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Guy's Top 10 Free Tools

1) FreePing
2) CatTools 
3) Xobni
4) PuTTY (UNIX)
5) IP SLA Monitor
6) ObserveIT
7) BgInfo
8) Net-SNMP
9) Exchange Monitor
10) WinDiff

Microsoft Windows Vista

Microsoft Windows Vista - Review

Windows Vista is Microsoft's new client operating system, which is just beginning its long journey to replace XP. 

Incidentally, I wish that I had thought of Microsoft Vista's new catch phrases: 'Bringing Clarity to your world', or 'Smart meets beautiful.'

The purpose of this page is to act as a sitemap for Vista topics:

Preparing for Windows Vista

• Review of Windows Vista
• Review of Windows 7
• 12 New Features
• More New Features
• Vista Upgrade Advice
• Vista Versions / Editions
• Vista Ultimate Advice
• Vista Hardware Considerations
• Installing Vista
• How to Install Windows Vista on Virtual PC
• Vista Screen Shots
• Vista SP1
• Vista SP2
• 64-bit Compatibility

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Configuring Windows Vista

• AERO - New Graphics
• How to Personalize Vista's Windows AERO Graphics
• Windows Explorer - Improvements

• AppData (Users Folder)

• Documents Folder

• Finding Tools Menu and Explorer Settings

• How to Create Virtual Folders

• Layout Options

• Searches - NCPA.CPL

• Sidebar and Gadgets
• Vista Desktop

• Find a Hidden Recycle Bin

• How to Create a Vista Toolbar

• Personalize - DreamScene

• Vista Documents and Special Folders

• Start Menu

• Event Viewer

• Run Command

• Control Panel

• Network and Internet

• Printer Install Problems

• Sync Center

• System and Maintenance

• System Protection

• Windows Security Center (WSC)

• Microsoft Vista Security

• User Account Control (UAC)

• ConsentPromptBehavior

• How to Activate the Hidden Vista Administrator

• Resource Monitor
• Network Access Protection (NAP)
• ClickOnce and MSI
• Boot Configuration Data (BCD)
• Joining an Active Directory domain (Troubleshooting)
• Windows Vista BitLocker Drive Encryption
• Volume Shadow Copy
• Restore Points
• Built-in Diagnostics

Troubleshooting Vista Section:

• Activate the Hidden Vista Administrator
• AppData - Where are Documents and Settings?
• AERO Graphics - How to Personalize
• Backdoor Logon - Ease of Access!
• Boot Configuration Data (BCD)
• Built-in Diagnostics
• Disk Performance Diagnosis
• Hibernate and Sleep
• Memory Performance Problems
• Naughty, But Nice Vista Settings
• Network Monitor
• Joining an Active Directory domain (Troubleshooting)
• Performance Monitoring
• Printer Install Problems
• Recycle Bin - How to Find a Hidden
• Restore Points
• Running Slowly?  Configure Preferred DNS Server
• Shell:Commands
• Sleep
• Toolbar - How to Create a Vista Toolbar
• Tools Menu and Explorer Settings
• Run Command - Where is it?
• Run As Administrator - How to configure
• Volume Shadow Copy
• Vista Tips
• Windiff
• 10 XP Features Lost in Vista
• 10 New Executables and 20 Old friends

Vista Tools and Extras

• Backdoor Logon - Ease of Access!
• Naughty, But Nice Vista Settings
• Vista Registry Tweaks
• Vista Shell:Commands
• Vista Jokes!
• Vista Tips
• IE 8 Review
• 10 XP Features Lost in Vista
• 10 New Executables and 20 Old friends

Getting Started with Windows Vista

The first production edition of Vista, the Business edition, was launched on November 30th 2006.  On January 30th 2007 Microsoft released the other 5 versions including the Home Premium and Ultimate editions.

My impression from testing Vista, is that the evolution from XP to Vista is more like the upgrade from Windows 2000 Professional to XP, than the revolutionary changes from WfW to Windows 95.  The big difference is that while XP and Vista clearly look related, Vista has been completely rebuilt with security at the forefront of each design stage.

