“A set of software tools frequently used by a third party (usually an intruder) after gaining access to a computer system. These tools are intended to conceal running processes, files or system data, which helps an intruder maintain access to a system without the user’s knowledge. Root kits are known to exist for a variety of operating systems such as Linux, Solaris and versions of Microsoft Windows.”

So they are NOT something you really want on your system!

Read here to discover hot to detect any on your PC and how to easily remove them:

How to Remove a Root Kit

Kind Regards

Marc Liron – Microsoft MVP

All of your PC profile information is kept private on your PC and is not sent to any web server.

Make sure to print off a copy for future reference, you never know when it may come in handy.

Read more here: PC Audit Software

Regards

Marc Liron – Microsoft MVP

We have all had situations where we are missing a license key for a software application we have installed on our PC.

When you try to find the product packaging or email that contains the missing key, you can never find them!

So it would make sense to scan your PC to see if you can locate them?

Read more here:

http://www.win7articles.com/how-to-scan-your-pc-for-software-licenses.html

Regards

Marc Liron – Microsoft MVP

http://www.instantvista.com/800B0100.html

Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
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More here:

http://www.instantvista.com/kb958690.html

Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
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Read this article: Vista Services list

Kind Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP

Here are a few:

Application Experience

Application Information

Application Layer Gateway Service

Application Management

Background Intelligent Transfer Service

Base Filtering Engine

Block Level Backup Engine Service

Certificate Propagation

CNG Key Isolation

COM+ Event System

COM+ System Application

Computer Browser

Cryptographic Services

Desktop Window Manager Session Manager

If you are looking to “tweak” your Windows Vista PC, then knowing about Windows Vista Services is ESSENTIAL.

Regards

Marc Liron – Microsoft MVP
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This article contains a list of known Vista upgrade problems that you can use to help troubleshoot issues that you may experience when you try to upgrade your current version of Windows (for example Windows XP) to Windows Vista.

ландшафтhttp://www.updatexp.com/vista-upgrade-problems.html

Kind Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
www.marcliron.com

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Not all versions of Windows Vista come with a DVD Decoder.

This DVD decoder vista article should help you fix the problem:

http://www.instantvista.com/dvd-decoder-vista.html

Kind Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
www.marcliron.com

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Windows Update is a service provided by Microsoft for users of Microsoft Windows which provides updates for the operating system and its installed components.

However, sometimes things can go wrong and errors occur.

This article on the Windows Update 800706ba BITS Error should help you fix the problem:

http://www.instantvista.com/800706ba.html

Kind Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
www.marcliron.com

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Windows Update is a service provided by Microsoft for users of Microsoft Windows which provides updates for the operating system and its installed components.

However, sometimes things can go wrong and errors occur.

This article on the Windows Update 0×80070002 Error should help you fix the problem:

http://www.updatexp.com/0×80070002.html

Kind Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
www.marcliron.com

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Windows Update is a service provided by Microsoft for users of Microsoft Windows which provides updates for the operating system and its installed components.

However, sometimes things can go wrong and errors occur.

This article on the Windows Update 8000ffff Error should help you fix the problem:

http://www.instantvista.com/8000ffff.html

Kind Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
www.marcliron.com

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Windows Update is a service provided by Microsoft for users of Microsoft Windows which provides updates for the operating system and its installed components.

However, sometimes things can go wrong and errors occur.

This article on the 0x8024200d Windows Vista Update error should help you fix the problem:

http://www.instantvista.com/0x8024200d-vista-update-error.html

Kind Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
www.marcliron.com

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Windows Update is a service provided by Microsoft for users of Microsoft Windows which provides updates for the operating system and its installed components.

However, sometimes things can go wrong and errors occur.

This article on the 0x800f0826 Windows Update error should help you fix the problem:

http://www.updatexp.com/0x800f0826.html

Kind Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
www.marcliron.com

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If you want to install the update immediately, it is available now in five languages via Windows Update or by going directly to the Windows Download Center for standalone updates of both the X86 and X64 versions.

TechNet and MSDN subscribers can access the Windows Vista SP1 bits in subscriber downloads. There they will find both X86 and X64 standalone versions in the five released languages (English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish). Subscribers can also download the Windows Vista integrated with Service Pack 1 image.

