A Complete Collection Of All Microsoft Windows Version

Computer's Tip's From A - Z

2008-08-16T06:11:00.002-07:00

1) Alternatives to Internet Explorer

There are alternatives out there. Better, quicker, easier than IE.

Web Browser List | Alternative Browser Alliance

Standalone, Cross Platform

Standalone - Mac (OSX)
Camino (Mozilla)

Camino is The Mozilla Foundation's browser built specifically for the Mac and OSX. It, like FireFox, is built on the excellent Gecko rendering engine.

* Very Standards compliant - Based on Gecko engine
* Simple, small and fast
* Tabbed browsing
* Secure
* Good accessibility

Download Camino Now!

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Standalone - Windows
K-Meleon

K-Meleon is a barebone browser which contains only the necessities of displaying web pages. It is a little too featureless for some.

* Very Standards compliant - Based on Gecko engine
* Minimalist: A Small and fast browser.
* Free, open source
* Secure
* Good accessibility
* Lacks some handy features

Download K-Melon Now

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Cross Platform with Integrated Mail and Chat
Mozilla

* Built on the excellent Gecko rendering engine, with most of Firefox's features. Mozilla - People who have used Netscape will find this browser very similar to NS. It is based off of the fast Gecko core. It has built in email, newsgroups, IRC (Internet Relay Chat), and an HTML editor. This browser is brought to you free from the Mozilla Group.

Download Mozilla now!

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Mozilla Firefox

Switching to Mozilla Firefox from Internet Explorer
Mozilla Firefox is a light but feature packed browser built on the Gecko core. It is fast, free, and renders pages the way they should be seen. It comes with built in Google Search, pop-up blocker, tabbed browsing, and a slew of themes and extensions to make it your best browsing experience. This browser is also from the Mozilla Group.

Firefox is attracting huge attention due to its good webpage rendering engine, security, and handy features. It is also easy to personalise with extensions and themes.
* Very Standards compliant - Based on Gecko engine
* Tabbed browsing, one-click-downloading
* Open source
* Very secure
* Extensions - Countless add on features can be downloaded
* Themes - You can personalise your Firefox by downloading themes
* Easy to use and intuitive
* Good accessibility
* Improved Tabbed Browsing
* Spell Checking
* Search Suggestions
* Session Restore
* Web Feeds (RSS)
* Live Titles
* Integrated Search
* Live Bookmarks
* Streamlined Interface
* Accessibility
* Phishing Protection
* Automated Update
* Protection from Spyware
* Clear Private Data
* An Add-on for Everyone
* Add-ons Manager for Extensions and Themes
* Search Engine Manager

Download Firefox Now!

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Opera - (Commercial - $39)

* Free version displays ads
* Nice feel and design
* Tabbed browsing
* Far more secure than Internet Explorer
* Easy to use and intuitive
* Good accessibility

Download Opera Now!

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Safari (Apple)

Apple's Safari for Mac OSX is a neat little browser with good standards compliancy and excellent speed. However, it is often less favoured than open-source competitors.

* Good Standards compliancy
* Quick and light
* Tabbed browsing
* Free
* More secure than Internet Explorer
* Good accessibility

Download Safari now!

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2) Anti-Spyware

Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites by mvps.org on spyware issues.

Spyware is any program that hides on your system with the intent of collecting marketing information about you and your surfing habits, and/or displaying pop-ads on your screen. Spyware is currently the most annoying problem on the Internet, and in my experience, the single most common cause of unreliability and slowdowns on Windows machines.

1. Start by killing any viruses and trojan horses. Boot to a CD with an up-to-date antivirus and disinfect the system. [We need a tutorial on Creating An Antivirus Boot CD].

2. Then remove spyware using the free AdAware, Spybot S&D, Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) Home (Only works with Windows XP and Windows 2000) and Malicious Software Removal Tool (Only works with Windows XP and Windows 2000). Update those, scan and remove all the infections you can, then turn on the immunization feature of Spybot. This should take care of the spyware, but often is insufficient to remove browser hijackers.

Also you can get rid of junk on your hard disk on your computer with Windows Live Safety Center: Free online tool for PC health and safety, CCleaner - free software download - Spyware Free and CleanUp!

3. I recommend using Mozilla or Firefox to avoid future hijacking. If you must use Internet Explorer install Spyware Blaster to block future infections. Better yet, follow Steve Gibson’s instructions for Using Internet Explorer Safely.

Spyware is not a problem on Macintosh computers. Yet.

PC Review has a great article, explaining what spyware is and how to get rid of it. Here is a link

Anti-Spyware - Anti-spyware Tool's product reviews and Corrupt Anti-Spyware - Corrupt anti-spyware tools

* Commercial Anti-Spyware Software

CounterSpy

Network Security IT Security Vulnerability Assessment

Nod32

Pest Patrol

Spy Cop

Spy Subtract

Spy Sweeper

XBlock

* Free Anti-Spyware Software

Ad-Aware SE

BHODemon

CW Shredder

Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites

Firewall Test, Port Scan and Internet Security made easy - Spy Ware, Audit and Tools

HijackThis!

Resources: Ad Blocking Resources - IE Spyad

Microsoft Anti-Spyware

Peer Guardian at Methlabs Website

Merijn.org

PAL Spyware Remover

Privacy-Security (UIUC)- Software

SpyBot Search and Destory

Spyware Blaster

Spyware Guard

Spyware Terminator

WinPatrol

* More Spyware Warriors

Air Freight Adware and spyware, knowing the basics

Alliance of Security Analysis Professionals

Ben Edelman

Bigger Threats, Better Defense

CARMA

Counterexploitation

Eric L. Howes

Doxdesk Parasites

Javacool

Machine Information Consulting Alliance

Merijn

MickeyTheMan

NoMoreSpyware

ParasiteWare.com

Patrick M. Kolla

Russell Texas

Scumware.com

SpywareInfo

TeMerc Internet Security Site

Therock247uk

Thiefware.com

TomCat

Tom Coyote

Webhelper

Wilders.org Security Advisors

* Spyware Help Forums

BroadbandReports.com Security Forum

Castle Cops Security Forums

Cexx.org Discussion Boards

Net-Integration Forums

SpywareInfo Forums

SpyWare BeWare

Spyware Warrior Forums

Subratam Forums

Tankweb.net Forums

therock247uks Pc help Forum

Tech Support Guy Security Forum

TeMerc Internet Countermeasures Forums

Tom Coyote Forums

Wilders Security Forums

If you need help with spyware go to WyldRyde IRC Network - Chatrooms, Free Chat Script, Chat Software

* Spyware Tutorials and Info

Another HijackThis Tutorial

Anti-Spyware Feature Comparison by Eric L. Howes

Anti-Spyware Tests by Eric L. Howes

Bleeping Computer: Computer Help - Tutorial Sections

Bleeping Computer Tutorials

CoolWebSearch Chronicles

Getting Help with Spyware

Hijack Prevention

HijackThis Detailed Tutorial

HijackThis Quick Start Tutorial

Internet Explorer Privacy & Security Settings

Javacool Software Knowledge Base

Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites

Spyware and Other Internet Nuisances

Spybot Search & Destroy Help

Spybot Search & Destroy Tutorial

So how did I get infected in the first place?

* You can search your spyware for removal instruction.

Spychecker - download spyware removal and Internet privacy tools

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3) Anti-Virus

Tips for using AVG 7.0 by mvps.org on AVG 7.0

If you’re a Windows user you need an Anti-Virus. I do not recommend the current top sellers: Norton Anti-virus or McAfee. They’re bloated and less effective than others. Check any anti-virus before you buy by visiting the independent Virus Bulletin : Independent Anti-virus and Anti-spam Advice. Any anti-virus you choose should also be certified by the Standards for commercial security products are set by ICSA Labs (all the big commercial products are).

* If you can’t afford, or don’t want to buy, an anti-virus program I recommend the Free Version of AVG from Grisoft. It’s fairly accurate but to reduce bloat you might want to turn off the background tasks.

* The best commercial anti-virus is NOD32 from Eset. It’s relatively inexpensive and has a 100% effective rating from the Virus Bulletin.

Symantec’s Anti-Virus Research Center is a good source of virus information. The site also lists hoaxes and offers many free virus removal tools. Most anti-virus companies maintain similar sites. Unfortunately, there’s no standard for virus names, so you may have to look around to find the right page.

If you are having problems installing an AV product it may be that your system is infected. Use one of these free Online Anti-Virus/Trojans/Worms.

* Anti-Virus Program's

AntiVir Personal Edition

AVG

Bitdefender

Kaspersky

McAfee Inc. - McAfee AVERT Stinger

Nod32 Free ESET Online Antivirus Scanner

Symantec

This scanner from Trend does not require an activeX to run, this means that you can use Firefox or any other browser to run it as long as the browser supports Java

TrendMicro HouseCall

Trend Java Scan

Windowsecurity

* You can search your virus for removal instruction.

Free Removal Tools from bitdefender.com

McAfee Inc. - Virus Information Library

Norton Removal Tool

Symantec Search

Symantec Security Response - Removal Tools Page

Virus Info

F-Secure : News from the Lab - December of 2005

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4) Default Browser

Your Default Browser is the one that your system will automatically open when you click on a link outside of an open web page.

Anyone remember how to change which is your default after you have told the system to stop with the popups that keep asking you to make the other browsers default?

Change Default Browser within Windows

* Windows XP:
Go to START, then click “Set Program Access and Defaults”. Then select custom and select the browser you would like to use as the default and click ok. (You can also find “Set Program Access and Defaults” by going to the control panel and selecting Add/Remove programs).

Change Default Browser within Browser

* Internet Explorer:
Open internet explorer and go to Tools ==> Options ==> Programs. Check the box that says “Internet Explorer should check to see if it is the default browser.” Close internet explorer. Open internet explorer. It should ask if you want to make internet explorer the default browser.

* Mozilla Firefox:
Open Firefox and go to Tools ==> Options ==> General. Click the “Check Now” button in the default browser section. If Firefox is not the current default browser it will ask you if you want to make it the default, otherwise it will let you know that it is already the default browser.

It should also be noted that on an OS X (mac) you change your default browser by opening Safari, clicking the Safari menu, click preferences. Under the General tab you have an option to select your default browser.

That’s great for XP, but is it different if you have an Earlier Windows?

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5) DSL Accesories

There are many PC’s out there that are still High Speed Virgins… Here are a few pre-cautionary steps you can take to ensure system safety.

1. Use a router. A lot of problems can arise if you don’t use caution at the entry level. A firewall router is a simple, yet very good means of keeping the worst unwanted stuff out.

2. Don’t use IE. I recommend using Mozilla Firefox because of it’s amazing speed, stability, and so far unbeatable security standards. Click here for the Mozilla Information Center on Leoville.

3. SpyWare Blaster & SpyWare Guardian. Both available from JavaCool Software, these two applications are a must.

4. PeerGuardian. Blocks unwanted IP addresses.

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6) Email Encryption

With the latest news that your email can legally be read by your ISP, the receiving ISP, and any server in the middle, encrypting email is even more important than ever before.

Securing your email can take two forms, signing or encrypting.

An email signature can ensure that the message was sent by you and has not been tampered with (but it can still be read). You can send a signed email to anyone, but they’ll need some software to verify it, usually PGP. You can use PGP to sign mail (that’s what I do) or get a certificate from somewhere like Thawte.

Encrypting the email scrambles it completely so only the recipient can read it. To send an encrypted email you’ll first need the recipient’s public key. Many folks, including me, put our public keys on various keyservers like keyserver.pgp.com and keys.pgp.net. Your PGP software should be able to search the servers for an appropriate key.

* For free PGP software visit PGP International You can also get a free version for non-commercial use from PGP Corporation.

* There is the Windows Privacy Tools project that includes a set of free Open Source tools to help make it easy to encrypt and sign your e-mail.

* Thawte offers free email certificates suitable for signing or encrypting.

* An even easier way to send secure email is Hushmail, a web based email service. Hushmail offers free and paid encryption services.

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7) How to not be infected with all that spyware on your computer in the first place

Five Things to Do to Protect Yourself on the internet

1. Don’t open email attachments; even if it’s from someone you know. If you do get something from someone you know, make sure that they really sent it to you.

2. Don’t click links in email. That link could lead you to a phishing site, or the link may lead you to install malicious software. Copy and paste links instead. You can avoid this if you disable HTML email. Use plain text email.

3. Don’t download files from places you aren’t absolutely sure are safe. Stick with the well known sites.

4. Update regularly! There are problems with software that occur. If there’s a patch out, you better apply it. Even MySpace can infect you. There was once a banner ad that had malicious code that took advantage of an Internet Explorer flaw that Microsoft had already patched. However, over a million people still got infected.

