Windows Home Server Beta 2 Begins
Home Server is now public Beta with around 10000 Participants
Windows Home Server is intended to be part of a hardware solution to provide an easy to use consumer product to improve the experiences of broadband-connected households with
multiple personal computers. Windows Home Server provides:
Automated Computer Backup with Simple Restore for your Home Computers
Windows Home Server helps provide you with peace of mind by automatically backing up all of your home computers and your important files; making it easy to restore an entire home
computer or just a file from a previous point in time.
Access Everything from Anywhere
Your home server enables you to easily and more securely access your files and personal computers from inside and outside of your home. You can use your home server to store all of
your important files in a central location, for access anytime and anywhere.
Solution that Grows with You
Windows Home Server grows with you and meets your needs, today and into the future. It is incredibly easy to add hard drives as you need more space for your documents, photos,
music and videos.
The Windows Home Server team has a few recommended links for you to check out:
Windows Home Server Team blog
http://blogs.technet.com/homeserver
Product Overview site with videos highlighting the benefits of the product
http://stopdigitalamnesia.com
Press Release and Product Information
http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2007/jan07/01-08WindowsHomeServerPR.mspx
Sign-up for Beta Testing
http://connect.microsoft.com/WindowsHomeServer
Home Server Forum on Microsoft
http://forums.microsoft.com/windowshomeserver/default.aspx?siteid=50
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Windows Home Server
Microsoft planning to release Windows Home Server.
http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=176
Paul Thoratt's Preview on WHS
http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/whs_preview.asp
What I think Windows Home Server should have???
Some thoughts already posted on http://onemanshouting.com/tech/2005/01/17/WindowsServerHomeEdition.aspx
Posting the article below
Some of the most common computer headaches I have heard lately deal with the problem of using multiple PC’s in the home. Many folks now have more than one desktop PC, or a desktop and a laptop in their home. Unless you prescribe to the “one PC per person” idea, the problem is compounded by the location of individual’s data and settings.
So here’s what I propose: Windows Server, Home Edition
This would be a scaled back and customized version of Windows Small Business Server, running on specialized hardware, and it would simplify home networking to the point where everyone could enjoy the benefits of modern network management.
Form Factor: It should look like a consumer electronics device, and be at home in an A/V stand.
Storage: 200+ GB Hard Drive, Optional RAID 1, DVD Burner
Interfaces: USB, IR, Composite Video & Audio, DVI, Ethernet, Wireless 802.11A/B/G, Bluetooth, Front Panel Touchscreen LCD, Dual Smartcard Readers. Modem.
This conglomeration of hardware would be sold by OEM’s bundled with Windows Server, Home Edition, similar to how Media Center PC’s and Windows Storage Server are sold today.
So, what would this strange beast do? How would it make your life better?
1. Email Collection & Backup – There would be a customized implementation of Exchange running on the server. It would collect mail for all of the users and make it accessible locally. If you have 4 different email accounts, this server will make them all available in one place. Hotmail, POP3, etc. Give me options to leave mail on the server, maybe even have a “keep remote mailbox size under xx MB” setting, especially useful for Hotmail accounts. Include licensing for the latest version Outlook for all clients.
2. Profile Management – We’ll call this Roaming Profiles for Dummies. Basically, anytime a new machine is joined to the network, you’ll be given the option of selecting which profiles you want synchronized with this machine. Each user in the household will have their own profile, which will include their settings, favorites, and all of their documents. The documents will be implemented with remote storage. Recently used documents will be available on the local hard disk. Other documents will have to be retrieved on-the-fly from the server.
3. Domain user management & group policy – Ok, you’d have to get the marketing geeks to come up with some home-user friendly names for these functions, but basically it would allow you to set up new profiles, and manage computer use based on group policy. Example: Kid’s can’t login after 8:00PM, No Internet access on Saturday, etc.
4. Simple Backup – I want to leave a blank DVD in the DVD burner, and always have current backups. If I forget to put a DVD in, or if the DVD is full, I’ll be prompted for a new DVD. If I get a new Home Edition Server, I should be able to restore from the DVDs by loading them in reverse order until the system tells me that it is restored. The backups should include all profile data, documents & settings. For interactive restores, let me do point-in-time restores on individual profiles or on specific files. I shouldn’t have to understand the differences between incremental & full backups. It should be easy. Limit the number of clicks, the number of disks required, and walk the user through every step.
5. Remote Backup – This would be a premium subscription service. It would basically take the idea of the backup, and send the files to a server hosted by a commercial company. MSN could run a service, but make the API open, and let other providers get in the game too. You could differentiate on features, and available space. Some providers might offer a simple backup-restore function with a 1-week history and 2GB data space. Others might also allow secure remote access to files & email stored in the profiles.
