Windows 7 services that can be safely disabled.

BY Scott Lowe

Every version of Windows comes with a set of basic system services must be performed so that the system can perform basic operations. However, your body does not need to have all services running and disable unnecessary services can improve performance and security. I set up a list of 13 services that you can disable their Windows 7 systems that are unlikely to affect their business at all.

I say "probably" for a reason. Before taking drastic measures, such as disabling a service on all PCs in your organization, make sure you disable the service is not actually in use. This article makes some general assumptions: that your company does not have to share Windows Media files and do not use the Windows 7 HomeGroup.

This is not a definitive list of services that can be disabled, they are just a little clearer. Read it carefully and make sure you test the changes before implementing them in your organization.

1: IP Helper

Windows description: Provides tunnel connectivity using IPv6 transition technologies (6to4, ISATAP, Port Proxy, and Teredo) and IP-HTTPS. If this service is stopped, the computer will not have the enhanced connectivity benefits that these technologies offer.


Why this can be disabled: Many organizations haven’t even started testing IPv6, much less fully deployed it. As indicated in the service description, the IP Helper service is leveraged in IPv4-to-IPv6 transitions.

2: Offline Files

Windows description: The Offline Files service performs maintenance activities on the Offline Files cache, responds to user logon and logoff events, implements the internals of the public API, and dispatches interesting events to those interested in Offline Files activities and changes in cache state.


Why this can be disabled: If your organization doesn’t use the Offline Files feature found in both Windows client and server products, this service can be safely disabled. Obviously, if you are synchronizing files across the network, you shouldn’t disable this service.

3: Network Access Protection Agent

Windows description: The Network Access Protection (NAP) agent service collects and manages health information for client computers on a network. Information collected by the NAP agent is used to make sure that the client computer has the required software and settings. If a client computer is not compliant with health policy, it can be provided with restricted network access until its configuration is updated. Depending on the configuration of health policy, client computers might be automatically updated so that users quickly regain full network access without having to manually update their computer.


Why this can be disabled: If you’re not doing network-based remediation or if you’re doing remediation with a third-party tool that doesn’t leverage the NAP client, this service can be disabled.

4: Parental Controls

Windows description: This service is a stub for Windows Parental Control functionality that existed in Vista. It is provided for backward compatibility only.


Why this can be disabled: Corporate networks rarely used Vista’s Parental Control functionality. Further, this is a legacy service from Windows Vista.

5: Smart Card

Windows description: Manages access to smart cards read by this computer. If this service is stopped, this computer will be unable to read smart cards. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.


Why this can be disabled: If your organization does not use smart cards for authentication purposes, you can safely disable this service.

6: Smart Card Removal Policy

Windows description: Allows the system to be configured to lock the user desktop upon smart card removal.


Why this can be disabled: If your organization does not use smart cards for authentication purposes, you can safely disable this service.

7: Windows Media Center Receiver Service

Windows description: Windows Media Center Service for TV and FM broadcast reception.


Why this can be disabled: In most corporate environments, TV and FM broadcast reception on desktop computers is not considered a “business critical” item that needs support, and it’s often not allowed anyway. You can disable this service to save some resources.

8: Windows Media Center Scheduler Service

Windows description: Starts and stops recording of TV programs within Windows Media Center.


Why this can be disabled: Likewise, there’s no need to record TV programs in a corporate environment.

9: Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service

Windows description: Shares Windows Media Player libraries to other networked players and media devices using Universal Plug and Play.


Why this can be disabled: On a corporate network, Windows Media Player doesn’t have nearly the place it might have on a home network. Disabling this service will have no impact on business activities.

10: Fax

Windows description: Enables you to send and receive faxes, utilizing fax resources available on this computer or on the network.


Why this can be disabled: If your organization is not using a network-based faxing service, disabling this service will have no business impact.

11: HomeGroup Listener

Windows description: Makes local computer changes associated with configuration and maintenance of the homegroup-joined computer. If this service is stopped or disabled, your computer will not work properly in a homegroup and your homegroup might not work properly. It is recommended that you keep this service running.


Why this can be disabled: It’s highly unlikely that a business organization — except a very small one — is using HomeGroups as a way to share resources on a network. It’s almost always safe to disable this service in a business setting.

12: HomeGroup Provider

Windows description: Performs networking tasks associated with configuration and maintenance of homegroups. If this service is stopped or disabled, your computer will be unable to detect other homegroups and your homegroup might not work properly. It is recommended that you keep this service running.

Why this can be disabled: As noted above: Only very small organizations are likely to use HomeGroups to share resources on a network, so it’s almost always safe to disable this service in a business setting.