5. It is absolutely necessary to have a firewall. The best firewall is a hardware firewall: your router. It keeps your system clean of worms. There are worms that are network viruses. If you don’t have a firewall on the Net, the worms will get you right away. You can also turn on the Windows or OSX firewall.

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Well, you usually get infected because your security settings are too low.

Here are a number of recommendations that will help tighten them, and which will contribute to making you a less likely victim:

1) Watch what you download! Many freeware programs, and P2P programs like Grokster, Imesh, Kazaa and others are amongst the most notorious, come with an enormous amount of bundled spyware that will eat system resources, slow down your system, clash with other installed software, or just plain crash your browser or even Windows itself.

2) Go to: Internet Explorer Downloads

It's important to always keep current with the latest security fixes from Microsoft.
Install those patches for Internet Explorer, and make sure your installation of Java VM is up-to-date. There are some well known security bugs with Microsoft Java VM which are exploited regularly by browser hijackers.

3) Go to Internet Options/Security/Internet, press 'default level', then OK.

Now press "Custom Level."

In the ActiveX section, set the first two options ("Download signed and unsigned ActiveX controls) to 'prompt', and 'Initialize and Script ActiveX controls not marked as safe" to 'disable'.

Now you will be asked whether you want ActiveX objects to be executed and whether you want software to be installed.
Sites that you know for sure are above suspicion can be moved to the Trusted Zone in Internet Option/security.

So why is activex so dangerous that you have to increase the security for it?
When your browser runs an activex control, it is running an executable program. It's no different from doubleclicking an exe file on your hard drive.
Would you run just any random file downloaded off a web site without knowing what it is and what it does?

And some more advice:

4) Install Javacool's SpywareBlaster

It will protect you from all spy/foistware in it's database by blocking installation of their ActiveX objects.

Download and install, download the latest updates, and you'll see a list of all spyware programs covered by the program (NOTE: this is NOT spyware found on your computer.)

Press "select all", then "kill all checked", and you're done.
The spyware that you told Spywareblaster to set the "kill bit" for won't be a hazard to you any longer. Although it won't protect you from every form of spyware known to man, it is a very potent extra layer of protection. Don't forget to check for updates every week or so.

There's a board at Wilderssecurity as well.

Let's also not forget that AdAware, SpyBot Search and Destroy and Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) Home has the Immunize features which works roughly the same way. Only work's with Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Server 2003

5) Another brilliant program by Javacool we recommend is SpywareGuard.
It provides a degree of real-time protection solution against spyware that is a great addition to SpywareBlaster's protection method.

An anti-virus program scans files before you open them and prevents execution if a virus is detected - SpywareGuard does the same thing, but for spyware! And you can easily have an anti-virus program running alongside SpywareGuard.
It now also features Download Protection and Browser Hijacking Protection!

6) IE-SPYAD puts over 5000 sites in your restricted zone, so you'll be protected when you visit innocent-looking sites that aren't actually innocent at all.

Incidentally, another site with an enormous amount of information on computer security, and which is well worth a visit is wilders.org security advisors

Finally, after following up on all these recommendations, why not run Jason Levine's Browser Security Tests.
They will provide you with an insight on how vulnerable you might still be to a number of common exploits.

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8) Installing Windows Safely

When you install Windows follow these steps to make sure you don’t get infected by spyware and network worms…

1. If your computer is plugged into a DSL line/Cable modem, physically disconnect the network cable from the computer.

2. Install Windows XP

3. If you’re not using a router to connect to the ‘net, turn on the Windows firewall (Open Network Connections, right click your online connection, click Properties, click the Advanced Tab, then check the Internet Connection Firewall.)

4. Now re-attach any cabling you removed earlier. Get online and run Windows Update then install all Critical Updates. If you have to restart re-run Windows Update until there are no more critical updates to install. If you’re using a Dialup connection, consider ordering and using the the free Windows XP Service Pack 2 on CD to reduce the download time.

5. Install an anti-virus and update it immediately. (If you don’t have one download the Free AVG.)

6. Install anti-spyware tools, AdAware, Spybot S&D then turn on the immunization feature of Spybot and Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) Home (Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Server 2003). Update those program's when you install them.

7. Install Spyware Blaster and protect your browsers from hijacking. I strongly recommend against using IE. Use Mozilla or Firefox instead.

Make sure to run Windows Update regularly, or better yet, turn on Automatic Updates by opening the System Control Panel, click the Automatic Updates tab, then check either “Download the updates automatically” or the scheduled updates installer. You should also enable the automatic updates in your anti-virus and keep all the spyware programs up-to-date, as well.

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9) Learning HiJack This Program

1. Read up on browser hijackers at SpywareInfo.com and Hijack This Quick Start - tomcoyote.org. You may need to use a dedicated tool. Start with Hijack This to download and install HiJack This prgram. Here is how to install HiJack This Creating the C:\HJT Folder.

2. You can post your HJT log in one of these websites at Merijn.org - Online Help Forums. Also at HijackThis Log file for you can do it yourself.

3. To learn more about HiJack This go to Bleeping Computer - HijackThis Tutorial - How to use HijackThis to remove Browser Hijackers & Spyware and Merijn.org - HijackThis log tutorial's.

4. Common hijackers include Cool Web Search and 180 search Assistant. For a list of all the known Browser Hijacking programs and removal tools visit Sysinfo.org. Searching Google can also be useful in finding removal help.

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10) Must Have Security Software

These are FREE programs I recommend nearly every weekend. All Windows users should download and use these to protect themselves against viruses and spyware…

* AVG free anti-virus and Nod32 every bit as good as Norton and not as intrusive.

You should only use one anti-virus at a time, but it’s ok to have multiple spyware killers. In fact, I recommend it.

* AdAware - One of the first Sypware killers and still one of the best
* Spybot S&D - My favorite. Use the immunize feature to protect yourself against future infection.
* Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) Home (Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Server 2003)
* Spyware Blaster - Run this to protect Internet Explorer from browser hijacking

Internet Explorer is not the safest browser to use - nor is it the best. I recommend one of these free choices based on Netscape.

* Mozilla - Full featured, includes an e-mail program and web design tool
* Firefox - just the browser. Small, speedy, and powerful. My first choice for web browsing.
Must have Firefox Security extensions FoxFilter :: Firefox Add-ons and NoScript - JavaScript/Java/Flash blocker for a safer Firefox experience! - what is it? - InformAction

IE-based web browsers are not safer (Avant Browser, Crazy Browser, iRider, Maxthon [pka MyIE2], NetCaptor, NeoPlanet, SlimBrowser) since they only offer alternative interfaces plus some of the extra features on top of IE. These “shell” applications are not new browsers. Under that new “skins”, however, deep down they’re still IE! And still subjected to IE targeted attacks.

You’ll be safest with an email program that doesn’t use the built-in Internet Explorer engine to display HTML emails (otherwise it will have the same security problems as Outlook etc.) Eudora does use the built-in web viewer, but you can turn off HTML email. I suggest you do - HTML email contains all sorts of security and privacy issues.

Thunderbird from the Mozilla Project supports HTML mail but uses the Mozilla Gecko engine to render it safely.

Also you can use Netscape or Opera just as long as you stop using IE(internet explorer)for normal broswing the only reason you will needed it is to run Windows Updates and a few other things.

Zonealarm is a still very good firewall, but it suffers from creeping featuritis. My new favorite, free, firewall is the Sygate Personal Firewall. It’s very powerful and has proved reliable on my system. Also Bugoff It's disables three exploits that are commonly used by browser hijackers (including CWS).

Which raises an important point. Anti-virus and firewall programs are very invasive. They have to be to get the job done. The programs I’ve recommended above are good and reliable, but as with any system level software they can cause problems on your machine. And since they’re free you can’t expect any support from the vendor. I’ve had good results with these programs, but your mileage may vary.

That’s why for most people I don’t recommend a software firewall. An Internet router like the Linksys Etherfast provides most of the protection of a software firewall without the relibility issues. If you’re using DSL a broadband router has the added advantage of replacing the software PPPoE dialer - which is convenient and can also improve reliability. Broadband routers are cheap, as little as $50.

If you have a virus and don't know what it is you want to check it out below.

* Bleeping Computer - Startup Database
* Spychecker - download spyware removal and Internet privacy tools
* Trend Micro Virus Information, virus alerts, advisories, Top 10, antivirus, worm, trojan, macro, free, virus encyclopedia

We’ve had reports of installation problems with AVG Anti-virus. These are almost always caused by a virus infected system. Many new viruses and spyware programs block anti-virus installation. I recommend you scan your system for spyware and viruses before you attempt to install an anti-virus. There are several excellent free online virus scan programs for Windows (they require Internet Explorer by the way):

Panda Active Scan from Panda Software

Trend Micro - Free online virus Scan

Must have security apps - For Macintosh

Just the one suggestion from this Mac user.

Little Snitch: Network traffic monitor. Runs in background at startup. Once set up with “rules” this a great app to prevent unathorised transmissions. Easy to configure. Nice interface in the System Preferences.
Linky:
Little Snitch

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11) Removing Sasser

Sasser is a worm that spreads itself via the Internet. An unprotected Windows XP machine will get Sasser within just a few minutes of being put on the ‘net. To protect your system run Windows Update regularly and use a firewall (a broadband router will do fine).

To remove the Sasser infection follow these steps:

1. Disconnect from the Internet.
2. Disable Sasser to keep your system from rebooting. Click Start, select Run… and enter shutdown -a then press OK. That will stop the worm.
3. Turn on your Windows XP firewall. Open Network Connections, right-click your network connection icon and select Properties. Click the Advanced tab and turn on the firewall. This will prevent reinfection.
4. Reconnect to the Internet
5. Update your anti-virus and disinfect your computer, or download the free Sasser removal tool from SARC.
6. Run Windows Update and install all critical updates. You should do this regularly.

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12) Service Pack 2

Windows XP System Housekeeping Before SP2 Upgrading!

The key to a successful install of Windows XP Service Pack 2 is to have as clean a system as possible.

SP-2 nearly always installs just fine on a fresh install of XP. It’s what we’ve done since installing that causes most of the problems. The chief issue is spyware. Make sure your system is absolutely free of all spyware (Spyware Prevention on this weblog). Viruses, too. Uninstall unnecessary software. Make sure you have SP-2 compatible drivers for your hardware. make a good backup before installing. And finally, set a system restore point - this will be invaluable if you need to remove SP-2.

* Service Pack 2 full download: Download details: Windows XP Service Pack 2 for IT Professionals and Developers Download details: Windows XP Service Pack 2 for IT Professionals and Developers

Uninstalling SP-2

If you experience problems after you install SP-2 you can uninstall it by running the Add/Remove Programs control panel. After uninstalling, use System Restore to restore your system to its pre-SP-2 state. (That’s why it’s important to set a system restore point before you install SP-2.)

If you can’t get to the Windows prompt, you can run System Restore from the command line. Type c:\windows\system\restore\rstrui.exe at the command line.

Check with Hardware Vendors for SP2 Supports

If you haven’t installed SP2 for Windows XP, you should check and see what your hardware vendor has to say about it before you do the install.

There are web sites around the net, that are about general issues with SP2, but you should check your PC makers web site for any issues that may be related directly to your hardware.

The big makers have issued their own recommendations for upgrading their PCs to SP2. Check them out here:

Dell

Gateway

HP & Compaq

Sony

Slipstreaming Bootable WindowsXP SP2 CD

You can use nLite to easily create a Windows XP + SP2 slipstreamed bootable CD. Such a method is to integrate the original unpatched version of Windows XP with the lastest Service Pack 2 so that it would be much easier the next time you reinstall XP (saves a lot of time too). Make sure you have .NET Framework installed and patched (GDI+ security issue) to run nLite. You would need to have with you:

1. Original installation CD of Windows XP Home or Professional.
2. The full 266MB Windows XP Service Pack 2. Microsoft will also mail you a disc free of charge.

* Service Pack 2 full download: http://tinyurl.com/6ubys
* Service Pack 2 free install disc: http://tinyurl.com/6g675

See MSFN and MCSEworld for more information on sliptreaming.

Please read this artical on service pack 2 Push Is Coming to Shove for XP SP2 Deployment for more info on service pack 2.

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13) Spyware Prevention

Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites by mvps.org on spyware issues.

I recommend three programs for all Windows users:

* AdAware SE
* Spybot Search & Destroy
* Windows Defender (Beta 2) Only work's with Windows 2000 and Windows XP

These are free. Turn on the immunization feature of Spybot to block many spyware programs. As with an anti-virus, you should update both these programs regularly and scan at least weekly.

To avoid browser hijacking use the free Mozilla or Firefox browsers. They also block pop-ups, and have useful additional features like tabbed browsing. You needn’t try to remove Internet Explorer (that’s not a good idea) but I suggest you not use it for day-to-day browsing. Reserve it for sites that require it like Windows Update.

