Windows 7 - Certain limitation regarding security

Windows 7 users got a nice surprise on Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 when Microsoft released its first set of security patches since unveiling Windows 7 last month. It will focus on the Windows 7 security outfit.
When Microsoft launched Windows 7, it was billed as the company's best secure release ever -- the result of a nine-year "Trustworthy Computing" effort to shore up a product line that had been riddled with major security holes.
But does stress-tested windows 7 how to software really matter to Microsoft's customers, seemingly besieged by more online attacks than ever before? Microsoft had years to improve Windows XP, but the Conficker worm, which began spreading last year, has till date infected more than 7 million Windows machines. And for every Windows bug that gets squashed, hackers seem to get new problems in the software that runs on top of latest Windows7-- Flash Player, QuickTime and Java.
No doubt Windows 7 is definitely by far the most secure operating system, said Dave Aitel, chief technology officer with Immunity, a security company that spends a lot of time finding the latest software bugs. But the question that everybody is asking right now is will it be sufficient?
The man behind Microsoft's Trustworthy Computing initiative, Chief Research and Strategy Officer Craig Mundie, says the industry still needs to improve.
This is Microsoft's conundrum. Windows may be safer, but cyber-criminals still have plenty of other places to attack. And when you can target hundreds of millions of customers with a single attack, why change the game plan? So most of the worst attacks today still target PCs running Windows, whether the OS itself is safe or not.
Consider spear-phishing. Attackers are so efficient at sending these highly customized e-mail messages, complete with malicious attachments, that the underlying security of Windows 7 is almost irrelevant.
According to Alan Paller, director of research for the SANS Institute, a security training company, the problem with the targeted attacks is that there's so much money that they can actually trump the security. Hence the governments and large industrial crime groups have to spend huge amount of money to trump any of the defenses.
In a report released last month for a congressional advisory panel, Northrop Grumman analysts detailed exactly how this happens. Looking at known attacks, the report found that targets are carefully selected, and then sent very believable e-mails with maliciously encoded attachments that exploit bugs in a product such as Adobe Reader -- something that's outside of Microsoft's control. The victim opens the .pdf and suddenly attackers have a foothold on the network.
Microsoft has taken initiation step in this direction with its Windows CardSpace identity management software. This will make people to check any fraud while online dealing.

Top Windows 7 Features

This articles targets ten greatest features of Windows 7 that should've been in Vista, and know how those ten features will make your life that much better if you're currently thinking the upgrade.

1. Reasonable System Requirements

People were very excited about upgrading their Windows to something that was prettier, more flashy and more intuitive, but they weren't banking on buying an entirely new system in order to do so. The price of Vista was tough enough to swallow, the cost of Vista plus the cost of a system capable of running Vista was too much for some. Microsoft put off a lot of potential customers by demanding such high end hardware to run its Windows, and to compound the issue, many end-users felt that the upgrade wasn't even worth it

Windows 7's requirements are almost same as Vista's. The difference? Windows 7 is coming out in late 2009, whereas Windows Vista launched in early 2007. Windows 7 allows older machines specially those strong enough to handle Vista to run beautifully on a new platform. Even netbooks and Windows XP-based machines are seeing smooth performance on Windows 7, though Vista is still sluggish. The breaking news? Windows 7 does more with what you give it, and it functions smoothly with older hardware that has less to offer it.

2. Streamlined Code Speed

The developers spent an awful lot of time cleaning up background activity in Windows 7 as compared to Vista. In Vista, it always seemed like too much was going on underneath, as if wheels were turning unnecessarily. This led to the Windows being far too resource intensive, as it couldn't do the things it needed to do in a highly efficient fashion.

Windows 7, on the other side, is buttery smooth from boot-up to shut down. Transitions are seamless, application launching is fast and everything just seems to look better. If Vista was a first or second draft, Windows 7 is the final copy after being edited four or five times over.

3. Trust

Windows Vista seemed to question your every move, and while we know its intentions were (it wouldn't want you venturing to some virus-installed website, for example), the incessant nagging grew tiresome very quickly. Vista wanted to check, double-check and sometimes triple-check every single move you made, and while Windows 7 still asks for your permission before doing an awful lot of tasks, it's not nearly as persistent.

