SYSTEM ADMINISTRATORS

List of important port numbers

2011-05-19T17:16:00.000+05:30

List of important port numbers

15 - Netstat

21 - FTP

23 - Telnet

25 - SMTP

42 - WINS

53 - DNS

67 - Bootp

68 - DHCP

80 - HTTP

88 - Kerberos

101 - HOSTNAME

110 - POP3

119 - NNTP

123 - NTP (Network time protocol)

139 - NetBIOS

161 - SNMP

180 - RIS

389 - LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol)

443 - HTTPS (HTTP over SSL/TLS)

520 - RIP

79 - FINGER

37 - Time

3389 - Terminal services

443 - SSL (https) (http protocol over TLS/SSL)

220 - IMAP3

3268 - AD Global Catalog

3269 - AD Global Catalog over SSL

500 - Internet Key Exchange, IKE (IPSec) (UDP 500)

Abbrevations

2011-05-19T17:12:00.000+05:30

UNC Universal Naming Convention

\\servername\shared name (It is used to access the shared folder)

MAC Media Access Control

PDC Primary Domain Controllers

BDC Backup Domain Controllers

SMP Symmetric Multi Processors

AMP Asymmetric Multi Processing

EFS Encrypted File System

FAT File Allocation Table

HCL Hardware Compatibility List

IIS Internet Information Service

LSA Local Security Authority

MMC Microsoft Management Console

OU Organizational Unit

RAS Remote Access Service

RDP Remote Desktop Protocol (used for Terminal Services)

RRAS Routing and Remote Access Service

SID Security Identifier

WINS Windows Internet Name Service

GUID Globally Unique identifier

IAS Internet Authentication Service

UPN User Principle Name (Username@domainname.com)

BIOS Basic Input Output System

Net BIOS Network Basic Input/Output System

ARP Address Resolution Protocol

DVD Digital Video Disk

GPO Group Policy Object (LGPO Local Group Policy Object)

IPsec Internet Protocol Security

ISP Internet Service Provider

NAT Network Address Translation

MBT Master Boot Record

USB Universal Serial Bus

POST Power On Self Test

SCSI Small Computer System Interface

SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol

URL Uniform Resource Locator

RAID Redundant Array of Independent Disk

IDE Intelligent drive Electronics or Integrated Drive Electronics

FQDN Fully Qualified Domain Name (full computer name) [computername.domainname.com]

OSPF Open Shortest Path First (these two are routing protocols)

RIP Routing Information Protocol

POP3 Post Office Protocol (used to receive the mails)

SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (Used to send the mails)

SMPS Switch Mode Power Supply

PING Packet Internet Groper

VNC Virtual Network Computing

EULA End User License Agreement

CAL Client Access License

TSCAL Terminal Services Client Access License

UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply

BIND Berkeley Internet Name Domain

PXE Pre boot eXecutable Environment

UDF Uniqueness Database file

LDAP Light weight Directory Access Protocol

ISDN Integrated Services Digital Network

VLSM Variable Length Subnet Mask

CIDR Classless Inter Domain Routing

IGMP Internet Group Management Protocol

FSMO Flexible Single Master Operations

APIPA Automatic IP addressing

NetBEUI Net Bios Enhanced User Interface

UDP User Datagram Protocol

FTP File Transfer Protocol

Mbps Mega bits per second

Ntds.dit Nt directory services.directory information tree.

ICMP Internet Control message Protocol

IGMP Internet group Management Protocol

NNTP Network News Transfer Protocol

RADIUS Remote Authentication Dial In User service

SNMP Simple Network Management protocol

VPN Virtual Private Network

L2TP Layer2 Tunneling Protocol

PPTP Point to Point Tunneling Protocol

ADSI Active Directory Service Interfaces

SUS Software Update Service

SMS System Management Service

WUS Windows Update service

TFTP Trivial File Transfer Protocol

TCP / IP Reference Page

2011-05-17T17:03:00.000+05:30

Protocols according to layers

Data Link Layer
Network Layer
Transport Layer
Session Layer
Application Layer
Routing
Tunneling
Security

The Defense Advance Research Projects Agency (DARPA) originally developed Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) to interconnect various defense department computer networks. The Internet, an international Wide Area Network, uses TCP/IP to connect government and educational institutions across the world. TCP/IP is also in widespread use on commercial and private networks. The TCP/IP suite includes the following protocols

Data Link Layer
ARP/RARP	Address Resolution Protocol/Reverse Address
DCAP	Data Link Switching Client Access Protocol
Network Layer
DHCP	Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
DVMRP	Distance Vector Multicast Routing Protocol
ICMP/ICMPv6	Internet Control Message Protocol
IGMP	Internet Group Management Protocol
IP	Internet Protocol version 4
IPv6	Internet Protocol version 6
MARS	Multicast Address Resolution Server
PIM	Protocol Independent Multicast-Sparse Mode (PIM-SM)
RIP2	Routing Information Protocol
RIPng for IPv6	Routing Information Protocol for IPv6
RSVP	Resource ReSerVation setup Protocol
VRRP	Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol
Transport Layer
ISTP
Mobile IP	Mobile IP Protocol
RUDP	Reliable UDP
TALI	Transport Adapter Layer Interface
TCP	Transmission Control Protocol
UDP	User Datagram Protocol
Van Jacobson	compressed TCP
XOT	X.25 over TCP
Session Layer
BGMP	Border Gateway Multicast Protocol
Diameter
DIS	Distributed Interactive Simulation
DNS	Domain Name Service
ISAKMP/IKE	Internet Security Association and Key Management Protocol and Internet Key Exchange Protocol
iSCSI	Small Computer Systems Interface
LDAP	Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
MZAP	Multicast-Scope Zone Announcement Protocol
NetBIOS/IP	NetBIOS/IP for TCP/IP Environment
Application Layer
COPS	Common Open Policy Service
FANP	Flow Attribute Notification Protocol
Finger	User Information Protocol
FTP	File Transfer Protocol
HTTP	Hypertext Transfer Protocol
IMAP4	Internet Message Access Protocol rev 4
IMPPpre/IMPPmes	Instant Messaging and Presence Protocols
IPDC	IP Device Control
IRC	·Internet Relay Chat Protocol
ISAKMP	Internet Message Access Protocol version 4rev1
ISP
NTP	Network Time Protocol
POP3	Post Office Protocol version 3
Radius	Remote Authentication Dial In User Service
RLOGIN	Remote Login
RTSP	Real-time Streaming Protocol
SCTP	Stream Control Transmision Protocol
S-HTTP	Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol
SLP	Service Location Protocol
SMTP	Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
SNMP	Simple Network Management Protocol
SOCKS	Socket Secure (Server)
TACACS+	Terminal Access Controller Access Control System
TELNET	TCP/IP Terminal Emulation Protocol
TFTP	Trivial File Transfer Protocol
WCCP	Web Cache Coordination Protocol
X-Window	X Window
Routing
BGP-4	Border Gateway Protocol
EGP	Exterior Gateway Protocol
EIGRP	Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol
HSRP	Cisco Hot Standby Router Protocol
IGRP	Interior Gateway Routing
NARP	NBMA Address Resolution Protocol
NHRP	Next Hop Resolution Protocol
OSPF	Open Shortest Path First
TRIP	Telephony Routing over IP
Tunneling
ATMP	Ascend Tunnel Management Protocol
L2F	The Layer 2 Forwarding Protocol
L2TP	Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol
PPTP	Point to Point Tunneling Protocol
Security
AH	Authentication Header
ESP	Encapsulating Security Payload
TLS	Transport Layer Security Protocol

Windows Server 2003 interview and certification questions

2011-05-17T15:38:00.005+05:30

How do you double-boot a Win 2003 server box? The Boot.ini file is set as read-only, system, and hidden to prevent unwanted editing. To change the Boot.ini timeout and default settings, use the System option in Control Panel from the Advanced tab and select Startup.

What do you do if earlier application doesn’t run on Windows Server 2003? When an application that ran on an earlier legacy version of Windows cannot be loaded during the setup function or if it later malfunctions, you must run the compatibility mode function. This is accomplished by right-clicking the application or setup program and selecting Properties –> Compatibility –> selecting the previously supported operating system.
If you uninstall Windows Server 2003, which operating systems can you revert to? Win ME, Win 98, 2000, XP. Note, however, that you cannot upgrade from ME and 98 to Windows Server 2003.
How do you get to Internet Firewall settings? Start –> Control Panel –> Network and Internet Connections –> Network Connections.
What are the Windows Server 2003 keyboard shortcuts? Winkey opens or closes the Start menu. Winkey + BREAK displays the System Properties dialog box. Winkey + TAB moves the focus to the next application in the taskbar. Winkey + SHIFT + TAB moves the focus to the previous application in the taskbar. Winkey + B moves the focus to the notification area. Winkey + D shows the desktop. Winkey + E opens Windows Explorer showing My Computer. Winkey + F opens the Search panel. Winkey + CTRL + F opens the Search panel with Search for Computers module selected. Winkey + F1 opens Help. Winkey + M minimizes all. Winkey + SHIFT+ M undoes minimization. Winkey + R opens Run dialog. Winkey + U opens the Utility Manager. Winkey + L locks the computer.
What is Active Directory? Active Directory is a network-based object store and service that locates and manages resources, and makes these resources available to authorized users and groups. An underlying principle of the Active Directory is that everything is considered an object—people, servers, workstations, printers, documents, and devices. Each object has certain attributes and its own security access control list (ACL).
Where are the Windows NT Primary Domain Controller (PDC) and its Backup Domain Controller (BDC) in Server 2003? The Active Directory replaces them. Now all domain controllers share a multimaster peer-to-peer read and write relationship that hosts copies of the Active Directory.
How long does it take for security changes to be replicated among the domain controllers? Security-related modifications are replicated within a site immediately. These changes include account and individual user lockout policies, changes to password policies, changes to computer account passwords, and modifications to the Local Security Authority (LSA).
What’s new in Windows Server 2003 regarding the DNS management? When DC promotion occurs with an existing forest, the Active Directory Installation Wizard contacts an existing DC to update the directory and replicate from the DC the required portions of the directory. If the wizard fails to locate a DC, it performs debugging and reports what caused the failure and how to fix the problem. In order to be located on a network, every DC must register in DNS DC locator DNS records. The Active Directory Installation Wizard verifies a proper configuration of the DNS infrastructure. All DNS configuration debugging and reporting activity is done with the Active Directory Installation Wizard.
When should you create a forest? Organizations that operate on radically different bases may require separate trees with distinct namespaces. Unique trade or brand names often give rise to separate DNS identities. Organizations merge or are acquired and naming continuity is desired. Organizations form partnerships and joint ventures. While access to common resources is desired, a separately defined tree can enforce more direct administrative and security restrictions.
How can you authenticate between forests? Four types of authentication are used across forests: (1) Kerberos and NTLM network logon for remote access to a server in another forest; (2) Kerberos and NTLM interactive logon for physical logon outside the user’s home forest; (3) Kerberos delegation to N-tier application in another forest; and (4) user principal name (UPN) credentials.
What snap-in administrative tools are available for Active Directory? Active Directory Domains and Trusts Manager, Active Directory Sites and Services Manager, Active Directory Users and Group Manager, Active Directory Replication (optional, available from the Resource Kit), Active Directory Schema Manager (optional, available from adminpak)
What types of classes exist in Windows Server 2003 Active Directory?
- Structural class. The structural class is important to the system administrator in that it is the only type from which new Active Directory objects are created. Structural classes are developed from either the modification of an existing structural type or the use of one or more abstract classes.
- Abstract class. Abstract classes are so named because they take the form of templates that actually create other templates (abstracts) and structural and auxiliary classes. Think of abstract classes as frameworks for the defining objects.
- Auxiliary class. The auxiliary class is a list of attributes. Rather than apply numerous attributes when creating a structural class, it provides a streamlined alternative by applying a combination of attributes with a single include action.
- 88 class. The 88 class includes object classes defined prior to 1993, when the 1988 X.500 specification was adopted. This type does not use the structural, abstract, and auxiliary definitions, nor is it in common use for the development of objects in Windows Server 2003 environments.
How do you delete a lingering object? Windows Server 2003 provides a command called Repadmin that provides the ability to delete lingering objects in the Active Directory.
What is Global Catalog? The Global Catalog authenticates network user logons and fields inquiries about objects across a forest or tree. Every domain has at least one GC that is hosted on a domain controller. In Windows 2000, there was typically one GC on every site in order to prevent user logon failures across the network.
How is user account security established in Windows Server 2003? When an account is created, it is given a unique access number known as a security identifier (SID). Every group to which the user belongs has an associated SID. The user and related group SIDs together form the user account’s security token, which determines access levels to objects throughout the system and network. SIDs from the security token are mapped to the access control list (ACL) of any object the user attempts to access.
If I delete a user and then create a new account with the same username and password, would the SID and permissions stay the same? No. If you delete a user account and attempt to recreate it with the same user name and password, the SID will be different.
What do you do with secure sign-ons in an organization with many roaming users? Credential Management feature of Windows Server 2003 provides a consistent single sign-on experience for users. This can be useful for roaming users who move between computer systems. The Credential Management feature provides a secure store of user credentials that includes passwords and X.509 certificates.
Anything special you should do when adding a user that has a Mac? "Save password as encrypted clear text" must be selected on User Properties Account Tab Options, since the Macs only store their passwords that way.
What remote access options does Windows Server 2003 support? Dial-in, VPN, dial-in with callback.
Where are the documents and settings for the roaming profile stored? All the documents and environmental settings for the roaming user are stored locally on the system, and, when the user logs off, all changes to the locally stored profile are copied to the shared server folder. Therefore, the first time a roaming user logs on to a new system the logon process may take some time, depending on how large his profile folder is.
Where are the settings for all the users stored on a given machine? \Document and Settings\All Users
What languages can you use for log-on scripts? JavaScipt, VBScript, DOS batch files (.com, .bat, or even .exe).

