Windows Dailytech tools, tips, and knowledge

Windows Vista has a new feature called "Receive Window Auto-Tuning" which is supposed to optimize network performance automatically.  With certain routers, however, this feature can actually cause network problems, causing performance problems and in some cases even system crashes. 

To determine if you’re affected, run the Internet Connectivity Evaluation Tool from Microsoft’s website.  If your router cannot support this feature of Vista you can either buy a new router or disable Receive Window Auto-Tuning.

To do this:

1.  Launch a command prompt as an administrator.  (Start > Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt (right-click and choose Run as Administrator)

2.  Enter the following command:

netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=disabled

If you need to enable the service again, use:

netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=enabled

Windows Vista comes loaded with a lot of new features and a slick new interface, but not without a price.  Windows Vista is more demanding of a computer’s resources than it’s predecessor, Windows XP.

I recently purchased a "budget" laptop for $650.  I did a lot of online research before going to a local store to purchase my new HP Pavilion 2175.  The 5.3 lb, 14.1" wide screen notebook comes standard with:

• Windows Vista Home Premium Edition
• TL-58 Processor (AMD Dual Core 64-bit, 1.9 GHz)
• 2 GB RAM
• MCP67M Video Card
• 160 GB Hard Drive
• DVD Burner
• 5 in 1 card reader
• 3 USB ports
• S Video Port
• Firewire

The major selling point was the number of ports, which is unusual for a machine at this price point.  Also important in my decision is the low heat output of this model., and also the low heat output. 

These specs far exceed the minimum requirements to run Windows Vista, yet when I brought the machine home it felt sluggish.  This was really noticeable whenever i had several programs running or was using multiple displays. 

It’s no secret that the slick new AERO interface requires a lot of graphics power to run smoothly, so I paid careful attention to this when shopping.

I compared each model’s Windows Experience Index rating, which can be found by clicking Start –>  Control Panel –>  System and Maintenance –>  Performance Information and Tools.

This new feature measures the capability of a computer’s hardware components, including processor, RAM, graphics, and hard disk.  Each component is assigned a score ranging from 1.0 to 5.9, with the overall score being determined by the lowest scoring component.  

Machines with a base score of less than 3.0 can run Vista, but generally aren’t powerful enough to run Windows Aero.   Almost all of the laptops I looked at in my budget were 3.0 or less  - mostly due to graphics. 

The good news is that with a little fine-tuning Vista now runs like a champ on my new laptop.  I was able to accomplish this without disabling the new AERO interface.

Up next:

Putting AERO on a diet

Most new laptops are configured to automatically reduce power output to the wireless card when running from battery.  This is great if you’re wanting to extend battery life, but it slows down your wireless connection.

The steps below will show you how to maximize wireless performance by disabling this feature:

Read more…

Windows Home Server can be extended with add-ins developed by commercial and community software developers. Listed below are some community developed (free) add-ins for WHS.

Add Web Site lets you add and maintain a list of web sites on your Windows Home Server remote access page.

Advanced Admin Console gives you easy access to WHS settings. Read more…

PortableApps.com offers a collection of programs specifically configured to run from portable USB devices like pen drives, external hard drives, and MP3 players.

The PortableApps.com Standard Suite includes:

• Mozilla Firefox Portable Edition (web browser)
• Mozilla Sunbird Portable Edition (calendar/task manager)
• Mozilla Thunderbird Portable Edition (email client)
• OpenOffice.org Portable (office suite compatible with Microsoft Word files) Read more…

Most wireless routers, when using default settings, are designed to provide wireless access for anyone who requests it.   Have you secured your wireless network?   If not, you could have bigger problems than the occasional freeloader. Someone with ill intent could also obtain passwords, credit card numbers, your private photos, and other personal information if not properly secured. 

There are a variety of ways to boost wireless security.  The methods listed below are generally enough to prevent all but the most determined hacker Read more…

Windows XP PowerToys are a collection of 14 free Microsoft programs which add functionality to Windows XP.    My personal favorites include:

• Alt-Tab Replacement - when using the Alt-Tab key combination to switch between windows, this PowerToy adds a preview window.   .
• SyncToy - copies, moves, and synchronizes files with your laptop, a USB hard drive, portable media player, PDA, digital camera, and more.
• Taskbar Magnifier - magnifies part of your screen
• Webcam Timershot - takes webcam photos at specified intervals
• TweakUI - allows you to modify certain system settings that are inaccessible using the standard user interface. 

** Use caution with TweakUI as it makes it easy to change system settings you normally cannot change.  This can be dangerous if you don’t know what a setting might affect, so if you’re not sure leave it alone.

The location of your router has a big impact on wireless performance.  A good location is one which reduces the distance between client and router, and also minimizes signal interference and obstructions.  

When deciding where to position your wireless router, consider the following:

• Router needs to be as close to the center of your coverage area as possible. Read more…

Check out these keyboard shortcuts, all of which use the Windows Logo key:

Windows Key:                  Display or hide the Start menu
Windows Key+TAB:        Cycle through taskbar buttons
Windows Key+Break:    System Properties dialog box
Windows Key+R:             Run Prompt
Windows Key+U:             Utility Manager
Windows Key+M:            Minimize all
SHIFT+Windows Key+M:    Un-minimize all
Windows Key+F1:           Help
Windows Key+E:            Windows Explorer
Windows Key+F:            Find files or folders
Windows Key+D:            Displays the desktop
CTRL+Windows Key+F:     Find computer