6. Media Server – Take everything that Media Center does, and include it.
7. Home Automation – Have an option to include a home automation interface.
8. ISA Server, Home Edition – Provide firewall functionality and allow parents to develop specific rules on internet content. Also allows easy sharing of broadband or dialup.
9. Microsoft Update Services – One-click enable of automatic updates for all PC’s that are part of the network. Saves bandwidth and ensures all PC’s are up-to-date.
10. Software Licensing – Offer “Home Edition” licenses of all of your popular software. Price it at about 150% of a single retail license, and allow all of the computers on the home network to access the software. Include games. Include Desktop Operating Systems. Encourage your partners to do this as well. The license will be tied to the Home Edition Server, and any machine that connects should be able to auto-install and use the software. If you remove a computer from the network for more than 30 days, the right to use the software expires. Place a realistic limit on the home edition licenses, perhaps 5 machines. Provide free extenstions for larger families.
11. The Kicker - Make it cost less than $500, hardware, software, everything, $500. Cut corners on RAM, CPU, Video. Make it cheap. Talk to the XBOX hardware guys. Plan to make money on the subscription backup service, and the increased sales that stem from the fact that it’s now easier and less painful to have multiple PC’s in the home.
Could Microsoft pull this off? Would they? Would this make your computing life easier? Comment or trackback with your opinions!
Updated: The Conversation continues... http://blobservations.net/tech/windowsserverhomeeditioncontinued.aspx
Updated Again (6/16/2005): Looks like this may actually come to pass. Microsoft Watch's Mary Jo Foley reports on some comments from Bob Muglia. When asked about the possibility of a server product for the home, he replied: "We are always looking for new opportunities where server technology can be leveraged, and the home definitely represents an exciting new area that we are looking at along with many others. Much of the great storage, replication, and management technology would be great in a home. We have seen many people install Small Business Servers at home, which really works quite well." Sweet...
http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=176
Paul Thoratt's Preview on WHS
http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/whs_preview.asp
What I think Windows Home Server should have???
Some thoughts already posted on http://onemanshouting.com/tech/2005/01/17/WindowsServerHomeEdition.aspx
Posting the article below
Some of the most common computer headaches I have heard lately deal with the problem of using multiple PC’s in the home. Many folks now have more than one desktop PC, or a desktop and a laptop in their home. Unless you prescribe to the “one PC per person” idea, the problem is compounded by the location of individual’s data and settings.
So here’s what I propose: Windows Server, Home Edition
This would be a scaled back and customized version of Windows Small Business Server, running on specialized hardware, and it would simplify home networking to the point where everyone could enjoy the benefits of modern network management.
Form Factor: It should look like a consumer electronics device, and be at home in an A/V stand.
Storage: 200+ GB Hard Drive, Optional RAID 1, DVD Burner
Interfaces: USB, IR, Composite Video & Audio, DVI, Ethernet, Wireless 802.11A/B/G, Bluetooth, Front Panel Touchscreen LCD, Dual Smartcard Readers. Modem.
This conglomeration of hardware would be sold by OEM’s bundled with Windows Server, Home Edition, similar to how Media Center PC’s and Windows Storage Server are sold today.
So, what would this strange beast do? How would it make your life better?
1. Email Collection & Backup – There would be a customized implementation of Exchange running on the server. It would collect mail for all of the users and make it accessible locally. If you have 4 different email accounts, this server will make them all available in one place. Hotmail, POP3, etc. Give me options to leave mail on the server, maybe even have a “keep remote mailbox size under xx MB” setting, especially useful for Hotmail accounts. Include licensing for the latest version Outlook for all clients.
2. Profile Management – We’ll call this Roaming Profiles for Dummies. Basically, anytime a new machine is joined to the network, you’ll be given the option of selecting which profiles you want synchronized with this machine. Each user in the household will have their own profile, which will include their settings, favorites, and all of their documents. The documents will be implemented with remote storage. Recently used documents will be available on the local hard disk. Other documents will have to be retrieved on-the-fly from the server.
3. Domain user management & group policy – Ok, you’d have to get the marketing geeks to come up with some home-user friendly names for these functions, but basically it would allow you to set up new profiles, and manage computer use based on group policy. Example: Kid’s can’t login after 8:00PM, No Internet access on Saturday, etc.
4. Simple Backup – I want to leave a blank DVD in the DVD burner, and always have current backups. If I forget to put a DVD in, or if the DVD is full, I’ll be prompted for a new DVD. If I get a new Home Edition Server, I should be able to restore from the DVDs by loading them in reverse order until the system tells me that it is restored. The backups should include all profile data, documents & settings. For interactive restores, let me do point-in-time restores on individual profiles or on specific files. I shouldn’t have to understand the differences between incremental & full backups. It should be easy. Limit the number of clicks, the number of disks required, and walk the user through every step.