Windows admin interview questions

2011-05-17T15:37:00.000+05:30

Describe how the DHCP lease is obtained. It’s a four-step process consisting of (a) IP request, (b) IP offer, Ã‚Â© IP selection and (d) acknowledgement.

I can’t seem to access the Internet, don’t have any access to the corporate network and on ipconfig my address is 169.254.*.*. What happened? The 169.254.*.* netmask is assigned to Windows machines running 98/2000/XP if the DHCP server is not available. The name for the technology is APIPA (Automatic Private Internet Protocol Addressing).
We’ve installed a new Windows-based DHCP server, however, the users do not seem to be getting DHCP leases off of it. The server must be authorized first with the Active Directory.
How can you force the client to give up the dhcp lease if you have access to the client PC? ipconfig /release
What authentication options do Windows 2000 Servers have for remote clients? PAP, SPAP, CHAP, MS-CHAP and EAP.
What are the networking protocol options for the Windows clients if for some reason you do not want to use TCP/IP? NWLink (Novell), NetBEUI, AppleTalk (Apple).
What is data link layer in the OSI reference model responsible for? Data link layer is located above the physical layer, but below the network layer. Taking raw data bits and packaging them into frames. The network layer will be responsible for addressing the frames, while the physical layer is reponsible for retrieving and sending raw data bits.
What is binding order? The order by which the network protocols are used for client-server communications. The most frequently used protocols should be at the top.
How do cryptography-based keys ensure the validity of data transferred across the network? Each IP packet is assigned a checksum, so if the checksums do not match on both receiving and transmitting ends, the data was modified or corrupted.
Should we deploy IPSEC-based security or certificate-based security? They are really two different technologies. IPSec secures the TCP/IP communication and protects the integrity of the packets. Certificate-based security ensures the validity of authenticated clients and servers.
What is LMHOSTS file? It’s a file stored on a host machine that is used to resolve NetBIOS to specific IP addresses.
What’s the difference between forward lookup and reverse lookup in DNS? Forward lookup is name-to-address, the reverse lookup is address-to-name.
How can you recover a file encrypted using EFS? Use the domain recovery agent.

Turn off System Restore

2011-04-13T17:58:00.000+05:30

Turn off System Restore to Save Space

By default, Windows XP keeps a backup of system files in the System Volume Information folder. This can eat up valuable space on your hard drive. If you don't want Windows to back up your system files:

• Open the Control Panel.
• Double-click on System.
• Click the System Restore tab.
• Check "Turn off System Restore on all drives".
• Hit Apply.
• You may now delete the System Volume Information folder.
Warning! If you turn this off you will not be able to use Windows System Restore to restore your system in case of failure.

Clear System Restore Points for Performance
You keep your system as clean as possible, clearing your Temp Folder, and Temporary Internet files.

But what about other space hogs?
What about System Restore Points?

By default, Windows XP creates a restore point after installing Windows XP, once every 10 hours that Windows XP is running, or every 24 hours. It also creates a restore point when you install a new program, or install an update to Windows XP. And you can manually create restore points at any time. You can end up with a number of restore point files, which can be large. So how do you clean them out? First, make sure your system is stable. There will be a brief period when you won't have a restore point.

• Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click System Restore.
• Click to add a check mark beside Turn off System Restore on all Drives, and click Apply.

• When you are warned that all existing Restore Points will be deleted, click Yes to continue.
• All system restore points are deleted. Now you should manually create a restore point.
• Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click System Restore.
• Click Create a Restore Point, and then click Next.
• Name your restore point. (I use the date as well as a descriptive term such as "After Restore Point Deletion.")

System Restore

2011-04-13T17:57:00.000+05:30

Restore the Operating System to a Previous State in Windows XP

This article describes how to use the System Restore tool to return your computer to a previous working state. System Restore takes a "snapshot" of critical system files and some program files and stores this information as restore points. You can use these restore points to return Windows XP to a previous state.

If Windows does not start

If Windows does not start, restart Windows by using the Last Known Good Configuration feature:

• Start the computer and then press the F8 key when Windows begins to start. The Windows Advanced Options menu appears.
• Use the ARROW keys to select Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings that worked), and then press ENTER.
If a boot menu appears, use the ARROW keys to select Microsoft Windows XP, and then press ENTER. Windows XP restores the computer to the most recent restore point.

If Windows XP Does Start

• Log on to Windows as Administrator.
• Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore. System
Restore starts.

• On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Restore my computer to an earlier time
(If it is not already selected), and then click Next.
• On the Select a Restore Point page, click the most recent system checkpoint in the on this list, click a restore point list, and then click Next. A System Restore message may appear that lists configuration changes that System Restore will make.
• Click OK.
• On the Confirm Restore Point Selection page, click Next. System Restore restores the previous Windows XP configuration, and then restarts the computer.
• Log on to the computer as Administrator. The System Restore Restoration Complete page appears.
• Click OK.
Troubleshooting
You may inadvertently restore Windows XP to a previous configuration that you do not want.

To undo the restoration:

• Log on to Windows as Administrator.
• Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore. System
Restore starts.
• On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Undo my last restoration, and then click Next. A System Restore message may appear that lists configuration changes that System Restore will make.
• Click OK.
• On the Confirm Restoration Undo page, click Next. System Restore restores the original Windows XP configuration, and then restarts the computer.
• Log on to the computer as Administrator. The System Restore Undo Complete page appears.
• Click OK.

Create Your Own Restore Points

Windows XP makes it easy for you to take a snapshot of critical system files before you make any major changes, such as installing new software, adding hardware devices, or changing the registry. (Windows XP automatically creates system restore points, called system checkpoints, but you can create your own to make it even easier to recover your system in case of a failure.) Note that using restore points doesn't affect your personal files, such as the My Documents or Favorites folders.

• Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Restore.
• In the System Restore dialog box, click Create a restore point, and then click Next.
• Type a description for your restore point, such as "Before Office XP", then click Create.
• If your system fails, press F8 in the boot menu, and then click Last known good configuration. Windows XP restores your system to the most recent restore point.

Column Settings in Windows Explorer

2011-04-13T17:53:00.000+05:30

How to Change Column Settings in Windows Explorer
This article describes how to change the column settings in Windows Explorer. To change which columns is displayed, or change the width or order of the windows and folders in Windows Explorer:

• In Windows Explorer, click the folder, and then click Choose Details on the View menu.
• Click to select the check box of each item that you would like to add to the current view, or click to clear the check boxes of items that you do not want.
• To reorder your columns, click the item (but do not clear the check box), and then click Move Up or Move Down until the items are in the order that you want. Click OK.

Note: You must click Details on the View menu in order to display the details of the files in the selected folder.

To change the width of the columns, use the appropriate method:

Method One
• On the View menu, click Choose Details, and then click the name of the column that you want to adjust. In the Width of selected column (in pixels) box, enter the size that you want, and then click OK.

Method Two
• Widen columns manually by positioning the mouse pointer between two border buttons of the column headings, the pointer turns into a double arrowhead.
• Click and hold the left mouse button, and then drag the column to the desired width.

Default Icons

2011-04-13T17:50:00.000+05:30

How to Change the Default Icons for Folders

You cannot customize the default icon for a folder in Windows; however, you can make a shortcut to a folder and change the look of the shortcut icon. To make a shortcut to a folder and change the look of the shortcut icon:

• Open My Computer and browse to the folder that you want.

•Right-click the folder, and then click Create Shortcut. If you are prompted to place the shortcut on the desktop, click yes.

•Right-click the shortcut you created, clicks Properties, and then clicks Change Icon.

•Click the picture of the icon you would like the shortcut to use, click OK, and then click OK.

No Icons Available
If you click Change Icon, and there are no icons available, use the Browse button to find Shell32.dll:

•Right-click the shortcut you created, clicks Properties, and then click Change Icon.
•Click Browse, type

%systemroot%\system32\shell32.dll

In the File name box, click Open, click the icon you want to use, click OK, and then click OK.

HOWTO: Convert a dynamic disk back to a basic disk without data loss

2011-01-29T16:51:00.000+05:30

**Disclaimer: This ONLY works if you have NOT used ANY of the "new" features of dynamic disks such as extending a partition or software RAID. This is an expert-level procedure, so if you don't know what you are doing, you shouldn't be attempting this.**

1) Install dskprobe.exe on the system. (This is one of the utilities in the Windows 2000 support tools on the install CD, and can be installed by simply copying the .exe file to the hard drive.)

2) Run dskprobe.exe on the system.

3) Select the Drives menu and "Physical Drive. . ."

4) Double click on the drive that you want to convert back to a basic disk. Click the "Set Active" button next to that drive.

5) From the Sectors menu, select "Read"

6) Accept the defaults (begin sector 0, read 1 sector) and click "Read"

7) In the editor, go to the "01C0" line and the third bit should be a "42". Change that to a "07". **Note, a few machines have had this on the "01D0" line instead. I don't know what that means, so I wouldn't try it unless it is on a pure test box. *****

8) From the Sectors menu, select "Write". Confirm all dialog boxes. **Note: This is the step that will hose your box if you have not followed the above instructions correctly.**

9) Exit dskprobe.exe. Reboot

10) Run chkdsk on the affected logical drive(s). If any errors are found, do a chkdsk /f to fix them. Done

The Diskprobe utility can be downloaded from the link http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927229

Server Types

2011-01-29T16:49:00.000+05:30

Server Types This list, courtesy of serverwatch.com, categorizes the many different types of servers used in the marketplace today. Click on the server category you'd like to know more about, and you will be taken directly to a serverwatch.com page that provides additional information and resources.
Server Platforms	A term often used synonymously with operating system, a platform is the underlying hardware or software for a system and is thus the engine that drives the server.
Application Servers	Sometimes referred to as a type of middleware, application servers occupy a large chunk of computing territory between database servers and the end user, and they often connect the two.
Audio/Video Servers	Audio/Video servers bring multimedia capabilities to Web sites by enabling them to broadcast streaming multimedia content.
Chat Servers	Chat servers enable a large number of users to exchange information in an environment similar to Internet newsgroups that offer real-time discussion capabilities.
Fax Servers	A fax server is an ideal solution for organizations looking to reduce incoming and outgoing telephone resources but that need to fax actual documents.
FTP Servers	One of the oldest of the Internet services, File Transfer Protocol makes it possible to move one or more files securely between computers while providing file security and organization as well as transfer control.
Groupware Servers	A groupware server is software designed to enable users to collaborate, regardless of location, via the Internet or a corporate intranet and to work together in a virtual atmosphere.
IRC Servers	An option for those seeking real-time discussion capabilities, Internet Relay Chat consists of various separate networks (or "nets") of servers that allow users to connect to each other via an IRC network.
List Servers	List servers offer a way to better manage mailing lists, whether they be interactive discussions open to the public or one-way lists that deliver announcements, newsletters, or advertising.
Mail Servers	Almost as ubiquitous and crucial as Web servers, mail servers move and store mail over corporate networks (via LANs and WANs) and across the Internet.
News Servers	News servers act as a distribution and delivery source for the thousands of public news groups currently accessible over the USENET news network.
Proxy Servers	Proxy servers sit between a client program (typically a Web browser) and an external server (typically another server on the Web) to filter requests, improve performance, and share connections.
Telnet Servers	A Telnet server enables users to log on to a host computer and perform tasks as if they're working on the remote computer itself.
Web Servers	At its core, a Web server serves static content to a Web browser by loading a file from a disk and serving it across the network to a user's Web browser. This entire exchange is mediated by the browser and server talking to each other using HTTP. Also read ServerWatch's Web Server Basics article.

