Knowledge Base Samples

With 15+ years of experience in emerging technology, a good company develops its own list of "tips & tricks." The following is a sample of our database.

Client Tips:

1. In Windows XP Home, managing security on files isn't impossible. You just need to know a few tricks to disable your kids MSN Messenger addiction - File Access Control on XP Home.
2. Windows XP, 2000 and 2003 registry edits to curtail Microsoft's "tracking" of personal information off your PC and any upgrades - please see this page.
3. Windows XP Home has the ability to connect to other PC's and share files without exposing the "shares" to the Internet. Using the network wizard, select "share files and folders with other computers" and ignore the warning message. Then, remove the "guest" account from the shared directory, which will force all users to authenticate to view a file in that share.
4. Troubleshooting DSL/Router problems is a breeze if you use DOS commands to identify the problem spont. Please see this page for the "How To" page on network troubleshooting.
5. Windows ME, 2000 Pro, and XP all have various limitations for upgrades, including the 116 Gb disk "size limit" that can be changed by registry edit (see DEW Associates web for all disk, OS types and known BIOS limitations).
6. Win 98 (including SE) has a 2.1 G processor "speed limit" as stated by Microsoft (Q312108). To fix this, use this ndis_fix.zip file.

Server Tips:

1. Windows 2003 servers load POP3 & SMTP as one item, if you don't have an Exchange Server or very large disk space, you may want shut down POP Services because it allows users to create mail stores, which can burn disk space at an alarming rate (see results of POP3 stress testing on Win 03).
2. IIS 6 uses ISAPI Authentication Filters to allow multi-server authentication paths for application balancing.
3. Application Center 2000 can provide network load balacing (NLB) that allows web applications & DCOM components to reside on different machines within the domain.
4. Basic networking issues can be resolved by using the DOS prompt; with the "ping" command, first test loop-back (127.0.0.1) on your Network interface card - this will assess any internal issues. Next "ping" a known computer on the network - which will assess internal connectivity. Finally, "ping" the default gateway - this will assess external connectivity.

Coding and Website Building Tips:

1. Formatting dates for viewing, forms and data entry requirements. See this page for samples.
2. Websites design can make or break your customers. Try a few of these common tips when you head down the road toward redesign.