If you insist on using Internet Explorer, I strongly recommend the free Spyware Blaster to make it a little safer.

The one commercial program I recommend is Pest Patrol. You can get much of its functionality free with the Yahoo Toolbar for Internet Explorer.

The following article was written by Justin Wallace, a listener. I haven’t tried all these programs so I’m not passing any judgment on them.

Spyware should be stopped before it starts. I have decided to post a few of the the things I always tell people to prevent spyware.

* Spyware Blaster & Guardian

* Spy Sweeper - Best Spyware removal tool out there. It really gets the hard stuff…

* PeerGuardian — Well known, but ever since I started using it I haven’t had a single trace of Spyware (mainly because it blocks all incoming IP adresses for sites that have Spyware or other Mal-ware/Police-ware.

* Use Sandoxie of dealing with rogue software, spyware and malware? Tired of spending countless hours removing unsolicited software? Download Sandboxie

* Get rid of IE!!! I like Mozilla Firefox or Opera. Firefox does a superb job of filtering out malicious scripts, Active-X controls, etc.

I feel that it is important to run some type of Spy removal tool and scanner at least once a week. I run Spy Sweeper on all my Windows machines at least once-a-day (I usually turn it on as I’m going to bed and let it run all night).

Spyware is becoming more and more of a threat and it’s getting out of hand. I feel that it [Spyware] should be taken care of before it starts. By monitoring and implementing “check stops” at each point that Spyware can penetrate, then you will almost always [within 99 percent of the time] be safe. I can honestly say that my Windows systems are 100% spy-ware free because I usually reinstall Windows at least every 6-months when possible, and then I run all the anti-spyware measures that I mentioned above.

If you’re running XP and have multiple users, always remember to run Spy-Sweeper (or whatever Spyware remover you’re using) on each account. Spy removal tools will not check any other section of the HD but what user you are.

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14) Startup Programs

Topic: Enabling / Disabling programs that start up when Windows XP is started.

Objective: Limit the number of programs that startup when Windows KP is started so as to lower the boot time. Controlling programs in this way can have other benefits as well.

Difficulty: Beginner / Intermediate

Tip: running “msconfig” in the run dialogue box can be as dangerous as running regedit if you are not sure what to disable / enable. A better option is to run “services.msc” This will allow you to disable / enable programs that start up, but there is some protection without sacrificing functionality.

Knowledge Requirement: This is one of the more simple improvements that can be made to your system and does not require much knowledge. A basic understanding of the file system and how files are organized into folders on a drive may be useful.

How To:

1. Run “services.msc” from the run command in the start menu (WindowsKey+R).
2. Resize the window or maximize to view all of the columns.
3. Choose either: Manual => Services start when Windows XP feels like it. Automatic => Service starts at startup. Disabled => Service will not start (may still be forced to start).
4. Remember what you changed or print / write down so as to change it back if some undesired effect occurs.

IMPORTANT: Check Black Viper’s site for a complete list of services and the reccomended startup type for each (Manual, Automatic, Disabled).
The list can be found at http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/service411.htm

________________________________________________________
15) Stop Popups

Dealing with Unwanted Pop-ups by mvps.org on popup's.

Popups are those annoying ads that pop up (or under) while you’re surfing the ‘net. There are three kinds of popups, and you’ll need to do three separate things to block them.

For Windows Users:

* Pop up windows created by web pages can be easily blocked by a third-party pop up blocker like the free Google Toolbar. However, the best way to block popups (and other nasties like browser hijackers) is not to use Internet Explorer at all. I recommend Mozilla or Firefox browser. Both have built-in pop-up blocking but you must turn it on in the preferences.

* Pop-ups can also be created by spyware. These programs run in the background and can appear any time, even if you’re not online. I recommend AdAware, Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) Home (Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Server 2003) and
Spybot Search & Destroy and to clean out spyware and block it in future. If you’re going to continue to use Internet Explorer also get Spyware Blaster to prevent browser hijacking.

* Finally, there’s a really annoying kind of pop-up that’s, in my opinion, a security flaw in Windows NT/2000/XP. These versions of Windows have a function called netsend that’s designed for system administrators. They can use it to communicate with all the computers on the network. Unfortunately, it can also be used by a spammer who can send a pop-up to ANY computer on the Internet. To block this form of Messenger spam you can turn off the Messenger service, or turn on a firewall. Enabling the built-in Windows XP firewall will block this spam forever. Windows XP Service Pack 2 turns on the firewall by default.

For Macintosh Users

* Pop up windows created by web pages. In Safari, ensure you have “Block Pop-Up Windows” selected in the Safari menu (there should be a check mark in front of the item in the menu). Other Mac browsers vary, but there’s usually a setting somewhere in the browser’s preferences to turn on popup window blocking.

* Pop-ups created by spyware. So far at least, Macs don’t get spyware, so this just doesn’t happen on Macs.

* Messenger spam. This also has no Mac equivalent; it just never happens on a Mac.

________________________________________________________
16) Using Internet Explorer Safely

Secure your System and keep out Spyware, Adware, viruses and Popups.

When security expert Steve Gibson of ShieldsUp fame was on he told us he still uses Microsoft’s Internet Explorer in Windows, despite the security and spyware issues.

For Windows Users:

Here’s how Steve uses IE safely:

Under IE’s Tool menu open your Internet Options… click the Security tab, and set security for the Internet zone to High (slide the slider all the way to the top).

1. Start Internet Explorer.
2. Click Tools, and then click Internet Options.
3. Click the Security tab.
4. Click Trusted Sites, and then click Sites.
5. Clear the require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone check box.
6. Make sure that the following URLs are listed in the Web Sites box:
• http://*.windowsupdate.microsoft.com
• http://*.windowsupdate.com
Note: If you want to add a URL to the Web Sites list, and the Add button is unavailable, contact your system administrator.

Only add sites you know are safe to your trusted list.

To prevent browser hijacking I recommend installing Spyware Blaster. (This is unnecessary if you have security set to high, but it’s useful just in case you accidentally give access to a bad site.)

UPDATE: Windows XP SP-2 adds a new zone to XP: My Computer, and locks it down. This is a very effective way to combat browser hijacking. Microsoft provides instructions for people who have not yet installed SP-2 here but it’s not for the faint of heart.

Although this will make Microsoft Internet Explorer a little more secure it will never be as secure as Mozilla and Firefox browser's.

For Macintosh User

Internet Explorer for Mac is more secure than IE for Windows, as the Mac version of IE doesn’t support ActiveX controls and other Windows “features” that can also create security holes. But, IE for Mac hasn’t been updated by Microsoft in a long time, and they don’t plan to continue developing it. So, you might want to switch to another Mac browser for reasons other than security—such as performance, or in order to have support for all of the web’s latest “bells and whistles.”
________________________________________________________
17) Windows Encrypted File System

(EFS) For Win2000, WinXP & Win2003 only.

If you’re using Windows 2000 or Windows XP Professional and your disk is formatted with NTFS you can use the system’s built-in encryption to keep others from reading your files, even the System Administrator. This way, you can protect your sensitive data.

How to encrypt/decrypt files/folders with Windows XP
Begin by right-clicking on the folder/file to encrypt, select “Properties…” from the pop-up menu. Click the “Advanced…” button. Check the “Encrypt contents to secure data box”. Subsequently, you may be ask to choose whether to encrypt all the files in that folder or just the file you have selected. Pick the preferred one and click “OK” and we are done.

Notice that the encrypted file will be in green color (Compressed file is in blue). If users form other login accounts tried to open it - the Access is denied window will shows up (as displayed above). In this case, Notepad failed to open the file.

You can also use Tweak UI from Microsoft to simplify the process of encrypt/decrypt. By putting in the encryption functionality to the context menu, encrypt/decrypt can be done by right-clicking on a file/folders. Launch Tweak UI, select “Explorer”. Over the right panel, check the “Show “Encrypt” on context menu” and click “OK”.

How to back up your certificate
You only need to perform this once.

Backing up files is a good habit for all computer users. More importantly, is to backup your encryption certificate(s) or key(s), if you have ever encrypted data in your system. A unique certificate associates with your account was created and stored in the account the first time data were encrypted. Although users may not realized this, since users always login to thier own accounts to open encrypted files, that unique encryption certificate is needed to authenticate that the user has the right to access or decrypt those data.

Problem occurs when users clean install their Windows XP. Unfortunately, like some of the callers, even with the same user name and password; even if those data were still intact; they cannot open those files because the special certificate tied closely to those data was missing. Therefore, be wise to always backup your data with the encryption certificate as well. So back up now. Losing data is better than having them but cannot access them - so cruel!

Step 1

Begin by login to your user account. To backup the certificate(s), we need to get to the file first. There are two ways of accessing the account’s certificate:

1. Using Internet Explorer: Go to menu: “ToolsInternet Options” select the “Content” tab and click on the “Certificates…” button. This will brings up the Certificates windows showing a certificates under the “Personal” tab. It has the same name as your login. Select it and click on on the “Export” button and follow Step 2.

2. The second way is: Go to “StartRun”, type in “certmgr.msc” into the box and hit enter. A window named Certificates will pops up. Expand the Certificates - Current User to “PersonalCertificates”. A certificate with login name shows up on the right panel (in this example, it is named Bill). Lastly, right click on certificate and select: “All taskExport”. We are now ready for Step 2.

Step 2

A Certificate Export Wizard will appears. Click “Next >”.
Here, you will be asked to export the key or not. Select “Yes,…” and proceed.
Check only the first two options and click “Next >”.
Enter a new password and confirm to protect your certificate. Only those who have the password can import (restore) the backed up certificate to their accounts. This is to ensure nobody else but you have the right to access your encrypted files. Please don’t forget the password.
Choose a directory and file name to save your certificate. Remember to back it up to a safer place like burning it to a CD. I don’t trust Floppy disk.
This will brings us to the end of the “Certificate Export Wizard”. Confirm all your inputs and click “Finish” and we are done! You will see “The export was successful.”

How to restore your certificate
After reinstalling your system or you would like to associate the backed up certificate to a new account, then the backed up certificate would need to be restored. It is pretty straight forward to do so.

But before that, for convenience purposes, always restore the backed up certificate first before starting to encrypt data on a new account. The new account will then continues to use the backed up certificate for encryption and prevent Windows XP from generating a new account’s certificate for new encryption. As a result, you don’t need to back up this new certificate as well (you’d have two certificates now).

Just double click on your backed up certificate and this will brings up the Certificate Import Wizard. Follow the instructions given by the wizard. You will need to enter the password (if you’ve chosen to export private key) created during certificate export.

Below is a .gif generated slideshow (remember to enable browser’s animation, if you can’t see it). Just follow it step-by-step.
You should see the confirmation window when the certificate is successfully imported. Done!

References

External Links

* Guide: Windows XP Pro - Using File Encryption
* How to Share Files Using Encrypting File System
* MCSEWorld: What’s EFS?
* Microsoft: Best practices for the Encrypting File System
* Microsoft Windows XP Resource Kit - Overview of EFS
* Wikipedia: EFS

EFS Related Softwares

* EFS Key
* ElcomSoft - Advanced EFS Data Recovery (AEFSDR)

________________________________________________________
18) Windows Security Tips

Install Windows XP SP2:
Windows Update
Full Download 266 MB
Order CD

Run an Anti-Adware and Anti-Spyware:
Ad-Aware SE
Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) Home
Spybot Search and Destroy

Run an Anti-Virus:
AVG Anti-Virus
Eset Home - NOD32 Antivirus System

Run a Personal Firewall If You are on a Broadband/Cable/DSL Router:
D-Link D-Link TechSupport - Downloads
Welcome To Linksys.com

Run a Personal Firewall If You are on a Dealup:
Sygate PersonalFirewall
ZoneAlarm

Turn off unused services:
BlackViper

Windows Vista FAQ

2008-08-16T05:42:00.000-07:00

Q: What is Windows Vista?

A: Windows Vista is the official name for the release of Windows that followed Windows XP and the latest version of Microsoft’s Windows client operating system. Vista was in development for the past four to five years, it features vast improvements to the desktop including a graphically rich interface called Windows AERO, Instant Search capabilities, enhanced Security, Multimedia, 64-bit computing, improved deployment and tighter integration with the Web through new features such as Sidebar Gadgets and Really Simple Syndication (RSS). Included in Vista are new under the hood features such as Windows Presentation and Communication Foundations and the .NET Framework 3 for creating powerful, connected and more secure applications.

Q: What is “Longhorn"?

A: “Longhorn" was the codename for the release of Microsoft Windows following Windows XP, which officially now is "Windows Vista". Microsoft often uses codenames to refer to unreleased products until a final commercial product name is determined. For comparison, Windows XP was codenamed “Whistler” during its development.

Q: How can I obtain Windows Vista?