13: Tablet PC Input Service

Windows description: Enables Tablet PC pen and ink functionality.


Why this can be disabled: The vast majority of PCs that are deployed to users do not have hardware that can leverage tablet-like capability. This service simply uses system resources with no possible benefit.

About Scott Lowe

Scott Lowe is an independent consultant, blogger, author, owner of The 1610 Group, and a Senior IT Executive with CampusWorks, Inc.

10 features Ubuntu 12.04 that will Rock

BY Jack Wallen

Ubuntu 12.04 is almost here (April 26, 2012). Canonical has some serious plans for its flagship platform, and Precise Pangolin has both some big changes and some minor changes that will make a huge difference in how people feel about Unity and the Linux desktop in general. Although some of the major changes won’t be immediately apparent, some of the minor ones will be quickly evident and worth examining.

Let’s take a look at 10 of the features and changes I believe will make a big impact on the way users view Ubuntu.

1: HUD

The Head-Up Display, to me, is a big one simply because it integrates application menus into the desktop UI. With an application open, hit the Alt key to bring up the HUD. When the HUD is open, you can search your application menus based on keywords. For example, if you have LibreOffice open, you can open the HUD, do a search for Format, and all menu entries relating to Format will appear in a list for you to select from. This means no more bouncing back and forth from keyboard to mouse to poke through application menus.

2: New privacy tool

Because the new iteration of Unity records all your recent history, the addition of a privacy tool was necessary. With this tool you can determine exactly what Unity records and what it doesn’t. You can turn recording off to completely disable the feature or you can specify what files and applications it can record.

3: Launchbar

A few nice touches to the Launchbar make a difference. The first is that the Launchbar can now be set to auto-hide. When enabled, this gives Unity a bit more of a GNOME 3 look and feel. Another addition is the ability to resize icons. No more dealing with the oversize icons that make the Launchbar look like a child’s toy. And finally, the Launchbar is no longer set with the dodge window behavior. This caused a lot of issues when interacting with certain applications. The default behavior now is always on top.

4: Change to Unity Dash

The Unity Dash’s default home screen has changed the order in which things appear. This is not a huge change, but it will go a long way toward making Unity more efficient. Now, the Dash shows Recent Apps first, Recent Files next, and finally, Recent Downloads.

5: Quicklists

Although Quicklists aren’t new, additional lists will be available. What is a Quicklist? Simple. Quicklists allow you to right-click an icon in the Launcher and select from options. For example, in the Google Chrome Quicklist, you can right-click the icon and immediately open an incognito instance of Chrome. The new Quicklists for Unity are the Dash Quicklist and the Home Folder Quicklist. The Dash Quicklist includes Dash Home, Applications, Files and Folders, Music, and Videos. The Home Folder Quicklist includes Documents, Downloads, Music, Video, Open In New Window, Home Folder, and Unlock From Launcher.

6: Video Lens

Unity Lenses enable you to easily organize items in the Unity Dash. If you open the Video Lens, you can select and play videos from a variety of sources, such as those from your local collection, YouTube movies, BBC iPlayer, and TED Talks. Open the Lens, do a search, and click on the video you want to view. Simple. Efficient.

7: Rhythmbox default

Banshee has become plagued with problems. Because of this, Ubuntu is returning to Rhythmbox as the default music player. Although there is a bigger issue (at least from the perspective of Canonical), causing the removal of Banshee (more on that in a bit), many users will be happy to use the less crash-prone Rhythmbox for their music pleasure.

8: MyUnity

Ubuntu Unity will finally include a configuration tool for the desktop. This application was developed to provide full customization of Unity features, including the Unity Launcher, Dash, Panel, Desk, and Font. This tool was available for 11.04 and 11.10, but had to be installed from the Software Center. Now, MyUnity will be installed and ready for configuration by default.

9: Mono-free

It’s been a battle cry for some time now, but much of the Linux crowd will be pleased to know that with the removal of Tomboy and Banshee, Ubuntu is now Mono-free. Why is this important? Microsoft Patent Extortion. A patent deal was made between Microsoft and Novell that involved Mono. Because of this, many in the Linux community see Mono as proprietary software that should be relegated to the non-free repositories. But it goes deeper than that. If you dig into the verbiage of the agreement, you find that the only “safe” users of any Mono-dependent software are Novell customers.

10: Trackpad support

This one has been a long time coming. Owners of trackpads whose clickable button is built into the surface can now enjoy support for their device. Most new Synaptics trackpads are supported, as are Apple Macbook trackpads. Ubuntu 12.10 should also include support for Apple’s Magic Trackpads.

