Tag: Wireless

Create an Ad Hoc Wireless Network

August 25, 2009 by Jason

If you want to share information stored on your computer with other people nearby and everyone’s computer has a wireless network adapter, a simple method of sharing is to set up an ad hoc wireless network. In spite of the fact that members must be within 30 feet of each other, this type of network presents a lot of possibilities. For example, you might consider establishing an ad hoc network at a meeting of mobile computer users so that you can share information with other attendees on their own screens rather than an overhead projector. (After establishing the network, you can do this by using Windows Meeting, for instance.)

Ad hoc networks are by definition temporary; they cease to exist when members disconnect from them, or when the computer from which the network was established moves beyond the 30-foot effective range of the others. You can share an Internet connection through an ad hoc network, but keep in mind that the Internet connection is then available to anyone logging on to a computer that is connected to the network, and thus is likely not very secure.

To set up an ad hoc network:
Read More»

Windows 7 RTM Driver Kit

August 18, 2009 by Jason

With the releasing to manufacturing of Windows 7 on July 22nd, 2009, Microsoft has started updating all the resources adjacent to the operating system also to the RTM milestone. It is the case of Windows Driver Kit Version 7.0.0. Developers are now able to grab an updated version of Windows Driver Kit Version 7.0.0 specifically tailored to the gold development build of Windows 7. Starting with the first half of August 2008, software developers have available the resources necessary to build drivers for Windows 7 RTM Build 7600, but also for previous releases of the Windows client and server operating systems.

“The Windows Driver Kit (WDK) Version 7.0.0 contains the tools, code samples, documentation, compilers, headers and libraries with which software developers create drivers for Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2003. This development kit does not contain device drivers for your personal computer,” reads an excerpt from the overview for Windows Driver Kit Version 7.0.0.

But in addition to the WDK, Microsoft has also updated the documentation made available for developers in order to better leverage the resource. While WDK for Windows 7 RTM has been live for a few weeks, the updated documentation was only offered to devs on August 14th, 2009. The Windows Driver Kit documentation is currently available for download and integration with Windows 7. Read More»

How to have a safer and faster XP?

June 21, 2009 by Jason

To disable unneeded startup services for a safer, faster XP, use the “Services” Admin Tool (Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services). If you are a single user of a non-networked machine, you can disable the following items, with no ill effect.

  • Alerter
  • Clipbook
  • Computer Browser
  • Fast User Switching
  • Human Interface Access Devices
  • Indexing Service (Slows the hard drive down)
  • Messenger
  • Net Logon (unnecessary unless networked on a Domain) Read More»

10 tips For Setting Up A Wired Or Wireless Home Network

February 09, 2009 by Jason

Setting up a wired or wireless home network has many benefits than just having Internet access for multiple computers in your home. Today, it’s almost a necessity to be able to plug in or connect via wireless to your network from any room in your house.

With many people who set up a home network, they end up under utilizing their home network and only use it for Internet access, attached to one computer.

Today, that kind of network setup is old school. Adding a router to your network, turns a home network into a LAN (Local Area Network) opening up many possibilities of what you can do on your network. Even if you have just have one Computer, many devices exist (other than computers) that are network capable, allowing interaction with other.

So what can you do with all this technology? Here are ten uses for what you can do on your home network. Read More»

Ten Tips for Windows 7

January 10, 2009 by Jason

Microsoft is releasing Windows 7 to 2.5 million beta testers today. Here are ten tips for those who are preparing to take the plunge:

1. Back-up your system

Whilst we’ve been mightily impressed with the stability of Windows 7 ever since the pre-beta launch, this remains a work in progress. If you’re even considering installing Windows 7 on a mission-critical system, make sure you take a full back-up first, so that you’ve got a fall back if it all goes horribly wonky.

