How To Secure A Small Network Using The Inbuilt Firewall

A firewall is a security system that acts as a protective boundary between a network and the outside world.

Windows XP includes Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) software you can use to restrict what information is communicated between the Internet and your home or small office network. ICF also protects a single computer connected to the Internet with a cable modem, a DSL modem, or a dial–up modem.
If your network uses Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) to provide Internet access to multiple computers, you should use ICF on the shared Internet connection. However, ICS and ICF can be enabled separately. You should not enable the firewall on any connection that does not directly connect to the Internet, and ICF is not needed if your network already has a firewall or proxy server.
You must be logged on to your computer with an owner account in order to complete this procedure. You should not enable Internet Connection Firewall on virtual private networking (VPN) connections or on client computers because ICF will interfere with file and printer sharing. ICF cannot be enabled on the private connections of the Internet Connection Sharing host computer.

To enable or disable Internet Connection Firewall:
Open Network Connections (Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double–click Network Connections.)
Click the Dial–up, LAN or High–Speed Internet connection that you want to protect, and then, under Network Tasks, click Change settings of this connection.
On the Advanced tab, under Internet Connection Firewall, select one of the following:
To enable Internet Connection Firewall (ICF), select the Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet check box.
To disable Internet Connection Firewall, clear the Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet check box. This disables the firewall, your computer and network are then vulnerable to intrusions.

How To Setup Internet Connection Sharing In Windows XP

To use Internet Connection Sharing to share your Internet connection, the host computer must have one network adapter that is configured to connect to the internal network, and one network adapter or modem that is configured to connect to the Internet.

On the host computer:

On the host computer, follow these steps to share the Internet connection:
1. Log on to the host computer as Administrator or as Owner.
2. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
3. Click Network and Internet Connections.
4. Click Network Connections.
5. Right-click the connection that you use to connect to the Internet. For example, if you connect to the Internet by using a modem, right-click the connection that you want under Dial-up.
6. Click Properties.
7. Click the Advanced tab.
8. Under Internet Connection Sharing, select the Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection check box.
9. If you are sharing a dial-up Internet connection, select the Establish a dial-up connection whenever a computer on my network attempts to access the Internet check box if you want to permit your computer to automatically connect to the Internet.
10. Click OK. You receive the following message:
When Internet Connection Sharing is enabled, your LAN adapter will be set to use IP
address 192.168.0.1. Your computer may lose connectivity with other computers on
your network. If these other computers have static IP addresses, it is a good idea to set them
to obtain their IP addresses automatically. Are you sure you want to enable Internet
Connection Sharing?
11. Click Yes.
The connection to the Internet is shared to other computers on the local area network (LAN). The network adapter that is connected to the LAN is configured with a static IP address of 192.168.0.1 and a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0.

On the client computer:

To connect to the Internet by using the shared connection, you must confirm the LAN adapter IP configuration, and then configure the client computer. To confirm the LAN adapter IP configuration, follow these steps:
1. Log on to the client computer as Administrator or as Owner.
2.  Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
3.  Click Network and Internet Connections.
4.  Click Network Connections.
5.  Right-click Local Area Connection, and then click Properties.
6.  Click the General tab, click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) in the This connection uses the following items list, and then click Properties.
7. In the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box, click Obtain an IP address automatically (if it is not already selected), and then click OK.
Note: You can also assign a unique static IP address in the range of 192.168.0.2 to 192.168.0.254. For example, you can assign the following static IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway:
   IP Address      192.168.0.2
   Subnet mask     255.255.255.0
   Default gateway 192.168.0.1
8. In the Local Area Connection Properties dialog box, click OK.
9. Quit Control Panel.

To configure the client computer to use the shared Internet connection, follow these steps:
1. lick Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Network and Internet Connections.
3. Click Internet Options.
4. In the Internet Properties dialog box, click the Connections tab.
5. Click the Setup button.
The New Connection Wizard starts.
6. On the Welcome to the New Connection Wizard page, click Next.
7. Click Connect to the Internet, and then click Next.
8. Click Set up my connection manually, and then click Next.
9. Click Connect using a broadband connection that is always on, and then click Next.
10. On the Completing the New Connection Wizard page, click Finish.
11. Quit Control Panel.
When you now start Microsoft Internet Explorer, the client computer will try to connect to the Internet by using the host computer’s shared Internet connection.

