10 tips for improving your wireless network

10 tips for improving your wireless network

If Windows ever notifies you about a weak signal, it probably means your connection isn't as fast or as reliable as it could be. Worse, you might lose your connection entirely in some parts of your home. If you're looking to improve the signal for your wireless network, try some of these tips for extending your wireless range and improving your wireless network performance.
10 tips for improving your wireless network
1. Position your wireless router (or wireless access point) in a central location

When possible, place your wireless router in a central location in your home. If your wireless router is against an outside wall of your home, the signal will be weak on the other side of your home. Don't worry if you can't move your wireless router, because there are many other ways to improve your connection.
Bad router and good router comparison
2. Move the router off the floor and away from walls and metal objects (such as metal file cabinets)

Metal, walls, and floors will interfere with your router's wireless signals. The closer your router is to these obstructions, the more severe the interference, and the weaker your connection will be.
3. Replace your router's antenna

The antennas supplied with your router are designed to be omni-directional, meaning they broadcast in all directions around the router. If your router is near an outside wall, half of the wireless signals will be sent outside your home, and much of your router's power will be wasted. Most routers don't allow you to increase the power output, but you can make better use of the power. Upgrade to a hi-gain antenna that focuses the wireless signals only one direction. You can aim the signal in the direction you need it most.
Standard antenna and hi-gain antenna examples
4. Replace your computer's wireless network adapter

Wireless network signals must be sent both to and from your computer. Sometimes, your router can broadcast strongly enough to reach your computer, but your computer can't send signals back to your router. To improve this, replace your laptop's PC card-based wireless network adapter with a USB network adapter that uses an external antenna. In particular, consider the Hawking Hi-Gain Wireless USB network adapter, which adds an external, hi-gain antenna to your computer and can significantly improve your range.

Laptops with built-in wireless typically have excellent antennas and don't need to have their network adapters upgraded.
Wireless router and wireless repeater
5. Add a wireless repeater

Wireless repeaters extend your wireless network range without requiring you to add any wiring. Just place the wireless repeater halfway between your wireless access point and your computer, and you'll get an instant boost to your wireless signal strength. Check out the wireless repeaters from ViewSonic, D-Link, Linksys, and Buffalo Technology.
Wireless channels
6. Change your wireless channel

Wireless routers can broadcast on several different channels, similar to the way radio stations use different channels. In the United States and Canada, these channels are 1, 6, and 11. Just like you'll sometimes hear interference on one radio station while another is perfectly clear, sometimes one wireless channel is clearer than others. Try changing your wireless router's channel through your router's configuration page to see if your signal strength improves. You don't need to change your computer's configuration, because it'll automatically detect the new channel.
7. Reduce wireless interference

If you have cordless phones or other wireless electronics in your home, your computer might not be able to "hear" your router over the noise from the other wireless devices. To quiet the noise, avoid wireless electronics that use the 2.4GHz frequency. Instead, look for cordless phones that use the 5.8GHz or 900MHz frequencies.
8. Update your firmware or your network adapter driver

Router manufacturers regularly make free improvements to their routers. Sometimes, these improvements increase performance. To get the latest firmware updates for your router, visit your router manufacturer's Web site.

Similarly, network adapter vendors occasionally update the software that Windows uses to communicate with your network adapter, known as the driver. These updates typically improve performance and reliability. To get the driver updates, do the following:
Windows 7 and Windows Vista

*

Click Start menu, click All Programs, and then click Windows Update.
*

In the left pane, click Check for updates, and then wait while Windows Vista looks for the latest updates for your computer.
*

Install any updates relating to your wireless network adapter.

Windows XP

*

Visit Microsoft Update, click Custom, and then wait while Windows XP looks for the latest updates for your computer.
*

Install any updates relating to your wireless adapter.