Better and better

The improvements just keep on coming for Ubuntu. I can honestly say I haven’t been this excited for a release of a distribution in a while. The HUD alone will be worth the price of admission with Ubuntu 12.04 (although there is no price). Canonical and Ubuntu are doing some incredible things with the Linux desktop. Even if you’re a naysayer, give Precise Pangolin a go and see if it doesn’t change your mind.

About Aurthor

A writer for more than 12 years, Jack's primary focus is on the Linux operating system and its effects on the open source and non-open source communities.

SEO Techniques for Beginners

If you are not quite familiar with the processes and tools of SEO or search engine optimization, you can rely on different programs and individuals available online. As a beginner, you will find that everything is relatively easy to understand, provided that you have the right background and know your customer, products and services very well. Your company can benefit more through the heightened visibility and improved search rankings.

Boosting Page Ranking

The title is one of the most important parts of your web site or content. This is the name which you find at the top of the window of the web browser, or Title Bar. The title has to be descriptive but brief and short. It should also contain the targeted keywords that are highly related to your web site. The search engines also present the title in the search engine results. The title should therefore describe the site's content so that users can be more interested in entering your site time and again.

Keyword Use

The keywords are also important when using SEO techniques. Several web masters overdo keywords though, which you should avoid. You can rank high if you use keywords wisely, but your site can also suffer or lose credibility if you overstuff. You can find a lot of support in using and adding keywords, like ALT tags, other areas and anchors. These are generally used to help boost the keywords. These should also be relevant to the image or place where you plan to link.

Most individuals try to stuff keywords in a lot of different areas in the site or article. As a general precaution, you should try to optimize a single page with no more than 3 keywords or keyphrases. You can safely use secondary keywords or terms by using keyword generating tools online. Start with one or two keywords and avoid overusing these. Tertiary keywords can also be used which are related or similar but not the same as the main terms. Using alternative keywords help drive other potential visitors that come from different areas and use different related terms.

Understanding Meta Tags

Meta-tags have two parts namely the description and the keywords. The description should generally be short, but it should also be both descriptive and logical to the reader. Several times, it will be the text that is found under the title during the search. You should aim for the reader to have a minor overview of the page. Include content that will help them understand what they need to expect when viewing the page or site and drive them more into clicking on your web site. The keywords should be the very same ones you used while running SEO research. These should also be used in the page text.

Using Links

The search engine spider can easily locate your site as other sites create web links leading back to your site. These links will be counted as a vote of support. More quality pages on the page link will eventually lead to higher search engine ranking. Submit your link to popular directories and use more links in your signature when joining online discussion boards and forums.

Always have informative and new content on your web page to keep your target market interested and keep linking back to your site. They will also refer other potentially interested individuals to your page over time.

Pinterest-How- to- use- as- Blogger !

Pinterest is a social sharing and bookmarking site that is quickly becoming one of the most popular new sites on the internet. Unlike facebook, and twitter, the content on Pinterest is primarily passed on through images which are “pinned” to boards, though descriptions of up to 500 characters, including hyperlinks are also allowed below the images.

Since Pinterest is invite only so here is how to get an invite:

1. Ask for it directly from Pinterest’s website.

2. Find groups on Facebook that are dedicated to Pinterest invites.

3. Ask your friends and family.

4. Find various forums that offer Pinterest invites, or request one on other pinning forums.

You will receive an invitation email from Pinterest giving you an activation link. Clicking this link will bring you to the sign up page. Unfortunately, you need to sign up using your Facebook or Twitter account at this time. The good thing is that you will be able to unlink your account once you are setup. 

Note that your username will form part of the URL example:pinterest.com/username. You may want to consider a high traffic keyword here.

How to pin: 

When you first sign into Pinterest, you will be asked to create some pinboards. A few good suggestions would be to create boards such as “My Favorite ” or “Favorite Food”.

Try to create boards that would be relative the products you plan on promoting. When signed into Pinterest, there are two ways to post a pin to your pinboard. You can either post a pin from a URL or photo on your hard drive, or repost someone else’s pin. 

If you want to repin an already pinned item, you just hover over the item and a “repin” button will appear. You can also click on the image to have the repin button appear. Repinning is an excellent way to fill up your pinboards when you are first starting out in Pinterest.

To gain maximum exposure in Pinterest, you need to follow others, like their posts and repin other pins. 

1) Sync your Pinterest account with your Facebook and Twitter.

2)Creativity

3) Keep the focus on what you market and build a brand.

4) Use #Hash #Tags.

5) Use your blog!

6) What’s trending!

7) Follow and Comment.