Types of File Extensions

2011-01-03T14:47:00.002+05:30

Sound :

MPEG-1/2 Audio Layer 3 (.mp3)
Ogg Vorbis (.ogg)
ASF Audio (.asf,.wma)
Wave form audio format (.wav)
RealAudio (.ra,.rm)
Free Lossless Audio codec(.flac)
Advanced Audio coding (.aac)
MPEG-4 advanced audio coding (.m4a,.mp4)
Musepack (.mpc)
TwinVQ(.vqf)
3GP Music (.3gp)
AC3 Audio File (.ac3)
Adaptive Multi-Rate (.amr)
Adaptive Multi-Rate WB (.awb)
Sun Mircrosystem's audio format (.au,.snd)
Audio Interchange File Format (.aiff)
Purevoice File (.qcp)
AMIGA 8bit sound file (.8svx)
PSION sound file (.prc)
IRCAM sound file (.sf)
soundTool (.sndt)
PSION 8bit sound file (.wve)
soundtracker module (.mod)
FastTracker II module (.xm)
ImpulseTracker module (.it)
ScreamTracker module (.s3m)

Ringtone (Monophonic/Polyphonic) :

MIDI-0 (.mid,.midi)
SP-MIDI (.mid,.midi)
Midi Karaoke (.kar)
MMF/SMAF-1 (.mmf,.smaf)
Qualcomm CMX 3.0 (.pmd)
Motorola Ringtone (.mot)
Sagem Ringtone (.sagem)
Sagem Ringtone (.sagem21)
Ericsson emelody (.emy)
iMelody Ringtone Format (.imv)
Ringtones text transfer language (.rttl,.rtx)
Nokia phone Ring Tone (.nokia,.ott)
Nokia Phone Ring Tone (.noktxt)

Image :

Joint photographic experts group (.jfif,.jif,.jpe,.jpeg,.jpg)
Windows bitmap (.bmp)
Graphics interchange format (.gif)
Truevision TGA (.tga)
Portable network graphics (.pgm)
AVS X image (.avs)
Kodak Cineon Image Format (.cin)
ZSoft IBM PC multi-page paintbrush (.dcx)
Windows device independent bitmap (.dib)
SMPTE digital moving picture exchange (.dpx)
Microsoft icon (.ico)
Magick image file format (.miff)
On-the-air-Bitmap (.otb)
Palm pixmap (.palm)
Portable bitmap format black/white (.pbm)
Xv's Visual Schnauzer thumbnail (.p7)
Photo CD (.pcd)
Zsoft IBM PC Paintbrush file (.pcx)
Apple Mcintosh QuickDraw (.pict)
Portable Pixmap format - color (.ppm)
Adobe Photoshop bitmap file (.psd)
Photo CD - sRGB color (.pcds)
Irix RGB image (.sgi)
SUN Raster Image (.ras,.sun)
X Windows system bitmap black/white (.xbm)
X Windows system pixmap (.xpm)
CCIR 601 4:1:1 (.yuv)

Vector Document :

Windows Metafile (.wmf)
Scalable Vector Graphics (.svg)
Magick Vector Graphics (.mvg)
AutoCAD Interchange Format (.dxf)
Enhanced Metafile (.emf)
Encapsulated Postscript (.eps)
Computer Graphics Metafile (.cgm)
OS/w Metafile (.met)
OpenOffice 2.0 Draw Document (.odg)
OpenOffice 2.0 Draw Template (.otg)
OpenOffice 1.0 Draw Document (.sxd)
OpenOffice 1.0 Draw Template (.std)

Document :

Text files (.txt)
Url address (web) (.url)
HyperTextMarkup Language (.htm,.html)
XHTML (.xhtml)
Rich Text Format/MS Word (.rtf)
Portable Document Format (.pdf)
Adobe Postscript (.ps)
Microsoft Word (.doc)
MS Word template (.dot)
OpenOffice 2.0 Text Document (.odt)
OpenOffice 2.0 Text Template (.ott)
OpenOffice 1.0 Text Document (.sxw)
OpenOffice 1.0 Text Template (.stw)
AportisDoc Palm DB (.pdb)
Starwriter vorlage/Template (.vor)
PocketWord (.psw)
Wordperfect 6 (.wpd)
MS Word 2003 XML (.xml)

Data :

Data Interchange Format (.dif)
dBASE (.dbf)
Microsoft Excel (.xls)
MS Excel Vorlage/Template (.xlt)
Pocket Excel (.pxl)
SYLK (.slk)
Lotus 1-2-3 (.123,.wk1)
StarCalc (.sdc)
StarCalc Template (.vor)
OpenOffice 2.0 Spreadsheet (.ods)
OpenOffice 2.0 Calc template (.ots)
OpenOffice 1.0 spreadsheet (.sxc)
OpenOffice 1.0 calc template (.stc)

Mathematics :

MathML (.mml)
StarMath (.smf)
OpenOffice 2.0 Math (.odf)
OpenOffice 1.0 Math (.sxm)

Presentation :

Microsoft Powerpoint (.ppt)
Microsoft Powerpoint Template (.pot)
StarImpress 5.0 (.sdd)
StarImpress 5.0 Template (.vor)
StarImpress 4.0 (.sdd)
StarImpress 4.0 Template (.vor)
OpenOffice 2.0 Impress (.odp)
OpenOffice 2.0 Impress Template (.otp)
OpenOffice 1.0 Impress (.sxi)
OpenOffice 1.0 Impress Template (.sti)

Compressed archives:

Data compression (.zip)
7Z Archive (.7z)
LHA Archive (.lha,.lzh)
Roshal ArchiveArchive (.rar)
Tape ARchive (.tar)
TAR Gzip Compressed archive (.gz)
BZ2 compressed archive (.bza)
Deepfreezer YZ1 archive (.yz1)

Movie:

Windows Media Video (.wmv)
3GP/3G2 Video (.3gp)
Audio Video Interleave (.avi)
Matroska (.mkv)
Apple Quicktime (.mov)
Motion Picture Expert Group (.pg)
Ogg vorbis Compressed video (.ogm)
MPEG-4 (.mp4)
Flash Video (.flv)
DVD Video Object (.vob)
FLIC Animation (.fli)
Digital Video (.dv)
ASF Video (.asf)
Google Video File (.gvi)

DOS Commands

2010-12-12T13:15:00.007+05:30

Commands are the way of communicating with computers. Anything we want the computer system to do is told in the form of commands in the predefined syntax.

DOS has two types of commands: -

# Internal Commands

# External Commands

Internal commands: -

These are those commands for which the code for executing them is stored in COMMAND.COM and they execute without the requirement of any other file. When an internal command is issue by the user, the transient portion knows what to do & executes that command.

External commands: -

These are the independent executable files that can be used as separate utilities also.

Information about these files is also stored in the transient portion. When an external command is issued, the transient portion picks up the relevant file of that command & executes it.

INTERNAL COMMANDS

1. Date – It displays the current system date & prompts you to change the date, if necessary.

Syntax: C:\>date

2. Time – It sets the computer’s internal clock if command is issued with parameters otherwise displays the system time.

Syntax: C:\>time

3. Clear Screen – It clears the screen. The cleared screen shows only the command prompt & the blinking cursor.

Syntax: C:\>cls

4.Ver – Ver command displays the MS-DOS version no.

Syntax: C:\>ver

5. Vol: - It displays the current volume label and the serial number of the specified drive. If drive specifier is omitted Vol takes the current drive by default.

Syntax: C:\vol

(Internal Commands continued…………)

6. Break – It enables the DOS to check for Ctrl + C & Ctrl – break as the signal to terminate the current program less frequently. If you run Break without any parameters, the current state of break checking is displayed.

Syntax: C:\>break

7. MKDIR (or MD) – It creates a multilevel directory.

Syntax: C:\>MKDIR (or MD)

8. CHDIR (or CD) – It changes the current directory or displays the name of the current directory.

Syntax: C:\>CHDIR (or CD) < path>

9. Dir – It displays the list of the files & sub-directories that are in the directory specified.

Syntax: C:\> dir

10. Copy – It copy one or more files to the location specified & can also be used to combine.

Syntax: C:\>copy

(Internal Commands continued…………)

11. EDLIN – It is the line-oriented text editor.

Syntax: C:\>EDLIN

12. Del – It deletes the files specified.

Syntax: C:\>del

13. Prompt – It chanes the appearance of the command prompt or displays the current prompt.

Syntax: C:\>prompt

14. RMDIR (or RD) – It removes the directory.

Syntax: C:\>RMDIR (or RD)

15. Rename (or REN) – It changes the name of the file or files specified & can also rename all files matching the specified filename.

Syntax: C:\>rename (or REN)

16.Type – It displays the contents of a text file or view the contents of any text file without modifying it.

Syntax: C:\>type

17. Path – It is used to earch for the executable files in the directories specified.

Syntax: C:\> path <……>

18. Verify – It verifies that the files are written correctly to the disk.

Syntax: C:\>verify

Externel Commands

1. Attrib – It lets you display or alter the attributes assigned to a file or directory.

Syntax: C:\>attrib <+A/-A><+H/-H><+R/-R><+S/-S>

+A: - add archive attributes

-A: - remove archive attribute

+H : - add hidden attributes

-H: - remove hidden attribute

+R: - add read-only attributes

-R: - remove read-only attribute

+S: - add system attributes

-S: - remove system attribute

2. Chkdsk – It checks a disk’s file allocation table entries for errors & find whether the files are o.k. or not.

Syntax: C:\>chkdsk

3. Comp – It compares two files byte-by-byte and reports the differences.

Syntax: C:\>comp []

[]

4. Format – It creates a new directory & file allocation table for the disk.

Syntax: C:\>format

5. Scandisk – It checks a drive for errors and corrects any problems that it finds.

Syntax: C:\> scandisk

6. Tree – The structure of the specified drive from the specified directory down, listing all the sub-directories it encounters is displayed graphically.

Syntax: C:\>tree

7. Deltree – It deletes a directory and all the files and sub-directories contained within it.

Syntax: C:\>deltree

8. XCopy – It is used to copy all the files in a directory, including the files in the sub-directories of that directory.

Syntax: C:\>xcopy

9. Print – It prints a text file.

Syntax: C:\>print

10. FDisk – It is the tool, DOS provides for setting up and managing hard disk partitions.

Syntax: C:\>fdisk

11. Label – It lets you create, modify or delete the label assigned to a disk.

Syntax: C:\>label

12.Doskey – It edits command lines, recalls command lines and creates macros.

Syntax: C:\>doskey

13.More – It displays one screen of output at a time and in end of each screen displays the message.

Syntax: C:\>more

14. Backup – It lets the user to take the backup of hard disk files to floppies.

Syntax: C:\>backup

15.Restore – It restores the files that were backed up on a floppy.