A: Volume License customers can acquire Windows Vista through Software Assurance/Enterprise Agreements, while consumers can now get the software on new PCs and retail copies anywhere software and PC's are sold.

Q: How much does Windows Vista cost?

A: Pricing ranges from $199 to $399 USD.
Learn more here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/editions/default.mspx

Q: When was the official name of Windows Vista released?

A: It was first released at the Microsoft Global Business Conference in Atlanta on July 21, 2005. ActiveWin was the first website to break the news to the web. Microsoft officially announced the name to the public on July 22, 2005.

Q: When was "Windows Vista” released?

A: Windows Vista was released to manufacturing (RTM) in November of 2006 to businesses. Vista was launched for consumer’s world wide simultaneously along with Office 2007 January 30^th 2007 in New York City at the KODAK Theatre.

(Microsoft Announces 2006 Target Date for Broad Availability Of Windows Longhorn Client Operating System)

Q: Where is more information about the release?

A: An official video of the announcement is available.

Q: What is the official Microsoft Windows Vista website?

A: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/default.mspx

Q: I am a developer, not a consumer. What is the Windows Vista developer website?

A: http://msdn.microsoft.com/windowsvista/

Q: Can I see some screenshots of Windows Vista builds?

A: ActiveWin.com has posted a variety of screenshots of Windows Vista builds. You can view Build #5048 (WinHEC 2005), 4074 (WinHEC 2004), and PDC 2003 Early Longhorn Preview (set 2) screenshots. Also screenshots for builds 5219 (PDC 2005), 5231, 5270, 5308 (set 1), 5308 (set 2), 5342, 5728, 5744, Beta 1, Beta 1 Install, Desktop Backgrounds, and RTM

Q: What is the official logo?

Q: What is the thinking behind the name Windows Vista?

A:
It enables a new level of confidence in your PC and in your ability to get the most out of it.
It introduces clear ways to organize and use information the way you want to use it.
It seamlessly connects you to information, people, and devices that help you get the most out of life.

Q: What is the strategy Microsoft is employing in creating Windows Vista?

A: In general, Microsoft wants the next operating system to be more reliable, secure and powerful. These links on Microsoft's website detail their vision about security and information management with Vista.

Q: What are Windows Vista's system requirements?

A: Windows Vista – Recommended system requirements:

· 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
1 GB of system memory
40 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space

· Support for Directx 9 graphics with:
- WDDM Drive
- 128 MB of graphics memory
- Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware
- 32 bits per pixel

DVD-ROM drive
Audio output
Internet access (fees may apply)

Additional requirements to use certain features:

TV Tuner card required for TV functionality (compatible remote control optional
Windows Tablet and Touch Technology requires a Tablet PC or a touch screen
Windows Bitlocker Drive Encryption requires a USB Flash Drive and/or a system with a TPM 1.2 chip

Actual requirements and product functionality may vary based on your system configuration. Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor can help you determine which features and edition of Windows Vista will run on your computer visit http://www.windowsvista.com/upgradeadvisor. for complete Windows Vista requirements, visit http://www.windowsvista.com/requirements.

Minimum supported requirements

Certain product features are not available with minimum supported requirements.

800 MHz processor and 512 MB of system memory
20 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space
Support for Super VGA graphics
CD ROM drive

Q: What is the latest publicly available build of Windows Vista?

A: The build number of the RTM version of Windows Vista is: 6.0.6000.16386

Q: Will Window Vista's advanced graphical user interface (GUI) bog down my computer?

A: Windows Vista will rely much more on the computer’s Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) for graphical effects. By offloading this work to the GPU, a greater percentage of the CPU can be assigned to other important tasks. Windows Vista will scale to fit your system's graphical capabilities by offering a multi-tiered experience. Graphical effects and animations will also scale based upon your system's performance to ensure a glitch-free experience at all tiers. The tiers and their respective requirements are as follows:

Aero Glass experience (Also known as Tier 2): Delivers the full-featured Windows Vista user experience on the desktop, including support for 3D graphics and animation.
Requirements:
Windows Vista Display Driver Model-based driver required for Aero Glass experience
The Aero Glass experience will not run with earlier display drivers.
Minimum: 64 MB graphics memory (Required for Aero Glass experience)
Recommended: 128 MB or greater
Minimum: 32 bits per pixel (bpp) color
Support advanced 3D hardware acceleration with capabilities equal to DirectX 9
Required: AGP 8x or PCI Express 16-lane bus for Graphics Hardware

Aero experience (Also known as Tier 1): Delivers the minimum hardware acceleration and desktop composition for the Windows Vista user experience.
Requirements:
Minimum: Windows XP Driver Model-based driver
Recommended: Windows Vista Display Driver Model-based driver
Graphics hardware will only be used when the appropriate driver is present; otherwise, content will be rendered through software emulation.
Minimum: 32 MB graphics memory
Minimum: 32 bits per pixel (bpp) color
Support hardware acceleration capabilities equal to DirectX 9

Classic experience (Also known as Tier 0): Equivalent to Windows 2000 capabilities, using software rendering.
Requirements:
VGA graphics

Check Graphics Hardware and Drivers for Windows Windows Vista for more detailed information.

Q: Who is Windows Vista For?

A: Windows Vista targets a melting pot of users, from emerging markets, enterprise customers to life style computer users. Some of the features include, improved Search, Wireless/Networking and Authentication, Collaboration, Enhanced Security, Multimedia, Gaming, Parental Controls, improved Group Policy Editor, improved Speech and Hand-writing Recognition, File Management, 64-Bit Computing and support for the latest hardware on the market. Vista is an enticing value proposition to those who want a great out of box experience, so they can take advantage of devices such as camcorders, digital cameras, hi-definition television’s, XBOX’s and PDA’s. Basically, Windows Vista is for everybody, whether you are an existing Windows user or migrating from another platform.

Q: What new experiences does Windows Vista offer for users?

A: For end-users, the most readily visible feature of Windows Vista is the new accelerated graphical user interface (GUI). End-users experience a rich mixture of 2D/3D vector graphics, resilient free audio, video, and animation seamlessly intermixed to create applications and scenarios previously only seen in movies or Microsoft Research projects. In addition to the GUI enhancements, the new Windows File System (WinFS -- available as an update to Windows Vista following it's retail availability) enable fast, powerful searching and synchronization across multiple partitions, drives, or devices, and multiple file formats. Integrated spellchecking, enhanced speech synthesis and recognition, and other Natural User Interface (NUI) methods ease interaction between computer and user. The new sidebar allows the end-users to always keep their most important data at a glance. Enhanced real-time communications, application sharing, peer-to-peer, remote desktop, and a unified contacts store ease collaboration and remote administration scenarios. Utilization of .NET technologies in building Windows Vista provides end-users with greatly enhanced and integrated security beyond what exists today on any platform.

Q: How many editions of Windows Vista are available?

A: There are a total of 6 editions of Windows Vista available through different channels.

Starter Edition - Only on new computers in emerging markets such as Asia, Mexico, Africa and others

Home Basic
Windows Vista Home Basic is the entry level offering for consumers. Highlights include:

· Significant advances in security and reliability

· Parental Controls

· Windows Vista Basic user interface (AERO without transparency)

· Search and organize innovations

· Improved networking

Home Basic is designed to be easy to setup, to help people use their PCs securely and reliably, to help people stay better connected, and like all of the editions of Windows Vista, to be compatible with the widest range of software, devices, and services people use and trust. For people who simply want to use their PC for tasks such as surfing the internet, corresponding with friends and family using e-mail or performing basic document creation and editing tasks, Home Basic delivers a safer, more reliable, and more effective computing environment.

Home Premium

Windows Vista Home Premium is the mainstream edition of Windows Vista for consumer desktop and mobile PCs. It includes all features available in Windows Vista Home Basic plus:

· Windows Aero Glass user interface

· Windows Media Center functionality

· Additional digital media features such as authoring and burning DVDs

· Windows Tablet PC capability

· Additional mobility features such as PC-to-PC synchronization

Home Premium makes finding information, stating connected and interacting with your PC easier and more secure. Using, organizing and sharing photos, video, TV and music becomes a part of your everyday life. With Windows Vista Home Premium, balancing your check book, doing homework, watching a movie, listening to music or playing a game is a better and more enjoyable experience.

Business

Business is the primary edition of Vista for business desktop and mobile PCs. This offering crosses the small business, mid-sized business and enterprise segments. This edition includes all the features available in Windows Vista Home Basic (with the exception of a small number of entertainment features), plus:

· Windows Aero Glass user interface

· Windows Tablet PC capability

· Additional mobility features such as PC-to-PC synchronization

· Core business features such as Domain Join, Group Policy support and Encryption File system

· Small business-specific features such as Fax and Scan, and Small Business Resources

For small businesses, Vista Business will help keep PCs running smoothly and securely, with less reliance on dedicated IT support. For larger organizations, Vista Business provides dramatic new infrastructure improvements, enabling IT staff to spend more time adding strategic value to the business. Vista Business also offers powerful new ways to organize, find and share information, while helping people stay better connected in the office and on the road.

Enterprise

Enterprise is the premium edition of Vista for business desktop and mobile PCs. This offering is only available to customers who have their PCs covered by a Microsoft Software Assurance agreement. In addition to including all of the features available in Vista Business, highlights of this edition include:

· Windows BitLocker (TM) Drive Encryption

· All worldwide interface languages

· Virtual PC Express

· Subsystem for UNIX Applications (SUA)

Vista Enterprise is designed for large enterprises and organizations with complex desktop infrastructures. It helps reduce the cost and complexity of deploying and managing PCs, improves reliability and security, and makes it easier to comply with information policies. Windows Vista Enterprise also increases information worker productivity and enables mobile users to stay better connected with customers, partners and their business in the office or on the road.

Ultimate Edition

Ultimate is the flagship edition of Windows Vista across consumer and small business desktop PCs and mobile PCs. The primary user of Windows Vista Ultimate is the individual, such a small business owner, who uses a single PC at both home and work. This edition includes all the features available in Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Enterprise.

Ultimate is the first operating system that combines the advanced infrastructure of a business-focused operating system, the productivity of a mobility-focused operating system, and the digital entertainment features of a consumer-focused operating system. For the person who wants their PC to be great for working at home, on the go and at the Office, Windows Vista Ultimate is the no-compromise operating system that provides it all.

Other “N” based editions of Vista are available in the European Union also. All editions except for Starter Edition will be available in both 32 and 64 bit versions. Only Vista Ultimate Edition retail package product contains both disk for 32 and 64 bit systems.

Order Alternate media:

Learn more here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/1033/ordermedia/default.mspx

Learn more here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/versions/default.mspx

Q: Why did Windows Vista take so long to be released?

A: Actually, Windows Vista was developed and tested within a normal Windows Development time frame which is usually 15 to 18 months, Vista RTMed in November 2006. In comparison to Windows XP’s development cycle which started in August of 2000 and ended August 2001 that would total to XP (13) vs. Vista (17) months, not bad for what Vista is offering in comparison to XP.

Factors include Vista development being restarted from scratch, the previous code base on which Longhorn (Vista’s code name) was originally being developed on (XP) was scrapped and Server 2003 SP1 was used instead.

Q: What are the Windows Vista Public Newsgroups?
A:

Here is a list of available newsgroups for Windows Vista as of today:

microsoft.public.windows.vista.general
microsoft.public.windows.vista.music_pictures_video
microsoft.public.windows.vista.administration_account_passwords
microsoft.public.windows.vista.file_management
microsoft.public.windows.vista.hardware_devices
microsoft.public.windows.vista.installation_setup
microsoft.public.windows.vista.mail
microsoft.public.windows.vista.networking_sharing
microsoft.public.windows.vista.performance_maintenance
microsoft.public.windows.vista.print_fax_scan
microsoft.public.windows.vista.security
microsoft.publi.windows.64-bit.general

If you want to access the web based version of these newsgroups, click the following link:

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.mspx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/windowsvista/community/newsgroups/default.aspx

Head on over to the following page at Microsoft's website on how to configure your newsreader to read Microsoft's Public Newsgroups:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroupsetup.mspx

Q: What is the .NET Framework 3.0?

A: Windows Vista was developed from the ground up to address the barriers associated with creating these kinds of applications. System services and new APIs handle many of the hard problems associated with such applications, so that developers can focus on the particular problem that their software is addressing. The new range of APIs and services are embodied in the .NET Framework 3.0 (formerly WinFX). The .NET Framework 3.0 is a core component of the Windows Vista operating system, and is installed by default. This new set of managed interfaces represents an incremental release of the managed interfaces found in the .NET Framework 2.0, because there are no changes to the version of the .NET Framework 2.0 components with the .NET Framework 3.0. Instead there new technologies have been added: Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), Windows Workflow Foundation (WF), Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), and Windows CardSpace. http://www.netfx3.com/

Q: What is AERO?

