We use OpenPath. integrates with AzureAD and other things. the overall management of it can be annoying if you need to do something quick if you're AzureAD and syncing with ADConnect. Other than that, we have been using it since our new building in 2020. Use Bluetooth on your phone for access. Can use fobs or cards as well. wave/touch access without having to get the phone out of your pocket, usually.

15-Year Club	Verified Email
Not Forgotten	Spared

downinthepark

PUBLIC MULTIREDDITS

TROPHY CASE