Features

Startech Vol 7:10 Windows XP Tips

By LEROY MCLEAN, Contributor

I GUESS MOST persons have done an upgrade from Windows 95/98 to Windows XP Home or Professional over the last two years. Microsoft Windows XP is a very powerful and user friendly operating system that is intended to replace older O/S. Today I will talk about some important tips that will enhance Windows XP security and stability.

Use NTFS (NT file system) To Enhance Security

Windows' file system lays the foundation for storing and accessing data on a drive. WinXP supports NTFS in addition to the FAT (file allocation table) file systems supported in earlier versions of Win9x. NTFS includes file and directory access controls that can help make your system more secure. Using NTFS, you can limit access to your system to certain users.

To find out if you're using NTFS or FAT, click 'Start' and select 'My Computer'. Right-click your WinXP hard drive and select 'Properties'. If you're running FAT (either the older FAT16 or the newer, 32-bit FAT32) and want to upgrade to NTFS, you can do so without losing any data. You'll have to convert from FAT to NTFS using a command line. To access the command line, click 'Start', 'All Programs', 'Accessories', and 'Command Prompt'. Type convert x: /fs:ntfs (where x is the proper drive letter). Note that once you convert to NTFS, you cannot return to FAT without reformatting your hard drive and losing your data.

Use Passwords

Passwords are an important way to protect your information and your system. You should protect every account with a password, but if nothing else, we recommend that you protect your administrator accounts.

To add a password, open 'User Accounts' from the Control Panel and click 'Change An Account'. Click the account you want to password protect and click 'Create A Password'. Enter the same password twice (passwords are case sensitive). You can enter a password hint, but doing so makes your password less secure, as other users may use it to guess your password. Click the Create Password button. Windows may ask if you want to make your files and folders private. This prevents users with limited accounts from viewing your documents and files. Click the appropriate button.

Use Restore Points

Like Windows Me, WinXP includes a feature that lets you set restore points you can return to in the event you botch an installation or experience major system conflicts. To create a restore point, open 'All Programs' in the 'Start' menu. 'Select Accessories', 'System Tools', and click 'System Restore'.

In the 'System Restore' window, click 'Create A Restore Point' and click 'Next'. Enter a descriptive name for the restore point and click 'Create'. To revert to a particular restore point, open the 'System Restore Wizard' as above and select 'Restore My Computer To An Earlier Time'. Click a date to see a list of restore points created on that date. Select the one you want and click 'Next'. Click 'Next' again to restore your system. You will also be able to undo any recent restorations from the System Restore Wizard.

Test your knowledge - Question 101

Mark Anderson from the Accounts Department is using Windows XP Home on his computer, he wants to format his hard drive. How can you help him complete this task? Please list all steps necessary to complete such task.

Send your answers to thestartech@yahoo.com, with the subject line Problem Solved and quote situation number.

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