A: AERO (Authentic, Energetic, Reflective, Open) is the user experience in Windows Vista, is a new design philosophy that delivers a compelling user experience from the moment users start interacting with the computer to the moment they leave. For developers, AERO provides a number of APIs that enable developers to extend their applications to integrate with this new design philosophy. Developers can manipulate the Desktop Window Manager, window chrome, and UI controls. Additionally, AERO is exposed through themes, layouts, and styling as well as through the native Avalon controls.

Q: What is the Windows Presentation Foundation?

A: With the Windows Presentation Foundation (formerly Avalon) Microsoft delivers an integrated platform for applications, documents, and graphics and media to the desktop ecosystem. The Windows Presentation Foundation provides new opportunities for developing exciting applications while reducing the complexity of building compelling user interfaces. It also offers creative, technical, and performance benefits, and simplifies designer-developer collaboration during prototyping and development. More information here

Q: What is the Windows Communication Foundation?

A: The Windows Communication Foundation (formerly Indigo) is a collection of next generation .NET technologies for building and running connected systems. The Windows Communication Foundation helps developers and organizations overcome the challenges of building connected applications, both within and beyond the enterprise. The Windows Communication Foundation takes Web services to the next level by providing developers with a highly productive framework for building secure, reliable, and interoperable applications. Some of the benefits of these technologies include: less complexity for developers, fewer components to be managed by IT professionals, reduced training for both, and significant cost savings for the organization. More information here

Q: What is Windows Sideshow?

A: Windows SideShow is a new platform in Microsoft Windows Vista that developers can use to write gadgets that extend their applications to a range of display devices. Some of the display devices will be integrated into computers; others will appear on peripheral devices. "Windows Sidebar is a new feature of the Vista desktop that connects you with powerful yet easy to use "gadgets"-mini-applications that help you to be more productive in your daily life at work, at home, or on the go. For example your gadgets might include local weather, a photo slideshow, a dictionary, news headlines, even a convenient way to control Windows Media Player. Gadgets are organized in an easy-to-use panel-the Windows Sidebar-that discreetly docks on the side of your Windows desktop. Alternately, gadgets can "float" on the desktop wherever you like. Developers will be able to build an endless variety of gadgets, which you can use to customize your Windows Vista desktop however you want. In addition, gadgets can also be built for the new Windows Side Show platform which allows you to extend critical PC-based data to a range of connected devices including second displays in laptops or displays built into keyboards, remote controls, and even cell phones."

Examples of potential SideShow-compatible devices include:

A display embedded in a laptop lid. This type of display, which caches data for use offline, is great for checking calendar appointments and e-mail messages.
A display in a keyboard. Useful for reading messages when playing a game in full-screen mode, listening to music or watching a video, reading weather reports, and more.
A mobile phone. Useful for remotely controlling applications, such as moving to the next slide or reading speaker notes in Microsoft PowerPoint on your device from across a room.

Q: What is Windows Sideshow Gadget?

A: Microsoft uses the term "Gadget" to refer to two different, not necessarily compatible technologies. Sideshow gadgets are applications which can extend their reach to a range of display devices using Windows Sideshow technology. According to the Windows Sideshow blog, Sideshow gadgets are idea for the following applications:

Cached data. If an application contains data that users would benefit from seeing when their PCs are in standby or hibernate, a gadget is ideal in this case. Examples of gadgets include e-mail, contacts, and directions.
Notifications. Many users want to receive a notification from an application on a SideShow-compatible device. Examples include meeting reminders or notifications when online contacts sign in to Instant Messaging.
Remote application control. If an application has settings and functionality that users may want to control when they don't have access to their computer's primary display, such an application could be remotely controlled with a gadget for SideShow. Examples include controlling media playback and presentation settings.

Q: What are Flip and Flip 3D?

A: Windows Vista provides two entirely new features to manage windows codenamed "Flip" and "Flip 3D". Flip allows you to flip through open windows (by using Alt+Tab) providing a live thumbnail of each window rather than just a generic icon and filename. Live thumbnails make it easier to quickly identify the window you want, particularly when multiple windows of the same kind are open. With Flip 3D,you can use the scroll wheel on your mouse to flip through open windows in a stack, and quickly locate and select the one you want to work with. This feature is even handier when you use it with the new Flip 3D key that manufacturers are adding to many keyboards. (from Microsoft) Flip3D can be activated by clicking its icon located in the QuickLaunch area of Windows Vista's taskbar or by using Win+Tab. Flip and Flip3D can be made to stay onscreen until manually dismissed by alternatively pressing Ctrl+ their respective shortcuts.

Q: Are applications created for operating systems prior to “Windows Vista" be supported?

A: Yes. Windows Vista supports most legacy applications as well as applications built specifically to take advantage of Windows Vista's unique functionality.

Q: What is the thinking behind the name Windows Vista?

A:It enables a new level of confidence in your PC and in your ability to get the most out of it.

It introduces clear ways to organize and use information the way you want to use it.

It seamlessly connects you to information, people, and devices that help you get the most out of life.

Q: What is the strategy Microsoft is employing in creating Windows Vista?

A: In general, Microsoft wants the next operating system to be more reliable, secure and powerful.

Q: Should I upgrade to Windows Vista or do a clean install?

A: Upgrading to Windows Vista 32-bit requires that you replace your existing installation of Windows XP 32-bit by doing what is known as an “in place upgrade”. The installation process replaces Windows XP files and retains your existing applications, personal files and settings. Of course, this requires careful thought and planning.

Checking to make sure that all your installed applications and existing hardware devices are compatible.
Acquire any necessary updates that you might need to apply before upgrading to ensure your existing applications and hardware devices function after installing Windows Vista.
Ensuring that there is enough Disk space to store temporary files and the operating system in addition to your applications and files.
Enough memory to efficiently run the operating system and your applications.
Acceptable processor speed.

Choosing the right platform is also important; there are no upgrade paths from Windows XP Professional x64 to Vista x86 or x64 or Windows XP x86 to Vista x64. You cannot launch Vista x64 setup in Windows XP x86, if you do so, you will receive an "invalid Win32" error, you have to boot off the DVD. A clean install which involves formatting the drive, getting the right drivers and reinstall your applications, is always the best route, which guarantees a glitch less experience which in some cases can occur from upgrading.

For more information: (http://www.windowsvista.com/64bit)

Q: How do I install Windows Vista?

A: You have two choices, you can either upgrade from Windows XP by launching setup from within Windows (only Vista x86 supports upgrades from Windows XP x86) and choose the upgrade option during the installation wizard; (Vista requires that you have a minimum 13 GB’s of free disk space before upgrading). You can also start a new installation by booting from the DVD drive, (make sure the boot drive in your BIOS is set to the optical drive).

Note: If you want to upgrade Windows XP 32-bit make sure you launch setup from within Windows XP SP2; upgrades are not supported by booting from the DVD. Upgrades are not supported for Windows XP Professional x64 Edition at all; Vista x64 requires a clean installation.

Q: How do I do a clean install with the Windows Vista upgrade media?
A:

Boot with the Windows Vista Upgrade DVD.
Click “Install Now”.
Do not enter a Product Key when prompted.
When prompted, select the Vista product edition that you do have.
Install Vista normally.
Once the install is complete, restart the DVD-based Setup from within Windows Vista. Perform an in-place upgrade.
Enter your Product Key when prompted.

Get Religion: Backup, Backup, Backup!
As Murphy Law states, if it can go wrong, it will. Upgrading is a very complex process and there are often cases of failed upgrades from older versions of Windows. Causes can include, power outage during installation, hardware or application conflict. This is why you should “always back up”, its better to be inconvenienced than having to start all over from scratch.

Q: Where on the packaging is the Windows Vista Product Key Located?

A: After pulling out the plastic slot, look at the back of the shell casing, there you will see the product key on the yellow sticker.

Q: I lost my product key. How do I find it?

A: Your Windows product key is usually available on your Certificate of Authenticity sticker located on the chassis your machine if your system came preloaded with Vista, usually at the bottom of a laptop. If your key has some how become lost or stolen, try RJL’s software Windows Product Key Viewer for product key recovery, supports both Windows Vista x86 and x64:

http://www.rjlsoftware.com/software/utility/winproductkey/download.shtml

Q: My product key doesn't work. Why?

A: Make sure the key has been typed in properly, no spaces or hyphens between letters. You could try quitting setup and re-launch it again then try entering the key and see if it is accepted. Make sure you are using the right key for Edition of Vista you are installing. If the problem persist, it’s best you call Microsoft about the problem.

Q: Can I uninstall Windows Vista and return back to Windows XP?

A: No, if you need to use XP, you will have to reinstall it. If you are uncertain about upgrading to Windows Vista, it’s always best to do a dual boot installation by installing Vista on a logical partition or another hard disk.

Q: Does Vista support installation on external/USB based hard disk?

A: No.

NOTE: For persons with SATA/RAID configurations, please ensure you have appropriate drivers for either x86 or x64 platform to load when requested during setup. Also remove any unnecessary external devices that might cause problems detecting during setup, this includes external drives and USB based devices.

Q: Can I do a clean upgrade by booting from the Upgrade version of Windows Vista?

A: See: How do I do a clean installation with the Windows Vista Upgrade media? Regardless what many may think, Vista’s install process is actually a clean installation whether you choose to upgrade or not, which only retains your applications and settings, no residue from the prior installed operating system is carried over during the upgrade. You might encounter issues with application and device driver compatibility, but would be just the same if you did a regular clean install and tried to install those applications and devices on Vista.

Q: Can I install/dual boot Windows Vista on an Intel Mac?

A: Yes you can, to do so you need to use Apples Boot Camp software which has to be installed on OS X which is then used to create an NTFS or FAT32 partition (still in BETA, Boot Camp will be finalized with the release of Apples next version of Mac OS X, 10.5 codenamed Leopard).

More information here: http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/

Note: A group of MVP’s have discovered that dual booting XP and Windows Vista can cause harmful effects to your XP installation because of the “volsnap.sys” file which handles System Restore Points. Every time you restore your system to an earlier point in Vista, this can destroy data on the XP partition. It is recommended you hide the Windows XP partition first before doing the restore using Vista’s Disk Management MMC snap-in available in Computer Management (Administrative Tools):

Q: Can I install Windows Vista in a Virtual environment and which software do you recommend?

A: I recommend using VM Ware Workstation 5.5 or later, Virtual PC 2007 or Virtual Server 2005 R2. The more RAM you assign to the Virtual Machine, the better the experience, I recommend a minimum of 512 MB’s or more for faster install times and the best experience.

You can download the VM Ware trial here: http://www.vmware.com/download/ws/eval.html
Virtual Server 2005 R2: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/virtualserver/software/default.mspx

Q: How long does Windows Vista take to install?

A: Installation time can vary depending on the amount of memory (RAM) you have in your system and the processor speed. I have experienced install times of 39 to 40 mins (clean) for both Vista x86 and x64 respectively. Most hardware purchased within the last 2 years should install Windows within 20 to 30 mins.

To learn more, check out the Windows Vista Team Blogs Windows Imaging Installation and Performance results here

Q: What happens during setup?

A: Windows copies files to the disk, expands them, and restarts a couple times, install features, installs updates and Completes setup. During the install routine there can be signs of delay but usually it’s just a minor delay and setup will continue just fine. If setup does become non-responsive, you can do a cold boot, start the machine again and boot Vista setup into safe mode to see if Vista will finish setup.

Tip: (If setup becomes non-responsive or does not complete), do a Cold Boot (reset the machine) > Start the computer, when the Windows Boot Manager is displayed, select Windows Setup press F8 on your keyboard and setup should continue.

Note: Windows Vista x64 requires that you have an Intel EM64T or AMD64 capable processor. CPU-Z is a great utility you can use to find out if your processor is 64-bit capable: http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

Q: What if setup still fails?

A: If you are upgrading/clean install, as noted, disable any external or USB based devices you might have attached to the computer. Also, disable any Security software before launching setup and ensure that you meet the minimum system requirements for Windows Vista.

Turn Off Serial Key Devices: Windows Vista does not support Serial Key devices. If you are upgrading and you currently use Serial Keys with an alternative input device, you must turn off Serial Keys and install another input option before the upgrade. To turn off Serial Keys in Windows XP, open Accessibility Options in Control Panel. For more information, go to the Microsoft Accessibility website (http://www.microsoft.com/enable).

Check out ActiveWin’s Upgrade from Windows XP to Vista visual tutorial here.

Q: What happens after Windows Vista is installed?

A: After setup completes, you are then taken to the Out of Box Experience page (OOBE). The first page configures your Local and keyboard, User account information, after which you can select a profile picture, wallpaper (if you please) and your network location. Windows Vista then checks your computers performance and you are ready to start using Windows. One of the nice things about the Out of Box Experience is after entering all that information, you don’t need to restart Vista, and you are immediately taken to the Welcome screen right so you can start using the OS right away.

