Calculating your internet connection speed

A very few internet users know what the "kbps" in your internet connection speed means.

When your ISP says it is providing you with 256 kbps of internet connectivity, it means 256 kilobits per second i.e. you can download 256 kilobits (not kilobytes) of data in one second.

While our web browsers display the speed in "kilobytes per second" also abbrivated to Kbps (here the "K" is capital).

When you are downloading a file (suppose 1 MB) over a 256 kbps connection it will take :
256 Kilobits per second / 8 = 32 kilobytes per second

1 MB x 1024 = 1024 KB

therefore your 256 kbps connection will take 1024 kb data / 32 kilobytes per second of speed = 32 seconds.

Now this 32 kilobytes per second speed is eaten up by many factors resulting in relatively slower connection.

Some factors eating you your internet speed are : (there are many more)

1. Less freespace on you hard drive (specially the "temporary internet files" folder).
2. Lower system ram as compared to you HDD and CPU.
3. Microsoft reserve 20% of your available bandwidth for their own purposes (suspect for updates and interrogating your machine etc..) as explained here.

You can find resources to test the speed of your internet connection on Google Search.

End of support for Windows XP SP1

On October 10, 2006, Microsoft has ended all public assisted support for Windows XP Service Pack1 (SP1). After this date, Microsoft is no longer providing any incident support options or security updates for this retired service pack under the policies defined by the Microsoft Support Lifecycle policy.

http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle

To enhance the security of your computer and to continue to receive updates for Windows XP, we recommend you upgrade your computer, for free, to Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2).

Service Pack 2 Update for Windows XP

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx

Want to integrating SP2 with your original XP CD not having a SP or only SP1? Check

http://windowstipsntricks.blogspot.com/2006/10/slipstreaming-windows-xp-service-pack-2.html

End of support for Windows 98, Windows Me, and Windows XP Service Pack 1 at Microsoft

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/support/endofsupport.mspx

What is a DAEMON Tool?

DAEMON Tools is a proprietary disk image emulator for Microsoft Windows that mounts images of DVD and CD media on virtual drives. The program is able to defeat most copy protection schemes such as SafeDisc and SecuROM.

DAEMON Tools was originally a furtherance in the development of another program, Generic Safedisc emulator, and incorporated all of its features. It is currently being developed and distributed by DAEMON's Home and is free for non-commercial purposes.

Adware included

The latest version of DAEMON Tools (4.06) is bundled with SaveNow, a product of WhenU. The installation is optional, however, and can be deselected during the install process. Uninstallation is easily done through the add/remove programs option in the Windows Control Panel.

Uses

Like other disk image emulators, using DAEMON Tools means a user does not have to swap discs to run different programs, which also reduces scratching of the disc. It is useful for those who purchased software, but either lost or damaged the disc, to still be able to use that program. On a more quotidian level, DAEMON Tools enables business travellers to run games and other programs on their laptop computers without requiring them to bring an entire library of CD/DVD media around with them, which is safer and more convenient.

It can also be used to access software distributed as a disk image (drivers, support files, archives, etc) without the need to burn a physical CD/DVD. This is somewhat similar to how .dmg files are used in Mac OS X.

Several disk images can be loaded at once, which can be useful for installing or using software that ships on multiple discs and requires shuffling between them during use.

It is also useful for networking applications, where a program requires a CD to be operated, and it is impossible to distribute the requisite CDs to all users.

Potential for copyright infringement

Though they have many legitimate uses, a potential use of emulation tools such as this one is to copy closed-source copyrighted material (copyright infringement). To curb the act of copyright infringement, which is illegal in many countries, the authors of emulation tools usually state that they do not endorse copyright infringement and that their tools should not be used for that purpose. Authors are quick to put up such statements because of the current attack by content creators on 'unauthorized' free flow in the copyright social conflict, as well as the in the case MGM Studios, Inc. v. Grokster, Ltd. held by the United States Supreme Court that authors could be held liable if they endorse or encourage infringement. However, Daemon Tools is produced in a country where there are no such laws to force Daemon Tools to stop.

