|
|
Windows is the operating system installed on most computers at Carleton. Computers with Windows are commonly referred to as PCs (Personal Computers), although this terminology is technically inaccurate.
Windows XP is the latest version of windows. It's available in two editions, Home and Pro. Home is substantially less expensive, but Pro is recommended at Carleton, due to its higher stability and more robust networking.
The versions of Windows are listed below, from latest to oldest:
- Windows XP Home / Pro
- Windows ME / Windows 2000 (2000 is the professional-oriented version)
- Windows 98 / Windows NT 4 (NT is the professional-oriented version)
- Windows 95 / Windows NT 3 (NT is the professional-oriented version)
Versions of Windows prior to 95 are completely incompatible with the Carleton network.
Windows computers are known for their poor security and popularity as targets for viruses. To protect from these, and other annoyances, Carleton strongly recommends the following steps:
- Install McAfee Antivirus. Carleton provides this antivirus software free to all students, faculty, and staff. It can be downloaded at the ResNet software page. Carleton policy requires that you have anti-virus software installed on your computer.
- Once downloaded, it is important that McAfee be both updated and run at least once a week. You can find directions at the McAfee topic.
- Run Windows Update at least once a week and download all critical updates. These updates protect your computer from the latest viruses.
Carleton insists on these steps because viruses installed on any computer on campus can have detrimental effects on the network. Worms (which are similar to viruses but are technically in a different category) are particularly harmful, as they use the network to spread themselves. Your computer may be deregistered from the network if a virus is detected on it.
Windows computers are also vulnerable to spyware (including adware), usually caused by downloading free software, both legitimate and otherwise. The free Ad-Aware utility can be useful in removing such programs. The SCIC can also attempt to "clean" computers that are infested with spyware, usually within a day of receiving them. For more information on this, see SCIC services.
In Windows Me and Windows XP a utility called System Restore, located in the system tools subfolder in accessories, is a great way to bring a dysfunctional computer back to an earlier state without losing any data or files. System Restore merely roles back the system configuration of a computer to an earlier date, one when your computer worked. It doesn't touch any of your data. System Restore is a good troubleshooting tool to preclude a reinstall of an entire operating system.
The Service Pack Two update to the XP Operating System changes and expands many of XP's security features.
The Windows Security Center is a new feature of Windows. It can be accessed in the Control Panels as well as in the taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
Security Center often conflicts with existing third party anti-virus products. For example, it only works with Windows Firewall and not with those provided by manufactureres such as Zone Alarm. For third party uers, go to Windows Firewall in the Network Connections control panel and turn it off and set Security Center's Firewall setting to unknown, and you will be allowed to manually configure your own firewall settings.
Security Center is not an anti-virus, or anti-spyware program and will do nothing to delete such malware if installed.
Go to the Printer Setup control panel and check the “Local printer attached to this computer” and uncheck automatically detect and install my Plug and Play printer. Check “Create a new port” and in the “Type of port,” choose “Standard TCP/IP port.” Type the IP address in the space provided (get info by printing configuration sheet). If necessary, install the correct printer driver. Print a test page. For some printers, you have to set up printer properties (e.g. Does the printer have an extra tray and a duplexing unit?)
See Carly Born's webpage at http://webapps.acs.carleton.edu/its/flt/languagespecific/accents/
See Microsoft Support Center Article 875350 at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875350/
What if I recieve a message that says "Stop: c0000135 and 'winsrv was not found' error message after you install Windows XP Service Pack 2? Unfortunately, you'll have to uninstall SP2. Go here http://support.microsoft.com/kb/885523 for a detailed explanation of this error. Click here][http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875350/ to go right to the instructions for uninstalling SP2.
|
|
Edit menu
