Configuring Windows Firewall In Vista

If you are not already using a 3rd party firewall such as, ZoneAlarm or Comodo, you will want to have something in place to protect from unauthorized access to your computer. Windows Firewall, while limited, is better than nothing at all.

Start by opening the 'Control Panel' and selecting 'Security'.

Next, select 'Windows Firewall'.

By default the firewall should be on (green). Select the 'Change settings' link under the 'Windows Firewall is helping to protect your computer' section.

A dialog will appear and should be set to 'On (recommended)'. Now, by default this will work. However, what if you wish to allow/disallow certain programs access through the firewall to the Internet. Select the 'Exceptions' tab across the top of the dialog.

You will see a list of common Windows applications. You can check the box next to the program to allow it as an exception. If you need to add a custom application not in the list, select the 'Add program...' button on the bottom of the window.

Select a program from the list to add it as an exception.

*You can also select the 'Change scope...' button for advanced features regarding subnets.

Back on the 'Exceptions' tab you will also see a 'Add Port...' button. By selecting this, you can open a custom port for an application not in the 'Add program...' list. Type in a name for the port as well as the port number. The transmission type (TCP or UDP) will depend on the specific needs of the application/port.

Tweak: Windows XP Home Permissions

Have you ever wanted to change the user permissions of a file or folder within Windows XP Home? Most will say it's not possible without upgrading to Windows XP Professional. Wrong!

First, and easiest, way to go about this is to restart your computer in safe mode. That's it! Now the 'Security' tab will become visible within the file/folder properties window.

Second way to go about this, without restarting in safe mode, is to select the 'Start' menu, then 'Run'. In the box, type: shrpubw.

*If you want to see a full list of options, select 'Custom'.

Disabling User Account Control (UAC)

User account control is a new feature within Vista that forces you to allow or deny access to administrative features within the operating system, and while this may sound good, it can be very annoying.

Start by going into the Control Panel and select 'User Accounts and Family Safety'.

Next, select 'User Accounts'.

At the bottom of the list displayed under the 'Make changes to your user account' section, select 'Turn User Account Control on or off'.

A (very annoying) dialog should appear asking for permission to continue. Select 'Continue'. Deselect the 'Use User Account Control (UAC)to help protect your computer' check box.

Now restart your computer.

No more annoying messages!

Building A Home Network In Vista

Building a home network allows you to share files and printers with the other computers in your network.

*Make sure that if you have a firewall it allows home networking.

To get started, open the Control Panel and select 'Network and Internet'.

Then select 'Network and Sharing Center'.

Scroll down to the 'Sharing and Discovery' section and expand the 'Network discovery' sub-section. Select 'Turn on network discovery'. Do the same for the 'File sharing' sub-section below 'Network discovery'. You will also be presented with options to password protect your network and share printers.

Next, select the 'Start' menu and right-click on 'Computer'. From the menu select 'Properties'. Under the section 'Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings' select 'Change settings'.

A dialog will appear. Select the 'Change' button.

Type in a unique name for your computer into the 'Computer name' box. Then type a universal name for your workgroup. For instance, your computer name might be "Keith" and your workgroup "VPC".

Once finished, restart your computer. Repeat this procedure for all of the computers in your network.

*Make sure all of your computers have unique names, but reside on the same workgroup.

Configuring Remote Desktop In Vista

First make sure you have an Internet connection, preferably broadband. Next you will need your IP address. Go to http://www.whatismyip.com. Your IP address will be listed across the top. Keep this for later.

*If you have a router in place, make sure you open the proper port for Remote Desktop and forward it to your computers internal IP address. By default, the port number is 3389.

Head over to the Control Panel by selecting the 'Start' menu and then 'Control Panel'.

In the Control Panel select 'System and Maintenance'.

Then select 'System'.

Then 'Remote Settings' along the left hand side under the 'Tasks' heading.

When the settings dialog appears, select the option 'Allow connections from computers running any version of Remote Desktop (less secure)' to allow any version of Windows to connect to your computer. Select the option below that if you only want to allow Windows Vista based computers to connect to your computer.

Now, from another computer, select 'Start', 'All Programs', 'Accessories', 'Remote Desktop Connection'. Type in the IP address (from above) of the computer you are trying to connect to remotely.

Installing Windows Vista

Start by inserting your Windows Vista CD/DVD.

Restart your computer and you will be prompted to press any key to boot from the CD/DVD.

*Make sure your CMOS is configured to boot from CD/DVD devices.

You will be presented with a Windows Vista screen prompting you to select your language.

Select the 'Install Now' option in the middle of the screen.

Next you will be asked for your product key, which is usually located on the back of the box.

Accept the license agreement.

You will now be asked if you want to upgrade or run a custom install. The 'Upgrade' option will be disabled, as this can only be done from within a prior version of Windows. Select the 'Custom (advanced)' option.

Select the hard drive from the list that you wish to have Windows installed on.

Now you wait! Once the installation is finished, you will be asked to setup your user account and password.

Grand Opening

Welcome to the VPC blog!

What is it that we do here? Well... we fix problems!

How many times have you started your computer only to find a blue screen with some cryptic error message on it. It can be frustrating, time consuming, and costly. That's where VPC comes in!

This blog will be updated periodically with general information, ranging from novice to expert level advice, on how to repair and maintain your computers.

For further assistance, please visit us at http://www.vpccomputers.com, or http://www.vpccomputers.net.

About Us

Here at VPC Computers, Inc. we specialize in nationwide computer sales and support to educational institutions, businesses, resellers, and end users.

Our primary goal is to provide quality products as well as personalized service. Our technicians are trained and their expertise extends to Workstations, Servers, RAID Arrays and Peripherals. Due to high customer satisfaction, most of our service is generated by repeat business and referrals.

Let us help you take back your network through individually tailored services made to suit your company's needs.

VPC offers reliable on-site, remote, and phone support. We invite you to consult us for any of your IT needs. Please take a moment to review our sales site at http://www.vpccomputers.com, and our support site at http://www.vpccomputers.net.