Supported filetypes

• b5t (Blindwrite 5)
• b6t (Blindwrite 6)
• bwt (Blindwrite, older versions)
• ccd (CloneCD) cdi (Discjuggler)
• cue/bin
• img (not on supported filetype list but may be used through "All files (*.*)")
• iso
• mds/mdf (Media Descriptor File) (Commonly used by Alcohol 120%)
• nrg (Nero Burning ROM)
• pdi (Instant CD/DVD)
• dmg (PowerISO)
  

Blacklisting

Some software publishers, particularly game publishers, go to great lengths to try to disable or frustrate DAEMON Tools. For example, some games will check to see if the driver for DAEMON Tools is loaded, and if so will take some action, such as refusing to run, or uninstalling the toolset (even if you legally bought the game). Typically, as such copy protections are deployed, new versions of DAEMON Tools are released. For example, the most recent revision randomizes the name of the virtual driver installed by the software.

Products

Currently DAEMON Tools Team is working on DaemonTools Professional. This version of the product is not Freeware, it is Shareware.

Increase the speed of your Internet connection by 20%

Microsoft reserve 20% of your available bandwidth for their own purposes(suspect for updates and interrogating your machine etc..)

Here's how to get it back:
Click Start-->Run-->type "gpedit.msc"

This opens the group policy editor.

Then go to:
Local Computer Policy-->Computer Configuration-->Administrative Templates-->Network-->QOS Packet Scheduler-->Limit Reservable Bandwidth

Double click on Limit Reservable bandwidth. It will say it is not configured, but the truth is under the 'Explain' tab :

"By default, the Packet Scheduler limits the system to 20 percent of the bandwidth of a connection, but you can use this setting to override the default."

So the trick is to ENABLE reservable bandwidth, then set it to ZERO.

This will allow the system to reserve nothing, rather than the default 20%.Works on XP Pro and 2000.

Changing default title of Internet Explorer

Do you wish to change the default title of Internet Explorer "Windows Internet Explorer" to your company name or some other text?

Open Run and then type "regedit".

Now goto Registry Key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Internet Explorer \ MainModify \ Create the Value Name [Window Title] according to the Value Data listed below.

Data Type: REG_SZ [String Value] // Value Name: Window TitleValue Data: [Enter The Text Desired In Title Bar] Exit Registry and Reboot.

That's it.

Folder Options missing from Windows Explorer

Many of you might sometimes find the folder options missing in windows explorer.

Here's the solution

Open Run and then type "gpedit.msc".

Now goto User Configuration > Administrative templates > Windows Component > Windows Explorer.

Click on Windows Explorer you will find the 3rd option on the right side of screen "Removes the Folder Option menu item from the Tools menu"

Just check it, if it is not configured then change it to enable by double clicking on it and after applying again set it to not configured.

I hopes that you will find the option after restarting windows.

Slipstreaming Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Create Bootable CD

Slipstreaming a Service Pack, is the process to integrate the Service Pack into the installation so that with every new installation the Operating System and Service Pack are installed at the same time.

Slipstreaming is usually done on network shares on corporate systems. But with the advent of CD burners, it does actually make some sense for the home user or small business user to do the same.

Microsoft added the ability to Slipstream a Service Pack to Windows 2000 and Windows XP. It not only has the advantage that when you (re)install your OS, you don't have to apply the Service Pack later, also if you update any Windows component later, you'll be sure that you get the correct installation files if Windows needs any.

Slipstream Windows XP Service Pack 2:
Download the (full) "Network Install" of the Service Pack (English version [266 MB]), and save it to a directory (folder) on your hard drive (in my case D:\XP-SP2). Other languages can be downloaded from the Microsoft Download Web site.

Note: do not use spaces in the folder name!

Next copy your Windows XP CD to your hard drive. Just create a folder (I used \XP-CD), and copy all the contents of your Windows XP CD in that folder.

Next, open a Command Prompt (Start > Run > cmd), and go to the folder where you downloaded SP2 (cd \foldername). Type the command: servicepack filename /integrate:drive/path. In my example the command is WindowsXP-KB835935-SP2-ENU /integrate:D:\XP-CD.