9. Pick equipment from a single vendor

While a Linksys router will work with a D-Link network adapter, you often get better performance if you pick a router and network adapter from the same vendor. Some vendors offer a performance boost of up to twice the performance when you choose their hardware: Linksys has the SpeedBooster technology, and D-Link has the 108G enhancement.
10. Upgrade 802.11b devices to 802.11g

802.11b is the most common type of wireless network, but 802.11g is about five times faster. 802.11g is backward-compatible with 802.11b, so you can still use any 802.11b equipment that you have. If you're using 802.11b and you're unhappy with the performance, consider replacing your router and network adapters with 802.11g-compatible equipment. If you're buying new equipment, definitely choose 802.11g.

Wireless networks never reach the theoretical bandwidth limits. 802.11b networks typically get 2-5Mbps. 802.11g is usually in the 13-23Mbps range. Belkin's Pre-N equipment has been measured at 37-42Mbps.

Un-install Wordpad, Automatic Update, Messenger,

Un-install Wordpad, Automatic Update,
Messenger,
Use Notepad or another text editor to open the Setup Information file, sysoc.inf, which is
generally found in the C:\WINDOWS\INF folder. For this folder to be visible, you will have
to enable hidden folders by going into Windows Explorer and choosing Tools Folder
Options View Show Hidden Files and Folders. The lines in the file follow the format:
program=program.dll,OcEntry,program.inf,,numeral

Remove the word HIDE from the entry that refers to the component you want to remove.
Save the sysoc.inf file, and run the Windows Components Wizard under Add/Remove
programs. The component will now show up in the wizard. Remove it as you would any other
component.

Disabling Recent Documents History

Disabling Recent Documents History

The bad thing about Recent Documents History is that Windows XP has to calculate
what should be put there each time you boot Windows, which can slow things down.
1. Open the Registry Editor (select Start/Run, type regedit, and click OK).
2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Mcft\Windows\
CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer.
3. Create a NoRecentDocsHistory D_WORD key. Double-click the value to open it
once it is created.
4. Set the Data Value to 1 to enable the restriction.
5. Click OK and close the Registry Editor. You'll need to restart the computer for the
change to take effect.