Syntax: C:\>restore

16. Mem – It displays amount of used and free memory in the system.

Syntax: C:\>mem

17. FC – It compares two files or sets of files and displays the difference between them.

Syntax: C:\>fc

Install or Remove a Font

2010-11-26T16:37:00.002+05:30

Install or Remove a Font in Windows XP

This step-by-step article describes how to add and remove fonts in Windows XP. The following fonts are included with Windows XP and are installed on every computer:

• Courier New (TrueType, including Bold, Italic, and Bold Italic variations)
• Arial (TrueType, including Bold, Italic, and Bold Italic variations)
• Times New Roman (TrueType, including Bold, Italic, and Bold Italic variations)
• Symbol (TrueType)
• Wingdings (TrueType)
• MS Serif
• MS sans Serif

If any of the standard fonts that are included with Windows XP are missing, you can run Windows XP Setup again. Setup replaces missing or changed files. If these standard fonts are missing, other Windows XP files may also be missing, and Setup corrects these problems.

Adding New Fonts

Windows supports TrueType fonts or fonts that are specially designed for Windows, and these fonts are available commercially. Some programs also include special fonts that are installed as part of the program installation. Additionally, printers frequently come with TrueType or special Windows fonts. Follow the directions that come with these products to install these fonts.

To manually install or re-install a font:

• Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
• Double-click the Fonts folder.
• On the File menu, click Install New Font.
• In the Drives box, click the drive that has the floppy or CD-ROM that contains the fonts you want to add. If you are installing fonts from a floppy disk, this is typically drive A or drive B. If you are installing the fonts from a compact disc, your CD-ROM drive is typically drive D.

• Double-click the folder that contains the fonts.
• Click the font you want to add. To select more than one font at a time, press and hold down the Ctrl key while you click each font.
• Click to select the Copy Fonts to Fonts Folder check box. The Windows\Fonts folder is where the fonts that are included with Windows XP are stored.
• Click OK.

Removing Fonts

To completely remove fonts from the hard disk:
• Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
• Double-click the Fonts folder.
• Click the font you want to remove. To select more than one font at a time, press and hold down the Ctrl key while you click each font.
• On the File menu, click Delete.
• When you receive the "Are you sure you want to delete these fonts?" prompt, click Yes.

To prevent a font from loading without removing it from the hard disk, move the font from the Fonts folder into another folder. Use this method for troubleshooting purposes.

This process does not completely remove the font, because font registry information is not deleted. However, it prevents the font from loading.

Create a Desktop Shortcut

2010-11-26T16:36:00.000+05:30

Create a Desktop Shortcut that Locks a Windows XP-Based Workstation
This step-by-step article describes how to create a desktop shortcut that you can use to lock a Windows XP-Based Workstation. To take full advantage of user authentication as a means of network access control, you must be sure that only the logged-on user is able to use the workstation. Authentication-based access control loses viability when users other than the logged-on user are able to obtain access to local and network objects.

If a user steps away from his or her desk, another user can walk up to the unattended computer and carry out local and network activities by using the credentials of the logged-on user. The logged-on user is accountable for any activities that took place on that workstation while away from it. If the logged-on user can account for his or her whereabouts during the time away from the computer, the credentials of that user are no longer useful in tracking down access violations that have been completed under the context of that user's network account.

Users can lock their workstations by using the Ctrl+Alt+Del Security Attention

Sequence (SAS). However, some users are reluctant or unable to press these three keys in sequence, and because of this, do not lock their workstations while they are away from the computer.

You can simplify locking the workstation for these users by creating a desktop shortcut. After you create the shortcut, users can double-click the shortcut to lock the workstation.

To create the shortcut:
• Right-click an empty area of the desktop, point to New, and then click Shortcut.
•In the Create Shortcut Wizard, type %windir%\System32\rundll32.exe

user32.dll,Lock Work Station in the Type the location of the item box, and then click Next.

Note that Lock Work Station is case sensitive.

• On the "Type a name for this shortcut" page, type Lock Workstation in the Type a name for this shortcut box, and then click Finish.
• Right-click the shortcut you just made, and then click Properties.
• Click the Shortcut tab, and then click Change Icon.
• In the Change Icon dialog box, type %SystemRoot%\system32\SHELL32.dll in the Look for icons in this file box, and then click OK.

• Browse through the available icons, and then select an icon that makes it easy for the users to identify that the shortcut is to be used to lock the workstation.
• Click the icon you want to use, and then click OK. Click OK again.
• Double-click the shortcut, and note that the workstation automatically locks itself.

The user must press Ctrl+Alt+Del, and then type his or her credentials to unlock the workstation.

Automate Advanced Restart

2010-11-26T16:35:00.000+05:30

How to Automate Advanced Restart Options for Dual-Boot Configurations

This article describes how to automate advanced restart options for dual-boot configurations. If your computer is configured to dual-boot to either Windows XP or Windows 2000, the process to boot to the other operating system can be slow.

For example, if you want to reboot into Safe mode under either operating system, you have to watch the computer reboot, monitor the power-on self tests and various BIOS messages, select which operating system you want to boot with from the Startup menu, and then press F8 at the exact moment to enable the Advanced Boot menu. You can select your Safe mode boot options from the Advanced Boot menu.

This article describes a method you can use to create a custom Advanced Restart menu on the Start menu. You can use the Advanced Restart menu to pre select advanced restart options before you restart your computer. After you select your restart options, you are prompted to restart, and your computer starts with your pre selected options, and does not require that you press any keys during startup.

IMPORTANT: The following procedure assumes that you have a dual-boot configuration with Windows XP and Windows 2000. Also, although the following procedure works correctly, Microsoft does not support the following procedure:

• Create a shortcut that is named Advanced Restart on the Windows XP Start menu.
• For the target path, use the msconfig -4 command. For example, you might use the c:\windows\pchealth\helpctr\binaries\msconfig.exe -4 command.
• Create the same shortcut with the same path for the Windows 2000 Start menu. This shortcut on the Windows 2000 Start menu should use the path to the Msconfig.exe tool in the Windows XP folder.

The "Advanced Restart" shortcut you created starts Msconfig.exe with a switch that loads the Boot.ini file properties dialog box. From this dialog box, you can select the default operating system, Safe mode options, and other advanced boot options. After you select the restart options and press OK, you are prompted to restart your computer. When your computer restarts, it starts with the options you previously selected, and does not require that you press any keys during startup.

Note: When you boot into Windows XP or Windows 2000 after you use Msconfig.exe,

Msconfig.exe automatically starts in diagnostic mode.

Windows Update

2010-11-26T16:32:00.002+05:30

Use Windows Update to Keep Your Computer Current
Windows XP takes the chore out of keeping your software updated with the newest and best code for device drivers, security, reliability, and performance.

Windows Update is the online extension of Windows. It's a Web site where you find the most recent updates for your operating system, software programs, and hardware. Windows Update scans your computer and lists the code updates needed on your system. Then you can choose whether to download and install them.

• Open Windows Update.
• Click Scan for updates to find out about recent releases for your system.
• Click yes when prompted to install any required software or device drivers.
• To open Windows Update, click Start, then click Help and Support. Under "Pick a task," click Keep your computer up-to-date with Windows Update.
• The first time you go to the Windows Update Web site, click yes when prompted to install any required software or controls.

To use Windows Update, you need to establish a connection to the Internet. You might need to be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group in order to perform some tasks.

MS-DOS Startup Disk

2010-11-26T13:05:00.000+05:30

Create an MS-DOS Startup Disk

You can easily create a bootable floppy disk by following these steps:
• Place a blank disk in the floppy disk drive.
• Click Start, and then click My Computer.
• Right-click the floppy disk drive, and then click Format on the shortcut menu.
• Click Create an MS-DOS startup disk, and then click Start. Now you're on your way to a bootable startup disk.
Note: The MS-DOS startup disk only allows the system to boot into an MS-DOS prompt. The disk contains no additional tools

Create a Password Reset Disk

If you're running Windows XP Professional as a local user in a workgroup environment, you can create a password reset disk to log onto your computer when you forget your password.

• Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click User Accounts.
• Click your account name.
• Under Related Tasks, click Prevent a forgotten password.
• Follow the directions in the Forgotten Password Wizard to create a password reset disk.
• Store the disk in a secure location, because anyone using it can access your local user account

How to Perform Disk Error Checking in Windows XP

This article describes how to check the integrity of the hard disk drive in Windows
XP. After you install Windows XP, the Scandisk command is not available.
• Double-click My Computer, and then right-click the hard disk drive that you want to check.
• Click Properties, and then click Tools.
• Under Error-checking, click Check Now.
• Click Start.

Copy Files and Folders to CDs

2010-10-02T19:40:00.002+05:30

Copy Files and Folders to CDs

Remember when you loved Rubik's Cube, Dynasty, and the floppy disk? In the 1980s, before the World Wide Web and ubiquitous e-mail, you could store 1.5 megabytes (MB) of data on a 3.5-inch floppy and transfer it to another computer so easily. And it was beautiful. Today? That 1.5 MB-floppy won't hold your 5th grader's science report.

Enter the compact disc. CDs have become the new standard for removable storage on the computer. Each disc holds 650 megabytes of data and costs little more than a floppy.

New computers are more likely to have a CD drive than a floppy drive, although most still have both. With Windows XP and a CD-recordable (CD-R) or CD-rewriteable (CD-RW) drive, you can copy data to a CD as easily as you can to a floppy disk.

To copy files and folders to a CD:
• Insert a blank, writable CD into the CD recorder.
• Open My Computer.
• Click the files or folders you want to copy to the CD. To select more than one file, hold down the Ctrl-key while you click the files you want. Then, under File and Folder Tasks, click Copy this file, Copy this folder, or Copy the selected items.

• If the files are located in My Pictures, under Picture Tasks, click Copy to CD or
Copy all items to CD, and then skip to step 5.
• In the Copy Items dialog box, click the CD recording drive, and then click Copy.
• In My Computer, double-click the CD recording drive. Windows displays a temporary area where the files are held before they are copied to the CD. Verify that the files and folders that you intend to copy to the CD appear under Files Ready to be Written to the CD.
• Under CD Writing Tasks, click Write these files to CD. Windows displays the CD Writing Wizard. Follow the instructions in the wizard. Do not copy more files to the CD than it will hold. Standard CDs hold up to 650 megabytes (MB). High-capacity CDs hold up to 850 MB.
• Be sure that you have enough disk space on your hard disk to store the temporary files that are created during the CD writing process. For a standard CD, Windows reserves up to 700 MB of the available free space. For a high-capacity CD, Windows reserves up to 1 gigabyte (GB) of the available free space.
• After you copy files or folders to the CD, it is useful to view the CD to confirm that the files are copied.

To stop the CD recorder from automatically ejecting the CD:

• Open My Computer.
• Right-click the CD recording drive, and then click Properties.
• On the Recording tab, clear the Automatically eject the CD after writing check box.

Use Hibernate and Standby

2010-10-02T19:39:00.000+05:30

Use Hibernate and Standby to Conserve Batteries
Fast User Switching can be turned-on with Windows XP Professional only when your computer is not part of a domain.

Power Options in Control Panel lets you adjust any power management option that your computer's unique hardware configuration supports. These options vary widely from computer to computer. Power Options automatically detects what is available on your computer and shows you only the options that you can control.

ACPI-If you are not sure whether your computer is ACPI-compliant, check your manufacturer's documentation. During Windows Setup, ACPI is installed only if all components present during Setup support power management.

The Hibernate function in Windows XP Professional can make the batteries in your laptop computer last longer.

Windows XP supports the industry standard power management technology known as the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI), which enables the operating system to control power to your computer and peripheral devices. The power management features in Windows XP include Hibernate and Standby. Hibernate saves an image of your desktop with all open files and documents, and then it powers down your computer. When you turn on power, your files and documents are open on your desktop exactly as you left them.

Standby reduces the power consumption of your computer by cutting power to hardware components you are not using. Standby can cut power to peripheral devices, your monitor, even your hard drive, but maintains power to your computer's memory so you don't lose your work.

Display Hibernate Option on the Shut Down dialog
For some reason, Hibernate isn't available from the default Shut Down dialog. But you can enable it simply enough, by holding down the SHIFT key while the dialog is visible. Now you see it, now you don't!