5. Remote Backup – This would be a premium subscription service. It would basically take the idea of the backup, and send the files to a server hosted by a commercial company. MSN could run a service, but make the API open, and let other providers get in the game too. You could differentiate on features, and available space. Some providers might offer a simple backup-restore function with a 1-week history and 2GB data space. Others might also allow secure remote access to files & email stored in the profiles.
6. Media Server – Take everything that Media Center does, and include it.
7. Home Automation – Have an option to include a home automation interface.
8. ISA Server, Home Edition – Provide firewall functionality and allow parents to develop specific rules on internet content. Also allows easy sharing of broadband or dialup.
9. Microsoft Update Services – One-click enable of automatic updates for all PC’s that are part of the network. Saves bandwidth and ensures all PC’s are up-to-date.
10. Software Licensing – Offer “Home Edition” licenses of all of your popular software. Price it at about 150% of a single retail license, and allow all of the computers on the home network to access the software. Include games. Include Desktop Operating Systems. Encourage your partners to do this as well. The license will be tied to the Home Edition Server, and any machine that connects should be able to auto-install and use the software. If you remove a computer from the network for more than 30 days, the right to use the software expires. Place a realistic limit on the home edition licenses, perhaps 5 machines. Provide free extenstions for larger families.
11. The Kicker - Make it cost less than $500, hardware, software, everything, $500. Cut corners on RAM, CPU, Video. Make it cheap. Talk to the XBOX hardware guys. Plan to make money on the subscription backup service, and the increased sales that stem from the fact that it’s now easier and less painful to have multiple PC’s in the home.
Could Microsoft pull this off? Would they? Would this make your computing life easier? Comment or trackback with your opinions!
Updated: The Conversation continues... http://blobservations.net/tech/windowsserverhomeeditioncontinued.aspx
Updated Again (6/16/2005): Looks like this may actually come to pass. Microsoft Watch's Mary Jo Foley reports
Monday, December 04, 2006
2007 Microsoft Office System 60 Days Trialware
Try out your choice of suites or programs from the 2007 Microsoft Office release for 60 days! Trial programs contain the same functionality that you get when you buy the perpetual versions-but only for a limited time
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/products/HA101741481033.aspx
Version Available for Trial Download
Microsoft® Office Professional 2007
Microsoft® Office Small Business 2007
Microsoft® Office Home and Student 2007
Microsoft® Office Accounting Professional 2007
Microsoft® Office Groove 2007
Microsoft® Office OneNote 2007
Microsoft® Office Publisher 2007
Microsoft® Office Project Standard 2007
Microsoft® Office Visio Professional 2007
Microsoft® Office Visio Standard 2007
Microsoft® Office Accounting Express 2007
Microsoft® Office Standard 2007
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/products/HA101741481033.aspx
Version Available for Trial Download
Microsoft® Office Professional 2007
Microsoft® Office Small Business 2007
Microsoft® Office Home and Student 2007
Microsoft® Office Accounting Professional 2007
Microsoft® Office Groove 2007
Microsoft® Office OneNote 2007
Microsoft® Office Publisher 2007
Microsoft® Office Project Standard 2007
Microsoft® Office Visio Professional 2007
Microsoft® Office Visio Standard 2007
Microsoft® Office Accounting Express 2007
Microsoft® Office Standard 2007
Monday, November 27, 2006
Windows History with Timeline
Windows History with Timeline
http://www.levenez.com/windows/
This site provides complete Timeline of Windows like family tree which can be printed and stuck in office to make you look geek. You will also find Timeline for Unix and Computer Languages
Microsoft own history site on Windows can be found at
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/WinHistoryIntro.mspx
graphics version of Windows History
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/WinHistoryProGraphic.mspx
another link
http://www.computerhope.com/history/windows.htm
http://www.levenez.com/windows/
This site provides complete Timeline of Windows like family tree which can be printed and stuck in office to make you look geek. You will also find Timeline for Unix and Computer Languages
Microsoft own history site on Windows can be found at
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/WinHistoryIntro.mspx
graphics version of Windows History
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/WinHistoryProGraphic.mspx
another link
http://www.computerhope.com/history/windows.htm
Windows Vista Beta Testing Reward
Nov 17, 2006
To everyone that took part in the Windows Vista beta test (as far as I know, about 20,000), only those that submitted at least 1 bug report will be offered a complimentary copy of Windows Vista Business or Ultimate.
Microsoft sent out a mail to those testers just a few minutes ago which specified that it is being offered as a download only. No media will be mailed, and only currently active, invited members of the Windows Vista technical beta program who filed at least one bug are receiving this offer
Due to the load from Connect, MSDN, TechNet, etc. the X64 images have been removed. If you have already begun a download, you will be able to finish, but no new X64 downloads will be permitted until the load has lessened. Additionally, the Vista team will be intermittently stopping new downloads for periods of time when the servers reach capacity.