If you get the error:

This is caused by the fact that your Windows XP CD contains updates that will be automatically installed when you run setup. This type of CD's will usually be from larger OEM suppliers (like Dell, HP, or others).

You cannot use this type of CD to create a slipstreamed SP2 install.

First, the files will be extracted, and next they will be integrated in your Windows XP files:

When ready, you should get a confirmation. Windows XP Service Pack 2 has now been Slipstreamed into your original Windows XP files.

Creating a Bootable CD
For this part I used IsoBuster and Nero Burning ROM 6 (make sure you have the latest version, but at least 5.5.9.0).

After you install IsoBuster, you can choose to use only the product's free functionality for what we want to do, IsoBuster will look like the image below (you need to have your original Windows XP CD in the CD-ROM drive).

Start to extract the boot loader from the original Windows XP CD. Using IsoBuster, select the "folder" Bootable CD, and right-click Microsoft Corporation.img. From the menu choose Extract Microsoft Corporation.img, and extract it to the folder on your hard drive where you have your Windows XP files (D:\XP-CD in my case).

Next, start Nero Burning ROM, and choose CD-ROM (Boot) in the New Compilation window. On the Boot tab, select Image file under Source of boot image data, and browse to the location of the Microsoft Corporation.img file. Also enable Expert Settings, choosing No Emulation, and changing the Number of loaded sectors to 4 (otherwise it won't boot!)

The ISO tab should be configured correctly as shown below:

You can configure the Label tab to your liking, I would however recommend that you keep the Volume Label the same as on your original Windows XP CD. Here are some (English) Labels:

• Windows XP Professional: WXPCCP_EN
• Windows XP Home: WXHCCP_EN
• Windows XP Professional OEM: WXPOEM_EN
• Windows XP Home OEM: WXHOEM_EN
  

Next press New, and from the File Browser window, select the files and folders from your slipstreamed location (in my case D:\XP-CD). Now drag & drop the selected files in the ISO1 window.

Next, burn your new CD.

You now have a Bootable, Slipstreamed Windows XP Service Pack 2 CD!

Windows ReadyBoost

Adding system memory (RAM) is often the best way to improve your PC's performance. More memory means applications can run without needing to access the hard drive. However, upgrading memory is not always easy. You need to know what type of memory you need, purchase the memory, and open your computer to install the memory—which sometimes can invalidate your support agreement. Also, some machines have limited memory expansion capabilities, preventing you from adding RAM even if you are willing to do so.

Windows Vista introduces a new concept in adding memory to a system. Windows ReadyBoost lets users use a removable flash memory device, such as a USB thumb drive, to improve system performance without opening the box. Windows ReadyBoost can improve system performance because it can retrieve data kept on the flash memory more quickly than it can retrieve data kept on the hard disk, decreasing the time you need to wait for your PC to respond. Combined with SuperFetch technology, this can help drive impressive improvements in system responsiveness.

Windows ReadyBoost technology is reliable and provides protection of the data stored on your device. You can remove the memory device at any time without any loss of data or negative impact to the system; however, if you remove the device, your performance returns to the level you experienced without the device. Additionally, data on the removable memory device is encrypted to help prevent inappropriate access to data when the device is removed.

Some intresting facts about Windows Vista

Here are some intresting facts about Windows Vista:

1. It is the only windows with a complete name.(All others were like year names or two alphabet shortforms)
2. It is the largest Windows OS coming out. It is 1.4 times bigger than Windows XP.(Meaning if you give 5 stars to Windows XP, Vista gets 7 stars)Windows Vista will have have the maximum number of editions.
3. It will be the only Windows OS making proper use of the available hardware for it's graphic needs.
4. It will be the only one to have a Windows Sidebar.
5. It would be the first to use Aero Effects.
6. It will have the longest Startup\Logon music.
7. It will be the only one to have human voice in Shutdown\Logoff music.(Yes, Vista will have female voice in Logoff music)
8. It's got the most beta versions as an OS. (XP got less)
9. Windows Vista, if hangs, will tell us the reason why Windows has hung. {This software was developed by an Engineering student from India which Microsoft brought. The student also got a patent for it} It will be the only OS to tell us why it has hung up.
10. Microsoft claims Vista cannot be hacked and it is difficult for viruses to infect it. (Doesn't seem like a fact, does it?)
11. It is the most awaited and delayed Windows release. (Many public polls show this)

Windows Vienna codename BlackComb

Windows "Vienna" (formerly known as Blackcomb) is Microsoft's codename for a future version of Microsoft Windows, originally announced in February 2000, but has since been subject to major delays and rescheduling.