4. Aero Peek

Vista was plenty advanced enough to include Aero Peek, but instead, the only thing Aero was good for in Vista was adding a bit of sheen to your desktop while consuming 500MB of RAM in the process. Aero Peek is a Windows 7 feature that enables users to hover over application window groupings in the task bar in order to see what's currently going on. Let's suppose you've got three IE8 windows, two Windows Explorer windows and four Adobe Reader windows open on the desktop. If you roll over the IE8 icon in the task bar, your three IE8 windows pop-up above it; hover over the one you want to maximize, and that windows automatically takes center stage over everything else. What once was chaos is now calm and understandable.

5. Aero Shake

Here comes another Windows 7 feature that sound simple almost too simple to matter yet makes a big difference in daily work. In Vista, you had to either show the desktop and then click on the window you wanted to appear alone, or you had to manually minimize each and every window except your preferred one. Aero Shake enables you grab a window, shake your mouse like a crazy person, and view all of the other windows shrink down into the task bar. It's the Windows equivalent of a stress reliever ball, but it actually increase your productivity.

6. Aero Snap

In case you didn't notice, Windows 7 puts Aero to good use. Instead of just making your windows, desktop and transitions look cooler. Aero Snap is another great feature for quickly re-arranging your desktop into how you'd like it. Using this is simple; you just select a window, move it into the left or right side, and immediately that window resizes to fill precisely half of your desktop space (on whichever side you slammed it into). Do the same process to other window on the opposite side, and bam, you've just maximized your screen space while viewing two documents/web pages/etc.

7. A Smart Task bar

The task bar in Windows Vista was simply a newer version of the task bar in Windows XP. Sure, it worked, but it didn't innovate. And look, you're paying a lot of money for this new OS--surely some innovation should come standard, right? Windows 7's task bar allows users to pin applications launchers and documents to the bar, and it even lets you pin web pages and specific shortcuts on each main icon.

8. A Windows Media Center

For casual users of Windows Media Center, the one in Windows Vista is probably good enough. But for those with multiple TV tuners, a Netflix subscription and a library of movies that runs a few hundred titles deep, there were loads of issues to deal with.

The Windows Media Center within Windows 7 works a whole lot smoother, feels a lot less like a shoe-horned addition to the OS and is actually built to handle extenders such as the Xbox 360.

Windows7's version boasts a slicker interface, faster transitions and integration with far more web content portals. Oh, and did we mention the extra long list of compatible HTPC hardware? Chances are, your TV tuner, sound card and optical drive will work without any extra drivers on Windows 7, and simplicity is always a good thing.

9. Search That Works

Microsoft really enhanced searching in Windows 7, and considering that an operating system is a big, scary world, it makes perfect sense. You'll probably find yourself search for one thing or another on a daily basis, so wouldn't it be good if your Operating system was ready at all times to help you find it?

When it comes to searching Vista was not good enough.. It oftentimes wouldn't search in the locations you needed it to, and many times it would look right over the file you were trying to find. Worst of all, it acted like it needed you to give it a head start by telling in where in the drive to search. Windows 7, on the other side, allows you to simply hit the Windows key and start typing; your text automatically goes into a search field and the gears start turning as soon as you mash the first hey. Windows 7 is far better at indexing material to search, and we've yet to type in something that it couldn't locate.

10. Multi-touch Support

We all know multi-touch wasn't popular in 2007, but it wasn't unheard of. Microsoft's own Surface paved the way for simpler, consumer-oriented multi-touch programs, so we're confident the boys and girls in Redmond know a thing or two about it. Vista simply wasn't designed for touch, which is baffling given the amount of Tablet PCs on the market and the amount of touch-panel PCs that are shipping. Windows 7 rights that wrong, however, added a deep level of multi-touch support throughout the OS.

We believe Windows 7 is an outstanding operating system, and it really improves on the areas that Vista was lacked.

Ninite Windows 7 Upgrade

Windows 7 has met with mostly positive reviews and a great deal of optimism by software professionals and there is no doubt that there will be a lot of users, many who will be making the change to Microsoft’s new operating system in the next couple of weeks. However, if one had to sit down and reflect, it can be alarmingly true that this could be a bit of a pain if you are stuck with Windows XP and skipped Vista, the previously launched operating system from Microsoft which failed to go down well with the users, altogether, because then the next best thing for one to do would be to perform a complete clean install after backing up all the data that has been stored on a computer and also the programs that have been saved on a computer.