Important Notes:

Spamming is not the right way to go these days. Although we have not seen Pinterest shutting down spamming accounts yet, it will definitely happen in the future as other social networks did. On the other hand, providing value and showing your personality is the right long term thinking.

Tips on getting an Adsense Approval - The Legit Way

Lot of people asking where they can get an adsense account or alternative ways to get one approved. Purchasing adsense accounts or creating a quick blogger that allows for adsense applications instantly is like rolling dice. Here are some tips to get an adsense account, the legit way.

I've seen a few of these steps spread across this forum here and there but thought I’d share all the steps I used in one easy-to-access place

1) Never use a free domain email (not even Gmail)- Use whatever@yourwebsite.com

2) If your applying 1 month after creation of your site, make sure you have 2 new articles every week for the past month. Don't ever apply without new content just recently uploaded or with less than 7-10 articles.

3) Don't apply with too specific of a niche. Big G likes broad niches to best match your site with appropriate advertisers. Long-tail keywords are not good here.

4) Privacy Policy, about us, Contact page is a must.

5) make sure to have your personal contact information that your using on your adsense application in your "contact us" page on your website. - Important

6) make sure your whois contact information also matches.

7) No ads, affiliate ads, any ads on your site before applying! Leave it clean

8) Don't apply if you’re not getting less than 50 visitors a day or your website isn't even indexed

9) Don't have any hyphens in your domain URL. - Unprofessional

10) Add another article 2-3 days after applying if your application is still pending.

Current Reported Problems With The iPad 3

The iPad 3 was released last Friday on the 16th March 2012 and since its release, there have been some claims surrounding possible design flaws in the device. There are two major flaws reported, and a few minor ones. We’ll go through these one at a time. Apple is no stranger to sometimes finding flaws in their products post-release. An example of this was with the iPhone 4 and the antenna positioning being too close to the edge of the phone, meaning users could cut out the connection if they held it a certain way. This was remedied by simply putting the phone in a slim case.

 

Overheating Problems

A number of users have complained that the bottom-right corner of the iPad gets too hot. Some have stated that it gets ‘too hot to hold’. The second claim is unlikely, because at the measured temperatures of around 35-38C, the device certainly is running warm, but this is certainly not a problem to hold. Perhaps a little uncomfortable at most. Apple has claimed that the iPad does not get hot and it is functioning as intended. Measured temperatures of 35 degrees and above are considered to be normal operating temperatures for the device. They have suggested that the new retina display and extra power of the device have contributed to the device producing more heat than its predecessor, the iPad 2.

There have also been a number of users who claim to have experienced no overheating issues with their iPads, so it is hard to tell what is going on in the mess of internet noise.

 

Download Limit Exceeded By New Retina Display

Apple have placed a 20Mb 3G file download limit on their device. What this means, is that applications that are over 20Mb packaged are not able to be downloaded on to the iPad. This previously hasn’t been a big problem for the software developers, but since the resolution of the screen was improved roughly four times, scaling the applications to the new resolution makes them too large.

For example, an application that is 18Mb in size for the iPad 2 wishes to improve all its images to the beyond HD quality of the iPad 3. This could typically push the packaged application size to 33Mb, which is a problem for the developer and consumer alike. It is not yet known how Apple intends to deal with this problem but possibly a mass update to fix the 20Mb limit seems like the best way out of the problem.

 

Charge Times

Reports are varied, but the new device takes a long time to charge. Some say it only gains around 1% charge in 20 minutes. The truth of these claims is not verified, but hopefully Apple will address this with a better charger in the future.

This article on technology is brought to you by a great business to find bathroom designs.

Automatically encrypt Browsing

 

We’re often told to check that online bank and store use web address that start with ‘https//’. It means that all communication between you and the website are encrypted ,so no one can view ,access, or change it while it’s in transit. This adds a powerful layer of security and privacy to your browsing.

Readers may not be aware that you can use this same security with lots of other websites, including Twitter,facebook and Google.The only downside is that you have to type the full address,such as ‘https://www.twitter.com’, which is a bit of pain.

If you don’t want all this hassle there are firefox and chrome add-ons that automatically use ‘https://’ where ever it’s available , without you having to type it. Get HTTPS Everywhere for firefox . or KB SSL Enforcer if you use Chrome.

When you type Twitter.com, this add-ons will add https://.

HOW TO ENABLE THE FEATURE

Firefox users can turn on this setting from theTools->HTTPS Everywhere->SSL Observatory Preferences menu, or from the HTTPS Everywhere toolbar button, which looks like this:

 Note: There is Beta version of Https everywhere for Chrome