Finally, here are some resources to assist your Windows Vista SP1 upgrade:

- Things to know about Windows Vista Service Pack 1
- Notable Changes in Windows Vista Service Pack 1
- Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Deployment Guide
- Release Notes for Windows Vista Service Pack 1
- Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Support
- Windows Service Pack blocker tool (for organisations that would like to temporarily prevent installation of Windows Service Pack updates through Windows Update)

Hope this information helps.

Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
www.marctalkstech.com

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http://www.instantvista.com/free-windows-vista-preview-videos.html

They are now posted online for FREE!

…enjoy.

Kind Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
www.marcliron.com

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Then checkout this new BLOG of mine sometime!

http://tips.instantvista.com

Enjoy.

Regards

Marc Liron – Microsoft MVP

A. Microsoft continuously improves the Windows Vista Operating System by providing ongoing updates while working with software and hardware vendors to help them to deliver improved compatibility, reliability and performance. Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) is another vehicle that Microsoft will use to deliver operating system improvements to customers. Windows Vista SP1 is an update to Windows Vista that, along with improvements delivered to users via these other channels, addresses feedback from our customers. In addition to previously released updates, SP1 will contain changes focused on addressing specific reliability and performance issues, supporting new types of hardware, and adding support for several emerging standards. SP1 also will continue to make it easier for IT administrators to deploy and manage Windows Vista.

Q. How does Windows Update deliver Windows Vista SP1?

A. Windows Update downloads the service pack to the computer and works within the operating system to install the service pack. This method requires relatively low bandwidth and minimizes network traffic because only the changes needed for a specific computer are downloaded.

Q. What is a stand-alone installation delivery method of Windows Vista SP1?

A. In a stand-alone installation, you use the stand-alone pack to upgrade computers that already are running the Windows Vista operating system. The download size of the stand-alone package is larger than the package applied with Windows Update. This method is recommended for: 1) Applying SP1 to computers without (or with limited) Internet connectivity 2) Applying the service pack to more than one computer using deployment tools such as Systems Management Server 2003 (SMS) or System Center Configuration Manager 2007 (SCCM).

Q. When will Windows Vista SP1 be released?

A. SP1 will be released in the first quarter of calendar year 2008.

Microsoft has now released a public Windows Vista SP1 RC for those who want to preview Windows Vista Service Pack 1

Hope that helps!

Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
www.marctalkstech.com

The first article sees Richard talking about using a “microphone array to enhance sound capture” in Vista and the second article details how to get more out of your PC by using a digital microphone.

Here are the article links:

Article 1:

http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/windowsvista/archive/2007/09/24/using-a-mic-array-for-sound-capture.aspx

Article 2:

http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/windowsvista/archive/2007/11/09/microphone-arrays-digital-microphones.aspx

Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
www.marcliron.com

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You can find more information on the other Microsoft software with planned security updates this month.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms07-nov.mspx

Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
www.marctalkstech.com

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With it you’ll be able to change your status, see your friends’ statuses, groups, notifications, albums and events.

Its available at the Windows Live Gallery

Thanks to Sarah Perez for mentioning it on her Blog.

Enjoy!

Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
www.databucketpro.com

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Scource: http://on10.net/Blogs/sarahintampa/vista-facebook-sidebar-gadget/

Windows Meetings Space, along with Windows Live Messenger, is effectively intended to replace the aging Windows NetMeeting. Unlike its predecessor, Windows Meeting Space is adapted for meetings where participants are in the same room and able to talk to each other. Thus, Windows Meeting Space does not support audio or video conferences, which Windows Live Messenger handles instead.

Windows Meeting Space focuses on small groups of up to ten users over a wired network, a wireless local area network (WLAN), or an ad hoc (PC-to-PC) wireless network and is very useful new collaboration feature in Windows Vista.

Instead of trying to be a complete meeting management solution, Windows Meeting Space focuses on being a tool for a meeting room. Essentially, it attempts to eliminate the need for paper, enabling users to share files or pass notes, for instance, as well as attempting to improve the experience of delivering presentation.

Imagine a group of say 4 sales staff on the road meeting up with their area manager in Starbucks for a quick sales meeting. Using Windows meeting Space to share notes is an ideal choice.

Windows Meeting Space is based on “sessions”. One user initiates a “session”, and then invites other users to participate. Once everyone who was invited has joined the session, the meeting can start.

During the meeting, Windows Meeting Space allows the participants to share various types of data. They can share their desktop, for instance, but they can also share files or applications. Users can also pass text notes to others who are attending.

