Windows reboot loop "Configuring Updates: Stage 3 of 3"

This applies to Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 2008 servers.

This usually happens after a windows update as was for me but also occurs when you update some drivers. Some commands which requires a reboot.

Your OS might scare you when you reboot and it says:  "Configuring Updates: Stage 3 of 3"

Dont worry try the following :-

1. Get into advanced boot options by hitting on F8 key. Try "Last Known Good Configuration". I promise this will not resolve your issue, but still it's worth giving a try.

2. Now that doesn't work. Get the respective OS installation CD and insert it into the CD drive. Reboot the computer and again get into advanced boot options, and select "Repair your computer" choose "Command Prompt" in the recovery choices.

3. Enter the following command:-

del C:\Windows\winsxs\pending.xml

4. Exit and reboot.

Good luck !!!!

Ethernet Cabling

Straight-Through Cables

Out of the 8 pins that exist on both ends of an Ethernet cable, each pin connects to the same pin on the opposite side. Straight-through cables are primarily used for connecting unlike devices.
A straight-through cable is typically used in the following situations:
Use a straight-through cable when:

• Connecting a router to a hub
• Connecting a computer to a swtich
• Connecting a LAN port to a switch, hub, or computer

Note that some devices such as routers will have advanced circuitry, which enables them to use both crossover and straight-through cables. In general, however, straight-through cables will not connect a computer and router because they are not “unlike devices.”

Crossover Cables

Crossover cables are very similar to straight-through cables, except that they have pairs of wires that crisscross. This allows for two devices to communicate at the same time. Unlike straight-through cables, we use crossover cables to connect like devices.
Use a crossover cable when:

• Connecting a computer to a router
• Connecting a computer to a computer
• Connecting a router to a router
• Connecting a switch to a switch
• Connecting a hub to a hub

Rollover Cables

Rollover cables essentially have one end of the cable wired exactly opposite from the other. This essentially "rolls over" the wires usually connect a device to a router or switch' s console port. This allows a programmer to make a connection to the router or switch, and program it as needed. It used to connect a computer terminal to a router's console port. This cable is typically flat (and has a light blue color) to help distinguish it from other types of network cabling. It gets the name rollover because the prinouts on one end are reversed from the other, as if the wire had been rolled over and you were viewing it from the other side.
This rollover cable is more commonly known as the Yost cable or more appropriately the "Yost Serial Device Wiring Standard".

Networking DevicesNetworking devices are classified into two:-
1. DCE :- Data Communication Equipment. Ex: Hub, Switch
2. DTE :- Data Termination Equipment. Ex: PC, Router