Troubleshooting:

When you turn on Internet Connection Sharing on the host computer, the host computer’s LAN adapter is automatically assigned the IP address of 192.168.0.1. Therefore, one of the following situations may occur:
  • IP address conflict: Each computer on the LAN must have a unique IP address. If more than one computer has the same IP address, an IP conflict occurs, and one of the network adapters turns off until the conflict is resolved. To resolve this conflict, configure the client computer to automatically obtain an IP address, or assign it a unique IP address.
  • Loss of network connectivity: If your network is configured with a different IP address range than Internet Connection Sharing uses, you will lose network connectivity with the host computer. To resolve this issue, configure the client computers to automatically obtain an IP address, or assign each client computer a unique IP address in the range of 192.168.0.2 to 192.168.0.254.

How To Take Ownership of Files And Folders

This tutorial is useful for Windows Vista and Windows 7.
The owner of a file or a folder has the right to allow or deny access to that resource.

Although members of the Administrators group and other authorized users also have the right to allow or deny access, the owner has the authority to lock out non-administrator users, and then the only way to regain access to the resource is for an administrator or a member of the Restore Operators group to take ownership of it. This makes the file or folder owner important with respect to what permissions are allowed or denied for a given resource.

The default owner of a file or folder is the person who creates the resource. Ownership can be taken or transferred in several ways. The current owner of a file or folder can transfer ownership to another user or group. A member of the Administrators group can take ownership of a file or folder or transfer ownership to another user or group—even if administrators are locked out of the resource according to the permissions. Any user with the Take Ownership permission on the file or folder can take ownership, as can any member of the Backup Operators group (or anyone else with the Restore Files And Directories user right, for that matter).
Taking Ownership of Files and Folders
If you are an administrator, an authorized user, or a backup operator, you can take ownership of a file or folder by completing the following steps:
1. In Windows Explorer, open the file or folder’s Properties dialog box by right-clicking the file or folder and then clicking Properties.
2. On the Security tab, click Advanced to display the Advanced Security Settings dialog box.
3. On the Owner tab, click Edit.This opens the Advanced Security Settings dialog box for editing.
4. In the Change Owner To list, select the new owner.If you’re taking ownership of a folder, you can take ownership of all subfolders and files within the folder by selecting the Replace Owner On Subcontainers And Objects option.
5. Click OK twice when you have finished.
Assigning Ownership
If you are an administrator or the current owner of a file, you can assign ownership of a file or a folder to another user or group by completing these steps:
1. In Windows Explorer, open the file or folder’s Properties dialog box by right-clicking the file or folder and then clicking Properties.
2. On the Security tab, click Advanced to display the Advanced Security Settings dialog box.
3. On the Owner tab, click Edit. This opens the Advanced Security Settings dialog box for editing.
4. Click Other Users Or Groups to display the Select User, Computer, Service Account, Or Group dialog box.
5. Type the name of a user or a group, and then click Check Names. If multiple names match the value you entered, you’ll see a list of names and can choose the one you want to use. Otherwise, the name will be filled in for you, and you can click OK to close the Select User, Computer, Service Account, Or Group dialog box.
6. In the Change Owner To list, select the new owner. If you’re assigning ownership of a folder, you can assign ownership of all subfolders and files within the folder by selecting the Replace Owner On Subcontainers And Objects option.
7. Click OK twice when you have finished.

How do I add or remove new fonts in Windows XP?

How do I add or remove new fonts in Windows XP - Screenshot 00
The font represents the physical characteristics of the letters typed into the document.