On a side note: Remember the last time that the Connect servers were having this much trouble at the Beta 2 Launch? Well, the connect sercers are currently seeing ~2.5x the traffic that we did for Beta 2. No wonder Connect is suffering
Update : X64 Image back on Connect for download. Still awaiting for Product Key.
To everyone that took part in the Windows Vista beta test (as far as I know, about 20,000), only those that submitted at least 1 bug report will be offered a complimentary copy of Windows Vista Business or Ultimate.
Microsoft sent out a mail to those testers just a few minutes ago which specified that it is being offered as a download only. No media will be mailed, and only currently active, invited members of the Windows Vista technical beta program who filed at least one bug are receiving this offer
Due to the load from Connect, MSDN, TechNet, etc. the X64 images have been removed. If you have already begun a download, you will be able to finish, but no new X64 downloads will be permitted until the load has lessened. Additionally, the Vista team will be intermittently stopping new downloads for periods of time when the servers reach capacity.
On a side note: Remember the last time that the Connect servers were having this much trouble at the Beta 2 Launch? Well, the connect sercers are currently seeing ~2.5x the traffic that we did for Beta 2. No wonder Connect is suffering
Update : X64 Image back on Connect for download. Still awaiting for Product Key.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Windows Live Services Blog Links
Windows Live Services
http://ideas.live.com
Windows Live Mail Team Blog
http://mailcall.spaces.live.com/
Windows Live Mail Support Team Blog
http://mail-support.spaces.live.com/
Windows Live Spaces Team Blog
http://livecom.spaces.live.com/
Windows Live Mail Desktop Beta
http://morethanmail.spaces.live.com/
Windows Live OneCare Family Safety
http://familysafety.spaces.live.com/
Custom Domains
http://customdomains.spaces.live.com/
Inside Windows Live Messenger:
http://messengersays.spaces.live.com/
OfficeLiveBlog
http://officeliveblog.spaces.live.com
http://ideas.live.com
Windows Live Mail Team Blog
http://mailcall.spaces.live.com/
Windows Live Mail Support Team Blog
http://mail-support.spaces.live.com/
Windows Live Spaces Team Blog
http://livecom.spaces.live.com/
Windows Live Mail Desktop Beta
http://morethanmail.spaces.live.com/
Windows Live OneCare Family Safety
http://familysafety.spaces.live.com/
Custom Domains
http://customdomains.spaces.live.com/
Inside Windows Live Messenger:
http://messengersays.spaces.live.com/
OfficeLiveBlog
http://officeliveblog.spaces.live.com
Monday, November 13, 2006
Windows Vista Volume Activation 2.0 Step-By-Step Guide
Microsoft latest article on Volume Licensing changes in Vista & Longhorn Server.
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/plan/volact1.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/plan/volact1.mspx
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Windows Vista RTM
Two small words by Jim Allchin says it all
It time!
Great to read after a real long wait after XP
http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/windowsvista/archive/2006/11/08/it-s-time.aspx
RTM : Nov 8, 2006
Public Release : Jan 30, 2007
It time!
Great to read after a real long wait after XP
http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/windowsvista/archive/2006/11/08/it-s-time.aspx
RTM : Nov 8, 2006
Public Release : Jan 30, 2007
Office 2007 RTM
Office 2007 is Golden
www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2006/nov06/11-062007OfficeRTMPR.mspx
Starting Dec. 1 in the U.S. and Canada, and coming soon after to an additional 13 international markets,* Microsoft will make available free, downloadable product trials via Office Online. Expanding on the Online Test Drive already available today, the trials will allow people to try the new desktop programs before they decide to buy or upgrade to the 2007 release
To support purchase and adoption, the 2007 release of Microsoft Office includes the largest investment in deployment and management tools in the product’s history. IT professionals can significantly reduce the cost and complexity of desktop deployments and upgrades by utilizing resources such as the Office Migration Planning Manager, Open XML Formats Conversion Toolkit, the Business Desktop Deployment 2007 Solution Accelerator, the Office Resource Kit, and more
www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2006/nov06/11-062007OfficeRTMPR.mspx
Starting Dec. 1 in the U.S. and Canada, and coming soon after to an additional 13 international markets,* Microsoft will make available free, downloadable product trials via Office Online. Expanding on the Online Test Drive already available today, the trials will allow people to try the new desktop programs before they decide to buy or upgrade to the 2007 release
To support purchase and adoption, the 2007 release of Microsoft Office includes the largest investment in deployment and management tools in the product’s history. IT professionals can significantly reduce the cost and complexity of desktop deployments and upgrades by utilizing resources such as the Office Migration Planning Manager, Open XML Formats Conversion Toolkit, the Business Desktop Deployment 2007 Solution Accelerator, the Office Resource Kit, and more
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Windows Media Player 11 for Windows XP
Windows Media Player 11 released for Windows XP
Download Link
Windows Media Player 11 for Windows XP
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=1d224714-e238-4e45-8668-5166114010ca&DisplayLang=en
Windows Media Player 11 for Windows XP (64-bit)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=c6a4cecb-9cb2-42f7-8814-7cb5067ee958&DisplayLang=en
Download Link
Windows Media Player 11 for Windows XP
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=1d224714-e238-4e45-8668-5166114010ca&DisplayLang=en
Windows Media Player 11 for Windows XP (64-bit)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=c6a4cecb-9cb2-42f7-8814-7cb5067ee958&DisplayLang=en
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Internet Explorer 7 Released to Web
Internet Explorer 7 Released.
