Something New Bigger and Better.

File and Print Sharing (part 5)

The actual sharing files or folder between two or more computers has never been easier. On the network has been established all that is left putting a check in a check box and click apply.

I know if you have ever struggle with sharing a file or a folder accross a network there could be some sweat or even tears. However Windows Vista has made it simple. As you can see in the two screenshots in this post it is just a matter of choosing the folder you want to share and clicking on the radial box.

I have only shown two of the section for sharing that is available for sharing. Beside public folder, specific drive folder, there is printer and media shares. All of which is done in the same way.

File and Print Sharing (part 4)

The Networking and Sharing Center is where all you internet along with file and printer sharing is controlled.

The Vista computer that has the Network and Sharing Center shown in the below screen shot is not the computer that will be sharing resources. This computer wants to use shared resources. The computer that will be sharing resources will have slightly different setting. That I will cover in tomorrows post.

The Network and Sharing Center is in 3 sections.

• The top section shows your computer, network and internet connection.
• The middle section shows you what type of connection and strength of the connection. As in the graphic. This computer has a wireless connection that is Very Good.
• The bottom third of the window deals with sharing and security around the printers, and files you want to share.
  

File and Print Sharing (part 3)

Last week I start laying the ground work for File and Print Sharing in Windows Vista. Today, I want to take today's post to cover a small portion of the Network and Sharing Center.

The easiest way to open is from the network icon in the lower right of the Task Bar. Right click on the icon, then left click on Network and Sharing Center. Now the Network and Sharing Center will open on your desktop.

While we are at this place I want to have you note that right above the Network and Sharing Center is Diagnose and repair. This is a good first place to go to when you have lost or can not connect to the internet or another place on your network.

File and Print Sharing (part 2)

Well, I have been know to get the proverbal cart be for the horse, or in this case actions before planning. I must admit some people can imagine in their mind how a network should be layed out, however the vast majority of us need to write or even better draw out what we want to be done.

If you are saying, I don't want a network, I just want to share files between two computer." That is what a network is sharing files or printer between two or more computers.

I would really recommend drawing a rough hand sketch to make sure all you network cable are connect to work. There are a six questions you will need to answer before you can get past the planning stage.

1. Is every computer going to have an internet connect?
2. Is there going to be one comptuer that all the other computer go through for the internet connection?
3. Is any of the computer going to share files wirelessly with the other computer?
4. Will each computer have files stored on it that other computer need to access?
5. Can the shared files be on one computer?
6. Will the shared files be Read Only, Copy, or Full Control?

File and Print Sharing (part 1)

The biggest reason for anyone to have a network, whether it is at home or at work is to share files and/or printers. This cannot be done unless when the computer are first setup as being on the same network. The default network name, in Windows XP and Vista, is MSHOME.

I would recommend that you change the network name. It could be something simple as JonesHome or even an encryptic name like N57A. The main point being that every computer you want on the network with the same name. If you don't have all the computers on the network they will not want to talk with each other and the process of sharing files will become a literal pain in the rear.

Oh yes, each computer must be connect either by wires or wireless through a router. I say this because I have gone out on a trouble call, where a client tried to set up their own network. After a few minutes I found only one computer was connected to the internet through a router. The other three were not connect by a network cable, or have a wireless card.

Business Should Not Fear Vista

Windows Vista has been out for public use for a year and a half. It has been hammered refined, and adapted to work with most all business software. Business software vendors have tuned their new versions to Windows Vista.

The small business owner should not fear to upgrade their computer and operating system to Windows Vista. The speed, increased functionality and security are three big reasons to let go of that old slow computer in the office.

Take the average small business person that runs a little business from his back room or garage. Using Windows Vista will give increase security, the a program like Quicken Home Business will take care of his financial monitoring and invoice needs in a nice sweet package.

Did I mention that Windows Vista includes a calendar and a email client. For the independent contractor, salesman or other small business person what more is there to ask for???

Create PDF's and Save Money

Two things any Windows Vista loves is saving money and not having to walk through UAC when using a program. Today's tip will do just that. My old favorite Cute PDF will let you print to a PDF and not cost you more than the time to download and install it.

I have used other free PDF creator/writers. Most of them required to go through UAC every time you wanted to create a PDF. When I found that Cute work smoother than ever in Window Vista I was very happy. Install it and try it for yourself.

Any programs that users a printer can be used to put your finished product into a PDF format. You won't have to worry about giving Adobe money to do the very same thing.