The code name "Blackcomb" was originally assigned to a version of Windows that was planned to follow Windows XP (codenamed "Whistler"; both named after the Whistler-Blackcomb resort) in both client and server versions. However, in August 2001, the release of Blackcomb was pushed back several years and Vista (originally codenamed "Longhorn" after a bar in the Whistler Blackcomb Resort) was announced as a release between XP and Blackcomb. Since then, the status of Blackcomb has undergone many alterations and PR manipulations, ranging from Blackcomb being scrapped entirely, to becoming a server-only release.

As of 2006, it is still planned as both a client and server release with a current release estimate of anytime between 2009-2012, although no firm release date or target has yet been publicized.

While Windows Vista is intended to be a technologies-based release, with some UI changes (in the form of the Aero set of technologies and guidelines), Vienna is targeted directly at revolutionizing the way we interact with our home and office PCs.

For instance, the "Start" philosophy, introduced in Windows 95, may be completely replaced by a "new interface" which was said in 1999 to be scheduled for Blackcomb, before being moved to the Longhorn project, and then back to Blackcomb. The interface involved some ideas based upon truely 3D Windows and an intergration of what is now known as Sidebar.

The Explorer shell is expected to be replaced in its entirety, with features such as the taskbar being replaced by a new concept based on the last 10 years of research from Microsoft's "Vibe" lab. Projects such as GroupBar and LayoutBar are expected to make an appearance, allowing users to more effectively manage and keep track of their applications and documents while in use, and a new way of launching applications is expected - among other ideas, Microsoft is investigating a pie menu-type circular interface, similar in function to Apple's dock feature.

All features are speculation and rumour at this point. However, with Vista arriving so late (5 years after Windows XP) - will Vista sell to the masses just as many enterprise customers have moved to XP and many home users are comfortable with XP. Time will tell.

Windows Vista codename Longhorn

Windows Vista is the title for the next generation of Microsoft Windows, a proprietary graphical operating system used on personal computers, including home and business desktops, notebook computers, and media centers. Prior to the announcement of the Vista name on July 22, 2005, it was known by its codename Longhorn. As of September 2006, Windows Vista is at release candidate stage; Microsoft has stated the scheduled release dates for Windows Vista are currently November 2006 for business editions, and January 2007 for consumer editions. These release dates come more than five years after the release of Windows XP, Microsoft's current consumer and business operating system, making it the longest time span between major releases of Windows.

Windows Vista has hundreds of new features, some of the most significant of which include an updated graphical user interface and visual style dubbed Windows Aero, improved searching features, new multimedia creation tools such as Windows DVD Maker, and completely redesigned networking, audio, print, and display sub-systems. Vista also aims to increase the level of communication between machines on a home network using peer-to-peer technology, making it easier to share files, password settings, and digital media between computers and devices. For developers, Vista introduces version 3.0 of the .NET Framework, which aims to make it significantly easier for developers to write high-quality applications than with the traditional Windows API.

Microsoft's primary stated goal with Vista, however, has been to improve the state of security in the Windows operating system. One of the most prevalent common criticisms of Windows XP and its predecessors are their commonly exploited security vulnerabilities and overall susceptibility to malware, viruses and buffer overflows. In light of this, then Microsoft chairman Bill Gates announced in early 2002 a company-wide 'Trustworthy Computing initiative' which aims to incorporate security work into every aspect of software development at the company. Microsoft claimed it prioritized improving the security of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 above finishing Windows Vista, significantly delaying its completion.