When one user delivers a presentation, it is possible to share that particular presentation, so that it appears on everyone’s screen. This is especially effective when meetings are held in places where using a projector or a large screen is not effective, or when the presented content simply doesn’t require such tools. (Think Starbucks!)

The ability to share data is built so that each participant gets his or her chance to present something, without interfering with someone else who is holding a presentation. Thus, participants get their chance of presenting their point of view without disturbing another participant.

Windows Meeting Space achieves this by using a peer-to-peer network which it can create ad-hoc network, using each computer’s wireless network adapter. This way, meetings can be held even when there is no network available, and the data is always safe, since it is only shared between the computers of those who attend the meeting. Furthermore, each participant has to authenticate, ensuring that nobody else except those who are invited can view any sensitive data.

At the end of the meeting, a meeting handout can be distributed. Handouts are automatically maintained, and each user can edit them, with the original file being preserved. Windows Meeting Space ensures that only one user can modify the handout at a time.

Being tightly integrated with Windows Vista and readily available to every Windows Vista user, Windows Meeting Space is already becoming a popular tool to enhance and support spontaneous and informal small-group collaboration with up to 10 concurrent users.

Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
www.databucketpro.com

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Source: http://www.instantvista.com/introducing-windows-meeting-space.html

This figure is up form July 2007 when Microsoft said it had hit the 60 million shipment mark with Vista.

So what is making up this high number?

Well this 88 million figure mostly includes Windows Vista PCs with the OS pre-installed, as well as retail copies of Vista sold in stores or online.

This figure does not include tens of millions of Windows corporate volume licenses used by large companies.

Other good news for Microsoft includes:

# Halo 3 has so far generated $330 million in revenue.

# The popular Xbox 360 console unit sales increased 90 percent, driven by a price cut in August and Halo 3-related demand.

# The Windows client section, which includes Windows XP and Vista, made around $4.14 billion, and the Microsoft Business Division where Office is produced made $4.11 billion in revenue for the quarter ended Sept. 30. 2007.

# Microsoft Business Division revenues, including those for Office, are expected to grow 15-16 percent in this next quater.

So it seems seems all the stories of Microsoft’s demise in the technology sector may be a little off target.

And when you include the recent rumours that Microsoft is buying a stake in FaceBook, that means the race with Google.com is firmly on.

Watch this space!

Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
www.databucketpro.com

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I run a popular Windows Vista Newsletter that covers Windows XP and Office too.

In this FREE newsletter I will cover news and training on Windows XP, Windows Vista and the various Microsoft Office applications… even news on Microsoft the company.

1’000′s of PC users just like you subscribe!

You can subscribe by popping over too:

http://www.marctalkstech.com

Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
www.marcliron.com

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Modern day software is more and more resource hungry, in every aspect of computing power.

Demands increase continuously, regardless of whether it’s CPU frequency, hard-drive capacity or RAM memory that we are talking about.

Although a RAM memory upgrade is often desirable, there are cases when it cannot be immediately done. RAM memory is still quite expensive so this may deter some and if you are upgrading an older computer you may have already achieved the maximum amount that can be physically installed.

So wouldn’t it be nice to have a way to boost our computers performance in such scenarios?

Welcome to Windows Vista ReadyBoost!

Whilst physical memory such as RAM is quite expensive there is another form of memory that is far cheaper and that is called Flash memory.

Your computer can access Flash memory around 10 times faster than your hard drive so making it an ideal medium for ReadyBoost technology. Windows Vista can simply use the Flash memory as if it was extra RAM.

Using a Flash memory device such as a USB memory key/stick (called a flash drive by the operating system), Windows Vista can create an intermediate caching layer on the device that logically sits between RAM memory and your hard drive.

This can offer some great system performance gains.

Whenever a Flash drive is detected, Windows Vista will check to see if it is fast enough to be used by ReadyBoost as not all Flash memory available is fast enough. If it passes the test, the user can then allocate some memory for ReadyBoost usage.

However Windows Vista will work out the amount of space is recommended for optimal performance, but the user can choose to ignore this recommendation, using more memory than recommended, less, or none at all. Up to 4 GB of suitable flash memory can be used.

ReadyBoost is analogous to using the pagefile in some ways, but it concentrates on storing different kinds of data. The performance gain depends sensibly on what kind of data you are using. When working with many small files, or when frequently having to access small pieces of data, the performance is sensibly improved. For larger files, the performance gain is often less in my experience.