Office 2007 and Windows Vista on its Way
Windows XP SP2
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=9ae91ebe-3385-447c-8a30-081805b2f90b&DisplayLang=en
Windows Server 2003 SP1
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=bc327d94-4f2c-481f-8595-fa5b90b11bfc&DisplayLang=en
Windows 64bit Server/Client
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5bb6ebf0-86d0-4800-a1ba-5360f1d086c9&DisplayLang=en
Windows Server 2003 IA64
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=7fb70f91-d2eb-4710-9bff-bad7be9d4862&DisplayLang=en
Office 2007 and Windows Vista on its Way
Windows XP SP2
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=9ae91ebe-3385-447c-8a30-081805b2f90b&DisplayLang=en
Windows Server 2003 SP1
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=bc327d94-4f2c-481f-8595-fa5b90b11bfc&DisplayLang=en
Windows 64bit Server/Client
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5bb6ebf0-86d0-4800-a1ba-5360f1d086c9&DisplayLang=en
Windows Server 2003 IA64
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=7fb70f91-d2eb-4710-9bff-bad7be9d4862&DisplayLang=en
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Windows Vista RC2 CPP Download
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/preview/start.mspx
The is the last released build to testers before RTM
http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/rc2/en/download.htm
http://download.windowsvista.com/dl/preview/rc2/en/x86/iso/vista_5744.16384.061003-1945_x86fre_client-lrmcfre_en_dvd.iso
http://download.windowsvista.com/dl/preview/rc2/en/x64/iso/vista_5744.16384.061003-1945_x64fre_client-lrmcxfre_en_dvd.iso
http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/rc2/de/download.htm
http://download.windowsvista.com/dl/preview/rc2/de/x86/iso/vista_5744.16384.061003-1945_x86fre_client-lrmcfre_de_dvd.iso
http://download.windowsvista.com/dl/preview/rc2/de/x64/iso/vista_5744.16384.061003-1945_x64fre_client-lrmcxfre_de_dvd.iso
http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/rc2/jp/download.htm
http://download.windowsvista.com/dl/preview/rc2/jp/x86/iso/vista_5744.16384.061003-1945_x86fre_client-lrmcfre_ja_dvd.iso
http://download.windowsvista.com/dl/preview/rc2/jp/x64/iso/vista_5744.16384.061003-1945_x64fre_client-lrmcxfre_ja_dvd.iso
Beta2 and RC1 product keys would work on this build
The is the last released build to testers before RTM
http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/rc2/en/download.htm
http://download.windowsvista.com/dl/preview/rc2/en/x86/iso/vista_5744.16384.061003-1945_x86fre_client-lrmcfre_en_dvd.iso
http://download.windowsvista.com/dl/preview/rc2/en/x64/iso/vista_5744.16384.061003-1945_x64fre_client-lrmcxfre_en_dvd.iso
http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/rc2/de/download.htm
http://download.windowsvista.com/dl/preview/rc2/de/x86/iso/vista_5744.16384.061003-1945_x86fre_client-lrmcfre_de_dvd.iso
http://download.windowsvista.com/dl/preview/rc2/de/x64/iso/vista_5744.16384.061003-1945_x64fre_client-lrmcxfre_de_dvd.iso
http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/rc2/jp/download.htm
http://download.windowsvista.com/dl/preview/rc2/jp/x86/iso/vista_5744.16384.061003-1945_x86fre_client-lrmcfre_ja_dvd.iso
http://download.windowsvista.com/dl/preview/rc2/jp/x64/iso/vista_5744.16384.061003-1945_x64fre_client-lrmcxfre_ja_dvd.iso
Beta2 and RC1 product keys would work on this build
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
MSFT Article : 4 steps to set up your home wireless network
Nice Article for Setting up Wireless Network @ Home
Original Article @ Microsoft site with diagram
Refer to https://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/wirelesssetup.mspx
You can use a wireless network to share Internet access, files, printers, and more. Or you can use it to surf the Web while you're sitting on your couch or in your yard. Plus, it's easier to install than you think.
There are 4 steps to creating a wireless network:
1.
Choose your wireless equipment
2.
Connect your wireless router
3.
Configure your wireless router
4.