On-Screen Keyboard

2010-10-02T19:31:00.000+05:30

Use the On-Screen Keyboard

An on-screen keyboard is built into Windows XP. It can be useful if you have mobility impairments, if you are using a tablet PC, or if your keyboard breaks down unexpectedly.

To access the on-screen keyboard:

• Go to Start, then click Run, and then type osk.

Now the keyboard opens on your computer screen, featuring three typing modes you can use to type data:

• Clicking mode, where you click the on-screen keys.
• Scanning mode, where you press a hot key or use a switch-input device to type highlighted characters.
• Hovering mode, where you use a mouse or joystick to point to a key, which is then typed.

To make a shortcut icon on your desktop to the on-screen keyboard:

• Right-click the desktop and choose New, then Shortcut.
• Type osk, click next.
• Type a name for the shortcut, and then click Finish.

Use Ctrl+Alt+Del without Pushing All the Buttons for some people, pushing Ctrl, ALT and Delete (Ctrl+Alt+Del) at the same time can be an inconvenience, if not a complete impossibility. With Windows XP, there are two ways to get around this.

First option: Configure the system so that you do not need to press Ctrl+Alt+Del at all during logon (assuming you're not using the Welcome screen, in which case this key combo is not required).

• Open Control Panel then User Accounts.
• Navigate to the Advanced tab.
• Uncheck the require users to press Ctrl+Alt+Del checkbox under Secure Logon.

Second option: Configure XP's accessibility options so that "sticky keys" will be activated at the secure desktop: That way, you may "press" ALT, Ctrl, and DEL sequentially rather than simultaneously. You can turn that on via the Accessibility control panel. (Control Panel then Accessibility Options):

• Bring up the Accessibility Control panel and navigate to the Keyboard tab.
• Check Use Sticky keys.
• Navigate to the General Tab.
• Check Apply all settings to logon desktop.

Turn on Clear Type Font-Rendering Technology

2010-10-02T19:30:00.000+05:30

Turn on Clear Type Font-Rendering Technology
Get that extra text clarity you've always wanted. The incredible Microsoft Clear Type technology can be enabled in Windows XP to smooth all fonts at all sizes, making the whole system so much easier to read.

• Click Start, then Control Panel, and then click Appearance and Themes.
• Click the Display icon, then the Appearance tab, and then Effects.
• Click the Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts check box and select Clear Type from the list.
• Click OK, and then click OK again.

Remove Interference in Movie Files
If you have any AVI files that you saved in Windows 9x, they might have interference when opened in Windows XP. Fortunately, there is an easy fix to get rid of the interference:

• Open Windows Movie Maker.
• Click View and then Options.
• Uncheck automatically create clips.
• Now, import the movie file that has interference and drag it onto the timeline.
• Then save the movie. During the re-rendering, the interference will be removed.

Working with Album Art in Windows Media Player

2010-09-19T10:45:00.000+05:30

Working with Album Art in Windows Media Player

Set your own Album Art for your media folders and Media Player for Windows XP (MPXP).

If you don't like the album art or have a folder of downloaded music that you want to add art to:

• Simply select any graphic from your browser.
• Save it inside the folder you want, and call it Folder.jpg.

Now when you play any music that resides in that folder, the Media Player will automatically pick it up and display that as album art.

Managing Multiple Photos or Other Files
If you have numerous files to rename, select a group of photos then rename the FIRST one and the rest will follow.

Turn Off File Names in Thumbnail View

Find that you need more space for thumbnails and would like to turn the file names off?

• Hold down shift when you open a folder or when you switch into thumbnail view. This will turn of the file names, giving more space for the thumbnails. Doing it again turns them back on.

Try Grouping Files for Effortless Manageability

• In any My Computer window, select View > Arrange Icons by > Type.
• Then, select View > Arrange Icons by > Show in Groups.
• If you prefer Details view, you can right-click on the column header in and choose the columns you want displayed. And you can drag and drop the column headers to reorder them.

Add a Map Drive Button to the Toolbar

Do you want to quickly map a network drive, but can't find the toolbar button? If you map drives often, use one of these options to add a Map Drive button to the folder toolbar in My Computer.

Option One (Long Term Fix):

• Open My Computer, right-click the toolbar, then unlock the toolbars, if necessary.
• Right-click the toolbar again and click Customize.
• Under Available toolbar buttons, locate Map Drive, and drag it into the position you want on the right under Current toolbar buttons.
• Click Close, click OK, and then click OK again.
You now have a drive mapping buttons on your My Computer toolbar, so you can map drives from any folder window. To unmap drives, follow the above procedure, selecting Disconnect under Available toolbar buttons.

Option Two (Quick Fix):

• Right-click My Computer and choose Map Network Drive. If you place your My Computer icon directly on the desktop, you can make this move in only two clicks! Otherwise, you can right-click the My Computer icon in the Start Menu.

Fax Tips

2010-09-19T10:41:00.000+05:30

Here are some useful tips for working with Fax and Image Viewer:

• Typing Ctrl-I in the picture viewer will bring up the property sheet for the image (doesn't work in slide show).
• Typing DEL in the picture viewer will delete.
• Holding down the Ctrl key in the picture viewer enables "panning" (hand cursor)

Use the Windows Classic Look
Are you more comfortable performing a task with the familiar Windows Classic user interface than you is with Windows XP's new interface? You can quickly switch the user interface to the familiar Windows Classic appearance on your computer if it helps you remember a task in your operating system or program. Then, you can go back to the original Windows look with a couple of clicks.

• Right-click on a blank area of the desktop, then click Properties.
• Click the Appearance tab.
• On the Windows and Buttons menu, select Windows Classic, then Click OK.

Change the Start Menu Style
Does the new Windows XP Start menu take up too much space on your desktop? You can easily change the look back to the Windows Classic Start menu by following these steps:

• Right-click the Start button, and then click Properties.
• Click the Classic Start menu choice.
• Click the Customize button to select items to display on the Start menu.

By default, selecting the Classic Start menu also adds the My Documents, My Computer, My Network Places, and Internet Explorer icons to your desktop. If you don't want this:

• Right-click a blank area of the Desktop, choose Properties, and then navigate to the Desktop page. Click Customize Desktop to determine which icons are shown on the desktop.

Detailed View of Folders

2010-09-19T10:39:00.000+05:30

Add Fields to the Details View of Folders

You can add other columns to the Details view of the files contained in Windows XP folders, such as Comments, Description, Category, and many others. To add new columns:

• Right-click the column header of the files list, and then click one of the fields listed, or click more.
• In the Choose Details dialog box, you can reorganize the order of column headers, specify column widths, and add columns to display details for the files in that folder.

When you click the new column header, the width of the selected column is displayed in pixels in the Choose Details dialog box.

Using a Folder Type as a Template

Every Windows XP folder provides a list of hyper linked tasks appropriate to that type of folder next to the folder contents. For example, the Pictures folder type contains task links for ordering prints online and for printing pictures. If you want to use a folder type as a template for a selected folder, follow these steps:

• Right-click a newly created folder, and then click Properties.
• Click the Customize tab.
• In the Use this folder type as a template list, click the template type you want to apply, and then click OK.

Now, when you open the new folder, it will contain a hyperlinked task list common to the type of folder you selected as the template.

Create a Personal Screen Saver

2010-08-25T13:08:00.000+05:30

Create a Personal Screen Saver

For a great way to put your digital photos to work, try creating a slide show presentation for use as a screen saver.

• Right-click an empty spot on your desktop and then click Properties.
• Click the Screen Saver tab.
• In the Screen saver list, click My Pictures Slideshow.
• Click Settings to make any adjustments, such as how often the pictures should change, what size they should be, and whether you'll use transition effects between pictures, and then click OK.

Now your screen saver is a random display of the pictures taken from your My Pictures folder.

Keep Your Favorite Programs near the Top of the Start Menu
Do you have a favorite application that you frequently use? If so, you can elevate its priority on the Start menu by putting it at the top of the list. This ensures that the program will remain on the Start menu and cannot be bumped by other programs, even if you use the others more frequently.

• Right-click the link to your favorite program on the Start menu and select Pin to Start Menu. Your program will be moved permanently to the top part of the list, just below your browser and e-mail programs.

Use the Address Bar to Launch Programs or Web Page.

Windows XP enhanced the functionality of the Address bar to make it easier to launch your favorite programs. You can add the Address bar to the taskbar on the bottom of your desktop. Then you can launch programs simply by entering their names in the Address bar.

For example, to launch Calculator, simply enter calc in the Address bar. Anything you would normally enter in the Run box on the Start menu can be entered in the Address bar.

The Address bar also lets you quickly go to any Web page you specify.

To add the Address bar to the taskbar:

• Right-click an empty area on the taskbar.
• Point to Toolbars, and then click Address.
• Open the Address bar by double-clicking it.

Different uses of Windows Logo Key

2010-08-25T13:04:00.000+05:30

Windows Logo Key
Don't Ignore the Windows Logo Key the Windows logo key, located in the bottom row of most computer keyboards. Don't ignore it. It is the shortcut for the following commands:

Windows: Display the Start menu.
Windows + D: Minimize or restore all windows.
Windows + E: Display Windows Explorer.
Windows + F: Display Search for files.
Windows + Ctrl + F: Display Search for computer.
Windows + F1: Display Help and Support Center.
Windows + R: Display Run dialog box.
Windows + break: Display System Properties dialog box.
Windows + shift + M: Undo minimizes all windows.
Windows + tab: Move through taskbar buttons.
Windows + L: Lock the workstation (or switch to the Logon screen w/Fast User Switching enabled).
Windows + U: Open Utility Manager.

Fast User Switching

If you have multiple users logged on to your machine, you can bypass the Welcome screen to switch users:

• Go to the User tab in Task Manager, right-click on a user and choose Connect.

Place a "Run" Icon on Your Desktop

• Open the Start Menu and drag the Run option on to your desktop.
You may want to rename it to get rid of the ampersand. Now you will be able to double-click the "Run" icon on your desktop to go directly to the Run dialog.

Confirmation message to move to Recycle Bin

2010-08-25T12:55:00.000+05:30

WiSkip the Recycle Bin Confirmation Message

When you delete items by moving them to the Recycle Bin, Windows displays a message confirming the deletion: "Are you sure you want to send FILENAME to the Recycle Bin?" If you're tired of clicking an answer to that question, you can configure Windows XP to skip the confirmation message whether or not you're using the Recycle Bin.

• Right-click the Recycle Bin, and then click Properties.
• In the Recycle Bin Properties dialog box, clear the Display delete confirmation dialog check box, and then click OK.
• If you don't want to use the Recycle Bin at all, in the Recycle Bin Properties dialog box, select the Do not move files to the Recycle Bin. Remove files immediately when deleted check box.
ndows Logo Key

Install Backup in Windows XP Home Edition

2010-08-23T13:12:00.000+05:30

Manually Install Backup in Windows XP Home Edition
The Backup utility is not included in the default installation of Windows XP Home Edition. The Backup icon is not present on the Start menu in Windows XP Home Edition, nor is Backup listed in Add/Remove Programs for Windows XP Home Edition. The backup program is found on the Windows XP Home Edition CD in the Value add folder.

• Double-click the Ntbackup.msi file in the following location on the Windows XP Home Edition CD to start a wizard that installs Backup:

CD-ROM Drive:\VALUEADD\MSFT\NTBACKUP

• When the wizard is complete, click Finish.

Create a Keyboard Shortcut to Open a Folder
Do you have a folder to which you want instant access from anywhere on your computer?

For example, if you want the My Music folder to pop up while Internet Explorer or Word is maximized, follow these steps:

• Select the folder in Windows Explorer.
• Create a shortcut, and place it on the desktop. (You create a shortcut by opening the folder, pointing to New on the File menu, then clicking Shortcut. Drag the shortcut to your desktop.)
• Right-click the new shortcut, and then click Properties.
• In the Properties dialog box, click the Shortcut tab, and in the Shortcut key box, enter a Control key combination or a Control-Shift key combination, (that is, Ctrl+Alt+M or Ctrl+SHIFT+M when M is for music), and then click OK.

