Viewlets are similar to self-paced tutorials. However, you can view the details flow of the steps with the viewlets. Feel free to drop your suggestions:
Windows Vista Tips:
- Enable check boxes for files/folders in Windows Explorer (Vista, Windows7) – Download
- Enable Password option to Guest user ID (Vista, Windows7) – Download
- Force user to change his password on the first login (Vista) – Download
Blocking Downloads:
Windows Vista has a new added feature using which you can block Downloads for a particular user. This is a part of Parental Controls. To know the procedure to block downloads for an user account, download Blocking Downloads for an User Account in Vista ViewLet.
Changing Windows Desktop Background:
Similar to other versions, there are a few procedures that can be used to change the Windows Desktop Background. See the following:
Creating an User Account:
Creating an user account in Windows Vista is similar to Windows XP. However, there are a few more options available like the Parental control, Time Limits, etc., The ViewLet that I’ve created on Creating an User Account in Windows Vista will be very useful to understand the procedure.
However, if you need the procedure to Delete an User Account, check this Viewlet.
Creating a Windows System Restore Point:
(A part of the below information has been copied from microsoft web site.)
Even though the System Restore was introduced in Windows XP first, that allows people to restore their computers to a previous state without losing personal data files, the System Restore option in Windows Vista allows recovery from a greater range of changes than in Windows XP. The file filter system for system restore used in previous versions of Windows is replaced with a new approach: Now, when a restore point is requested, a shadow copy of a file or folder is created. A shadow copy is essentially a previous version of the file or folder at a specific point. Windows Vista can request restore points automatically, or do so when you ask. When the system needs to be restored, files and settings are copied from the shadow copy to the live volume used by Windows Vista. This improves integration with other aspects of backup and recovery and makes System Restore even more usable.
You don’t have to worry about taking system snapshots with System Restore—it automatically creates easily identifiable restore points, which you can use to revert your system to the way it was at a previous time. Restore points are created both at the time of significant system events (such as when you install applications or drivers) and periodically (each day). You can also create and name restore points at any time. If you require to manually create a System Restore Point, check the Creating a System Restore Point ViewLet.
Internet Explorer 7 missing in Windows Vista:
If Internet Explorer 7 icon is missing, you need not either download and install it again or install a patch to restore it. Windows Vista comes with a new option, in which you can enable/disable default programs. The 2 ViewLets that I have created regarding this issue may help you out!! Check it.. Procedure 1 , Procedure 2
Restrict User Login Hours:
Prevent your kids, students, co-workers from using your computers on off hours. The new feature “Parental Controls” is an easy-to-use security tool that allows you to restrict access to a PC for certain users based on time factor. The article that I wrote days back on Restricting user Logon Hours in Windows XP helped many users (It’s true.. I have some great visitors, who really like my articles.) Now, this feature has been added to the UI for the first time in Windows. Check the ViewLet to Restrict User Login Hours .
Setting up a Password for the Guest User Account:
Even in Windows Vista, you can setup password to the Guest User. The procedure is the same as like in Windows XP.
See my MS KB article on “Setting up password for the Guest user in Windows XP“
Even though the process is the same, I have created a ViewLet called “Setting up Password for the Guest User account” Setting up Password to the Guest User account” for the users of Windows Vista.
Parental Control Feature in Windows Vista:
Parental Controls on Windows Vista is a new, much anticipated part of the overall Microsoft Family Safety story. With Windows Vista, tools are now built into the operating system that will not only let parents apply limits to the way their children can use the computer, but additionally, tools that will let parents be able to keep better track of what their kids are doing on the computer. To know the procedure to View the Parental Control Logs, click the Link.
However, the other ViewLet that I have created on Blocking/Allowing website, also may help you.
Make the user change his password at the time of First logon:
When a new user logs in Windows Vista, you can make him assign a password at the first logon itself. The “Must change password on first logon setting” option has been added in Windows Vista also.
Microsoft has given more importance even to protect the user accounts in this version of Windows to keep the Vista PCs more secured. Check the ViewLet (download link)that I have created on the same.
User Account Control: Delivering a More Secure Desktop:
(A part of the below information has been copied from microsoft web site.)
Windows Vista provides a simple and secure mechanism for running end-user accounts with standard user privileges, while eliminating the need for administrator privileges when performing many common tasks, such as installing a printer driver or connecting to a secure wireless network. This fundamental shift provides security at the OS level by preventing malware and root kits from damaging company-wide files and settings.
The main goal of User Account Control is to reduce the exposure and attack surface of the operating system by requiring that all users run in standard user mode. This limitation minimizes the ability for users to make changes that could destabilize their computers or inadvertently expose the network to viruses through undetected malware that has infected their computer.
With User Account Control, IT administrators can run most applications, components and processes with a limited privilege, but have “elevation potential” for specific administrative tasks and application functions.
Conversely, when users encountera system task that requires administrator privileges, such as attempting to install an application, Windows Vista will notify the user and require administrator authorization. This type of prompting helps ensure that users do not accidentally make modifications to their desktops. It also helps eliminate the ability for malware to invoke administrator privileges without a user’s knowledge.
As a defense-in-depth measure, User Account Control also provides additional protection for administrators through its Administrator Approval Mode. With Administrator Approval Mode, Windows Vista will run most applications with standard user permissions even if the user is an administrator. If a user wishes to run a program that requires administrator permissions, they must give consent through a User Account Control prompt. This helps limit malware’s ability to make system-wide changes without the administrator’s knowledge. However, Administrator Approval Mode does not provide the same level of security or control as a true standard user account.
Check the procedure to “Disable/Enable User Account Control“