True to the principles of my website, my mission is to get you ready for the Windows Vista operating system.  For example, I have a page on how to install Vista using Virtual PC 2004 (or 2005).  By all means admire the impressive AERO graphics, icons and desktop; however, I advise you that the most important practical task is to get acquainted with the new Vista version of Windows Explorer. Next step --> Windows New Features

Microsoft Windows Vista Security

Security is rarely a glamorous topic, yet it may be the killer reason to persuade the financial director to loosen the purse strings so that you can upgrade from XP to Vista.  The wide ranging and detailed measures that Microsoft have take to make the operating system secure, underpin every aspect of Vista.  From controlling actions with UAC (User Account Control), through 'service hardening' to registry restriction, Windows Vista offers top to bottom security.  Not only has each component been created from scratch, but also Microsoft have redesigned each component with security in mind.  More on Windows Vista Security

Windows AERO Graphics

Aero Graphics is hard to define, but fortunately it's easy to use. From one perspective, AERO is Vista's replacement of XP's Luna desktop.  Others define AERO as Windows Graphics Foundation 2.0 and the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) combining to deliver stunning visual displays.  Microsoft would like to emphasis that AERO is the most efficient and intuitive front end to date.  For me, I would cast aside the hype and ignore the jargon and say, 'Vista is fun to learn and gives me more information than any other Version of Windows Explorer'.  See more on Vista's Aero Graphics

Vista Control Panel

The Vista Control Panel shows its XP roots, in fact, the Control Panel is a good barometer for comparing the new features of Vista with the old features of XP.  One new element is 'Solutions to Problems', which you find under Performance and Maintenance.  Solutions to Problems evolved from XP's troubleshooters and they illustrate how advances in Vista's artificial intelligence provide a more productive and less frustrating computing experience.

Some of the old Control Panel items have been re-arranged, for example, I found the Add or Remove Programs under Additional Options.  One Control Panel section that has mushroomed is networking, in particular, the Network Center caught my eye.  See detail of the Vista Control Panel

Vista's Explorer

Although they now have the same look and feel, Vista's Windows Explorer and IE7 are distinct programs launched by different executables.  Indeed, it is this similarity which helps to make the Vista interfaces more consistent than those in XP.  Perhaps the most interesting new feature is the 'Searches Folders', otherwise known as Virtual Folders.  These folders, which are color coded blue, literally open up a new dimension for Explorer.  What the blue Searches folders do is enable you to display data from different physical areas in one virtual folder.  Vista Explorer also Virtual Folders (Searches)

Versions of Microsoft Windows Vista that I have been involved with:

• (Windows 7 December 2008)
• Vista SP2 Spring 2009
• Vista SP1 November 2007
• Vista general release of all editions January 30th 2007
• Vista Business edition released to manufacturers December 2006
• Vista 5728 October 2006
• Vista RC2 Build 5600 September 2006
• Beta 2 5536 August 2006
• Beta 2 5384 June 2006
• Beta 2 5384 June 2006
• Beta 2 5308 March 2006
• Beta 2 5270 January 2006
• Beta 2 5231 Winter 2005
• Beta 2 5219 Autumn 2005
• Beta 1 5112 Summer 2005
  (Longhorn 5112)

Microsoft formerly referred to Vista by the code name Longhorn.  The name Longhorn lives on in the Server version, which is due to replace Windows 2003 Server, but not before 2007(8?).   While in spring 2007 we have, the launch of the 6 commercial editions of Vista.

Installing Windows Vista in a Virtual PC

I got my copy of Vista through the MSDN program.  From January 30th 2007 you can by your copy of Microsoft Vista on DVD.  Launch the Virtual Machine console to create a new Virtual disk / image / machine.  Capture the image from the CD menu.  The actual installation takes about half an hour, but the menus are straightforward, even easy if you have experience from installing XP.  Get started with Virtual PC

Windows Vista Training

Train Signal have an excellent Windows Vista Training Course.  As an MCT trainer, I am a huge advocate of Train Signal’s products.  What impresses is me is that they demonstrate everything that they teach and they stay away from traditional 'lecture-style' training.  If you are looking for a complete DETAILED coverage of Windows Vista, then I highly recommend that you give this course a try.  I have reviewed their 18 hours of videos myself, and I guarantee that you will not be disappointed!

Watch a Vista Training Video Demo.

Configuring Windows Vista Topics:

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