Connect your computers
For Windows XP users, Windows XP Service Pack 2 is not required for wireless networking, but it does make things much easier. Service Pack 2 also helps protect you against hackers, worms, and other Internet intruders. To install Service Pack 2, visit the Protect Your PC site.
1.
Choose your wireless equipment
The first step is to make sure that you have the equipment you need. As you're looking for products in stores or on the Internet, you might notice that you can choose equipment that supports three different wireless networking technologies: 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. We recommend 802.11g, because it offers excellent performance and is compatible with almost everything.
Shopping list
• Broadband Internet connection
• Wireless router
• A computer with built-in wireless networking support or a wireless network adapter
A wireless router
The router converts the signals coming across your Internet connection into a wireless broadcast, sort of like a cordless phone base station. Be sure to get a wireless router, and not a wireless access point.
A wireless network adapter
Network adapters wirelessly connect your computer to your wireless router. If you have a newer computer you may already have wireless capabilities built in. If this is the case, then you will not need a wireless network adapter. If you need to purchase an adapter for a desktop computer, buy a USB wireless network adapter. If you have a laptop, buy a PC card-based network adapter. Make sure that you have one adapter for every computer on your network.
Note: To make setup easy, choose a network adapter made by the same vendor that made your wireless router. For example, if you find a good price on a Linksys router, choose a Linksys network adapter to go with it. To make shopping even easier, buy a bundle, such as those available from D-Link, Netgear, Linksys, Microsoft, and Buffalo. If you have a desktop computer, make sure that you have an available USB port to plug the wireless network adapter into. If you don't have any open USB ports, buy a hub to add additional ports.
2.
Connect your wireless router
Since you'll be temporarily disconnected from the Internet, print these instructions before you go any further.
First, locate your cable modem or DSL modem and unplug it to turn it off.
Next, connect your wireless router to your modem. Your modem should stay connected directly to the Internet. Later, after you've hooked everything up, your computer will wirelessly connect to your router, and the router will send communications through your modem to the Internet.
Next, connect your router to your modem:
Note: The instructions below apply to a Linksys wireless router. The ports on your router may be labeled differently, and the images may look different on your router. Check the documentation that came with your equipment for additional assistance.
• If you currently have your computer connected directly to your modem: Unplug the network cable from the back of your computer, and plug it into the port labeled Internet, WAN, or WLAN on the back of your router.
• If you do not currently have a computer connected to the Internet: Plug one end of a network cable (included with your router) into your modem, and plug the other end of the network cable into the Internet, WAN, or WLAN port on your wireless router.
• If you currently have your computer connected to a router: Unplug the network cable connected to the Internet, WAN, or WLAN port from your current router, and plug this end of the cable into the Internet, WAN, or WLAN port on your wireless router. Then, unplug any other network cables, and plug them into the available ports on your wireless router. You no longer need your original router, because your new wireless router replaces it.
Next, plug in and turn on your cable or DSL modem. Wait a few minutes to give it time to connect to the Internet, and then plug in and turn on your wireless router. After a minute, the Internet, WAN, or WLAN light on your wireless router should light up, indicating that it has successfully connected to your modem.
3.
Configure your wireless router
Using the network cable that came with your wireless router, you should temporarily connect your computer to one of the open network ports on your wireless router (any port that isn't labeled Internet, WAN, or WLAN). If you need to, turn your computer on. It should automatically connect to your router.
Next, open Internet Explorer and type in the address to configure your router.
You might be prompted for a password. The address and password you use will vary depending on what type of router you have, so refer to the instructions included with your router.
As a quick reference, this table shows the default addresses, usernames, and passwords for some common router manufacturers.
Router Address Username Password
3Com
http://192.168.1.1
admin
admin
D-Link
http://192.168.0.1
admin
Linksys
http://192.168.1.1
admin
admin
Microsoft Broadband
http://192.168.2.1
admin
admin
Netgear
http://192.168.0.1
admin
password
Internet Explorer will show your router's configuration page. Most of the default settings should be fine, but you should configure three things:
1.
Your wireless network name, known as the SSID. This name identifies your network. You should choose something unique that none of your neighbors will be using.
2.
Wireless encryption (WEP) or Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), which help protect your wireless network. For most routers, you will provide a passphrase that your router uses to generate several keys. Make sure your passphrase is unique and long (you don't need to memorize it).
3.
Your administrative password, which controls your wireless network. Just like any other password, it should not be a word that you can find in the dictionary, and it should be a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Be sure you can remember this password, because you'll need it if you ever have to change your router's settings.
The exact steps you follow to configure these settings will vary depending on the type of router you have. After each configuration setting, be sure to click Save Settings, Apply, or OK to save your changes.
Now, you should disconnect the network cable from your computer.
4.