IE7 Rivals Firefox

This 4th of July post is a review of a daily tip that I got from the good folks of Tekzilla. Now there is a group of add-on and extra features for Internet Explorer 7, in one bundle. IE7 Pro put them in all together in a nice little package. I have even heard it said that IE7 PRO almost brings Internet Explorer 7 up to the level of Firefox.

Once you download and install IE7Pro, you will find a books worth of feather and setting that can be accessed from the bottom right side of IE7. I have put a screen shot of the preference menu just to give you an idea as to what all is in IE7Pro.

Don't Delete The Recycle Bin

I was finishing up a data transfer to a new computer for a client. It was a difficult one. It took me over 3 hours to get the data transferred and programs working correctly.

I set the client down in front of the computer to walk him through some of the basics on his new Windows Vista computer. I did not think much when he moved the curser up to the Recycle Bin. Before I could say a word he had deleted the Recycle Bin.

I said, "NO!" He looked up at me as if he had just broke his brand new computer.

I calmly looked down a him and said, "Let me show you how to bring back the Recycle Bin." In disbelief, he nodded his up and down.

"Now left click on a open space on the desktop," was my instruction in a voice assurance. After directioning the client into management of the desktop icon. All he had to do was put a check in the box to reshow the Recycle Bin icon.

That is another reason why I like Windows Vista, is there is help when it comes to fixing mistakes.

Resource Usage - Sidebar

There are lots of programs that will work on your computer, that will do the same basic functions. I am an adventurous person. I am constantly installing and uninstalling programs. Most of the time I hear about a programs that seems to help me work smart. Then I find out that it is either not working for me or it just lugs down work computer.

The easiest way, that I have found if a newly program is slowing down my computer is by using a sidebar gadget. It is labeled the CPU gadget. I keep the CPU gadget running all the time.

If you don't already have this gadget in the sidebar of your Windows Vista computer, just right click on the sidebar, then left click on Add Gadgets. A selection of available gadget will be displayed.

To put the CPU gadget or any other gadgets on the sidebar, just put your cursor over the gadget. Hold down the left mouse button, then drag it over the the sidebar, and lift your index figure off the left mouse button.

I Am Humbled

This morning as I was going through my email and got an email from Microsoft. I have won the MVP for 2008. It was because of this blog and the podcast Vista Is Here To Stay.

The podcast will have to wait until to get produced, until tomorrow. I am to shaken to get past the shock. I have put the announcement below.

Congratulations! We are pleased to present you with the 2008 Microsoft® MVP Award! The MVP Award is our way to say thank you for promoting the spirit of community and improving people’s lives and the industry’s success every day. We appreciate your extraordinary efforts in Windows Desktop Experience technical communities during the past year. Microsoft will soon send your MVP Award gift package. It is our way to say “thank you for making a difference."

I want to think wife, daughter, Biz Advice team, NPM Productions, Leo Laporte, and others that have had an affect on my life.

Don't Blame Vista - Troubleshoot

I hear many complaints about Windows Vista. Vista is the new kid on the block, and has to prove itself. It is easy to blame Vista when it comes to installing a program or a new printer, does not work. It is so easily to forget that people with Windows XP has similar if not more issues.

I can not remember the last time I have had a Vista computer was so infected with malicious software that I had to wipe the hard drive and reinstall the operating system. However, it was just last week that I wiped the hard drive and reinstalled Windows XP on a computer.

Saturday, I was called out to clients home, who had bought a two Vista computer along with two Lexmark printer scanner All-in-One's. This couple was ready to take their computer's back to their old Windows XP computers.

After going though some basic troubleshooting steps, I found that the printer was unplugged from the back of the printer. They was embarrassed that all that was wrong was the printer was unplugged.

Desktop Security - Top 10

Periodically, I talked about keeping your computer secure. Mostly we are so easy forget how easy it is to become a victim of identity. I want to cover what does it take to be secure on your home computer. Security takes work and needs to be conscience effort no matter what electronic device we use, whether it is a Smart phone, laptop, or desktop computer.

1. All applications and drivers that are installed up to date
2. User Account Control is NOT turned off
3. A good antivirus and/or anti-spyware program, with the maleware definition are updated
4. Firewall is on along configured and tested, not letting unauthorized to access the internet.
   
5. Windows Security Center is on and configured properly
6. All needed internet websites are in Favorites - You don't need to be surfing the internet, this is a big way to open yourself to infection.
   