Q: How do I activate Windows Vista?

A: Click Start > right click Computer > click "Properties" > scroll down > under Windows Activation click the link "x day(s) until automatic activation. Activate Windows now"? You have a 30 day grace period to activate the software, if you refuse to activate during the 30 day grace period, the software will go into Reduced Functionality Mode and require that you activate the software before continued use.

Q: Windows Vista refuses to activate:

A: This could be a result of a time out session on the Server, you are not connected to the Internet, or you are working in offline mode. If you still experience problems activating, I recommend you try again later, you have a grace period of 30 days, so immediate activation of the software is not mandatory or necessary, just make sure it is done within the grace period or the software will go into reduced functional mode and require activation before continued use. Alternatively you can choose to activate by telephone by choosing the Automated phone system option on the Activation wizard.

Q: Where is the Administrator account and how do I log into it?

A: By default, the Administrator account in Windows Vista does not require a password, its blank. The Administrator is only accessible through Safe Mode also. You can enable the Administrator account after installation if you did an upgrade from Windows XP. Click Start > right click Computer > click Manage > expand Local Users and Groups > select Users > right click the Administrator account > click Set Password. After which, you can try logging in.

Q: where is the Drop Down menu bar?

A: The Menu bar has been replaced by the command bar in the Windows Vista Explorer Shell. You can access it by holding down the Alt key on your keyboard, if you want to turn it on permanently, click Organize > Folder and Search Options > View (tab) > under Advanced Settings check the “Always show menus” box > click OK.

Q: I do not like the new Windows Vista hierarchical Start menu; can I get back the cascading menus?

A:No, but you can turn on Classic Start menu which will reveal the cascading menus, of course, you will lose the Search box and two pane Start Panel first introduced in Windows XP.

Q: Some of my devices and applications are not working, what should I do?

A: If your internet connection is working in Windows Vista, I suggest you try obtaining the drivers through Windows Update. Click Start > All Programs > Windows Update > Turn on Windows Update. A list of available updates will then be downloaded, you will have the option to view them, do so and check off the appropriate drivers or software patches you need and click Install. You can also check the manufacturer’s website for patches, updated drivers or to simply find out about Vista support for the particular product.

For software, if you are running Windows Vista x64, certain types of applications will not work; these include Win16 applications and Win32 applications that use Win16 installers. You can also try running the application in Compatibility mode to see if it will work (full 32-bit application applications supported). Right click the programs executable > click Properties > “Compatibility” tab > under “Compatibility Mode” check the Run this application in compatibility mode for: box > click in the list box and choose a suitable version of Windows.

Certain applications might encounter problems with the new User Account Control security component in Vista because the application was designed to run with Administrative privileges. You can try a work around by, right clicking the applications executable and click “Run as Administrator” on the context menu.

Q: I cannot get Windows Updates, I receive the following error message “Windows could not search for new updates with an error of 80245003 or a similar error message”.

A: Rename the SoftwareDistribution folder. (Because of possible folder corruption or other errors.)
Click Start, Choose Run.
In the Run box, type services.msc.
Click OK.
Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
Click Stop.
Stopping the service will take a moment.

Rename the “SoftwareDistribution” folder:
a. Click Start, click Run, type %systemroot%, and then click OK.
b. Right-click the SoftwareDistribution folder, and then click Rename.
c. Type SoftwareDistribution.old, and then press ENTER to rename this folder.
Create a new folder called "SoftwareDistribution"
Click Start. Choose Run.
In the Run box, type services.msc.
Click OK.
Right-click the Automatic Updates service.
Click Start.
Starting the service will take a moment.
Rerun Windows Update.

Q: Where do I turn on/off additional Windows Features and Settings?

A: Click Start > type “Programs and Features” hit Enter > under Tasks > click the Turn Windows features on or off link.

Q: Where is the Run Command on the Start Panel?

A: The Run command by default is not displayed on the Start Panel, you can use the Windows key + R command to display it on screen, or click Start > type “Run” hit Enter or Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Run. If you want it to appear on the Start panel permanently > click Start > type “Taskbar and Start menu” > Start Menu (tab) > Customize > Advanced (tab) > under Start menu items: > check the Run command box > click > OK > OK.

Q: The Windows Sidebar does not start automatically with Windows.

A: Click Start > type “Windows Sidebar Properties” > check “Start Windows Sidebar when Windows Starts” > click OK.

Q: How do I add and remove Gadgets on the Windows Sidebar?

A: Click the plus sign at the top of the Sidebar, a Gallery will then appear with a collection of installed Gadgets. Select a desired Gadget, right click it and click Add or select the Gadget and drag onto the Sidebar frame and release. You can acquire more Gadgets by going to http://gadgets.microsoft.com

Q: I am unable to connect to Windows Vista using Remote Desktop on Windows XP.

A: Ensure that you enable the option to connect from any version of Remote Desktop. Click Start > type System > select and click it > click the Remote Settings link under Tasks > under Remote Desktop, select the Allow connections from computers running any version of Remote Desktop (less secure) radio box > click OK.

Q: I need Antivirus software, are there any out there for Windows Vista?

A: You are in luck, here are few recommended choices:

Computer Associates eTrust
http://www.my-etrust.com/Microsoft/vista/default.aspx
NOD32 from ESET for Windows Vista x86 and x64
Licensed users of NOD32 may download their software. If you have not purchased NOD32 you may purchase it, download a free 30-day trial, or contact an ESET representative for assistance. A valid username and password is required in order to download the software.
Windows Vista 32 & 64 Bit -
http://www.eset.com/download/balance.php?dir=/download/win/v2st/ndntenst.exe
Windows Vista 32 & 64 Bit (LAN Update Server) -
http://www.eset.com/download/balance.php?dir=/download/win/v2ad/ndntenad.exe
AVAST! 4.7.892 Home Edition for Vista x86 and x64
Avast! 4 Home Edition is a full-featured antivirus package designed exclusively for home users and non-commercial use. Both of these conditions should be met! Our company offers the Home Edition free of charge, since, in our opinion, it is possible to avoid global virus spreading by efficient prevention; however, many users are not able to or do not want to pay for antivirus software. This page will show you the most important features of this program. Registration required http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
AVG for Windows Vista
http://www3.grisoft.com/doc/products-avg-anti-virus/lng/us/tpl/tpl01
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/avg-anti-virus-free/lng/us/tpl/v5
Microsoft Windows Live OneCare 1.5 works on x86 versions of Windows Vista ONLY
http://ideas.live.com/programpage.aspx?versionId=b2456790-90e6-4d28-9219-5d7207d94d45
McAfee VirusScan Enterprise-8.5i
http://www.mcafee.com/us/enterprise/products/anti_virus/file_servers_desktops/virusscan_enterprise_80i.html
Kaspersky Antivirus 6.0 Free Trial
Download here
Kaspersky Internet Security 6.0 Free Trial
Download here
Norton Antivirus 2007
http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/products/overview.jsp?pcid=is&pvid=nav2007
Download here
Norton 360
http://www.symantec.com/norton360/
Trend Micro PC Cillin Internet Security for Vista x86 and x64
Download here

If something goes wrong in Windows Vista, you can always try using a restore point to fix the problem:

Click Start > right click Computer > click Properties > click Advanced System Settings under Task > click System Protection > click System Restore and follow the instructions for restoring your PC to an earlier point.

Q: I don't get the new Windows Vista AERO Glass user interface, why?

A: Windows AERO Glass requires that you have a minimum of 64 MBs video RAM that is Direct X 9 compliant and supports the Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM). If your video card does not meet these requirements, it’s the likely cause why you are not seeing it. For onboard/integrated cards, you need to have 1 GB of dual channel memory installed with 512 MBs of RAM allocated to the system. The amount of Video RAM also determines the resolution size your Display can use.

Q: My video card supports Windows AERO Glass but it’s not available and I cannot turn it on, are there any workarounds?

A: Again, this might be result of your video card not being Direct X 9 compatible or the system RAM is not enough to run it. Microsoft it seems has recently implemented an artificial system requirement for systems with 512 MB or less with slower cards. For instance, one of my systems running Vista has a 128 MB AGP video card with 512 MBs of RAM but I only get the AERO Basic experience. Fortunately I am able to work around this to get the Glass effects but, I only get Glass in my Standard Administrator account.

Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > right click the Run command > click
type REGEDIT
Ensure that you have the following registry value set to:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\DWM\Composition set to 1 (32-bit DWORD) HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\DWM\CompositionPolicy set to 2 (32-bit DWORD)

2/ Restart DWM by opening a command prompt with administrative privileges

- Type 'net stop uxsms'
- Then 'net start uxsms'

If none of the above work, you might need to refresh your Windows Experience Index (WEI) rating.

1. Click Start

2. In the search box, type Performance Information and Tools, hit enter

3. Click the Update my score link

4. Click Continue on the User Account Control dialog

Q: How do I change the theme in Windows Vista to Windows Classic?

A: Right click your Desktop > click Personalize > click Theme > click in the Theme list box, select Windows Classic.

Q: Where are the Windows XP Luna (Blue, Olive and Silver) themes?

A: These have been removed; the only available themes are Windows Classic, Standard, Windows Aero Basic and Windows Aero.

Right click your Desktop > click Personalize > Windows Colors > “Open classic appearance properties” to apply a theme.

Q: How can I edit and set the default operating system that starts up when I boot up my PC in an easy way?

A: EasyBCD by NeoSmart Technologies would be your answer, it provides a graphical front end to the BCDEdit Command line that makes it easy for you to define start-up settings and edit boot entries on the new Windows Longhorn Server/Vista boot manager. http://neosmart.net/dl.php?id=1

Q: How can I know if my PC is Vista ready or needs upgrading?

A: The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor is a diagnostics tool that checks your PC’s hardware, software settings and gives you recommendations you might need to do before deploying Vista.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeadvisor/default.mspx

Q: Is it recommended I use Windows Vista in a production environment?

A: You sure can, Microsoft has designated Vista as final and ready for PC consumption. Of course not all persons or businesses will immediately install or upgrade to Vista. Some will take the wait and see approach before biting the bullet. Some cases might either require more testing or simply compatibility issues that will prevent them from upgrading right away.

Q: I am running a pre-release test version of Windows Vista, can I upgrade to the final version?

A: You can upgrade your installation of Windows Vista Beta 2, RC1 or RC2 to the final, commercially available version of Windows Vista. You will need to acquire the final version and launch the installation from within Windows XP. Beta versions of Windows Vista are Time-limited software and are not supported by Microsoft after they are finalized.

Windows Vista Beta 2, RC1 and RC2 are time-limited, pre-release software that will expire on May 31^st 2007 or June 1, 2007.

Q: What is the XPS Print Path (formerly called the Metro print path)?

A: The XML Paper Specification (XPS) print path (formerly called the Metro print path) is the print path in Microsoft Windows Vista. It provides support for both the new XML Paper Specification Document Format and the Windows Presentation Foundation graphics engine. While the XPS print path is a new technology designed for Windows Vista, Microsoft is planning on providing XPS print path support for previous version of Windows also. More Information

Q: Does Windows Vista offer any improvements in security over the current iteration of the Windows operating system?

A: Yes. One major improvement Microsoft is making the Windows operating system with Vista is the introduction of User Account Control (UAC, formerly called Least-privileged User Account or LUA). This change in the Windows privilege model is to help prevent users from running programs that attempt to perform operations that the user doesn't really intend or authorize. To that end, UAC enables users to run at low privilege most of the time, while being able to easily run applications requiring more privilege as necessary.

Microsoft has also upgraded the Security Configuration Wizard to allow developers of third party software greater flexibility in application development and deployment. Plus, Windows Vista includes the Network Access Protection Framework, which enables system administrators to define and enforce policies that require network clients to establish their trustworthiness and compatibility with the network before being given a specified access.

Q: What technologies does Windows Vista provide to improve application reliability?

A: Microsoft has shipped a new set of application programming interfaces (APIs) with Windows Vista to increase developers' ability to write reliable, error free applications, and, when something goes wrong, to recover from those errors gracefully and without data-loss. Specifically some of these and related technologies are called: Windows Vista Restart Manager, I/O cancellation support in Windows Vista, Windows Feedback Platform.

Q: Deploying the current iteration of Windows in an enterprise environment can be a hassle. Has Microsoft provided any new technologies which may help with this problem?"

A: Windows Vista reduces the complexity, time, and cost of desktop deployment. The following are the two most significant improvements:

Modularization. Windows Vista is built with inter-dependent modules, which makes it easier to customize Windows Vista (to a certain degree) to your needs. Modularization also simplifies adding device drivers, testing and installing updates, and adding languages.
Windows Imaging Format (WIM). WIM, a file-based imaging format, enables a single image to be deployed to different types of computer hardware with different language requirements. Maintaining WIM images is easy, because you can add and remove drivers, updates, and Windows components offline, without ever booting the operating system image.