Anytime you hit the key combination you specified, your folder will open, even when other programs are maximized! This tip can be applied to folders, programs, and text file shortcuts that are placed on the desktop

Change the Picture on the Welcome Screen

2010-08-23T13:10:00.002+05:30

Change the Picture on the Welcome Screen
If your computer is a member of a workgroup or is a stand-alone computer, you can replace the picture on the Welcome screen with another picture. First, store a head shot that you've scanned or taken with a digital camera in the My Pictures folder. The picture will be automatically resized to fit the picture box, so don't worry too much about getting an exact size, and then follow these steps:

• Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click User Accounts.
• Click your account name, and then click Change My Picture.
• Click the picture you like, and then click Change Picture.
• To find the user's picture, click Browse for more pictures, click the picture you want to use, and then click Open.

Now, when you open the Welcome screen, you will see the new picture.

Change the Start Menu Style

Does the new Windows XP Start menu take up too much space on your desktop? You can easily change the look back to the Windows Classic Start menu by following these steps:

• Right-click the Start button, and then click Properties.
• Click Classic Start menu.
• Click the Customize button to select items to display on the Start menu.

By default, selecting the Classic Start menu also adds the My Documents, My Computer, My Network Places, and Internet Explorer icons to your desktop.

Add an Item to the Send to Menu
You can create a new shortcut on the Send To menu, for example, one that goes to a frequently-used folder.

• Open My Computer, and double-click the drive where Windows is installed, which is usually drive C.
• Double-click the Documents and Settings folder, and then double-click the folder for the particular user.
• Double-click the Send To folder. The Send To folder is hidden by default. To see the Send To folder, click Tools, click Folder Options, and then click Show hidden files and folders.
• On the File menu, point to New, and then click Shortcut.
• Follow the instructions to create a shortcut.
Now, when you right-click a file, and click Send To, the shortcut to the item you selected will be an option. You can create shortcuts to local or network programs, files, folders, computers, or Internet addresses.

Add Familiar Icons Back to Your Desktop

2010-08-23T13:09:00.000+05:30

Add Familiar Icons Back to Your Desktop

It's the case of the missing icons. Many of you may be wondering where all the icons from your desktop are in Windows XP? You can place at least My Computer, My Network Places, and My Documents on the desktop.

• Right-click on the desktop, and then click Properties.
• Click the Desktop tab and then click on Customize Desktop.
• Put a check mark in the box next to My Document, My Computer, My Network Places, or Internet Explorer, to add those familiar icons to your desktop.
Unlock Toolbars to Customize Them Windows XP now features locking toolbars and you can adjust them. You can customize a lot of the Windows XP features such as the Taskbar, Start Menu, and even toolbar icons in Internet Explorer and Outlook Express.
• Right-click on a toolbar, and then click Lock the Toolbars to remove the check mark.
• Right-click on the toolbar again, and then click Customize. You can add and remove toolbar buttons, change text options and icon options.
• When you've got the toolbar customized, click Close.
• Now right-click on the toolbar and then click Lock the Toolbars to lock them in place.

Keep Your Favorite Programs near the Top of the Start Menu

Do you have a favorite program that you frequently use? Elevate its priority on the Start menu by putting it at the top of the list. This ensures that the program will remain on the Start menu and cannot be bumped by other programs, even if you use the others more frequently.

• Right-click the link to your favorite program on the Start menu and select Pin to Start Menu.

Your program will be moved permanently to the top part of the list, just below your browser and e-mail programs.

Renew and Release IP Addresses

2010-08-23T13:05:00.000+05:30

Renew and Release IP Addresses
You can use the command-line tool IPCONFIG to get network information such as your IP address and to perform other tasks for troubleshooting network issues.

However, if you prefer a graphical user interface over command lines, you can download a GUI tool that will run on Windows XP and Windows 2000. The tool that's installed is Wntipcfg.exe.

The tool identifies your IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway for each of your network interfaces, including the interface for your network adapter, your dial-up networking interface, and your PPTP interface. It allows you to click a button to Release, Renew, Release all, or Renew all when configuring an IP address.

To download and install the tool:

• Open the Windows 2000 Resource Kit tool download page Wntipcfg.exe: Windows NT IPConfig Utility
• Click the download link in the box at the top right corner of the page.
• In the File Download dialog box, select Save this program to disk.
• Select a location on your computer to save the file, and then click Save.
• In Windows Explorer, go to the location where you saved the downloaded file, double-click the file to start the installation process, and then follow the instructions.

To provide quick access from the Run line, install the program to C:\Documents and setting\yourusername or the equivalent. Or, create a shortcut to the program on your start menu or desktop.

Use a Shortcut to Local Area Network Connection Information

Something new in Windows XP-instead of using the command line program and typing ipconfig to find local area network information, you can use the following shortcut:

• Click Start, point to Connect to, and then click Show All Connections.
• Right-click the connection you want information about, and then click Status.
• In the connection Properties dialog box, click the Support tab.
• For even more information, click the Advanced tab.
• To automatically enable the status monitor each time the connection is active, in the connection Properties dialog box, select the Show icon in taskbar notification area when connected check box.

Synchronize Your Computer Clock with an Internet Time Server

Does your computer have the right time? If your computer is not part of a domain, you can synchronize your computer clock with an Internet time server.

• Double-click the time on your task bar.
• Click the Internet Time tab.
• Select the time server you want to use and make sure to select the Automatically
synchronize with an Internet time server check box.
• Make sure that you have set the correct date before you attempt to synchronize your clock, because the Internet time server won't update the time if the date is wrong.
• If you have a personal or network firewall, you may have to tweak the settings to unblock time synchronization.

Customize the IE 6

2010-08-23T13:03:00.000+05:30

Customize the Internet Explorer 6 Toolbar
You can choose which features you want on the Internet Explorer 6 toolbar. If you want to simplify the toolbar, you can remove icons, change to smaller icons, or remove the text labels displayed next to the icons.

• Right-click the Standard toolbar, and then click Customize.
• In the Text options list, click No text labels to remove them.
• In the Icon options list, click Small icons to change the default setting.
• In the Current toolbars list, click any icon that you want to remove, and then click Remove.
• To keep your changes safe, right-click the toolbar again, and make sure to select the Lock Toolbars check box.

Change Web Page Font Size on the Fly
If your mouse contains a wheel for scrolling, you can change font size on the fly when viewing a Web page.

• Press and hold Ctrl.
• Scroll down (or towards yourself) to enlarge the font size.
• Scroll up (or away from yourself) to reduce the font size.
You might find it useful to reduce font size when printing a Web page, so that you can fit more content on the page.

Use AutoComplete to Enter Addresses Faster in Internet Explorer 6

The AutoComplete feature in Internet Explorer 6 can fill in the prefix and suffix of Web addresses so all you must enter is the name.

• Just type the name in the address bar and hold down the Control key while you press Enter. Internet Explorer 6 automatically adds the http:// and the www. and the .com.

For example, click in Address bar and type MSN, and then hold down the Control key and press Enter. Internet Explorer 6 will go to the address http://www.msn.com

Activate NetMeeting

2010-08-23T13:01:00.000+05:30

Activate NetMeeting

Using NetMeeting, you can participate in virtual meetings, work in shared applications, and share data over the Internet or your company intranet. NetMeeting is actually already installed after you perform a full install of Windows XP, but it won't appear on the Start menu until it's activated.

• Click Start, then Run, and enter Conf.
• Click OK.
• In the NetMeeting Wizard, supply the necessary information, and then select the Put a shortcut to NetMeeting on my desktop (or on my Quick Launch bar) check box.

NetMeeting should start and is now listed in the most frequently used programs list on the Start menu.

Add a Voice Message to an E-Mail Message

Personalize e-mail with a voice message? You can perform this task using the Windows XP Sound Recorder and a microphone. First, open the sound recorder:

• Click Start, click Programs, click Accessories, click Entertainment, and then click Sound Recorder.
• On the File menu, click New.
• To begin recording, click Record, and to stop recording, click Stop.
• Save the .wav file to a folder of your choice.
• Attach the file to an e-mail message.

To record sounds, your computer must be equipped with a microphone. Recorded sounds are saved as waveform (.wav) files.

Administrative Tools

2010-08-23T12:56:00.000+05:30

Add Administrative Tools to Your Start Menu

If you are an administrator to your Windows XP Professional machine, you might want to be able to perform administrative functions. Yet, it is sort of a hassle to navigate to the Control Panel and select the Administrative Tools from there.

• Right-click the Start menu, and then click Properties.
• On the Start Menu tab, click Customize.
• Click the Advanced tab, and under Start menu items, scroll to System Administrative Tools.
• Click Display on the All Programs and the Start menu.

You can navigate through those tools right from the comforts of the Start menu.

Access the Administrator Account from the Welcome Screen

If you are at the Welcome screen and want to log on with the Administrator account, but it's not listed:

• Press Ctrl+Alt+Del twice to bring up the Windows 2000 logon window, which then allows you to log on as Administrator.

Logging on at the Welcome screen is not available on computers that are members of a network domain.

Three New Command-Line Tools
If you're running Windows XP Professional, you can use a number of great new command-line tools:

• Use schtasks.exe to script the scheduling of tasks from the command line.
• De fragments your drives from the command line with defrag.exe.
• Query all or any of the event logs from the command line with eventquery.vbs.

To execute some of these commands, you must be a member of the Administrators group on the computer that the command affects.

Temporarily Assign Yourself Administrative Permissions

Many programs require you to have Administrative permissions to be able to install them. Here is an easy way to temporarily assign your self Administrative permissions while you remain logged in as a normal user.

• Hold down the Shift key as you right-click on the program's setup file.
• Click Run as.
• Type in a username and password that have Administrative permissions.

This will also work on applications in the Start menu.

Enable Services to Work through Internet Connection Firewall. When people are having trouble getting to specific programs or services on your Windows XP machine after you enable Internet Connection Firewall (ICF), you may need to enable the program or service to work through the firewall.

• Click Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Network Connections.
• Right-click your Internet connection, and then click Properties.
• Click the Advanced tab in the Properties dialog box.
• Click Settings, and the Advanced Settings dialog box opens.
• From there you can enable most common services just by clicking them, or add your own by clicking the Add button.

Quick Search Tips

2010-08-23T12:53:00.000+05:30

Quick Search Tips New!

• Using capitalization can result in better performance when using Search Companion.

For instance, Mary Smith may produce better results than mary smith.

• If you didn't find what you wanted on the first search engine, choose automatically send your search to other search engines to submit your search to other engines that are appropriate for your query.

• If you like having an animated character, but want to use a different one, choose Change Preferences, then with a different character to choose the helper you like.

Speed Up Those Searches New!
Windows can create an index of the files on your computer to speed up searching.

• Open Search, and then choose Change preferences and then With Indexing Service (for faster local searches).

"Go" Places Quicker on the Internet New!

Many common Internet searches can be performed quickly using the "go" shortcut. For example, if you open Search in Internet Explorer and type go yellow pages, the page will jump to a form where you can lookup a business phone number. Likewise, typing go email automatically brings up a form for searching for a person's email.

You can even type go yellow pages Acme Corp to automatically search for the phone number of a company called Acme Corp. And you can type go amzn to look up the value of a stock quote (in this case Amazon's).

Change Drive Letters in Windows XP

2010-08-22T10:23:00.000+05:30

Change Drive Letters in Windows XP
When you add drives to your computer, such as an extra hard drive, a CD drive, or a storage device that corresponds to a drive, Windows automatically assigns letters to the drives. However, this assignment might not suit your system; for example, you might have mapped a network drive to the same letter that Windows assigns to a new drive.

• Right-click My Computer, and then click Manage.
• Under Computer Management, click Disk Management. In the right pane, you'll see your drives listed. CD-ROM drives are listed at the bottom of the pane.
• Right-click the drive or device you want to change, and then click Change Drive Letter and Paths.
• Click Change, click Assign the following drive letter, click the drive letter you want to assign, and then click OK.

You will not be able to change the boot or system drive letter in this manner. Many MS-DOS-based and Windows-based programs make references to a specific drive letter (for example, environment variables). If you modify the drive letter, these programs may not function correctly.

Display the Quick Launch Toolbare

Is your Quick Launch toolbar missing from the taskbar?

