Surprisingly effective Windows Xp Firewall guide for wireless networks

What is a Firewall & how is it useful to you?

A firewall is a windows xp software that keeps remote users from connecting to your computer, while letting you connect to remote servers. A Windows XP system includes a number of services, such as file sharing, that a remote attacker can use to access your system. In some cases, flaws in Windows can let a remote attacker gain complete control over your system (this is why it's important to run Windows Update frequently, so that you have the latest security updates).

How To enable the Windows xp firewall for your wireless connection:

1. 
   

   Open the Network Connections folder (Control Panel & and Internet Connections & Network Connections).

   
   
2. 
   

   Right-click on your wireless connection and select Properties. When the connection Properties dialog appears, select the Advanced tab.

   
   
   

   Easily Enabling Windows XP's firewall

3. 
   

   Check the box labeled "Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet." This enables the basic firewall functionality.

4. 
   

   Click Settings. This brings up the Advanced Settings dialog .Use the Xp Services tab to configure the inbound services (such as Remote Desktop) that you want other users to have access to. Use the Security Logging tab to configure how connection attempts and failures are logged. The ICMP tab allows you to enable Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) requests, which are employed when remote users apply diagnostic utilities such as ping to verify whether your computer is accessible. By leaving these disabled, you make it a little harder for attackers to find your computer or to determine potential vulnerabilities.

   
   
   

   Configuring the Windows Xp firewall's advanced settings

5. Click OK to dismiss the Advanced Settings dialog, then click OK to dismiss the connection Properties dialog.

To see a log of connection attempts, open the file C:\Windows\pfirewall.log in a text editor.

Most wireless access points that have router capabilities also have built-in firewalls (and the firewall is typically enabled by default). But when you are on the road, you should enable Windows XP's firewall, because other users on the wireless network will be able to access your computer if you don't.

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Block Or Unblock Websites (surf orkut etc sites from college,school)

Many times in schools, colleges & offices surfing some sites like orkut,etc are banned !To overcome this you can unblock these or block some other websites and play pranks !

Here`s What you do:

For eg you want to block www.abc.com !

* Open the folder C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc

* There you will find a file named HOSTS

* Click on the file and press SHIFT and now right click on it .

* From the right click menu select Open with .

* Now, select Notepad to open the file from the list !

* Now, in the file under the line 127.0.0.1 localhost add another line as 127.0.0.2 www.abc.com.

* Now, File>>Save

Now, open your web browser and try openning www.abc.com , it will not load !

To unblock sites just do the vice versa find the HOSTS file and remove the entries which the annoying teacher has blocked muhahahaha lolz!

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Using IrDA (infra red adapters) in Windows XP

IrDA Adapters

If you use a notebook computer, you most likely have an infrared port. Most notebook computers come with an infrared port built in; look at the back of your notebook and you should be able to find it. The port is usually a dark red color. Figure below shows the infrared port at the back of an HP notebook.

An infrared port at the back of a notebook computer.

USB Infrared Adapter
It is rare to find an infrared port on a desktop computer. Most desktop manufacturers have not incorporated infrared functionality into their design, mainly because of the lack of demand for it. However, you can add infrared functionality into your desktop by purchasing a relatively cheap (under $50) infrared adapter. Figure 7-2 shows a USB infrared adapter. To use it, simply plug the adapter into the USB port and Windows XP will automatically recognize and install the driver for the device.

A USB infrared adapter

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Adding more locations to the Send To Menu in windows xp

You can create a new shortcut on the Send To menu, such as one that goes to a frequently used folder.

1. Open My Computer, & double-click the drive where Windows is installed (usually the Drive C).

2. Double-click the Documents & Settings folder, & then double-click the folder for the particular user.

3. Double-click the Send To folder. By default the Send To folder is hidden. To see the end To folder, click Tools, click Folder Options, & then click Show hidden files & folders.

4. On the File menu, point to New, & then click Shortcut.

5. Follow the instructions to create a shortcut.

Now when you right-click a file, & click Send To, the shortcut to the item you selected will be an option. You can create shortcuts to local or network programs, files, folders, computers, or Internet addresses.

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How to Add Links Toolbar to My Computer (very handy tip)

Add the Links Toolbar to My Computer
A really handy toolbar is one where you
could put your favorite applications and
documents so that you could open them
from any window at any time. To add the
Links toolbar to My Computer: click Start,
then My Computer. Now right-click the
toolbar and then click Links. You now
have the Links toolbar on your windows,
just like in Internet Explorer. Note: Make sure that Lock the Toolbars is not checked.
Click on it to deselect it if it is.
A nice thing about the Links toolbar is that it's completely customizable.
Try this:
Navigate to your favorite application and drag and drop its icon to the Links toolbar. You
just created a shortcut. Repeat this for as many applications as you want to appear on the
toolbar.

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2 Easy Windows XP tips that keep desktop organised and snappy

Add New Programs to Your Start Menu Alphabetically

If you are like me, you find it annoying that newly installed programs and icons add
themselves to the end of the Start menu in windows xp and instead would like to see them
arranged alphabetically. Opening the All Programs menu as a folder and rearranging the icons
changes nothing on the menu.
To arrange the Start menu items alphabetically:
1. Click Start, click All Programs, and then right-click on any folder or icon.
2. Click Sort by Name.
That’s it. Enjoy your newly organized Start menu.

Speed Up Menu Display
To speed up the way menus display in Windows XP:
1. Click Start, click Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then
click System.
2. Click the Advanced tab, and under Performance, click the Settings button.
3. Deselect the Fade or slide menus into view check box, and then click OK.
Now when you bring up a collapsed menu, it will expand without delay.

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Organize your files in windows xp by grouping them

Organize Your Files into Groups

Try this:

Open a new folder containing several
different subfolders and file types.
Rightclick any empty space on the window's
contents pane.
Click Arrange Icons By, and
then click Show in Groups. To arrange the
window's contents, right-click again in any
empty space on the window's contents
pane, point to Arrange Icons By, and click
Name, Size, Type, or Modified.

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