OS / hardware questions.

[b]A[/b]The advantages for Windows at least is that this time Windows may not be such a Massive Virus Magnet like previous versions. Unfortunately M$ Attempt failed to work as they envisaged and Vista is as big a Magnet for Infections as XP was. The Script Kiddies have just altered their [b]Attack Vector Slightly[/b] to cause problems.

[i]Besides Vista, which other Windows and non-Windows Operating Systems use a secure Kernel[/i]

[b]A[/b] There is [b]No[/b] other OS on the face of the planet currently in use that uses M$ Secure Kernel. The other OS types like Unix, BSD, Linux and so on actually use a Secure Kernel which works. They don't layer words and Marketing Hype over a faulty product they actually Design Security into the System from Scratch. Secure Kernel is a new way of saying Secure Computing which sounds nice but means absolutely nothing at all. It is only used in an attempt to fool the unwary and to attempt to dissuade end users from investigating just how insecure their computers actually are and hope that they will blindly use their Windows loaded computers from new and never believe that their Information and Money has been stolen. [b]No Matter how many Times they find out that all their money in their Bank Accounts & Credit Cards has been emptied and the Police come to their door with Arrest Warrants for things that they have not done.[/b]

In short Windows Vista is no more secure than any of the previous versions of Windows if you fail to use third Party Applications in an attempt to secure your computer. :D

Col

but I just have to duck out for 5 minutes. ;)

If I don't get back, feel free to start without me. :p

Tip: Google is your friend. :)

Well for a M$ first offering at least. We can not expect any better. :p

But as Aero works and kooks so Prerty Vista is a [b]Success.[/b] M$ told me so, so it must be. :^0

Col

until you open a network folder share and and run a couple of searches in the folder, open a document then try to post on TR. :p

explorer, explorer, explorer did what, went to feed the chickens? :p

Explorer doing what some consider Strange Things is actually a New Productivity Tool from M$. It stops you doing anything to damage the Secure OS. :D

After all if you can't use it you can't break it can you? :0

Col

http://tinyurl.com/39luy8

Easy answers found here.

Good luck with the test, and relax because once your done with the test, you won't use 90% of what you "learned" in the class once you get on the job.

OS / hardware questions. And answers.
As truthfully as possible.

1) Q: a. How much RAM would you recommend for computer that uses the XP operating systems? How much RAM do you recommend to run Vista and explain your reason?
A: They both only recognise 3gb (unless you have 64 bit operating systems, where they will recognise up to the max of what your motherboard can take).

2) Q: c. How many PATA devices can you connect to XP? How many PATA devices can you connect to Vista?
A: Depends on how many connections you have on your motherboard

3) Q: d. How many SATA devices can you connect to XP? How many SATA devices can you connect to Vista?
A: See section (2)

4) Q: e. Would you recommend PATA or SATA devices for your new Vista computer? Why - state your reasons.
A: Sata. More tidy cables. Sata is just a little faster for accessing your apps.

5) Q: f. At your home would you recommend an AoE device for your XP or Vista computer? Why - state your reasons.
A: I do not use this. But i do use PPoE.

6) Q: g. What is the difference between a video driver and video API?
A: video driver makes the video card work with the operating system. Video API makes DVD's playable.

7) Q: h. You are using a computer with the XP operating system installed? What is the most likely version of DirectX?
A: It depends on your graphic card, but with a very good graphic card it would be Dirext X9 or 10

8) Q: i. You are using a computer with the Vista operating system installed? What is the most likely version of DirectX?
A: Same as section (8)

9) Q: j. You are using a computer and you run DXDIAG. It reports to you that you are using Direct X version 7? List any reasons why you might think that this good and any reasons you might think that this is bad?
A: Direct X7 is ok on older systems and graphic cards, but with new and powerful graphic cards this will be Direct X 9 or 10

10) Q: k. What is the minimum recommended video card for Vista?
A: This will depend on your motherboard, but under Vista (base line) i would go for 256mb graphic card.

11) Q: l. What is Windows Product Activation? Compare the Product activation between Vista and XP?
A: In Vista it is the product code Activation key being sent to Microsoft so that the 3 days becomes unlimited, without the key you will not be able to activate the software.
In XP you do not need to put in a key, but you will be asked to call Microsoft so as to get another key to activate the operating system.

12) Q: m. Vista offers a Secure Kernel. What is a secure Kernel? How is it different from Windows XP?
A: I find it the same as XP's Kernel, it has just got another level to the kernel that is all.

13) Q: n. What are the advantages and disadvantages of secured Kernel?
A: To put it simply it is like a door with a key to access it. Without it anybody can have access to the Kernel.

14) Q: o. Besides Vista, which other Windows and non-Windows Operating Systems use a secure Kernel/
A: Windows 2003 and 2008 (most likely some others), Linux has a very good secure kernel, but this can be destroyed in the ?SU? section.

15) Q: p. Explain what is Vista User Account Security Control? What are the differences between UAC and the way Windows 2000/XP worked?
A: User Account Control (UAC) (Vista) is a technology and security infrastructure first introduced with Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system. It aims to improve the security of Microsoft Windows by limiting application software to standard user privileges until an administrator authorizes an increase in privilege level. In this way, only applications that the user trusts receive higher privileges, and malware should be kept from receiving the privileges necessary to compromise the operating system. In other words, a user account may have administrator privileges assigned to it, but applications that the user runs do not also have those privileges unless they are approved beforehand or the user explicitly authorizes it to have higher privileges. Just more locks on the door than in XP.

16) Q: q. What new files systems are supported by Vista?
A: Instant search and the Aero interface. It is nice but not really needed.

17) Q: r. What is the purpose for using the Vista Upgrade Advisor from www.microsoft.com? Can Vista run older drivers and applications?
A: Vista Upgrade Adviser is a small program that runs on your old system to see if your system can handle the new Vista, between home version and the Ultimate version it will say if you can run it (Vista) or not.
Yes you can run older drivers and applications (down to Windows 95), for this you will need to right click on the shortcut on your desktop and select ?properties > compatibility mode? and the select which operating system you would want the app(s) to run under.
[ NEEEEXT ] Phew.. :) :)

Please post back if you have any more problems or questions.