By default Microsoft windows XP has different types of font, for example:
If you want to add new fonts in windows XP, then first make sure, these new fonts must be TrueType fonts (Font Standard) or particularly designed for windows.
To install new fonts in your computer
  • Follow the easy steps to add new fonts in windows default font folder:
  • To use this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.
  • First click on Start button and type %windir%\fonts in Run option then press Ok button.
How do I add or remove new fonts in Windows XP - Screenshot 01
  • Go to File menu and click on Install New Font option, in the drives box, select the drives (hard drive, CD-drive or Floppy drive) that contains the new fonts. Here you can also select the Network option to install the font from network location.
How do I add or remove new fonts in Windows XP - Screenshot 02
  • Select the new fonts and check the option "Copy fonts to Fonts folder" then press Ok button to finish the process.
How do I add or remove new fonts in Windows XP - Screenshot 03
To Removing Fonts in your computer:
  • Follow the easy steps to add new fonts in windows default font folder:
  • To use this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.
  • First click on Start button and type %windir%\fonts in Run option then press Ok button.
  • First select the font that you want to remove, Press CTRL key to select more than one font. Now go to File menu and click on Delete option.
How do I add or remove new fonts in Windows XP - Screenshot 04
  • Here a prompt will appear "Are you sure you want to delete these fonts?", then press Ok button to finish the process.
VN:F [1.9.7_1111]

How to use the shortcuts keys in Windows Media Player?

In Windows Media Player, you can use the combination of different keyboard keys to accomplish routine task. By using these keys, you can increase the working speed in media player, otherwise require a conventional mouse to select menus and buttons options.

Basically keyboard shortcuts keys help you to save time and you can perform any tasks without leaving the keyboard keys.

Shortcut keys                       
ALT+1                          
ALT+2                       
ALT+3                          
ALT+ENTER               
ALT+F                           
ALT+T                          
ALT+V                           
ALT+P                            .
ALT+F4                         

CTRL+1                        
CTRL+2                        
CTRL+B                       
CTRL+F                        
CTRL+E                       
CTRL+P                        
CTRL+T                        
CTRL+SHIFT+B           
CTRL+SHIFT+F            
CTRL+SHIFT+S           
CTRL+SHIFT+ G          
CTRL+SHIFT+ N          
F8                                    
F9                                    
F10                                  
ENTER or SPACEBAR  
                 Action
Adjust zoom to 50 percent
Adjust zoom to 100 percent
Adjust zoom to 200 percent
Display the video in full mode
Go to media player File Menu
Go to media player Tools Menu
Go to media player View Menu
Go to media player Play Menu
Use to close media player
Display media player in full mode.
Display media player in skin mode
Use to play the previous item in media player
Use to play the next item in media player
Use to Eject CD or DVD from CD or DVD drive
Use to Play or Pause the item in media player
Use to Repeat the items in media player
Use to Rewind a file in media player
Use to Fast Forward a file in media player
Use to play items slower than a normal speed.
Use to play items faster than a normal speed.
Use to play items at normal speed in media player.
Use to mute the volume in media player.
Use to decrease the volume in media player.
Use to increase the volume in media player.
Use to play an item.

How to Increase Your Internet Speed

By default, windows reserves 20% of your bandwidth for network background services. By changing this setting you get to utilize 100% of the bandwidth that you are paying for.

Follow the easy steps below to increase your internet speed.

Step 1
Go to Start and Select Run
Step 2
Type gpedit.msc (this will work for XP Professional, if home XP then you have to access mmc and go to local computer policy)
Step 3
Click the plus next to the Administrative Templates under computer configuration.
Step 4
Click the plus next to Network
Step 5
Click ON-QoS Packet Scheduler.
Step 6
Over in the window DOUBLE CLICK Limit Reservable Bandwidth.
Step 7
It should say NOT CONFIGURED. Change this by selecting the box ENABLED. Then change the 20 to 0. Now select OK.

Tips For Wireless Internet

If you plan on sharing your wireless internet access, you will need to have that option turned on in your settings. However, if you do not have other computers hooked up to the network at this time, for security purposes, you should leave the setting turned off until the need arises to share the wireless internet access.

