Firewall Configuration in Windows XP

Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 offers firewall. Firewall inspects and restricts the information that is exchanged between a computer and Internet. Windows firewall is a security tool that protects your computer and its confidential data against anyone who has evil intentions and want to access your personal detail without your permission. It gives you full control to block suspicious software and worms and provides a mean to log security events.
It helps to defend your computer by blocking unsolicited traffic. Unsolicited traffic means any attempt to connect with your machine over a network connection that was not specifically requested by applications running on your system. Therefore, firewall configuration is an essential part so that your applications like Microsoft Internet Explorer and Outlook Express etc can work successfully without any pain.
Firewall configuration Support is not a heavy task. This blog describes how to configure firewall on a single machine.
Firewall configuration

STEP 1: From the Windows XP SP2 desktop, click Start, and then click Control Panel.
STEP 2: Next, in Control Panel, click Security Center.
STEP 3: Windows Firewall general settings allow you to configure these options:
On (recommended). This is the default setting (with Don’t allow exceptions not selected).
Don't allow exceptions. When this option is ON, the firewall is placed into ON with No Exceptions mode which blocks all unsolicited requests to connect to your system.
Off (not recommended). Turning OFF Windows Firewall might make your computer more vulnerable to damage from viruses, worms or intruders.

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Latest Devices and the Operating Systems

Do you think that it is you who are in-charge of controlling a computer? Think again! There is the trustworthy computer mouse, which you can move anywhere on the desktop, evoking up your music library or Internet browser at the slightest wave. Youfeel like a director while using your desktop or laptop but there is a lot going with in the computer and the the real man who handles all the task is the operating system.
Most of the desktop or laptop PCs come pre-loaded with Windows operating system. Macintosh computers come pre-loaded with Mac OS X operating system which is developed by Apple. The first thing loaded into the computer system is the operating system because a computer is useless without the operating system.
More recently, small computers have also started using the operating systems instead of any other software. Like Microsoft has launched different versions of Windows Mobile which is being used in mobiles such as Apple's iPhone, Microsoft's Zune and many more. If you like to experiment with electronic devices, you must be well aware with the facts that that operating systems are now available on many of the devices which we use every day like cell phones, wireless access points, digital players etc. The small computers used in all these daily use electronic devices are so powerful that they are now capable of running an operating system and all those applications that are used on a computer. The modern cell phone is now more powerful than a desktop computer, so this improvement makes sense and is a natural development.
The operating system organizes and controls hardware and software to make that device behave in a pliable but predictable way. For devices, an operating system creates the capability to:
serve for different purposes
interact with users in more complex ways
keep up with requirements that change over time

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How do I restore the Windows Sidebar?

Windows Sidebar no longer appears on the desktop. When you click the Windows Sidebar icon or try to run the program to start it, Windows Sidebar still does not appear. Several things might have caused this to occur. For example, Windows Sidebar may have disappeared when you uninstalled a program. This post provides microsoft support to fix the problem and make Windows Sidebar appear again.


To fix this problem, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, and then click All Programs.
2. Click Accessories, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.

Collapse this imageExpand this image
User Access Control permission
If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
3. At the command prompt, type the following commands. Press ENTER after each command.
Regsvr32 atl.dll
Regsvr32 "%ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\sbdrop.dll
Regsvr32 "%ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\wlsrvc.dll
exit
4. Restart the computer.

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The Windows 7 Taskbar

One of the most attracting features of Microsoft Windows 7 is its enhanced taskbar. It is also known as the Superbar in some circles. But a question here arises that is it really all that super.

In Microsoft Windows 7 taskbar you can easily pin any programs or folder for quick and easy access. You can follow this advice to make the Windows 7 taskbar more like Vista's.

Jump List is the most interesting feature of Microsoft Windows 7 Taskbar. The appearance of Jump Lists on the Start menu is a little different than those on the Taskbar, although they provide the same functionality. So lets start with the Jump List in the taskbar:

Jump List is really a time saver. For example, top jump to a particular directory very quickly, you can pin folders to the Windows Explorer icon. It also shows the last documents opened in Word icon. You can also pin documents to the Jumplist. You will find yourself using this feature all day. It is sure that ISVs will find many handy ways to make this function more useful and in future, it will turn out to be a killer feature.

The Quick Launch toolbar has also been enhanced and the taskbar buttons are also united into one both tasks directed towards making Taskbar the Superbar.

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How to Fix Computer Startup Problem?

This post describes how to troubleshoot computer startup problem that may occur when you try to start Windows XP computer. The steps are written for advanced computer users. If you are not sound with advanced troubleshooting, its better to ask someone for help or contact technician.

If you recently uninstall a program or a Windows component from your Windows XP computer by removing it manually, related information that is still available on your computer can lead to computer startup problem. To remove the application or component, first reinstall it, and then use the Add or Remove Programs utility.

To remove a program from your Windows XP computer, follow these steps:

STEP 1. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Add or Remove Programs.
STEP 2. In the list of programs, click the one that you wish to remove, and then click Change/Remove.
STEP 3. Click Yes when you are prompted with the question Do you want to remove the program?