2. Take note of your settings and software keys

If you’re making a fresh install of Windows 7, rather than upgrading a previous OS, make a note of all your crucial settings – such as your wireless network key and Outlook configuration – so that you can get online immediately. Also make sure you can lay your hands on keys for any essential software that you’ll need to re-install in Windows 7. Read More»

Sign in to Gmail via Secure Internet Connection

October 12, 2008 by Jason

It is recommend for you to have a secure connection network between your PC and the Gmail server. Let say if you login to Gmail using a public network like wireless or hotspot in Starbucks, someone can tamper or see the sensitive information transferred from your PC to the Gmail server. This is because the network you are using is not secure and is open to everybody.

Non-secure networks make it easier for someone to impersonate you and gain full access to your Google account, including any sensitive data it may contain like bank statements or online log-in credentials.

To check whether you are in a secure connection or not, check that the protocol that being used is https at the address bar. And also, there is a Lock icon at the bottom right corner of your browser (Firefox).

When you have both of them, that’s mean you are in a secure connection. No one can tamper or modify or spying on the data transferred between you and the Gmail server. You are now safe and secure to send emails, at least. Read More»

19 essential get-started tips for Windows Vista

September 06, 2008 by Jason

From the moment you start using Windows Vista, you’ll find a lot of new things to get used to: new programs, new layout, new ways of doing things. Some are great, some are confusing, some are just very well hidden. These are my picks for the 19 things you should try when you first start using Windows Vista do you think differently?

1. Use Flip3D
Okay, so it’s hardly essential, but it’s still one of the first things you should try: it’s just a neat way to show off that snazzy new interface. Hold down the Windows key and your keyboard and hit Tab to spool through them.

2. Fix a photo – and automatically back it up
One of the most useful new programs, Photo Gallery enables you to automatically import and organise your photos. Click Fix and you can crop out unsightly backgrounds, remove red-eye and adjust the lighting, too. But the most impressive feature is that it automatically backs up every photo: press CTRL and R and it’ll restore it just as it was when you first imported it. Read More»

How do I know if a wireless network is secure?

June 18, 2008 by Jason

There is no way to guarantee complete security on a wireless network. However, there are precautions you can take to help minimize security risks when you use a wireless network.

• Whenever possible, only connect to wireless networks that require a network security key or have some other form of security, such as a certificate. The information sent over these networks is encrypted, which can help protect your computer from unauthorized access. When you view available wireless networks in Connect to a Network, you’ll see text indicating if a wireless network has security enabled or not. Read More»

Seven tips for working securely from wireless hotspots

May 19, 2008 by Jason

Wireless hotspots are changing the way people work. These wireless local area networks (LANs) provide high speed Internet access in public locations as well as at home and require nothing more than a notebook PC with a wireless card. From coffeeshops to restaurants, airports to hotel lobbies, hotspots are ubiquitous. They are the de facto connection method for travelers and remote workers to access the Internet, their e-mail, and even their corporate networks.

Hotspots range from paid services, such as T-Mobile or Boingo, to free connections at your local coffee shop or library. But they all have one thing in common: These are all open networks that are vulnerable to security breaches. And that means it’s up to you to protect the data on your PC. Here are a few tips to make working in public locations more secure. Read More»

5 Tips For Upgrading To WPA2 Security

May 05, 2008 by Jason

Why upgrade? Chances are you have bought something online with a credit card, used internet banking, or dealt with confidential information on your computer. If you use a wireless router with anything less than WPA2 encryption, your information may not be as secure as you think.

“WPA2 security is definitely worth the modest amount of effort required to set it up. The original WPA security standard can be cracked with relative ease unless you use a passphrase that is longer than 20 characters and is not merely composed of words that can be found in a dictionary.” [Quote from the PC World article: Wireless Tips: Your Wireless Network Needs a Security Update]

1. Check current devices for compatibility. Your router and wireless network card may already support WPA2; Google your devices and find out. If they do, download the latest drivers for your wireless network card and update the firmware on your wireless router (very easy to do, but follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully). Read More»