I have personally seen BIG performance gains on older computers upgraded to Windows Vista, that only had 512 Mb of RAM installed. By adding a 2 Gb flash drive to one of the USB ports and then letting Windows Vista choose the optimal amount of memory to use, the system was notably more responsive when using multiple applications (Internet Explorer, Outlook, Word, Excel and Windows Media Player) at the same time.

The data stored on the flash drive is encrypted using the AES-128 encryption scheme. This ensures that the data is very difficult to decrypt, should the flash drive be stolen.

The entire process is essentially hidden away from the user. Windows automatically manages the newly available memory, and the flash drive can be removed at any moment, without affecting the system.

Although most devices are already supported, some aren’t. Namely, external card readers are not supported for technical reasons, and MP3 players are not supported because Windows does not recognize them as actual disk volumes, but rather for what they are; MP3 player. However, the ReadyBoost team is adding support for new devices.

ReadyBoost is also a very young technology. Although mature enough to ship with Windows Vista, we can expect to see it with several improvements in future versions of Windows or future Windows Vista service packs.

For the technical folk reading this article ReadyBoost consists of two parts. A service in %SystemRoot%\System32\Emdmgmt.dll that runs inside a Service Host process (%SystemRoot%\System32\Svchost.exe). And a volume filter driver (%SystemRoot%\System32\Drivers\Ecache.sys.

When you insert a USB flash device into Windows Vista, the ReadyBoost service looks at the device to determine its performance characteristics and stores the results of its test in the following registry entry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\Currentversion\Emdmgmt

By the way if you are wondering why the notation Emd is used instead of something likeReadyBoost. During development of this technology the working name was simply called External Memory Device, and so Emd is simply short for that!

There is a Adobe PDF download of this article over at:

http://www.instantvista.com/windows-vista-readyboost.html

Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
www.databucketpro.com

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Many years ago, when computers were still at their beginnings, having them available only to a few people was not only acceptable, it was something expected, given the prices and the rudimentary development.

However, this is no longer the case today and one of the most important issues is that of accessibility for all.

We live in a world that has free access to information at the very roots of its existence. The ability to provide information to everyone is very important to our society. As a consequence, most software development companies have employed great efforts to make computers accessible to disabled users of may kinds.

Microsoft made no exception with Windows Vista

Introducing Ease Of Access

The heart of the Windows Vista accessibility features is the Ease of Access Center. The Ease of Access Center is the starting point for configuring every aspect of Vista’s accessibility features. It allows users to quickly access built-in accessibility tools, like the Magnifier or the Narrator, to explore all settings by category, and to get recommendations for how to use the accessibility options.

The last feature is more useful than it sounds in fact: it works by asking the user several questions related to daily tasks (like the difficulties encountered when hearing voices on TV or using a pencil). Based on the user’s answers, a user profile is created, and some basic settings are suggested, settings which can be further tweaked.

An important thing to mention is that, unlike Windows XP, the login screen is also affected by accessibility settings. This was a major complaint, since users with disabilities could generally work on their computers, but had difficulties logging on.

Windows Vista comes with several accessibility-related features, each addressing a certain range of disabilities. Some of these features, like the Magnifier, are quite old, but others are newly-introduced or have been seriously improved.

Features For Vision-related Disabilities

The key to making computers usable for those with poor eyesight is to make the screen content easier to distinguish. Generally, the problems these people encounter are related to poor contrast: they can see the “big picture”, but need some additional help to see “details” — that is, text written in with a smaller font size, or with a color that doesn’t contrast with the background.

There are two important tools for these users: the Magnifier and the High Contrast option. The former sets up a small area at the top of the screen. The region around the mouse cursor is displayed in that area, magnified several times, and thus easier to read. The latter changes the color of the screen content (especially text) to make it more contrasting, and thus making it easier to distinguish.

In the case of more serious vision disabilities, the Speech Recognition and the Narrator come in handy. Speech Recognition can be used as an alternative input method, when the user cannot work with a keyboard and a mouse, and thus cannot select fields by clicking them or launch programs by double-clicking them. The Narrator is a text-to-speech program, which can read on-screen text aloud, as well as describe some occurring events.

Working Without Keyboards and Mice

Although most users are comfortable with a keyboard and a mouse, those who have problems using their hands are certainly not. In fact, there are people who can use their hands normally, but still prefer not to use their mouse to often, in order to prevent some types of RSI (Repeated Strain Injury).