You can use Device Manager to trace and change software configurable devices. If your hardware device uses jumper pins or dip switches, you must configure the device manually. If you find any device suspicious immediately disable it.

To disable a faulty device in Device manager, take the following steps:

STEP 1. Double-click the branch that contains the device you want, click the device, and then click Properties.
STEP 2. On the General tab, click to select the Disable in this hardware profile check box, and then click OK.
STEP 3. Restart your computer.

You can use the System Restore utility to return your Windows XP 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.

Note: You should also examine CMOS/BIOS settings are correct.

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Display a Photo on Your Desktop

To display photos on your desktop, follow these steps:

1. Firstly, click & select a photo in the Sample Pictures folder.

2. Now, to open the context menu and choose Set as Desktop Background, you need to click the right mouse button over that photo.

3. Now click the 'Show Desktop' button which is to the right of the time in the taskbar or you can also press Q+D from your keyboard. The photo will appear as your desktop background.

4. To see the Sample Pictures folder, click the Show Desktop button again. These steps work with any picture or photo.

Edit Photos Using Paint

1. To make changes to a photo, you can use the Paint software. You can also make a picture smaller using this accessory. click and select a photo in the Pictures library and then click the triangle which is next to Preview and choose Paint from the menu. The selected photo will open in Paint. Now select Open>Paint in Windows Photo Viewer to open the photo which you are previewing.

2. Consider saving a copy so you have the original and the changed version before you make any changes to this photo. You may not need to do this for every photo, but this gives you some insurance if you don't like the changes that you have done in your photo. Now you need to click the File menu button to the left of Home and click Save As. Unless you know you want a particular file type, you can neglect the menu of file types that pops out to the side when you hover over Save As. The Save As dialog box opens.

3. Now to create a new copy of this picture, change the name in the File Name field and click Save. As you are editing the new copy, so the original file is still there under the original name and will remain unchanged.

4. Now in the Image panel, click Resize. If you want to shrink the width and height of the photo to a particular size, enter a percentage less than 100 without the percent sign in the Horizontal field which is in the Resize and Skew dialog box. The value in the Vertical field changes automatically to the same number that you type. You can change the size of photos before inserting them into documents, such as in WordPad or before attaching photos to e-mail. Now click OK and the size of the photo has been changed.

You can also undo each step by clicking the 'Undo' button which is above the Home tab or you can also press Ctrl+Z from your keyboard.

5. Many photos can be changed by keeping just part of the photo and by cutting out distracting elements. This is known as cropping. To concentrate on the most important part of the photo, you can crop photos. To crop, click Select in the Image panel above the photo and then click and drag a box over the area you want to keep. Everything outside this box will be deleted. Now click Crop and the selected area is all will remain.

6. Now, if you want to save the changed photo, click the Save button from file menu or press Ctrl+S from your keyboard and close Paint.

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Disable Notification Balloons in XP

If you are annoyed with Microsoft Windows sound up a expand asking informing you things you already undergo every instance you invoke on your computer, here is a hurried counsel on completely disabling them. (Note this requires a registry change so be sure to data backup your registry before making some changes.)

You should state that this will alter every expand notifications, so travel with caution.

Click on Start \ Run and identify in regedit

Now we will navigate to this line in your registry.

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

On the correct pane correct utter on an open Atlantic and opt New \ DWORD Value

You will wager New Value #1. Change this to Enable Balloon Tips.

Next double click the new registry entry you created. In the Value Data field ordered it to 0 (zero). Make trusty Hexadecimal is designated low Base. Click OK.

Finally uphold your grouping and savor the decent rush up with no balloons sound up at you.

To vanish this registry hack, meet withdraw the registry key that you created.

Microsoft windows xp help and support>>

How to Speed up a Windows XP Computer

Enabling or Disabling AutoComplete

Exporting your Bookmarks in IE

How to Import Internet Favorites in IE

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How to Speed up a Windows XP Computer

If not correct maintained, the action of every Windows XP systems will yet degrade. To contain this slow-down, planning a computer class meet isn’t your exclusive option; you can precise action issues yourself. Save money and tweet more pace discover of Windows XP!

Start by cleanup up your computer. I would essay Reg Cleaner

1. Remove Spyware and computer Viruses

o Spyware and viruses are a directive intend of computer slowing. See this article to wager how to vanish them.

o Update and separate your spyware and virus code at small weekly.

o If you do not have tools installed to protect against malware, spyware, and viruses, download a liberated double of [1] avg (free for individualized use). Also, Microsoft’s Windows Defender is a widely-used anti-spyware tool that is currently diffuse freely for users with a “Genuine” double of Windows. Windows Defender is also included with another Microsoft services and products such as Live OneCare and Vista.

o Download and establish Mozilla Firefox from http://www.mozilla.com. It will let you to goods every of your cyberspace Explorer settings, and is such inferior unerect to malware than Microsoft cyberspace Explorer. It will stimulate you with a “Set as Default Browser” message. Check “Don’t exhibit this again” and utter “Yes”. Firefox also has a modify feature to withdraw cookies, cache, and temporary internet files every onetime you near it. Use this. It can pace up your internet experience.

o If you have a specially arduous infection, essay using the Quick Virus Remover. It is a liberated tool that is not a equal for advertisement products, but can be adjuvant for removing whatever of the most ordinary viruses.