To display the familiar Quick Launch toolbar:

• Right-click an empty area on the taskbar.
• Click Toolbars, and then click Quick Launch.
Easy as that your Quick Launch bar appears.
To add items to your Quick Launch toolbar:

• Click the icon for the program you want to add, and drag it to the Quick Launch portion of the taskbar.

Lock Your Computer

2010-08-22T10:16:00.000+05:30

Create a Desktop Shortcut to Lock Your Computer

You secure your computer by locking it whenever you're away from your desk. If you're on a domain, by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del and then clicking Lock Computer, you can prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to your computer. Only you and members of the Administrators group on your computer can unlock it. (You unlock it by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del, typing your password, and then clicking OK.)

To create an even quicker means of securing your computer, place a shortcut on your desktop to lock your computer:

• Right-click an open area of your desktop, point to New, and then click Shortcut.
•In the Location box, type %windir%\System32\rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation

• Click next, in the Name box type a name for the shortcut such as, Lock Computer, and then click Finish.

Disable the Shut down Button on the Welcome Screen
Do you have little ones that like to click all over the screen when you're not looking? Afraid of someone shutting down the computer without logging on?

• Click Start, click Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then click Administrative Tools.
• Double-click Local Security Policy.
• Expand Security Settings, then expand Local Policies, and then click Security Options.
• In the right pane, double-click the Shutdown: Allow system to be shut down without having to log on policy, click the Disabled radio button, and then click OK.

No more shutting down without logging on!

Computer Clock through a Firewall

2010-08-22T10:11:00.002+05:30

Update Computer Clock through a Firewall

If your computer is a member of a domain, your computer clock is probably synchronized automatically by a network time server. If your computer is not a member of a domain, you can synchronize your computer clock with an Internet time server.

However, the Internet Time service in its default state does not work with Internet Connection Firewall enabled on a dial-up connection in Windows XP.

• Click Start, point to connect to, and then click Show all connections.
• Right-click your dial-up accounts, and then clicks Properties.
• On the Advanced tab, click Settings.
• Click the Add button, and type Internet Time Service for the description.
• Enter 127.0.0.1 for the IP address, and enter 123 for both the External and Internal port numbers, and then make sure that TCP is selected.
• Click OK three times until the Properties dialog box closes.
• If you're online, a message box tells you that you need to disconnect and reconnect for the settings to take effect. When you double-click the clock on the taskbar, and then click Update Now on the Internet Time tab, your clock will be synchronized with an Internet time server.

Show Encrypted Files in Color

2010-08-21T19:43:00.002+05:30

Show Encrypted Files in Color
You can encrypt files and folders on NTFS volumes to hide their content from other users. To quickly identify encrypted files and folders in your system, follow this tip to display the name of the encrypted file or folder in color.

• Double-click My Computer, and then click Folder Options on the Tools menu.
• Click the View tab.
• Select the Show encrypted or compressed NTFS files in color check box, and then click OK.

Now the name of the encrypted file or folder is listed in color within Windows Explorer. The EFS feature is not included in Windows XP Home Edition.

Remove Record of Recently Used Documents
In Windows XP Professional, the Start menu contains a My Recent Documents folder that contains 15 of your recently used documents.

To remove the record of recently accessed documents:

• Right-click Start, click Properties, and then click Customize.
• Click the Advanced tab, and then click Clear List. If you're using the Classic Start menu, click Clear.
• Clicking Clear List empties the My Recent Documents folder. It doesn't delete the documents from your computer.

If you don't want to include anything in the My Recent Documents folder:

• On the Advanced tab, click Customize, and then clear the List my most recently opened documents check box.
• In Windows XP Home Edition, My Recent Documents is not automatically listed on the Start menu. You can turn on this feature by right-clicking Start, clicking Properties, clicking Customize, and then selecting the List my most recently opened documents check box.

Recovery Console on Your Computer

2010-08-21T19:41:00.002+05:30

Install the Recovery Console on Your Computer
You can install the Recovery Console as an option on your startup menu and use it to recover your system in the event that safe mode and other startup options don't work. This tool is for advanced users.

• With Windows XP running, insert your Windows XP CD in the drive, and click Exit when the installation options are displayed.
• Click Start, click Run, and then type D:\i386\winnt32.exe /cmdcons Where D: is the CD-ROM drive letter, and then press Enter. (There is a space between .exe and the slash.)
• Follow the instructions on screen to install the Recovery Console, and when the installation is complete, restart your computer. The Recovery Console will show up in the list of available operating systems in the Startup menu. You must be an administrator to use the Recovery Console.

If the i386 directory is already installed on your computer (as might be the case in computers purchased with Windows XP pre-installed), you can use the same syntax as in Step 2, using the [path]\i386 directory without having to use the CD. An alternative method is to boot to the CD and start WINNT.EXE, then when prompted to Install or Repair, click Repair, which installs the Recovery Console for you.

If Windows XP will not start, you can run the Recovery Console from the Setup CD.

Speed up Menu Display

2010-08-19T07:52:00.000+05:30

Speed up Menu Display

You can use this tip to speed up the way menus display in Windows XP.

• Click Start, click Control Panel, and click Performance and Maintenance, and the click System.
• Click the Advanced tab, and under Performance, click the Settings button.
• Clear the Fade or slide menus into view check box, and then click OK.
• Now when you bring up a collapsed menu, it will expand without delay.

Compress Files and Folders in Windows XP

Running out of room on your hard disk? Need some extra space to install a new program? Don’t worries, Windows XP come to the rescue.

Both Windows XP Professional and Home Edition now include a zip compression utility that you can use to compress files and folders on your hard disk.

To compress a file or folder:
• Right-click the file or folder.
• Point to Send To.
• Then click Compressed (zipped) Folder.

This will make a compressed folder, identified by a zipper icon, which displays the same name as the file you compressed.

You can also make a compressed folder from scratch, by following these steps:

• Right-click the desktop.
• Point to New.
• Click Compressed (zipped) Folder.
• Open the new compressed folder and drag files inside that you would like compressed.

Disk Errors in Windows XP

2010-08-05T07:05:00.000+05:30

The Scan Disk utility is not available in Windows XP. However, you can use the Error-Checking tool in Windows XP to check the integrity of your hard disk.

• Double-click My Computer, and then right-click the local disk that you want to check.
• Click Properties, and then click Tools.
• Under Error-checking, click Check Now.
• Under Check disk options, select the Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors check box.
• Click Start.

Stop Getting Tricked into Running Viruses
Stop getting tricked into running viruses because you don't see the file extension of an attachment.

• Click Start, click My Computer, and on the Tools menu, click Folder Options.
• Clear the Hide file extensions for known file types check box, and then click OK.
Now when you receive a file called something.jpg.vbs, you'll see the .vbs extension and know that it is not an ordinary .jpg file.

Perform a Repair Installation

2010-08-02T10:05:00.000+05:30

How do you perform a reinstallation of Windows XP, sometimes called a repair installation?

• Configure your computer to start from the CD-ROM drive. For more information about how to do this, refer to your computer's documentation or contact your computer manufacturer.
• Then insert your Windows XP Setup CD, and restart your computer.
• When the Press any key to boot from CD message is displayed on your screen, press a key to start your computer from the Windows XP CD.
• Press ENTER when you see the message to setup Windows XP now, and then press ENTER displayed on the Welcome to Setup screen. Do not choose the option to press R to use the Recovery Console.
• In the Windows XP Licensing Agreement, press F8 to agree to the license agreement.

Make sure that your current installation of Windows XP is selected in the box, and then press R to repair Windows XP.

• Follow the instructions on the screen to complete Setup.

Turn on ToggleKeys

2010-07-30T11:12:00.000+05:30

Turn on ToggleKeys
ToggleKeys is designed for people who have vision impairment or cognitive disabilities. When ToggleKeys is turned on, your computer provides sound cues when the locking keys (CAPS LOCK, NUM LOCK, or SCROLL LOCK) are pressed. A high sound plays when the keys are switched on and a low sound plays when they are switched off.

• Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Accessibility Options.
• Click the Keyboard tab, and under ToggleKeys, select the Use ToggleKeys check box.

To use the keyboard shortcut which allows you to turn ToggleKeys on and off by pressing the NUM LOCK key for five seconds, on the Keyboard tab, under ToggleKeys, click Settings.

If the Use shortcut check box in the Settings for ToggleKeys dialog box is selected, you can turn ToggleKeys on or off by holding down the NUM LOCK key for five seconds.

Turn on High Contrast
High Contrast is designed for people who have vision impairment. High contrast color schemes can make the screen easier to view for some users by heightening screen contrast with alternative color combinations. Some of the schemes also change font sizes for easier reading.

• Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Accessibility Options.
• On the Display tab, under High Contrast, select the Use High Contrast check box.
• To turn off High Contrast, clear the Use High Contrast check box.
• If the Use shortcut check box in the Settings for High Contrast dialog box is selected, you can turn High Contrast on or off by pressing the

left ALT+Left SHIFT+PRINT
SCREEN keys (depending on the other settings you have selected in the Accessibility Options dialog box).

• To open the Settings for High Contrast dialog box, open Accessibility Options, click the Display tab, and then, under High Contrast, click Settings.

How to Add Favorites

2010-07-30T11:08:00.000+05:30

Add Favorites with One Keystroke
You can quickly add a Web page to your Favorites folder with a single keystroke. The page is automatically added to your Favorites list without any further input from you.

• Press Ctrl+D.

Set Your Browser to Open to a Page of Your Choice
Is there a site you always visit first when you browse the Web? Would you like it to be the first site you see when you start Internet Explorer? Just follow the steps below to change your home or "start" page.

• Navigate to the Web page you want to see when you start Internet Explorer.
• Click Tools on the menu bar, and then click Internet Options.
• In the Home page area, click Use Current.

Make Sure Downloaded Files Are Easy to Find Later

With Windows XP, it's easier than ever to download software updates, games, sounds, pictures-just about anything. But sometimes it's hard to find them again on your hard disk. To make sure you can, specify where you want a downloaded file to go.

• After you've indicated you want to download an item, a dialog box asks "What do you want to do with this file?" Select Save this program to disk.

A dialog box opens where you can specify a folder where you want the file to go.

Lock The Drive In Windows Xp

2010-07-29T13:19:00.000+05:30

In order to lock your drive from any others access without using any third party software follow these steps below.

Step 1 : Goto "RUN" and type "gpedit.msc"

Step 2 : A window will be opened (Group Policy).You will find two options in left side of the page.

Step 3 : Drop down the "user configuration" and again drop down sub menu "Administrative Templetes" and again drop down another sub menu "Windows Components" and click on "Windows Explorer".

Step 4 : Right click on "Prevent Access To Drives From My Computers" and then click on properties.

Step 5 : Click on the radio button "Enabled" and you can select any option in the menu.

Step 6 : Follow the same procedure for disabling it.

Drive Hide In Windows Xp

2010-07-29T13:17:00.000+05:30

Step 1 : Goto "RUN" and type "gpedit.msc"

Step 2 : A window will be opened (Group Policy).You will find two options in left side of the page.

Step 3 : Drop down the "user configuration" and again drop down sub menu "Administrative Templetes" and again drop down another sub menu "Windows Components" and click on "Windows Explorer".

Step 4 : Right click on "Hide These Specified Drives In My Computer" and then click on properties.

Step 5 : Click on the radio button "Enabled" and you can select any option in the menu.

Step 6 : Follow the same procedure for disabling it.

Add Startup Programs Manually

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Step 1: Goto “START MENU” and click on “ALL PROGRAMS”.

Step 2: Right click on the “STARTUP” menu.

Step 3: Then click on the “OPEN” button.

Step 4: A window will be opened with the path “C:\Documents and Settings\ANYNAME\Start Menu\Programs\Startup”.

Step 5: Create a shortcut of the file you want to open at the startup. (For example – internet explorer.exe).

Step 6: Copy the Shortcut and past it in the startup window.

Step 7: Whenever you start your computer the file (For example – internet explorer.exe) will open every time.

Remove Startup Programs Manually

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Step1 : Goto "RUN" and type "MSCONFIG".

Step2 : A window will be opened with the name "System Configuration Utility".

Step3 : Goto "startup" option and uncheck the filename you want to remove from Startup.Then click on ok.