7. All passwords are put in a secure password manager
8. Strong administrative password is in place. Most people don't like to get into their home computer with a password. In Windows Vista have a strong administer password.
   
9. Wi-Fi is turned off and locked unless your home is on a wireless network. If your home is a wireless network, make sure that your on an encrypted signal from the wireless router or transmitter.
10. Only have programs and services running that you need and use. This tip is common sense. Unused programs just extends the about of time it take a computer to do an anti maleware scan.
    

Windows Vista Helps Olympic Fans

In my podcast Vista Is Here To Stay #23, I reported that you will be able to view the Olympics from China via streaming video.

Wavexpress has partnered with NBC to develop and support a free Internet video download service. This will allow Olympic fans with Windows Vista watch the Beijing 2008 Olympics, from August 8 to 24, 2008, in HD.

Before August it would be a good to idea to go to get your computer upgraded to Vista Home Premium, at least. Then start exploring Windows Media Center. That way you will be in shape to watch the Olympics.

Fun Stuff

Who says that your computer's wallpaper and icons should be dull and boring. All of Windows operating systems have had theme and customized icons.

Windows Vista comes with some basic theme and fantastic wallpaper photos. You can go online and find some really great graphics.

My favorite for icons and theme packages is Star Docks. There came out with the first task bar that resembles the Apples operating system task bar. Object Dock works great on Windows Vista. I am very impressed. I have download it and use it on my work computer.

Renaming files

There is nothing better to save time on processes you perform repeatedly than using a keyboard shortcut. If you are renaming documents or pictures, like I find myself doing frequently.

This keyboard shortcut is easy. Left click on the icon of the file or picture you want to rename. Then press the F2 key on your keyboard. The icon you have highlighted. Use the backspace key to delete the file label. All that is left is type the new file name you want.

Side note: You can even change the file format by typing the file name, a period and the desired file format code. Like .jpg, .pdf, or .doc

Balloon Pop Ups - Disable

Today's tip comes through JesusGeek.ifo and then The How To Geek. Yes this is a very geeky tip. If you are not comfortable when it comes to disable the pop balloon, then get your local computer geek to help you.

When balloon pop ups first were used in Windows XP everyone was looking to disable the annoying pop up. The pop up balloon is there as reminders that some portion of the computer maintenance needs your attention.

However, if you find the popup notifications annoying, you might be interested to know that you can completely disable them. You can even do this across the board with any balloon pop up.

Starting from the start Orb in Windows Vista you will need to left click in the Search box. Then type in regedit.exe. This will open the registry editing window. Then all you have to do is go down to the following location.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

Right-click on the right-hand pane, and create a new 32-bit DWORD with the following values:

• Name: EnableBalloonTips
• Value: 0

You'll have to logoff and back on in order to see the change… or to be more correct, you won't see any popup balloons anymore.

Secure and Mobile

Last Tuesday, I record the podcast Vista Is Here To Stay. In that podcast I talked about the 10 things that should be done to any laptop before it is taken on the road.

I have put that list below because it is so important to put in place extra protection. This is especially true when you take your laptop outside your home or office.

1. All applications and drivers are installed.
2. User Account Control is in place
3. Good antivirus is install and all virus definition are updated
4. Firewall is configured and tested
5. Windows Security Center is on and configured properly
6. All needed internet websites are in Favorites
   
7. Needed external passwords are put in a secure password manager
8. Strong administrative password is in place
9. All broadband card is tested and working
10. WiFi is turned off and lock
    

Permissions To Edit Or Move

If you’ve ever tried to tinker with something in Vista and received a “you need permission to perform this action” message. I have gotten frustrated because I have to go through extra steps before I could move or delete a file.

After getting the message window that you do not have permission, you will need to go through some extra steps. This is done by;

1. Right-click the file and select Properties.
2. Click on the Security tab.
3. Click Advanced in the lower right.
4. In the Advanced Security Settings window that pops up, click on the Owner tab.
5. Click Edit.
6. Click Other users or groups.
7. Click Advanced in the lower left corner.
8. Click Find Now.
9. Scroll through the results and double-click on your current user account.
10. Click OK to all of the remaining windows except the first Properties window.
11. Select your user account from the list up top and click Edit.
12. Select your user account from the list up top again and then in the pane below, check Full control under Allow, or as much control as you need.
13. You’ll get a security warning, click Yes.
14. On some files that are essential to Windows, you’ll get a “Unable to save permission changes… access is denied” warning and there’s nothing that you can do about it to the best of my knowledge.
15. Reconsider why you’re using Windows.