Working with Windows Computers

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Home | Computing Articles

General Computing

I work with both Mac and Windows computers, sharing files, printers, and an Internet connection over a home LAN. I include my notes here in article format where I can access them from any computer connected to the Web. Each article often includes links to other resources. These articles cover security basics for any desktop or laptop.

• Home Computer Security Tips
  A short article on the basics with some links to useful Web pages on home computer network security.
  
  
• Handling Spam: A Review of Options
  These are my notes on spam basics. A thorough review of what it is, a range of options for handling it, and available services to use.
  
  
• Spam Resources
  A list of spam-fighting resources. Links to tutorials, information sites and services.
  
  
• Troubleshooting Section
  Articles on specific problems, a list of spyware-fighting, network checking, and file identification resources, and more.

Windows

The hard drive on my older Mac failed and I switched to my Dell computer running Windows XP Professional. Since I previously worked to support computers in a university, I have an existing level of paranoia about computer security. It wasn't a simple or brief task researching options and then bringing my Dell up to an acceptable standard of security. Here are articles on my effort.

• Securing Windows XP On My Home Computer - A list of links to information and tools to help keep my computing environment secure.
  
  
• Limited User In Windows XP - Links to resources and my notes on setting up a Limited User Account (LUA) in Windows XP. A technique that is a strategic advantage in securing your computer against the endless spyware, viruses, etc.
  
  
• My Experience Removing the NewDotNet Software - At some point you may find a program on your Windows machine that generates unexpected behavior or worse. This page includes a troubleshooting section on its removal and many links to informational sites.

In addition, you will probably be doing a lot of your own support using books, magazine articles, calls to friends, and visiting vendor support or tips and techniques web sites. I will include valuable resources I find in this section. Remember, I include links to many targeted resource sites in my articles on security, spam, troubleshooting, etc.

• InstallShield: Consumer Central - InstallShield is a package available to software developers on the Windows platform. This consumer site "provide[s] this resource as a courtesy to our customer's customers." There are many great tips available for installing, and uninstalling that are great techniques for troubleshooting.

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Windows and Macintosh

Articles

• Working with Macintosh and Windows Computers - originally aimed at Macintosh user working with Windows 95/98/NT computers. Includes links to other Web sites, a comparative task chart, features comparison, screen captures, etc.
  
  
• MacOS X and Windows Wireless Network - my current LAN setup uses a DSL modem to connect via PPPoE and a wireless router to connect the local computers to the Internet via DHCP on the router.
  
  
• Sharing Mac and Windows Files on a LAN - includes some basics for connecting and links to other online articles
  
  
• Options for Printing in MacOS X and Windows
  My exploration of configurations for sharing networked USB inkjet printers on my LAN. Options include: using a print server device to share a printer; sharing a Mac-connected printer; sharing a Windows-connected printer; and some notes on working with CUPS, Gimp-Print, ESP Ghostscript, the Mac Print Center and Windows Add Printer Wizard.
  
  
• Web Development Resources
  A descriptive index of tools I use for developing Web pages with an eye toward broad availabilty for users on any browser or connection. Links to useful information sites for reference, validation and tools included.

Other Internet Resources

• Crossing Platforms: A Macintosh/Windows Phrasebook - is from my favorite technical book publisher, O'Reilly and Associates, and David Pogue, a long-time Mac guru.
  
  
• DataViz - If you need to simply exchange files with a Windows/Mac user, you can simple use "Save As" and save in a compatible format. DataViz has translator packages for both Macintosh (MacLinkPlus) and Windows (Conversions Plus.)
  
  
• MacWindows.Com - described as "The Web Site for Macintosh-Windows integration Solutions" including lots of information (products and tutorials), tips and news archives.
  
  
• The Entourage Help Page - Entourage is the MacOS X successor to Microsoft's Outlook Express. This site has a number of articles, tips and links.
  
  
• Windows2000 FAQ - I used to use the NTFAQ.Com site when I had a problem on Windows. That address now redirects to this new resource, which incorporates the old database of tips.
  
  
• Versiontracker.Com - covers all the major OSes. Check for software updates, or for available shareware and freeware.
  
  
• TUCOWS Software Archive - is a handy resource index including Windows(tm) software broken into categories. It now includes OS2 and Macintosh programs and has many affiliated mirror sites. [TUCOWS is "The Ultimate Collection of Winsock Software."]
  
  
• Paco's Drivers - in the past, I uninstalled something and on next reboot, I find an alert window about a missing DLL. This site has a database of DLLs for download if yours is missing or corrupted. Be aware that while it has helped me out of a jam, it is not a Microsoft site.

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