2. Defragment Your Computer - This will locate kindred files physically fireman on the hard disk round to meliorate alleviation speeds.

o Click start, again, then utter run.

o Type, “dfrg.msc” in the book field.

o Click Defrag to move it.

3. Perform a round decent up.

o Click move in the lowermost mitt corner, then utter run.

o Type, “cleanmgr.exe” in the book field.

o Press “okay”. This can verify a patch if you have never finished it before.

4. Remove discarded software.

o Click start, then utter curb panel.

o Click add/remove programs.

o Highlight some older code you do not consume and then utter “remove”.

5. Stop discarded Start-Up programs.

o Run msconfig

o Choose start box

o Select uncheck programs you don’t desire to separate on startup

o OR

o Click here and download StartUpCPL.

o Install the code you have meet downloaded.

o Open curb panel, superior Start up.

o Disable some programs you do not desire alleviation automatically.

o Disable Services you do not consume or need. Open curb panel, open Administrative Tools, and superior Services. Disabling the criminal Services may head to earnest problems that you may not attending correct away. Please enquire a meaning such as overclockersclub.comfor aggregation on limited Windows XP Services. If you do not undergo what it is, do not alter the service

6. Make Windows alleviation faster

o Click Start, then Run.

o Type in ‘msconfig’ and advise enter.

o Click on the BOOT.INI journalism at the top.

o Over to the correct there will be a incase tagged Timeout with 30 in it. Change the 30 to a 3.

7. Speed Up Processing Time

o Turning soured the flamboyant Windows XP graphics will noticeably process the pace of your computer.

o Go to Start, (Settings), Control Panel, System. NOTE: You may requirement to ‘Switch to Classic Mode’ to wager the System applet.

o Go to the Advanced tab. Click the Settings button low Performance.

o Select the ‘Adjust for prizewinning performance’ broadcasting button, then Apply, and OK.

o The graphics aren’t as flashy, but your computer will separate a aggregation faster.

8. Speed Up RAM For Gaming

o Go to Start, (Settings), Control Panel, System. (This is meet aforementioned the travel above this.)

o Go to the Advanced tab. Click the Settings button low Performance.

o Now alter to this Advanced tab, and utter on ‘Change’ low Virtual Memory.

o You will wager the ‘Initial Size (MB)’ and the Maximum Size (MB)’.

o Change ‘Initial Size’ to the aforementioned continuance as ‘Maximum Size’ then utter set.

 NOTE This environment will support your recreation by motion your computer up.

 ADDED NOTE: When your computer uses up your computer’s hard disk intend and uses it as RAM, it is also famous as thrashing. Thrashing is intense for your computer and purchase RAM (it’s not that expensive) is such more worthwhile.

More on Windows XP>>

Enabling or Disabling AutoComplete

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How to locate a missing toolbar in IE- windows xp

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Enabling or Disabling AutoComplete

Sometimes I need to enable or disable AutoComplete (depending on the circumstance) in my Microsoft windows xp operating system, enable or disable Internet Explorer’s capability to save passwords, and clear the AutoComplete history. To do these tasks, follow these steps:

1. Open Internet Explorer, and from the Tools menu, select Internet Options.

2. On the Content tab, and in the Personal Information area, select AutoComplete.

3. To enable or disable AutoComplete, in the AutoComplete Settings dialog box, select or clear the Use AutoComplete for: Web Addresses, Forms, and User Names and Passwords on Forms check boxes.

4. To clear the AutoComplete history for forms, select the Clear Forms button.

5. To clear the AutoComplete history for passwords, select the Clear Passwords button.

6. To remove the capability of Internet Explorer to save any passwords in the future, clear the Prompt Me to Save Passwords check box.

7. Click OK to close the AutoComplete Settings dialog box, and click OK to close the Internet Options dialog box.

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Exporting your Bookmarks in IE

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Exporting your Bookmarks in IE

To export Internet Favorites to an .htm file, follow these steps in Microsoft windows xp:

1. On the File menu of Internet Explorer, select Import and Export.

2. On the Welcome page of the Import/Export Wizard, click Next.

3. Select the Export Favorites option and click Next.

4. You can specify the primary Favorites folder or any particular subfolder for your export. When you select a folder for export, all subfolders in that folder are also exported. Select the folder you want to export and click Next.

5. Click Browse, select a location and name for the export file, and click Save. Click Next and then click Finish.

6. Internet Explorer informs you that the export is successful. Click OK.

The exported file is saved as a Web page. Double-click it to open it in Internet Explorer browser, and you can see a list of all your favorites—complete with hyperlinks. You can transfer this file to another computer and import it, back it up to a safe place, or even use it as a Web page.

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