Wiping out your data is one thing, but one will also need to install all the said applications from scratch again once one gets a hold of the new Windows 7 up, and get it running on a computer. It is quite the same thing, of course, for people who prefer to buy a new PC and start with only a few pre-installed programs. It could be simply none at all as well.

One can notice that installing multiple software applications can be more of a painstaking, time-consuming chore, but a Y Combinator-funded startup has just started up with a tool that aims to make the process very, very easy. And free of charge, without any cost, on top of that.

We have been beating around the bush, what we are talking about is the new software. Meet the Ninite a multi-app installer tool that’s as useful as it is simplified and easy to go about with.

Ninite has aggregated a range of popular PC applications in a range of categories on its website, and gives the option to a user to check multiple software programs and run the setup process for almost every one of them in one go. No installation of additional software is needed, and Ninite will even automatically refrain from the inclusion of toolbars and what not with the software one have opted to install. The only disadvantage that can be seen, however, is actually a feature: default settings for software programs that one has chosen to install will automatically be selected. So there is little customization you can perform during the set-up process.

Once all the selected apps have been sorted and organized, one will get a single executable file which will run all installations at a single click while one can go and relax, watch a movie or a cup of coffee. Ninite, which was called Volery when it was in private beta, is a product from Secure by Design, a YC-funded startup which discovered that people were always wishing for this type of tool when it was being marketed in the BaseShield App Store, essentially an app store for Windows apps. It is a company target and goal to make money off Ninite by incorporating in it premium features like local and domestic download caching, network share download caching and even a silent mode to paying users.

Tell me the Procedure to Burn Windows 7.ISO to DVD Disc.

I have downloaded Windows 7 beta 1.ISO file but I am little uncertain therefore I want to keep the copy of it. Please suggest and help with step by step instruction, if available for the same.

Ans:Try the following steps:

Step1
Download Windows 7 Beta 1.ISO file.

Step2
You require to download ImgBurn.

Step3
Put a blank DVD in your DVD writer drive and fire up ImgBurn. Now select Write image file to disc. Point the Source to the .ISO file and click the button to start the disc writing process. This process will burn the .ISO file to the DVD.

How can I shift windows from one monitor to another in Windows 7?
I am running multiple monitor with Windows 7?

What good website provides for a compatibility chart for running Windows 7?
Please suggest a reliable and good website for the same. Thanks.

What is the procedure to add videos to Start Menu?
I want to access my favorite videos from start menu. Is it possible?

Ans: Right click the Start button, then go to Properties -> Start Menu -> Customize and set the Videos to “Display as a link” and you’re done, you will now find them in the Start Menu.

How hard drive can be defragmented in Windows 7?
I want to defragment the hard drive but not aware of the process of defragmentation in Windows 7. Please assist.

Ans: Graphical User Interface feature is included in Windows 7 that allows the user to perform defragmentation far more easier than in Windows Vista. Without any adverse effects the process can be terminated anytime. In Windows 7, defragmentation is set by default and the users don’t require to adjust the setting for it. Additionally, multiple volumes can be defragmented simultaneously.

What are Steps Recorder and Nirvana in Windows 7?
What purpose do they tend to serve in Windows 7?

Boot Performance: Windows 7 and Vista

The PC tune-up developers reveals that Microsoft’s new operating system, Windows 7, starts up much more slower than Windows Vista and it’s booting speed tends to go slower with time. This statement contradicts the statement made by Microsoft company.

The Los Angeles maker of PC software, iolo Technologies, contradict Microsoft’s claim by remarking that Windows 7 doesn’t boot faster. Corresponds to iolo tests, Windows 7 boots 42% slower than it’s predecessor, the company also reveals the study result on a brand new machine – Windows 7 take one minute, 34 seconds whereas one minute, six seconds is taken by Windows Vista to boot up. It seems that Windows 7 boot faster but iolo measured the startup with a low load on the fully usable computer.

Microsoft stated that they have devoted significant resources to make Windows 7 boot and regain from the sleep and hibernation faster than Vista, after they got severe criticism in 2007 for Windows Vista starting slowly. Other test too resounds like iolo, that reveals that in some cases Windows 7 do boot slower than it’s predecessor. PC World, a sister publication of Computerworld, also measured the new operating system, Windows 7, against Windows Vista and reported that Windows 7 boots 10% slower than Vista in case of 32-bit version and boots 14% faster on 64-bit when compared.

