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Microsoft Windows Home Server

Aug 21

Posted by Admin in New Technologies | No Comments


The term Server used to be associated with only corporate Information Technology setup. Microsoft has brought the capabilities of a server to home users now with their Windows Home Server (WHS). Though this was introduced over 2 years ago, not many people have adopted this wonderful technology. Microsoft has now increased its focus on marketing this product.

Some of the key features of WHS are as below:

1.       Backup & Restore

Windows Home Server makes it easy to backup your data and applications and then restore them with some simple steps. It takes image based backups that can be programmed to perform backup action every day. Since the backup is not stored locally, you can recover your computer even if the hard drive is physically damaged. The recovery feature allows users to restore specific files or complete system which provides enough flexibility and confidence to users to carry on their day to day tasks on their machines easily and without any fear of data loss.

 

2.       Networking

WHS ensures that your home network remains healthy by constantly monitoring the defined network. You can even ensure that the anti-virus software is updated on all computers on your home network. It also incorporates a firewall that you can utilize to secure information on your network. You can be rest assured that no one can access your medical files or your banking information from your computers/network.

 

3.       Ease of Storage

WHS provides a central location to users, which is accessible by all the computers on the network like a shared location. This feature allows you to create a central repository for all images, pictures, photographs, movies, etc. This will ensure that you never miss out on the location of any of your files ever again.

4.       Enhanced Storage Capacity

Instead of adding hard drive on every computer on your home network, you can simply add hard drive (internal or external) to your WHS and it can be shared by all the computers on your network. All you need to do is plug in a hard drive and Windows Home Server will take care of the rest.

5.       Supports Home Automation

Home automation relates to devices such as Digital Photo Frames, Security Systems, IP Based refrigerators, IP & Remotely Controllable Air Conditioners, etc. Windows Home Server supports all these platforms and manufacturers of these devices are now extensively working with Microsoft to provide the capability to control your home remotely from any location using WHS. Imagine restricting access to your bedroom from your office (Cool Stuff, Just hope that your kids don’t lock you out J)

6.       Anywhere, Anytime Access

WHS provides the functionality to access your files, data, etc securely, weather you are inside your home/office or outside. You can use a completely customizable website address to download and upload files to and from your computer/network. It will look like you are working on your own computer. You will have access to all applications that you have installed on your machine back home.

 

With these features, WHS is an apt device for users who have set up a small network of up to 5 PCs at their home. It will also be wise for small business owners to invest into this to ensure that their data stays secured while providing roaming access to all the data and applications. What’s more, you can download a trial version which works for 120 days (4 Months) from Microsoft.

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Tags: access, backup, Home, Microsoft, remote, restore, Security, server, WHS, windows

Restrict web access for kids: Internet Explorer

Aug 13

Posted by Admin in Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP | No Comments


With internet becoming the backbone for education, a new problem has emerged in every home with Kids. How to restrict access to explicit content for kids? Microsoft has addressed this concern through a tool in Internet Explorer called “Content Advisor”. As the name suggests, it filters sites that contain content that you have specified and does not allow user to access such sites unless they have a password to allow access.

You can set this up very easily. Just follow the simple steps listed below to activate this on your computer:

  1. On the Internet Explorer window, Click on “Tools” and on the drop down menu, click on “Internet Options“
  2. On the Internet Options window, click on “Content” tab and then click on the “Enable” button
  3. On the “Ratings” tab on the next window, you will see a host of details that content advisor can work on to block any webpage access. There is a bar on this page, which is set to “None” which means no exception. You can move the bar to the right to decrease the level of restriction.

There is another tab “Approved Sites” on the Content Advisor window, that allows you to enter a list of websites that will be viewable irrespective of the type of content or rating of the website.

There is another tab called “General”. On this tab, you can see the following options:

a. Users can see websites that have no rating: This essentially means that if a website that is being accessed has no rating, it should be made visible. For details of rating system, click on the buttons–”Find Rating systems” or “rating systems”.
b. Supervisor can type a password to allow users to view restricted content: This allows users to gain unrestricted access for a specific session of Internet Explorer. If you close IE and reopen it again, the security will prompt for a password again. In case you select this option (Selected by default since administrators may want to retain access to restricted sites.)If a restricted site is accessed, user will get a prompt to enter a password. If incorrect password is provided, it will restrict the page view.
To create a password, click on the “create password” button and enter the password on both the boxes.

 Please ensure that the password is kept safe. Else you will not be able to get access to restricted sites yourselves.

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Tags: access, advisor, content, IE, internet, Microsoft, password, restrict