Connect your computers
If your computer does not have wireless network support built in, plug your network adapter into your USB port, and place the antenna on top of your computer (in the case of a desktop computer), or insert the network adapter into an empty PC card slot (in the case of a laptop). Windows XP will automatically detect the new adapter, and may prompt you to insert the CD that came with your adapter. The on-screen instructions will guide you through the configuration process.
Note: The steps below only apply if you're using Windows XP Service Pack 2. If you're running Windows XP and you don't have Service Pack 2 yet, plug your computer into your wireless router and download and install Service Pack 2 from the Protect Your PC site.
Windows XP should show an icon with a notification that says it has found a wireless network.
Follow these steps to connect your computer to your wireless network:
1.
Right-click the wireless network icon in the lower-right corner of your screen, and then click View Available Wireless Networks. If you run into any problems, consult the documentation that came with your network adapter. Don't be afraid to call their tech support.
2.
The Wireless Network Connection window should appear and you should see your wireless network listed with the network name you chose. If you don't see your network, click Refresh network list in the upper-left corner. Click your network, and then click Connect in the lower-right corner.
3.
Windows XP prompts you to enter a key. Type the encryption key that you wrote down earlier in both the Network key and Confirm network key boxes, and then click Connect.
4.
Windows XP will show its progress as it connects to your network. After you're connected, you can now close the Wireless Network Connection window. You're done.
Note: If the Wireless Network Connection window continues to show Acquiring Network Address, you may have mistyped the encryption key.
Original Article @ Microsoft site with diagram
Refer to https://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/wirelesssetup.mspx
You can use a wireless network to share Internet access, files, printers, and more. Or you can use it to surf the Web while you're sitting on your couch or in your yard. Plus, it's easier to install than you think.
There are 4 steps to creating a wireless network:
1.
Choose your wireless equipment
2.
Connect your wireless router
3.
Configure your wireless router
4.
Connect your computers
For Windows XP users, Windows XP Service Pack 2 is not required for wireless networking, but it does make things much easier. Service Pack 2 also helps protect you against hackers, worms, and other Internet intruders. To install Service Pack 2, visit the Protect Your PC site.
1.
Choose your wireless equipment
The first step is to make sure that you have the equipment you need. As you're looking for products in stores or on the Internet, you might notice that you can choose equipment that supports three different wireless networking technologies: 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. We recommend 802.11g, because it offers excellent performance and is compatible with almost everything.
Shopping list
• Broadband Internet connection
• Wireless router
• A computer with built-in wireless networking support or a wireless network adapter
A wireless router
The router converts the signals coming across your Internet connection into a wireless broadcast, sort of like a cordless phone base station. Be sure to get a wireless router, and not a wireless access point.
A wireless network adapter
Network adapters wirelessly connect your computer to your wireless router. If you have a newer computer you may already have wireless capabilities built in. If this is the case, then you will not need a wireless network adapter. If you need to purchase an adapter for a desktop computer, buy a USB wireless network adapter. If you have a laptop, buy a PC card-based network adapter. Make sure that you have one adapter for every computer on your network.
Note: To make setup easy, choose a network adapter made by the same vendor that made your wireless router. For example, if you find a good price on a Linksys router, choose a Linksys network adapter to go with it. To make shopping even easier, buy a bundle, such as those available from D-Link, Netgear, Linksys, Microsoft, and Buffalo. If you have a desktop computer, make sure that you have an available USB port to plug the wireless network adapter into. If you don't have any open USB ports, buy a hub to add additional ports.
2.
Connect your wireless router
Since you'll be temporarily disconnected from the Internet, print these instructions before you go any further.
First, locate your cable modem or DSL modem and unplug it to turn it off.
Next, connect your wireless router to your modem. Your modem should stay connected directly to the Internet. Later, after you've hooked everything up, your computer will wirelessly connect to your router, and the router will send communications through your modem to the Internet.
Next, connect your router to your modem:
Note: The instructions below apply to a Linksys wireless router. The ports on your router may be labeled differently, and the images may look different on your router. Check the documentation that came with your equipment for additional assistance.
• If you currently have your computer connected directly to your modem: Unplug the network cable from the back of your computer, and plug it into the port labeled Internet, WAN, or WLAN on the back of your router.
• If you do not currently have a computer connected to the Internet: Plug one end of a network cable (included with your router) into your modem, and plug the other end of the network cable into the Internet, WAN, or WLAN port on your wireless router.
• If you currently have your computer connected to a router: Unplug the network cable connected to the Internet, WAN, or WLAN port from your current router, and plug this end of the cable into the Internet, WAN, or WLAN port on your wireless router. Then, unplug any other network cables, and plug them into the available ports on your wireless router. You no longer need your original router, because your new wireless router replaces it.
Next, plug in and turn on your cable or DSL modem. Wait a few minutes to give it time to connect to the Internet, and then plug in and turn on your wireless router. After a minute, the Internet, WAN, or WLAN light on your wireless router should light up, indicating that it has successfully connected to your modem.