Q: I have 4 GBs of RAM in my system, and I’m running a 32-bit version of Windows Vista, but I don’t see 4 GB of RAM in the System Information Explorer, why?

A: The system memory that is reported in the System Information dialog box in Windows Vista is less than you expect if 4 GB of RAM is installed:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929605/en-us

Understanding Address Spaces and the 4GB Limit - [H]ard|Forum: http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1035670

Q: In Explorer I cannot select more than one file or folder at a time, not using the mouse drag options, nor using the control or shift keys, how can I fix this?

A: According to Keith Miller [MVP] it’s an issue affecting some users, the only available work around is a script written by Keith that helps MOST people with the multi-select problem.

It will remove single-select from saved folder views & saved defaults.

Right-click the link below & select 'Save Target As..."

http://mysite.verizon.net/res18hr7/FixSingleSelect.zip

Then extract the contents of the .zip file & run the script.

Q: How do I access the “Send To” and “Start up” folders in Windows Vista?

A:
Send To – Open the Run Command (Win + R) type shell:sendto hit enter

Startup – Open the Run Command (Win + R) type sheel:startup hit enter

"C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup"

"C:\Users\\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start

Menu\Programs\Startup"

Registry keys are:

"HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run"

"HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce"

"HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run"

"HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce"

Q: What was different about the Windows Vista beta program?

A: The general Windows Vista beta is currently over. Microsoft is delivering a different type of beta program with Windows Vista. The program is largely public (although a smaller group of technical testers are still being employed). The program began in late October, 2003, when Microsoft released an alpha version of the OS to developers at its Professional Developers Conference (PDC) to gauge their reaction to the direction in which Microsoft is headed. The more formal beta program, however, began in July of 2005 with the official release of Windows Vista Beta 1. Since then, Microsoft has begun a series of 'Community Technology Preview' (CTP) releases of Windows Vista. These releases are intended to involve developers, customers, and partners more tightly in the development process.

Q: What is WinFX?

A: WinFX is a collection of new technologies which make up Microsoft's next-generation of managed APIs. WinFX consists of the following four main components: the .NET Framework 2.0, the Microsoft Windows Communication Foundation (formerly known as 'Indigo'), the Microsoft Windows Presentation Foundation (formerly known as 'Avalon'), and the Microsoft Windows Workflow Foundation (formerly known as 'WinOE'). http://www.netfx3.com/ (WinFX is now the .NET Framework 3.0)

Q: Where can I find information concerning the windows Communication foundation and the windows presentation foundation for developers?

A: Microsoft provides a great deal of information on both of these technologies at the Windows Vista Developer Center.

Q: What new experiences does Windows Vista offer for developers?

A: A few features Windows Vista offers for developers include faster and simpler application development by giving Windows a unified object model and API set engineered from the ground up with managed code. Separation of application user interface from backed logic through the use of XML Application Markup Language (XAML) should allow for rapid prototyping, easier internationalization, and dynamic UI. WinFS will allow developers to extend the metadata properties of existing item types, as well as define their own types so that their custom formats can take advantage of WinFS (available as an update to Windows Vista following it's retail availability). Transactional NTFS brings full Atomic Consistent Isolated Durable (ACID) transactional support to NTFS. Though WinFX provides a secure, fully managed API that is the primary means of application development on Windows Vista, the Win32 subsystem sits alongside the primary API for legacy compatibility and unmanaged development. New driver models for audio and video devices provide glitch-free performance, and increased stability. ClickOnce significantly speeds application deployment. The Windows Communication Foundation unifies the IPv4 and IPv6 stacks, and eases Smart Client application development, collaboration scenarios, and interoperability via web services.

Q: Window Vista's graphical user interface (GUI) is nice, but will Microsoft improve the command line interface?

A: A more powerful Windows requires a more powerful command line interface. Microsoft delivers upon this requirement with the introduction of Windows PowerShell (codenamed "Monad" and formerly known as the Microsoft Shell [MSH] and the Windows Command Shell). Windows PowerShell combines the power of Windows scripting technologies such as those based on the Windows Scripting Host (WSH) with the simplicity of the Windows Command Prompt (CMD). In addition, the best parts of syntax-standardized Unix shells is combined with .NET objects and extensibility to create a powerful, system-wide automation solution that can be easily enhanced by independent software vendors (ISVs), administrators, and end-users. Unix users are pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of Unix aliases for PowerShell equivalent commands, and DOS/CMD aficionados find familiar territory by utilizing the included DOS/CMD aliases. Of course, users are also free to use the native commands and/or create their own aliases. Windows PowerShell was the first out-of-band operating system component released for Windows Vista, and uses Vista's new Component Based Servicing (CBS) technology for installation and maintenance. Windows PowerShell is an integrated component of Windows Server "Longhorn" and Exchange Server 2007, and is also distributed for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.

Q: Are some Vista technologies available for previous Windows platforms?

A: Yes. The NET Framework 3.0 (http://netfx3.com) and Windows PowerShell (http://www.microsoft.com/powershell) are available as updates to previous versions of Windows.

Q: What happened to "Blackcomb"?

A: The Blackcomb version of Windows was originally scheduled to be released directly after the "Whistler" – now Windows XP – version. It was later announced that an interim version would be released, called Windows Vista. Over time, Windows Vista also became a major release, taking on many of the features of Blackcomb. The current rumored name for the next version of Windows is simply "Seven".The Server team is planning for major releases every four years, with a major update two years later. A Longhorn Server R2 is scheduled to be released two years after Longhorn Server is released, making the update scheduled for 2009 with Windows Seven Server scheduled for 2011

Q: Where is Microsoft in Windows Vista development?

A: Windows Vista has RTM'd and is now available to the general public. Service Pack 1 is now in development.

Q: I am a hardware manufacturer or a software developer. Where can I find out how to make "Made for Windows Vista" products?

A: You are referring to the Microsoft Windows Vista Logo Partner Program, which allows you to put the Vista logo on your products. Information can be found here.

Q: What about "Windows Vista Ready" PCs?

A: Well, that is the Windows Vista Ready PC program, which can be found here. PCs that meet or exceed the Windows Vista
Premium Ready logo requirements provide the best experience. For more
info, check http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/capable.msx

Experience the latest in innovative hardware for Windows Vista at the
Windows Marketplace
http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/content.aspx?ctId=392&tabid=3

Q: Where can I find the Windows Vista presentations and content (white papers,etc) given at WinHEC 2005? WINHEC 2006?

A: Presentations and Content

Q: Where can I see more visual information about Windows Vista? Are there videos?

A: Yes, http://www.seewindowsvista.com/

Q: What is the WCS (Windows Color System)?

A: The Windows Color System (WCS) is the client version of Microsoft Windows "Windows Vista," with a completely reengineered color processing infrastructure and developer platform, based on state-of-the-art color science. WCS is a solid first step toward the goal of transparent, consistent, and reliable color matching across different software applications, imaging devices, imaging media, and viewing conditions. WCS introduces an innovative, forward-looking, technically superior color management solution, which showcases only the first stage of a long-term sustained effort. More Information

Q: Will Windows Vista offer any improvements in security over the current iteration of the Windows operating system?

A: Yes. One major improvement Microsoft is making the Windows operating system with Vista is the introduction of User Account Control. This change in the Windows privilege model is to help prevent users from running programs that attempt to perform operations that the user doesn't really intend or authorize. To that end, UAC enables users to run at low privilege most of the time, while being able to easily run applications requiring more privilege as necessary.

Microsoft is also upgrading the Security Configuration Wizard to allow developers of third party software greater flexibility in application development and deployment. Plus, Windows Vista will include the Network Access Protection Framework, which enables system administrators to define and enforce policies that require network clients to establish their trustworthiness and compatibility with the network before being given a specified access.

Q: My applications always seem to crash under Windows XP, will Windows Vista fix this problem?

A: Microsoft will be shipping a new set of application programming interfaces (APIs) with Windows Vista to increase developers' ability to write reliable, error free applications, and, when something goes wrong, to recover from those errors gracefully and without data-loss. Specifically some of these and related technologies are called: Windows Vista Restart Manager, I/O cancellation support in Windows Vista, Windows Feedback Platform.

Q: Deploying the current iteration of Windows in an enterprise environment can be a hassle. Has Microsoft provided any new technologies which may help with this problem?

A: Windows Vista reduces the complexity, time, and cost of desktop deployment. The following are the two most significant improvements:

Modularization. Windows Vista is built with inter-dependent modules, which makes it easier to customize Windows Vista (to a certain degree) to your needs. Modularization also simplifies adding device drivers, testing and installing updates, and adding languages.
Windows Imaging Format (WIM). WIM, a file-based imaging format, enables a single image to be deployed to different types of computer hardware with different language requirements. Maintaining WIM images is easy, because you can add and remove drivers, updates, and Windows components offline, without ever booting the operating system image.

Q: With .NET Framework 3.0 available on Windows XP and Server 2003, what does Windows Vista have to offer beyond these downlevel platforms?

A: The primary components of .NET Framework 3.0 made available on Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 are the Windows Presentation Foundation API (Avalon) and the Windows Communication Foundation API (Indigo). The Windows Communication Foundation's downlevel availability is not a new issue as this was part of the original roadmap. Based on customer desire for wider platform compatibility, the Windows Presentation Foundation will now be available downlevel as well, however, the existence of this API on Windows XP and Server 2003 does not mean that the Aero user experience will also be available on these downlevel systems. The full Aero experience still requires driver model and other kernel-level enhancements only available in Windows Vista. Glitch-resilient audio/video/animation improvements, universal audio architecture, plug and play enhancements, transactional NTFS, and many other features and improvements remain Windows Vista-only.

Windows XP Tech Help Website's

2008-08-16T05:27:00.000-07:00

How to successfully burn or write an ISO-image to CD , DVD , HD DVD , Blu-Ray

Safe XP: software to allow users to quickly tweak various security and privacy related settings in XP.

Stardock - Your Edge In Software

TweakUI 1.33 (installation instructions)

Unlocker

Windows Defender home Windows Live Safety Center

WinSock XP Fix - fix XP internet connectivity download, reviewed and rated from Spychecker.com

Windows XP Product Key Modifier: automates changing WinXP product key.

CleanCache

DirectUpdate

Drive Snapshot

GParted

Lexun Freeware\Tips & Tweaks

Microangelo: The Grand Daddy of Icon Software

Microsoft PowerToys for Windows XP

ActiveWin.com Microsoft Windows XP Section

Annoyances - re: Question about 'Customize Your Keyboard Mapping' (Windows XP Discussion Forum)

AXCEL216's Windows XP ©Tweaks + Secrets

Beginners Guides 99 Performance Tips for WindowsXP - PCStats.com

Belchfire.net XP Themes Community, Windows XP Themes, XP Wallpaper, Boot Screens, Logon Screens and Icons

BlackStump Guides Page

Black Viper's Web Site

Calendar Of Updates Forums Calendar

Complete collection of Windows XP Windows XP tips, Windows XP tweaks and XP links

Elder Geek on Windows XP

How to Add Items to the "Send To" Menu in Windows XP

How to backup the Windows XP Registry?

How To: Edit the Boot.ini File in Windows XP

How to obtain Windows XP Setup boot disks - Microsoft Website

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install

How to successfully burn or write an ISO-image to cd or dvd

JSI, INC. - Your Windows Server 2003 / Windows NT / Windows 2000 / Windows XP Resource.

Kelly's Korner - Windows XP Support Center

Knowledge Base Links - WINDOWS XP & 2000

LabMice.net: The Windows 2000\2003\XP Resource Center for IT Professionals

Machine Information Consulting Alliance

Microsoft Help and Support

Microsoft: Vista upgrades for everybody! APC Magazine

Microsoft Windows XP superguide - CNET reviews

Optimize XP

Optimizing Windows XP PC: installing, optimizing and imaging your computer. All the information you need to install, optimize and create a system image of your Windows XP PC.

Order Windows XP Service Pack 2 on CD

Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows: Upgrading to Windows XP from Windows 9x/Me

PC setup cheat sheet: Tips and advice to get you started with your new PC

Services Guide for Windows XP

Tech Support Alert's best tech support sites on the Web

Those Computer Geeks Notes - Title Index

The XP Tweaking Guide Windows XP Tweaks Guide The ONLY site that delivers you FREE step-by-step XP Tweak guides and videos created specifically for dummies!

