Posts Tagged ‘windows 7’
April 26th, 2010 | 
Author: Some of my favorite kinds of freeware apps to find (and install) are the ones that build new functionality into the Windows operating system. I’m running Windows 7 right now, but even this latest version of Microsoft’s OS has substantial room for third-party improvements.
It’s not difficult to find free or open-source apps to boost the common interactions one has with one’s operating system. The tough part is in the classification: I’m really not sure how to best lump this week’s applications together, save for the fact that they’re all awesome ways to enhance Windows with new and useful features. And I’m not talking about super-complex, command-line scripts or what-have-you. No, these apps are all super-easy to use-if you even see them at all, given that most will modify some form of your Windows OS without needing any further interaction past the installation screen. Read the rest of this entry »
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Windows 7 has enjoyed favorable adoption, yet many IT admins are now struggling with the platform’s new security features. I’ve received plenty of e-mails to that effect with readers asking about the security changes (or deltas) between Windows Vista and Windows 7, as well as for my configuration recommendations.
I typically avoid Microsoft-only columns, as I’m a full-time employee of the company. However, because security is my area of expertise, and given the overwhelming number of requests from readers, I’ve decided to do a three-part series on Windows 7 security. This week, I’ll take a look at some of the aforementioned security deltas, and I’ll share my recommendations.
User Account Control
UAC is one of the most notable updated features in Windows 7. It prompts less frequently for low-risk administrative actions by default, but it allows admins to modify Read the rest of this entry »