Wireless Internet Speeds:
Coming in at the slowest is Bluetooth, followed by 802.11b, 802.11a and topping the charts currently is 802.11g. 802.11b is roughly equivalent to the traditional wired 10BaseT Wired Ethernet networks. Therefore, switching to Wi-Fi should not considerably slow down your wireless internet connection.

Wireless Network Equipment While Traveling:
You will need to have a wireless network card, either an adapter or integrated in your laptop. If you do not have an available slot on your PC, there are adapters you can purchase that plug into a USB port on the computer.

Finding a Wireless Internet Hot Spot:
There are several stores and restaurants that offer wireless internet access, such as Starbucks. If you have a particular destination in mind, you can call the hotels to see if they offer the service. There are also hot spot directories that you can search to find wireless internet access.

Wireless internet – WiFi Standards:
802.11 is the Wi-Fi standard, however there are other standards which are variations of the 802.11.
These include:
  • 802.11a.
  • 802.11b.
  • 802.11g.
  • 802.11i.
The differences among these standards includes speed, transmission frequency, and price. 802.11g is backwards compatible with previous products, but that is not the case with 802.11a. Make sure you check on compatibility issues prior to purchasing products.

Wireless Internet and Dial up:
It is possible to share a wireless internet connection with dial up, but it is not a very good idea. Some access points, such as the airport extreme base station from Apple, will allow this. However, there is some slow down time with sharing a wireless internet connection, and if you decide to share a dial up connection, you won't be surfing anything fast.

Finding a Wireless Internet Hot Spot in a Chain:
If you are traveling and know that you will be stopping at Starbucks, for example, and want to access the internet, you can check out their website to see what specific franchises offer wireless internet access.

Paying for Wireless Internet Access:
Most likely, you will need to pay for the high speed wireless internet access when you travel. Starbucks for example uses T-mobile as their wireless internet provider. You will need to have a t-mobile account in order to access wi-fi at Starbucks. There are some restaurants that may advertise free Wi-Fi, but in general, you should expect to pay a fee.

Nationwide Wireless Internet Service:
There are a plethora of national wireless high speed internet services available. AT&T, Sprint PCS, T-mobile, and Verizon are a few which offer nationwide service. You will want to check out various pricing, roaming policies and fees for the various networks.

Mixing Apples and PC's to Share Wireless Internet Connection:
You can mix apple and PC on a wireless network and share a wireless internet access. For example, Apple makes an access point called the AirPort Extreme Base station. Even though it is made by Apple, it still uses the Wi-Fi standard, and PC computers with a wireless adapter on the network will be able to share the wireless internet connection.

Mixing Wireless Internet and Wired Internet:
You can easily share a wireless internet access while still maintaining a wired network. There are many wireless routers on the market which offer both wired and wireless network capabilities. It is also possible to add on an access point after a wired router for wireless access.

Configuring Wireless Access Point to Share Wireless Internet Connection:
Once you install the drivers on your computer for the access point, you will be able to open up the configuration software that comes with the router. The IP address 192.168.0.0 is the lowest in the network and should be dedicated to the router. Make sure to follow the specific configuration instructions that come with your wireless router, as each product will be slightly different from one another.

Wireless Internet Equipment:
The beauty of the WI-FI is that it set a standard for wireless networking. Because of this, you do not need to have equipment from all the same venders in order to run a successful wireless network. You will be able to share wireless internet access as well without having equipment from all the same venders.

Configuring Wireless Internet Card:
You will need to use the configuration software that comes with your network card to configure your computer to work at various hot spots. Simply type in the hotspot network name (various depending on the service you are using) and state the type of network, such as access point. You can also scan available wireless broadband internet access in the area and choose which network you wish to connect with.

Wireless Internet WIFI:
WI-FI, the 802.11 standard, is important for a variety of reasons. Having a standard in the industry ensures that anyone using wi-fi will be using the same standard, therefore equipment and connections are interchangeable. Having a set standard makes setting up wireless networks, sharing wireless internet access and working with wireless equipment more users friendly.