Tips and Tricks - All Windows

TrueCrypt - Free Open-Source On-The-Fly Disk Encryption Software for Windows Vista/XP/2000 and Linux - Downloads

TweakHound

TweakHound - Windows XP

TweakXP.com - Beginner's Maintenance Chklist, XP Home

TweakXP.com - Hardware Tweaks & Tips

TweakXP.com - Hundreds of Tweaks, Tips, Visual Styles, and Software for microsoft Windows XP

TweakXP.com - Internet Tweaks & Tips

TweakXP.com - Performance Tweaks & Tips

TweakXP.com - Software Tweaks & Tips

TweakXP.com - Security Tweaks & Tips

TweakXP.com - Usability & Tips

TweakXP.com Userinterface Tweaks & Tips

TweakXP.com Windows XP Top Sites!

Windows XP How-to Articles

WinCustomize: Windows XP Themes, XP Skins, XP Visual Styles, Icons & Wallpapers for your ultimate desktop experience!

WindowsReinstall.com - Install, Reinstall, Upgrade, Repair Windows XP, 98, ME, NT, 2000, 2003, 3.1 and MSDOS

Windows Xp Fix Zone Home(wixpfix.com) Windows xp news, Tips, Free software downloads! Windows xp Fix Zone Home Page

Windows Registry Guide - Registry tweaks and fixes for Windows systems

Windows Resources

WinXPcentral - Windows XP

Windows XP Backup Made Easy

Windows Xp Fix Zone Home(wixpfix.com) Windows xp news, Tips, Free software downloads! Windows xp Fix Zone Home Page

Windows XP Support Center

Windows XP Super Guide

Windows XP Tips - Windows XP Tips and Tricks

Windows XP Section - Pro Features

2008-08-16T05:25:00.000-07:00

Reliable

Built on the new Windows engine -Windows XP Professional is built on the proven code base of Windows NT® and Windows 2000, which features a 32-bit computing architecture and a fully protected memory model.
Enhanced device driver verifier - Building on the device driver verifier found in Windows 2000, the Windows XP Professional will provide even greater stress tests for device drivers.
Dramatically reduced reboot scenarios - Eliminates most scenarios that force end users to reboot in Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 95/98/Me. Also, many software installations will not require reboots.
Improved code protection - Improved Critical kernel data structures are read-only, so that drivers and applications cannot corrupt them. All device driver code is read-only and page protected.
Side-by-side DLL support - Provides a mechanism for multiple versions of individual Windows components to be installed and run "side by side."
Windows File Protection - Protects core system files from being overwritten by application installations. If a file is overwritten, Windows File Protection will restore the correct version.
Windows Installer - A system service that helps users install, configure, track, upgrade, and remove software programs correctly.
Enhanced software restriction policies - Provide administrators a policy-driven mechanism to identify software running in their environment and control its ability to execute. This facility can be used in virus and Trojan horse prevention and software lockdown.
Preemptive multitasking architecture - Designed to allow multiple applications to run simultaneously, while ensuring great system response and stability.
Scalable memory and processor support - Supports up to 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM and up to two symmetric multiprocessors.
Encrypting File System (EFS) with multi-user support - Encrypts each file with a randomly generated key. The encryption and decryption processes are transparent to the user. In Windows XP Professional, EFS can provide multiple users access to an encrypted document.
IP Security (IPSec) - Helps protect data transmitted across a network. IPSec is an important part of providing security for virtual private networks (VPNs), which allow organizations to transmit data securely over the Internet.
Kerberos support - Provides industry-standard and high-strength authentication with fast, single logon to Windows 2000—based enterprise resources. Kerberos is an Internet standard, which makes it especially effective for networks that include different operating systems such as UNIX.
Smart card support - Smart card capabilities are integrated into the operating system, including support for smart card logon to terminal server sessions hosted on Windows .NET Server—based (the next-generation server platform) terminal servers.

Easy to Use

Fresh visual design - While maintaining the core of Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional has a fresh visual design. Common tasks have been consolidated and simplified, and new visual cues have been added to help users navigate their computers more easily. Administrators or end users can choose this updated user interface or the classic Windows 2000 interface with the click of a button.
Adaptive user environment - Adapts to the way an individual user works. With a redesigned Start menu, the most frequently used applications are shown first. When you open multiple files in the same application, (such as multiple e-mail messages in the Microsoft Outlook® messaging and collaboration client) the open windows will be consolidated under a single task bar button. To remove some of the clutter from the notification area, items that are not being used will be hidden. All of these features can be set using Group Policy.
Work with rich media - Windows Media™ Player for Windows XP is the first player to combine all of your common digital media activities into a single, easy-to-use player. The player makes it easy for you to:
View rich media information, for example, virtual company meetings or "just-in-time" learning
Receive the best-possible audio and video quality, because the player adapts to network conditions
Tune in to nearly 3,000 Internet radio stations
Create custom CDs up to 700 percent faster than other solutions
View DVD movies
Context-sensitive task menus - When a file is selected in Windows Explorer, a dynamic menu appears. This menu lists tasks that are appropriate for the type of file selected.
Integrated CD burning - Support for burning CDs on CD-R and CD-RW drives is integrated into Windows Explorer.
Easily publish information to the Web - Files and folders can be easily published to any Web service that uses the WebDAV protocol.
Dualview - A single computer desktop can be displayed on two monitors driven off of a single display adapter. With a laptop computer, a user could run the internal LCD display as well as an external monitor. A variety of high-end display adapters will support this functionality for desktops.
Troubleshooters - Helps users and administrators configure, optimize, and troubleshoot numerous Windows XP Professional functions.

Revolutionizes the Way Remote Users Work

Remote Desktop - Allows users to create a virtual session onto their desktop computers using the Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
Credential Manager - A secured store for password information. It allows users to input user names and passwords once, and then have the system automatically supply that information for subsequent visits.
Offline Files and Folders - A user can specify which network-based files and folders she needs when she disconnects from the network. Offline folders can now be encrypted to provide the highest level of security.
ClearType - A new text display technology that triples the horizontal resolution available for rendering text through software.
Offline viewing - Makes entire Web pages with graphics available for viewing offline.
Synchronization Manager - Lets users compare and update their offline files and folders with those on the network.
Improved power management - By intelligently monitoring CPU state, Windows XP Professional can reduce the amount of power it is using. The operating system will provide more accurate data on the amount of power left; this will prevent the system from shutting down prematurely. Also, by allowing for the system to wake up as the battery nears a drained state, the computer can be put into hibernation, and save work in progress. Power management can now be set for each computer, or each user on a computer.
Hibernate - After a set period of time, or on demand, Windows XP Professional will save memory to disk, and shut the power down. When power is restored, all the applications are reopened exactly as they were left.
Hot docking - Lets you dock or undock your notebook computer without changing hardware configuration or rebooting.
Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) - Provides the latest in power management and Plug and Play support.
Wireless networking support - Provides secured access, as well as performance improvements, for wireless networks.
Network Location Awareness - Provides an underlying service that allows the operating system and applications to determine when a machine has changed network locations.
Easier remote access configuration wizards - Guide users through the steps for setting up remote access to a network or virtual private network (VPN).
Improved Help and Support Services - The Help and Support Center combines features users are familiar with from previous versions of Windows (such as Search, Index, and Favorites) with content from the World Wide Web to give users more chances to get the help they need when they need it. If the content in the Help and Support Center doesn't answer their question, it can be used to contact a friend, a support community, or a professional to get assistance. Tools such as My Computer Information and System Restore are also available to diagnose and fix common problems.
Remote Assistance - Remote Assistance enables a user to share control of his or her computer with someone on a network or the Internet. An administrator or friend can view the user's screen, and control the pointer and keyboard to help solve a technical problem. IT departments can build custom solutions, on top of published APIs using HTML, to tailor Remote Assistance to their needs, and the feature can be centrally enabled or disabled.
System Restore - The System Restore feature enables users and administrators to restore a computer to a previous state without losing data. System Restore automatically creates easily identifiable restore points, which allow you to restore the system to a previous time.
Recovery Console - Provides a command-line console for administrators to start and stop services, format drives, read and write data on a local drive, and perform many other administrative tasks.
Device Driver Rollback - When certain classes of new device drivers are installed, Windows XP Professional will maintain a copy of the previously installed driver, which can be reinstalled if problems occur.
Windows Messenger - The easy way to communicate with your customers, partners, friends, and family in real time. Will keep you updated with your contacts' online status. Choose text, voice, or video and experience the best online voice and video quality. Collaborate with contacts, transfer files, and share applications and whiteboard drawings.
Internet Connection Firewall - A firewall client that can protect small businesses from common Internet attacks.
Network Setup Wizard - Makes it easy for a small business owner to set up and manage a network. The wizard walks through key steps, such as sharing files and printers, sharing the Internet connection, and configuring the Internet Connection Firewall.
Network Bridge - Simplifies the setup and configuration of small networks that use mixed network connections (such as Cat-5 Ethernet and wireless) by linking the different types of networks together.
Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) - Connects a small office network to the Internet, using a dial-up or broadband connection. Windows XP Professional can provide network address translation, addressing, and name resolution services for all computers on a small business network to share a single connection.
Peer-to-peer networking support - Enables Windows XP Professional to interoperate with earlier versions of Windows on a peer-to-peer level, allowing the sharing of all resources, such as folders, printers, and peripherals.

Advanced Management, Deployment, and Support Tools to Make Your Job Easier

Application compatibility - We've provided fixes to hundreds of applications that didn’t run on Windows 2000 Professional to run on Windows XP Professional. As new application fixes are published, we will make them available via the Windows Update service.
In addition to the application fixes, Windows XP Professional has a mechanism that allows the user or IT administrator to specify if an application needs to run in either Windows NT 4.0 or Windows 95/98 or Windows Me compatibility mode. In this mode, Windows XP Professional system DLLs provide appropriate responses to the running application, allowing it to execute appropriately without a noticeable loss of performance.
User State Migration Tool - Helps administrators to migrate a user's data and application/operating system settings from an old computer to a new Windows XP Professional desktop computer.
Automatic Updates - With the user's permission, Windows XP Professional automatically downloads critical and security updates in the background when the user is connected to the Internet. These downloads are designed to minimize the impact on Internet browsing, and the update automatically resumes upon reconnection if the computer is disconnected before the download is complete. Once the update has been downloaded, the user can choose to install it.
Windows Update improvements - As application compatibility updates, new device drivers, and other updates are released for Windows XP Professional, they become available on the Windows Update Web site. (Users can also find critical and security updates here, if they choose not to use automatic updating.) Administrators can disable user access to Windows Update. The Windows Update Catalog is provided for administrators to download updates and deploy them as appropriate in their organizations.
Support for latest hardware standards - Windows XP Professional supports the latest hardware standards. It supports UDF 2.01, the latest standard for reading DVD discs. It also supports the formatting of DVD-RAM drives with the FAT32 file system. Microsoft DirectX® 8 API support will be included, and Windows XP Professional fully supports standards for Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Universal Serial Bus (USB), and the high-speed bus known as IEEE 1394.
Setup with Dynamic Update - The Setup routine ensures that the operating system files are up to date. Before any files are installed, Windows XP Professional checks the Web for critical system updates and downloads them for installation.
Unattended installation - Provides the ability to specify a greater number of options than previous versions of Windows, and allows for a greater degree of security by encrypting passwords in the answer files.
Internet Explorer 6 Administration Kit - Internet Explorer 6 is more customizable using the Internet Explorer Administration Kit (IEAK 6), so it's easier to deploy and maintain the browser. Version 6 of the IEAK adds control over new features such as the Media bar, Auto Image Resize, and the Personal bar.
System Preparation tool (SysPrep) - SysPrep helps administrators clone computer configurations, systems, and applications. A single image, which includes the operating system and business applications, can be restored to multiple different machine configurations.
Setup Manager - A graphical wizard that guides administrators in designing installation scripts.
Remote OS Installation - Windows XP Professional can be installed across the network (including SysPrep images).
Note: This feature requires the Active Directory™ service.
Multilingual support - Allows users to easily create, read, and edit documents in many languages with the English version of Windows XP Professional. The Multilingual User Interface Pack, an add-on pack to the English version of Windows XP Professional, lets you change the user interface language for each user.
Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) - Provides a standard infrastructure for monitoring and managing system resources.
Safe Mode startup options - Allows Windows XP Professional to boot the system at the most basic level, using default settings and minimum device drivers.
Group Policy - Group Policy settings simplify the administration of users and objects by letting administrators organize them into logical units, such as departments or locations and then assign the same settings, including security, appearance, and management options, to all employees in that group. There are hundreds of new policies available for Windows XP Professional, in addition to those provided for Windows 2000 Professional.
Resultant Set of Policy (RSoP) - Allows administrators to see the effect of Group Policy on a targeted user or computer. With RSoP, administrators have a powerful and flexible base-level tool to plan, monitor, and troubleshoot Group Policy.
Microsoft Management Console (MMC) - Provides a centralized and consistent environment for management tools.