The statement released by iolo also states that the booting time for new operating system tends to degrade over time like windows Vista. After many “commonly based” applications have been installed in Windows 7 box, its startup time increases to two minutes, 34 seconds which is an increase of about 64%. Over the time, Windows 7 will respond much slower. And by the end of two years, the startup time for Windows 7 would increase to 330%.
Perform Administrative task from Start menu.Procedure to add Administrative Tool in Start Menu icon.Windows 7 has built-in Administrative Tools such as system services, manage scheduled tasks, adjust firewall settings, manage hard drive partitions, and many more. If you often access these tools, then its better to add a link to Start Menu for your convenience.

Steps to perform this task:Right-click an empty area of the Windows 7 Taskbar and choose “Properties”.The “Taskbar and Start Menu Properties” multi-tabbed dialog box appears. Click the “Start Menu” tab.Click the “Customize” button.The “Customize Start Menu” dialog box appears. Scroll down to “System administrative tools” and choose from the following radio buttons.Display on the All Programs menuDisplay on the All Programs menu and the Start menu.Don’t display this item (default).Click “OK”Keep your system in inert condition for avoiding any manipulation of your data or settings.

Often it happens on shared system. Someone else may see your files and documents in your absence.Use of AppLocker tool can prevent all this. It blocks other user to access Executables, Windows Installer, Scripts, a specific publisher or path. Do as follows. Hold your Windows key. Type “Gpedit.msc.” Above command will open a window. Visti Computer Navigation> Windows Settings>Security Settings>Application Control Policies>AppLocker. Under AppLocker adjust the optional setting of Executables, Installer and Script.Now, you can remain relaxed at your home away from office.

Eligibility criteria for Upgrading to Windows 7

If you have a computer that is pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business, or Windows Vista Ultimate, you may be eligible to upgrade to a corresponding edition of Windows 7.

This upgrade option allows end users to get the appropriate Windows 7 edition at a minimum cost or no additional cost if the end user meets program qualifications. Consumers can contact their computer manufacturers directly in order to get complete details on this program.

Note: The Upgrade is not available for the following editions:

* Windows Vista Starter Edition
* Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic
* Windows XP (all editions)

Different upgrade media will be required by different platforms (32-bit or 64-bit). The Windows Vista product can only be upgraded to the associated edition of Windows 7. Example: Windows Vista Business edition can only be upgraded to Windows 7 Business edition.

A language version of the qualifying Windows Vista product can only be upgraded to the same language version of the Windows 7 upgrade software.

Upgrading:

To perform an upgrade, you need to insert the Windows 7 installation disc in DVD-ROM while running Windows Vista and choose upgrade option. The setup will then upgrade Windows Vista to Windows 7 without losing personal data. It will also move over all your user accounts and personal settings that can be transferred to Windows 7. There are many risks in doing this, such as application incompatibilities, issues with moving files and registry entries. It is still important to backup crucial files that you cannot replace if something should happen.

Here are the Microsoft minimum hardware recommendations for running Windows 7:

* 1 GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
* 1 GB of system memory
* 16 GB of available disk space
* Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128 MB memory
* DVD-R/W Drive
* Internet access

Note: Other features of Windows 7 may require advanced or additional hardware.

Windows 7 Task Manager Processes

On Windows 7 Task Manager has undergone some major renovations. In this article, we focus on the Processes tab. The Processes tab displays a list of all processes - programs do not protrude - will run on Windows 7. Each program has at least one process, sometimes more. The operating system has several running processes. Background programs also appear here.

A good example of a background program is a struggle against the third-virus. To protect Windows 7 from a variety of threats, the software must be running all the time, the monitoring of programs and access to the network to make sure everything is behaving itself. This is shown as a process in task manager, often a darkly appointed. Task Manager is full of obscure name tasks.

When the computer becomes slow, it is often because too much working, even if you only have one or two programs open on your desktop. Then you have to ask, "Where do these processes and what do you belong to? Do I need them all? What happens if I miss this or that?

In earlier operating systems, this required extensive research. You could try googling the name of the process to try to find out what is and what it does. This often does not show anything useful, or give you a list of possibilities for confusion.

The redesigned Windows 7 changes all that. There is a new column on the Processes tab called Description. In most cases, this contains the name of the program initiator. This shows exactly what each of these processes is doing on the list. It demystifies the list, and can help eliminate the processes that you know are not helpful for you.