Step4 : You will be Prompt to Restart your Computer to take the changes.

Change Windows Startup Tone

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Step1 : Goto "STARTMENU" and click on "CONTROL PANEL".

Step2 : Better switch to "CLASSIC VIEW" and doubleclick on "SOUNDS AND AUDIO DEVICES".

step3 : Goto "Sounds" option and scroll the "program events"

Step4 : Singleclick on "Start windows" and browse to the music file (*.mp3/*.wav) that you want to play during startup.

Step5 : Click on ok and restart your computer.

Step6 : Whenever you Start your computer you will hear your favourite music.

Note : Keep the music file as small as possible.

General Shortcuts

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1- CTRL+C
Action-Copy

2- CTRL+X
Action -Cut

3- CTRL+V
Action –Paste

4- CTRL+Z
Action –Undo

5- DELETE
Action –Delete

6- SHIFT+DELETE
Action -Delete the selected item permanently without placing the item in the Recycle Bin.

7- CTRL
Action -while dragging an item (Copy the selected item)

8- CTRL+SHIFT
Action -while dragging an item (Create a shortcut to the selected item)

9- F2 key
Action -Rename the selected item

10- CTRL+RIGHT ARROW
Action -Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next word

11- CTRL+LEFT ARROW
Action -Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous word

12- CTRL+DOWN ARROW
Action - Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next paragraph

13- CTRL+UP ARROW
Action -Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous paragraph

14- CTRL+SHIFT
Action -with any of the arrow keys (Highlight a block of text)

15- SHIFT
Action -with any of the arrow keys (Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop or select text in a document)

16- CTRL+A
Action -Select all

17- F3 key
Action -Search for a file or a folder

18- ALT+ENTER
Action -View the properties for the selected item

19- ALT+F4
Action -Close the active item, or quit the active program

20- ALT+ENTER
Action - Display the properties of the selected object

21- ALT+SPACEBAR
Action -Open the shortcut menu for the active window

22- CTRL+F4
Action -Close the active document in programs that enable you to have multiple documents open simultaneously

23- ALT+TAB
Action -Switch between the open items

24- ALT+ESC
Action -Cycle through items in the order that they had been opened

25- F6 key
Action -Cycle through the screen elements in a window or on the desktop

26- F4 key
Action -Display the Address bar list in My Computer or Windows Explorer

27- SHIFT+F10
Action -Display the shortcut menu for the selected item

28- ALT+SPACEBAR
Action -Display the System menu for the active window

29- CTRL+ESC
Action -Display the Start menu

30- ALT+U
Action -underlined letter in a menu name (Display the corresponding menu).Underlined letter in a command name on an open menu (Perform the corresponding command)

31- F10 key
Action -Activate the menu bar in the active program

32- RIGHT ARROW
Action -Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu

33- LEFT ARROW
Action -Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu

34- F5 key
Action -Update the active window

35- BACKSPACE
Action -View the folder one level up in My Computer or Windows Explorer

36- ESC
Action -Cancel the current task

37- SHIFT
Action -when you insert a CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive (Prevent the CD-ROM from automatically playing)

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2010-07-12T10:49:00.000+05:30

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Dialog Box Keyboard Shortcuts

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1- CTRL+TAB
Action -Move forward through the tabs

2- CTRL+SHIFT+TAB
Action -Move backward through the tabs

3- TAB
Action -Move forward through the options

4- SHIFT+TAB
Action -Move backward through the options

5- ALT+Underlined letter
Action -Perform the corresponding command or select the corresponding option

6- ENTER
Action -Perform the command for the active option or button

7- SPACEBAR
Action -Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box

8- Arrow keys
Action -Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons

9- F1 key
Action -Display Help

Add Shortcuts To TaskBar

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Step1 : Inorder to add a shortcut of any file in the Taskbar, first you need to unlock the task bar.

Step2 : Then Right-Click on the task bar and goto "toolbars" and put a check mark on the "Quick Launch" (ie, Enable the "Quick launch" option)

Step3 : Goto "Quick launch" area beside the start menu. Righr click on it and click on "Open Folder" .

Step4 : Add the Shortcut of any file and close the folder. Lock the Task bar if you want.

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Create Your Own ScreenSavers In Windows Xp

2010-07-11T11:04:00.000+05:30

Step 1: Right click anywhere on the desktop and click on "Properties".

Step 2: A window named "Display Properties" will be appeared.

Step 3: Click on the "Screen Saver" menu and drop down the "Screen Saver" tab.

Step 4: Goto "My Pictures Slideshow" where you have your own pictures.

Step 5: Normally the folder will be present in the "My Documents" folder.

Step 6: The path will be "C:\Documents and Settings\System Name\My Documents\My Pictures". Paste your photos in this location.

Step 7: Select the time option below for your screen saver to appear.

Step 8: Press ok and watch for your favourite photos as screen saver.

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Add Or Remove Programs In Windows Xp

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Step 1: Goto "START MENU" and click on "CONTROL PANEL".

Step 2: After clicking on control panel you will obtain a window.

Step 3: Double-Click on "ADD OR REMOVE PROGRAMS". A window named "ADD OR REMOVE PROGRAMS" will be opened.

Step 4: Click on any one of the Software to remove it totally from your computer. For example "Yahoo Messenger".

Play Videos On Desktop Wallpaper

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Step 1: Install "VLC PLAYER" on your computer HardDisk.

Step 2: Open "VLC PLAYER" from the desktop.

Step 3: Browse the movie that you want to play on the desktop.

Step 4: Right-Click on the "VLC PLAYER" screen and select "WALLPAPER" from it.

Step 5: Minimize "VLC PLAYER" and watch your Favourite Movie on Desktop.

Magnifier In Windows Xp

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Magnifier In Windows Xp

Step 1: First goto "start menu".

step 2: Then goto "all programs" and then to "accessories"

step 3: After going to accessories then goto "accessibility"

step 4: Then click on "magnifier" option.

step 5: You will get a window on the top with every thing magnified where ever you move the mouse pointer.

step 6: You can also increase the magnifier level by which you can see even the tiny objects.

step 7 There are many more options which can help you to view anything clearly.

Customize the Taskbar

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With Windows XP, you can customize your taskbar so you can do everything from one place, including start programs, view documents, and surf the Web. Simply right-click the background of the taskbar, point to Toolbars, and then click the toolbar you want to add: an Address bar, a Links bar, a toolbar containing all items on your desktop, or the Quick Launch bar.

You can also create your own toolbar from any folder. To create a toolbar from a folder:

• Right-click the background of the taskbar, point to Toolbars, and then clicks New Toolbar. Navigate to the folder you want. A toolbar containing all items in that folder will be added to your taskbar.

You can drag the new toolbar to any location on your desktop. You can also easily remove a toolbar from the taskbar by right-clicking the taskbar and then clicking the item again to remove the check mark.

Show Hidden Program or System Files

Showing hidden files can come in handy-for example, say you've tried to delete everything from a floppy disk and the disk properties still indicate 100K of disk space is being used by hidden files.

• On the Tools menu in Windows Explorer, click Folder Options.
• Click the View tab.
• Under Hidden files and folders, click Show hidden files and folders.

Note: To access Windows Explorer, click Start, point to All Programs, and then click Windows Explorer.

Change Mouse Cursor In Windows Xp

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Step 1: Goto "Start Menu" and open "Control Panel".

Step 2: Then double-click on mouse icon.

Step 3: A window with all "Mouse Properties" will be opened.

Step 4: There are 5 options namely "BUTTON" , "POINTERS" , "POINTER OPTIONS", "WHEEL" , "HARDWARE".

Button :- Here you can change the button configuration of your mouse from primary to secondary. Here Primary refers to left-click. You can also vary the speed of the mouse click. You can also "turn on" the click lock. By doing this the click will not work for certain peroid of time.

Pointers :- You can select the type of scheme you want your cursor to look like (For eg :- Hand ,Dinosaur ,horse etc). Then you can even customize your cursor with other cursors.

Pointer Options :- In this option you can increase the speed of the pointer. You can also check the Dailogbox for which you can make your cursor to point directly to a default button. There are "visibility" options by which you can "Display pointer trail" , "Hide your cursor while typing" , "show location of pointer when pressed ctrl key.

Wheel :- In this option you can set the mouse to scroll for a desired number of lines.

Hardware :- Description about the mouse which has been connected and the functioning of the mouse.

Scheduled Task In Windows Xp

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Scheduled Task In Windows Xp

Step 1: Go to "START MENU" and click on "ALL PROGRAMS".

Step 2: Then goto "PROGRAMS" and then click on "ACCESSORIES".

Step 3: Then goto sub menu "SYSTEM TOOLS" and Click on "SHEDULED TASK".

Step 4: Or go to "CONTROL PANEL" and click on "SCHEDULED TASK".

Step 5: A window will be opened with an option to "ADD SCHEDULED TASK".

Step 6: By clicking on "ADD SCHEDULED TASK" a "SCHEDULED TASK WIZARD" will be opened to shedule a task.

Step 7: After clicking on next , a window will be opened to select a program to schedule it to a particular time. You can even browse a file from other location.

Step 8: For example select a command prompt task to schedule it to a particular time and then click next.

Step 9: Then give the name for the task if neccessary and select the task performance option and then click next. ( For Example :- "one time only" ).

Step 10: Then select the "TIME" and "DATE" on which the task to be executed and click next.

Step 11: Then enter the username and password if neccessary and click next.

Step 12: Check the "OPEN ADVANCED PROPERTIES FOR THIS TASK WHEN I CLICK FINISH" and click finish.

Step 13: Dont worry if a warning message pop ups like

"THE NEW TASK HAS BEEN CREATED, BUT MAY NOT RUN BECAUSE THE ACCOUNT INFORMATION
COULD NOT BE SET.
THE SPECIFIC ERROR IS:
0X80070005: ACCESS IS DENIED.
TRY USING THE TASK PAGE BOWSE BUTTON TO LOCATE THE APPLICATION"

Click ok.

Step 14: This error occurs probably when you are using an user account other than
administrator account.

Step 15: After clicking ok then a window will be opened with the schedule task name.

Step 16: In the column of run, add "C:" at the last and dont forget to check the "run only if logged on" option (if you are using other account) and click ok.

Step 17: Then the task will run as per the shedule given.

Note :- you can also schedule task file like batch files , vbs files etc.

Cisco-Linksys E3000 High-Performance Wireless-N Router

Deny Access to Files or Folders in Windows

2010-07-08T10:26:00.000+05:30

Most of us use our computers in a shared in environment with our family members, friends etc. But sometimes we may want set some permissions so that we can actually restrict access to certain folders which do not lie in our My Documents, My Pictures etc.

In this case when you can restrict access to a particular folder which could be any where on your hard drive.
Set File or Folder Security
Right click on the folder which you want to block from other users and select Properties.

Now click the Security tab in the folder properties window, and then click the Edit button.

Click on the Add button to open the “Select Users or Group” window.

Now you can enter the username of the account for which you want restrict access in the text box (Use the “Check Names” button to validate)

or
if you are not sure about the username then click the Advanced button, which opens the search window.

To search all users click the Find Now buttonand then locate the user which you want restrict access to the folder and click OK. Now, you will see the username listed in the Security Permissions window, click on the username to select.

Select the Deny Permissions for that user by checking the Deny box for Full Control.

Now, you will be shown a Windows Security message which in short says that Deny entries always override the allow permissions. Click Yes, and then click OK.

Tip: You can also restrict access to all the users in vista type Everyone as the username, but this will also include your account as it is also a part of Everyone user group.

In this way you have restricted access to the folder for a particular user (in my example it was a guest user account in Vista).

Microsoft Word Mouse shortcuts

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Double-click (on a word) ->Select the word.
Single-click (anywhere in a sentence) + Holding CTRL ->Select the entire sentence.
Triple-click (anywhere in a paragraph) -> Select the entire paragraph.
Click, hold, drag, then release ->Select text from the click position to release position.
Click first position, hold SHIFT key, then click 2nd position ->Select text from the 1st position to the 2nd position.
Hold ALT key, then click and drag ->Vertical select text.
Hold CTRL key, then scroll wheel ->Zoom in/out.