network Archives

Winsage

December 25, 2024

Five lesser known Task Manager features in Windows 11

Windows 11's Task Manager includes several features that enhance productivity and system management: - Users can generate a live kernel or full crash dump to troubleshoot crashes, which can be analyzed for root cause identification. - Holding the CTRL key pauses the Task Manager updates, allowing users to easily locate processes, while the F5 key refreshes values for real-time updates. - The "Efficiency Mode" can be activated by right-clicking on an app or process to limit CPU usage, reducing power consumption and freeing up resources. - The Startup Apps section provides an overview of applications that launch at boot, allowing users to disable unnecessary ones to improve startup time and system performance. - The App History tab shows resource usage by applications since the last shutdown, helping users identify which apps are consuming significant resources.

Tech Optimizer

December 24, 2024

How To Secure Your Data in the New Year with Norton VPN

- It is important to assess online security as part of digital well-being. - Norton provides tools to enhance internet security, including VPNs, password managers, and antivirus software. - A VPN (Virtual Private Network) secures online activities, especially on public WiFi, by masking the IP address and minimizing tracking. - Norton offers various VPN plans: VPN Standard, VPN Plus (covers up to five devices and includes protection against viruses and malware), and VPN Ultimate (beneficial for families). - A password manager allows users to maintain one secure password for all accounts and securely stores login information. - Norton’s Password Manager is free with Norton VPN Plus and Norton VPN Ultimate plans and generates complex passwords. - Antivirus software scans devices for malware and viruses, with Norton offering a 100% Virus Protection Promise and dark web scanning for compromised personal information. - The Norton VPN Ultimate plan includes features for managing screen time and blocking inappropriate content for families. - Norton offers up to 54% off the first year for annual plan subscriptions.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

What to do when Windows 10 Print Management is missing

The Print Management Console is a utility in Windows 10 that allows desktop administrators to manage printer settings and configurations. It may be missing from some Windows 10 deployments, particularly in the Home edition and in installations from Windows 10 version 2004 onwards, where it became an optional feature. To check for its presence, users can run the command PrintManagement.msc. If absent, it can be installed using PowerShell with the command Get-WindowsCapability -Name "Print.Management.Console*" -Online | Add-WindowsCapability -Online or through the Windows GUI by navigating to Settings > System > Optional Features and adding it from there. The console is particularly useful for managing multiple printers, controlling access permissions, and monitoring print jobs.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

New Windows 11 24H2 bug list: 12 reasons to avoid this update for now

On October 1, Microsoft released the 2024 update for Windows 11, named Windows 11 24H2, which includes an upgraded Copilot AI, a revamped File Explorer, and performance improvements. The update is available through the Windows Update screen or can be downloaded from Microsoft's website. However, the rollout has encountered several bugs, prompting Microsoft to temporarily halt the update for certain devices. Key issues reported include: 1. Conflicts with Ubisoft games, causing freezes or crashes. 2. Problems with the Auto HDR feature leading to incorrect color displays or unresponsive games. 3. Incompatibility with Easy Anti-Cheat software, resulting in blue screens for users with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Blue screens due to driver incompatibilities, particularly with Intel's Smart Sound Technology and certain hardware configurations. 5. A bug causing the mouse pointer to disappear in Chromium-based applications. 6. Erratic internet connectivity issues, with some devices unable to obtain a valid IP address. 7. A time zone setting issue preventing users without administrative privileges from changing their time zone. 8. Problems with the clipboard history feature appearing empty despite copied items. 9. Network sharing issues where devices fail to appear in the network list. 10. Printer setup difficulties for users of Copilot+ PCs, particularly with HP, Canon, and Brother printers. 11. Audio output issues for users utilizing Dirac Audio technology. 12. Microsoft Outlook failing to launch for users relying on Google Workspace Sync. Microsoft has acknowledged these issues and is working on patches and solutions. Users are advised to delay upgrading to the 2024 version until these problems are resolved.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

Microsoft recommends a 15-year-old tool for Windows 10 and 11

Microsoft has recommended the use of "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)," a tool that has been around for over 15 years, despite officially discontinuing support for it with the release of Windows 10 version 1709. This recommendation highlights the persistence of legacy features in Windows, as the tool remains functional for restoring systems from older versions of Windows to newer ones. Modern backup options from Microsoft, such as System Restore, File History, and System Protection, have significant limitations, leading to fragmented solutions for users. The coexistence of outdated tools with newer interfaces creates inconsistencies and mixed messages from Microsoft regarding backup solutions. Users considering Backup and Restore (Windows 7) should be cautious, as it is no longer being developed and may not perform reliably on modern operating systems. Third-party backup tools are suggested as more dependable alternatives.