For those who can use the keyboard, but not very reliably, Windows Vista offers two options you may be familiar with; Sticky Keys and Filter Keys. Sticky Keys can be used to press sequences of keys, which can be interpreted as key combinations. Instead of pressing Ctrl, Alt and Delete at once, a user can press them in a sequence, and the system will interpret them as a key combination when Sticky Keys is enabled. Filter Keys does the opposite; it ignores keystrokes that occur in rapid succession, or keys which are held down for a longer time than usual.

For those who have difficulties using a mouse, Vista includes two other useful options, namely the Keyboard Shortcuts and the Mouse Keys. Keyboard Shortcuts are an application-centric feature, used for several years and not only by those with disabilities. Every application includes a set of keyboard shortcuts of its own; key combinations which trigger a certain function. The more usual ones, like the ones for saving a file (Ctrl+S) or closing a Windows (Alt+F4) are standardized, and common to all Windows applications. Mouse Keys, also known to those who have used Windows before, allows the mouse cursor to be manipulated using the arrow keys on the numeric keypad.

Not to be forgotten is the Speech Recognition option, which we already mentioned. Speech Recognition is one of the most advanced features of Windows Vista. Although it requires extensive training, a good soundcard and a good microphone, it can prove extremely rewarding. Many experts consider it to be one of the best speech recognition systems that comes bundled free of charge with an operating system.

One last option users have found helpful is the On-Screen Keyboard. The On-Screen Keyboard displays an image of a keyboard. Individual keys can be pressed using the mouse, and the on-screen keyboard will act just like a real one. This is especially useful to those who can use a mouse, but have difficulties in using the keyboard.

Dealing With Hearing Disabilities

Users who have hearing difficulties will find their own set of dedicated options in Windows Vista. Traditionally, computers use sound effects for various purposes – usually to signal events – but they can easily be replaced.

Generally, they are replaced with visual notifications, by using the Visual Notifications option. Instead of playing a sound when a certain event occurs, Windows will use a visual effect, like flashing the desktop or flashing a window.

The Captions option may also prove of particular interest. Captions are analogous to those used by other equipment, such as fax machines designed for people with hearing disabilities. Animations and video can have a caption bar displayed near them, explaining what is happening or containing a transcript of a featured dialog. This can be useful for those with poor eyesight as well, since they can be read aloud.

Putting It All Together

The accessibility related features present in Windows Vista make it a serious alternative for disabled users over Windows XP. The range of features is quite extensive, and most users will find the option they need is already there. However, an accessibility-related API is available, allowing developers to extend accessibility features and to better integrate their current applications with Windows Vista.

There is a Adobe PDF download of this article over at:

http://www.instantvista.com/accessibility-in-vista.html

Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
www.databucketpro.com

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Simply put a service can be described as a software application that runs continuously in the background while your computer is on.

BUT isn’t that what any software application does on a PC?

Well yes and no…

The main difference with a service is that they load into memory at boot time and start running whether or not anyone logs into the computer.

Windows has numerous services that run in the background and they provide basic functions to the system such as: connectivity to a network, printer support, access to visual themes and USB connectivity to name but a few.

There is also a hierarchy amongst services, by that I mean not all services were created equal. Some services are needed as the PC boots up and some are only called upon when their functionality is required, (the later is done with no direct contact with the user.)

Why Bother With Windows Services?

So why exactly would you want to know about these services?

TWO reasons:

1) A basic understanding of Windows Services helps with troubleshooting!

2) A basic understanding helps with tweaking your system!

Troubleshooting

When it comes to getting help for problems with your computer a basic understanding of how it functions is important.

There is a lot of self help online, if you look hard enough, for just about any technical problem you may encounter on your computer.

It is highly probable that these articles will ask you to check a service related to your particular support issue.

So if you have no idea what a Windows Service is or how to access it then you are not going to be able to try the self help method!

Having this basic understanding of Windows services will always prove useful for any PC owner.

Tweaking

Each and every service that is running in the background on your PC takes up two key system resources:

# System Memory (known as RAM)
# CPU Time (known as the processor)

…and has an impact on:

# Boot Time

Essentially many services (at least 20) are loaded during the time a PC boots (known as starting up) and the more services the longer it takes. However that in itself is not a good enough reason, in my technical opinion, to start shutting them all down so to speak.

Other options like adding more System Memory (RAM) or even going as far as upgrading your processor would do just as well and give you the benefit of a more powerful PC for all the activities you perform on it.