3.
Configure your wireless router
Using the network cable that came with your wireless router, you should temporarily connect your computer to one of the open network ports on your wireless router (any port that isn't labeled Internet, WAN, or WLAN). If you need to, turn your computer on. It should automatically connect to your router.
Next, open Internet Explorer and type in the address to configure your router.
You might be prompted for a password. The address and password you use will vary depending on what type of router you have, so refer to the instructions included with your router.
As a quick reference, this table shows the default addresses, usernames, and passwords for some common router manufacturers.
Router Address Username Password
3Com
http://192.168.1.1
admin
admin
D-Link
http://192.168.0.1
admin
Linksys
http://192.168.1.1
admin
admin
Microsoft Broadband
http://192.168.2.1
admin
admin
Netgear
http://192.168.0.1
admin
password
Internet Explorer will show your router's configuration page. Most of the default settings should be fine, but you should configure three things:
1.
Your wireless network name, known as the SSID. This name identifies your network. You should choose something unique that none of your neighbors will be using.
2.
Wireless encryption (WEP) or Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), which help protect your wireless network. For most routers, you will provide a passphrase that your router uses to generate several keys. Make sure your passphrase is unique and long (you don't need to memorize it).
3.
Your administrative password, which controls your wireless network. Just like any other password, it should not be a word that you can find in the dictionary, and it should be a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Be sure you can remember this password, because you'll need it if you ever have to change your router's settings.
The exact steps you follow to configure these settings will vary depending on the type of router you have. After each configuration setting, be sure to click Save Settings, Apply, or OK to save your changes.
Now, you should disconnect the network cable from your computer.
4.
Connect your computers
If your computer does not have wireless network support built in, plug your network adapter into your USB port, and place the antenna on top of your computer (in the case of a desktop computer), or insert the network adapter into an empty PC card slot (in the case of a laptop). Windows XP will automatically detect the new adapter, and may prompt you to insert the CD that came with your adapter. The on-screen instructions will guide you through the configuration process.
Note: The steps below only apply if you're using Windows XP Service Pack 2. If you're running Windows XP and you don't have Service Pack 2 yet, plug your computer into your wireless router and download and install Service Pack 2 from the Protect Your PC site.
Windows XP should show an icon with a notification that says it has found a wireless network.
Follow these steps to connect your computer to your wireless network:
1.
Right-click the wireless network icon in the lower-right corner of your screen, and then click View Available Wireless Networks. If you run into any problems, consult the documentation that came with your network adapter. Don't be afraid to call their tech support.
2.
The Wireless Network Connection window should appear and you should see your wireless network listed with the network name you chose. If you don't see your network, click Refresh network list in the upper-left corner. Click your network, and then click Connect in the lower-right corner.
3.
Windows XP prompts you to enter a key. Type the encryption key that you wrote down earlier in both the Network key and Confirm network key boxes, and then click Connect.
4.
Windows XP will show its progress as it connects to your network. After you're connected, you can now close the Wireless Network Connection window. You're done.
Note: If the Wireless Network Connection window continues to show Acquiring Network Address, you may have mistyped the encryption key.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Vista RC1 Sept 2006 CPP released
Microsoft has just released an updated version of Windows Vista to technical beta testers. Build 5728 is available in either x86 or x64 flavors right now on Microsoft Connect.
http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/rc1/en/download-5728.htm
x86
vista_5728.16387.060917-1430_x86fre_client-LRMCFRE_EN_DVD.iso, 2,622.25 MB
http://download.windowsvista.com/dl/preview/rc1/en/x86/iso/vista_5728.16387.060917-1430_x86fre_client-lrmcfre_en_dvd.iso
x64
vista_5728.16387.060917-1430_x64fre_client-LRMCxFRE_EN_DVD.iso, 3,628.64 MB
http://download.windowsvista.com/dl/preview/rc1/en/x64/iso/vista_5728.16387.060917-1430_x64fre_client-LRMCxFRE_EN_DVD.iso
Note: Your Beta 2/RC1 product keys will still be valid for this version.
http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/rc1/en/download-5728.htm
x86
vista_5728.16387.060917-1430_x86fre_client-LRMCFRE_EN_DVD.iso, 2,622.25 MB
http://download.windowsvista.com/dl/preview/rc1/en/x86/iso/vista_5728.16387.060917-1430_x86fre_client-lrmcfre_en_dvd.iso
x64
vista_5728.16387.060917-1430_x64fre_client-LRMCxFRE_EN_DVD.iso, 3,628.64 MB
http://download.windowsvista.com/dl/preview/rc1/en/x64/iso/vista_5728.16387.060917-1430_x64fre_client-LRMCxFRE_EN_DVD.iso
Note: Your Beta 2/RC1 product keys will still be valid for this version.
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