Winsage

December 22, 2024

Windows 11 December 2024 update issues break Start menu and more

Reports indicate that the Windows 11 December 2024 Update, affecting versions 24H2 and 23H2, has caused significant issues for users, particularly with the Start menu becoming unresponsive. Users have noted that the Start menu's search feature displays incorrectly against certain themes, and it becomes entirely unresponsive in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) sessions, a problem acknowledged by Citrix. A temporary fix involves modifying the registry. Additionally, users without Citrix software are also experiencing Start menu unresponsiveness, potentially linked to an outdated .dll package (MSVCP140APP.dll). This can cause the crashing of StartMenuExperienceHost.exe. A recommended solution is to manually install the latest version of Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00 or uninstall older versions using PowerShell commands. Users of Windows 11 23H2 have reported further issues, such as incorrect device listings in the “Safely remove hardware” icon, network connectivity interruptions, and display problems, including a dull and yellowish screen on certain devices.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

How to setup IPAM on Windows Server

IP Address Management (IPAM) in Windows Server automates and centralizes the management of IP address infrastructure, allowing administrators to monitor, manage, and audit DHCP and DNS servers. Setting up IPAM involves several steps: verifying prerequisites (supported Windows Server version, active directory domain, and operational DHCP/DNS roles), installing IPAM through Server Manager or command prompt, configuring IPAM for file sharing and access settings, configuring server discovery, and managing servers and settings. To add an IP address to IPAM, users access the IPAM console, navigate to the IP Address Space section, select the desired IP Address block, and provide necessary details before saving the changes.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

4 reasons why Windows 11 Pro is a solid OS for home labs

Many operating systems designed for server tasks are based on Linux due to its secure architecture, extensive packages, and community support, leading to a preference for Linux among DIY enthusiasts. Windows 11, particularly the Pro version, offers features that make it a viable option for experimentation servers, including a beginner-friendly GUI, built-in Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), higher RAM limits, dual-CPU support, and a built-in Hyper-V toolkit for running Windows VMs. Windows 11 Pro supports over 128GB of RAM and dual-processor setups, unlike the Home version, which has limitations. It can also function as an all-in-one workstation for gaming and everyday tasks, allowing users to host private game servers and run experimental virtual machines without complex configurations. However, Windows systems generally have less security and incur performance overhead compared to Linux-based platforms.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

How to install and deploy Network Controller on Windows Server

The Network Controller in Windows Server is a server role that enables centralized management of physical and virtual network infrastructures. To install and deploy a Network Controller, the following steps are required: 1. Create a Security Group: Establish an Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) Security Group by creating a new group in Active Directory User and Computer, adding necessary users, and requesting a certificate from a Certificate Authority. 2. Install the Network Controller: Open Server Manager, navigate to Add Roles and Features, select the Network Controller role, and complete the installation process. 3. Deploy Network Controller: Configure the Network Controller cluster by creating a cluster node using PowerShell commands, specifying parameters such as the node name, server FQDN, fault domain, and REST interface. Then, run a command to configure the cluster with options for authentication, management security group, log locations, and SSL usage. Finally, validate the deployment by executing the command Get-NetworkController.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

5 Secure Messaging Apps For 2025

In 2025, five noteworthy secure messaging applications include: 1. Signal: Offers default end-to-end encryption, collects minimal user data, has an open-source codebase, and recently introduced usernames for enhanced anonymity. 2. Session: Operates on a decentralized network with end-to-end encryption, does not require a phone number or email for registration, and uses onion routing for metadata protection. 3. WhatsApp: Utilizes end-to-end encryption, offers features like disappearing messages and encrypted backups, but has concerns regarding metadata collection. 4. Wickr: Features military-grade encryption, a zero-knowledge architecture, self-destructing messages, and enterprise-level functionality. 5. Viber: Provides end-to-end encryption, hidden chats secured by PINs, and secure group video calls, making it suitable for both personal and professional use.