If you have only just purchased a modern PC (perhaps at Christmas 2006) then it is unlikely you really would gain much from any “trimming” of services at boot time.

TIP: No matter what you read about the minimum specifications for a PC running Windows Vista – add enough RAM for the system to run smoothly and that means at least 0.5 GB RAM, or 1 GB if you can. You WILL be rewarded with a far better computing experience!

This article has been taken form the Windows Vista and XP Services Guide, which is available as an Instant Download! (with a video too)

http://www.marctalkstech.com/windows-services-guide.html

Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
www.databucketpro.com

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Source: http://www.instantvista.com/windows-vista-services.html

Windows Vista comes with a whole bunch of them!

In this FREE guide I have listed many of the most frequently used ones.

You can grab this guide as a downloadable PDF file from here:

http://www.marctalkstech.com/vista-keyboard-shortcuts.pdf
In addition I also have some other guides available here:

http://www.marctalkstech.com/guides.html

Enjoy.

Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
www.databucketpro.com

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However, as anyone who has children will tell you, there is an age for everything, including some types of expression!

Windows Vista comes with a tightly integrated set of parental control features, which allow parents to control and monitor WHEN and HOW children use the computer.

The parental control options can be enabled only for standard user accounts (since users with administrative privileges can change any settings). In order to apply them, Windows Vista takes advantage of NTFS features (An advanced file system designed for use specifically within the modern Windows operating systems).

Parental control options can be accessed through the Parental Controls Console in the Control Panel, and can be customized separately for every standard user account on the computer.

The most basic parental control feature is the Time Limits feature. Using Time Limits, you can block an account for certain periods of time; such as for every day of the week after 6pm. In the periods marked as blocked, logging in from that account will be impossible. During the periods marked as allowed, warnings will pop up 15 minutes and 1 minute before the users allowed access time expires.

Restricting the time when the computer is available is, however, only part of the story. For those who want to restrict Internet access, the Web Restrictions option allows users to block access, either to specific websites, or to a wider class of websites. In the latter case, the restrictions are imposed based on a set of parameters, or based on pre-defined restriction levels: High, Medium or None.

Internet content may not be the only one, which needs to be restricted. Game content, which is a major concern nowadays, can also be the basis for access restrictions. Access to games can be restricted based on the game’s age rating. Several rating systems are available to choose from, depending on your location (e.g. ESRB in North America).

Following along the same line, Windows Vista also allows you to restrict access to programs. This can be done in one of two ways: by positive filtering (defining only a few programs that can be run) and by negative filtering (defining only a few programs that cannot be run, giving free access to any other).

In order to improve these settings and make sure that they are having the correct result, it is possible to monitor the individual computers usage quite precisely; by using the built in Activity Viewer. The Activity Viewer will give a detailed report of how the computer was used, allowing you to better adjust the settings and to better understand what your child is using the computer for.

Windows Vista also includes a special API that applications can use to achieve a better integration with the Parental Control system. Although a very good degree of integration is already in Windows Vista, Microsoft hopes to further improve it, and has opened it up to third party software developers.

Used with care, the Parental Control system can prove to be a very important asset in protecting your children until they are old enough to make their own decisions.

You can grab this article as a downloadable PDF file from here:

Windows Vista Parental Controls

Enjoy.

Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
www.marcliron.com

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Typically a staff writer will create a feature article and then ask a relevant expert for an opinion, which is then added to the main article.

I was asked to provide an opinion on what to look for when choosing a broadband supplier…

Here is the 200 word piece I submitted:

There are many good broadband deals available today, but you need to consider more than just the price.

First decide which broadband technology is appropriate for you, DSL or Cable.

For instance with DSL your broadband speed decreases the further away you are from your BT Exchange, so Cable Internet access may be worth looking into if it is in your area.

ISP’s offer various broadband packages that often come with a “traffic allowance”. This may range from a few gigabytes right up to unlimited downloading each month (with a fair use policy attached).

So next think about your current and future Internet usage. Are you only sending emails with occasional Internet surfing or will you be online most days watching videos or downloading files?

Thirdly think about support. What does the ISP offer and are you going to have to pay for it through an expensive phone call?

Many ISP’s offer customers an online Knowledge Base where you can read about common support issues and solve them yourself. In addition many ISP’s also offer their customers an online Forum where you can post your queries and then have both ISP support staff, and other customers, provide help and advice.

Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
www.marctalkstech.com

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