windows

The problems with EFS can be greatly compounded if you are not looking for it as a possible culprit. When a user tries to access a file that has been encrypted by someone else, depending on the type of access attempted or the application being used, the user will generally get one of two messages: […]

Vista includes two encryption technologies: Encrypting File System (EFS) and BitLocker Drive Encryption. As with most technology, once you implement either encryption technology, you might encounter some common problems. In this series of articles, we will take a look at some of the common issues that can arise with both technologies.
If you cannot enable BitLocker […]

As I was combing over this today, I could not help but wonder why some of the items were removed at all? Take DXDiag for instance. This is a tool that nearly every gamer out there is aware of and has likely used to diagnose issues with DirectX. Why was it cut - get this, […]

In the Part II of this series, you learned how to encrypt files in Vista and verify that users are unable to open the encrypted files. An important point to keep in mind is that although the user is unable to open the file, they can delete the file. You might be confused as to […]

On the surface this might seem like a good idea. Create a version of XP with Firefox by default, no Outlook Express and completely removing Internet Explorer. There is just one little, tiny problem with concept - it is likely illegal. As explained here at DownloadSquad, TinyXP may be tiny but it is still software […]

Getting started with a basic EFS setup is as easy as a few mouse clicks for a simple configuration. For these steps, I will assume that you’re using roaming profiles to avoid the certificate confusion. From the client, browse to the file that you would like to encrypt. Right-click it and choose Properties from the […]

Vista includes two encryption technologies: Encrypting File System (EFS) and BitLocker Drive Encryption. In this series of articles, you will learn how to set up both technologies in Vista.
To use BitLocker Drive Encryption (assuming you are not using hardware cryptography) you need to first configure the local computer policy to allow you to use USB […]

Today Kevin asks,
I was browsing on the Web when my computer froze-it stopped responding completely. I shut the power off on my UPS and then turned it back on,  at which time my hard drive and fan began spinning and blowing about as hard as they could go. It sounded as if […]

In Part I of this series, you learned about some of the things to consider before implementing EFS. BitLocker Drive Encryption has some very specific requirements so lets take a look at some of the things to consider before implementing it on a computer.
BitLocker requires local or Active Directory Group Policy modification to enable. It […]

Vista includes two encryption technologies: Encrypting File System (EFS) and BitLocker Drive Encryption. Some prior planning is required to implement either technology effectively.
EFS is designed so that it’s not necessary to have a Certificate Authority (CA) on the network to use file encryption. If there’s no CA, the EFS component will issue a self signed […]

EFS is primarily intended to protect the file system on a computer that is not physically secure. For example, a server kept behind locked doors that has no removable storage devices is not a likely candidate for EFS, as someone would have to break into your server room, remove the drive(s), and get out without […]

As I run Vista myself here in a virtual machine for work, I have come to find myself getting used to this release and find myself less worrisome about the lack of XP for those who prefer it. Despite what others feel was a terrible mistake, myself included at one point, I do not see […]

Setting proper permissions is a good place to start when securing your Vista workstation, but you can go one-step further by encrypting files on your workstation. Encryption provides another layer of protection for information that must be kept private. Vista includes two encryption technologies, Encrypting File System (EFS) and the new Bitlocker, that when used […]

Microsoft makes it easy for users to find hardware products that work with Windows Vista. The Windows Vista Hardware Compatibility List is a catalog of hardware products that are supported by the operating system.
The comprehensive list includes all types of products from input devices to mobile devices. Any products that appear on the list […]

On a network, there needs to be some way of controlling the flow of data between devices. Otherwise it is possible for a network interface card to overrun a network segment resulting in data loss.
On an Ethernet network operating in half-duplex mode, there is built in flow control. Each device must wait until the […]

Hopefully before you start creating groups, you’ve spent some time planning how you’re going to implement them. Creating groups at random kind of defeats the purpose of using them to simplify computer administration. Planning involved identifying how many groups you require, what they will be used for and group membership requirements.
After you’ve finished planning, you’re […]

What happens to permissions when you move or copy? When you copy a folder that has specifically been shared (rather than just inheriting sharing from its parent), the original remains shared, but the copy is reset to Not Shared. However, if you copy the folder to a drive or folder that is shared, it will […]

Troubleshooting permissions in Vista is no easy task. Tracking down an access denied error is particularly difficult when you start mixing share permissions with NTFS folder and file permissions. In this series of articles, I’ll discuss two of the common problems individuals run into when working with permissions — cumulative permissions and moving or copying […]

If you were to take the article seen here at face value, my article’s title may very well be the reader’s conclusion. Once you get past the rabid Mac fans who have made their perspective clear in the comments, there is finally one comment that actually sheds some light on what I think is the […]

Right up front, there are a couple of things to consider about this Bill Gates rant.

The email written by Bill Gates was done in 2003.
He is speaking about frustration with a select problem, so do not take this as him giving up on Windows altogether.

What got me thinking were these words being muttered from the […]