Windows Shortcuts Explained, XP, 2008, Vista,windows7

Windows Shortcuts Explained, XP, 2008, Vista,windows7
To Access….
Run Command
Accessibility Controls
access.cpl
Accessibility Wizard
accwiz
Add Hardware Wizard
hdwwiz.cpl
Add/Remove Programs
appwiz.cpl
Administrative Tools
control admintools
Adobe Acrobat (if installed)
acrobat
Adobe Designer (if installed)
acrodist
Adobe Distiller (if installed)
acrodist
Adobe ImageReady (if installed)
imageready
Adobe Photoshop (if installed)
photoshop
Automatic Updates
wuaucpl.cpl
Bluetooth Transfer Wizard
fsquirt
Calculator
calc
Certificate Manager
certmgr.msc
Character Map
charmap
Check Disk Utility
chkdsk
Clipboard Viewer
clipbrd
Command Prompt
cmd
Component Services
dcomcnfg
Computer Management
compmgmt.msc
Control Panel
control
Date and Time Properties
timedate.cpl
DDE Shares
ddeshare
Device Manager
devmgmt.msc
Direct X Control Panel (If Installed)*
directx.cpl
Direct X Troubleshooter
dxdiag
Disk Cleanup Utility
cleanmgr
Disk Defragment
dfrg.msc
Disk Management
diskmgmt.msc
Disk Partition Manager
diskpart
Display Properties
control desktop
Display Properties
desk.cpl
Display Properties (w/Appearance Tab Preselected)
control color
Dr. Watson System Troubleshooting Utility
drwtsn32
Driver Verifier Utility
verifier
Event Viewer
eventvwr.msc
Files and Settings Transfer Tool
migwiz
File Signature Verification Tool
sigverif
Findfast
findfast.cpl
Firefox (if installed)
firefox
Folders Properties
control folders
Fonts
control fonts
Fonts Folder
fonts
Free Cell Card Game
freecell
Game Controllers
joy.cpl
Group Policy Editor (XP Prof)
gpedit.msc
Hearts Card Game
mshearts
Help and Support
helpctr
HyperTerminal
hypertrm
Iexpress Wizard
iexpress
Indexing Service
ciadv.msc
Internet Connection Wizard
icwconn1
Internet Explorer
iexplore
Internet Properties
inetcpl.cpl
Internet Setup Wizard
inetwiz
IP Configuration (Display Connection Configuration)
ipconfig /all
IP Configuration (Display DNS Cache Contents)
ipconfig /displaydns
IP Configuration (Delete DNS Cache Contents)
ipconfig /flushdns
IP Configuration (Release All Connections)
ipconfig /release
IP Configuration (Renew All Connections)
ipconfig /renew
IP Configuration (Refreshes DHCP & Re-Registers DNS)
ipconfig /registerdns
IP Configuration (Display DHCP Class ID)
ipconfig /showclassid
IP Configuration (Modifies DHCP Class ID)
ipconfig /setclassid
Java Control Panel (If Installed)
jpicpl32.cpl
Java Control Panel (If Installed)
javaws
Keyboard Properties
control keyboard
Local Security Settings
secpol.msc
Local Users and Groups
lusrmgr.msc
Logs You Out Of Windows
logoff
Malicious Software Removal Tool
mrt
Microsoft Access (if installed)
access.cpl
Microsoft Chat
winchat
Microsoft Excel (if installed)
excel
Microsoft Frontpage (if installed)
frontpg
Microsoft Movie Maker
moviemk
Microsoft Paint
mspaint
Microsoft Powerpoint (if installed)
powerpnt
Microsoft Word (if installed)
winword
Microsoft Syncronization Tool
mobsync
Minesweeper Game
winmine
Mouse Properties
control mouse
Mouse Properties
main.cpl
Nero (if installed)
nero
Netmeeting
conf
Network Connections
control netconnections
Network Connections
ncpa.cpl
Network Setup Wizard
netsetup.cpl
Notepad
notepad
Nview Desktop Manager (If Installed)
nvtuicpl.cpl
Object Packager
packager
ODBC Data Source Administrator
odbccp32.cpl
On Screen Keyboard
osk
Opens AC3 Filter (If Installed)
ac3filter.cpl
Outlook Express
msimn
Paint
pbrush
Password Properties
password.cpl
Performance Monitor
perfmon.msc
Performance Monitor
perfmon
Phone and Modem Options
telephon.cpl
Phone Dialer
dialer
Pinball Game
pinball
Power Configuration
powercfg.cpl
Printers and Faxes
control printers
Printers Folder
printers
Private Character Editor
eudcedit
Quicktime (If Installed)
QuickTime.cpl
Quicktime Player (if installed)
quicktimeplayer
Real Player (if installed)
realplay
Regional Settings
intl.cpl
Registry Editor
regedit
Registry Editor
regedit32
Remote Access Phonebook
rasphone
Remote Desktop
mstsc
Removable Storage
ntmsmgr.msc
Removable Storage Operator Requests
ntmsoprq.msc
Resultant Set of Policy (XP Prof)
rsop.msc
Scanners and Cameras
sticpl.cpl
Scheduled Tasks
control schedtasks
Security Center
wscui.cpl
Services
services.msc
Shared Folders
fsmgmt.msc
Shuts Down Windows
shutdown
Sounds and Audio
mmsys.cpl
Spider Solitare Card Game
spider
SQL Client Configuration
cliconfg
System Configuration Editor
sysedit
System Configuration Utility
msconfig
System File Checker Utility (Scan Immediately)
sfc /scannow
System File Checker Utility (Scan Once At Next Boot)
sfc /scanonce
System File Checker Utility (Scan On Every Boot)
sfc /scanboot
System File Checker Utility (Return to Default Setting)
sfc /revert
System File Checker Utility (Purge File Cache)
sfc /purgecache
System File Checker Utility (Set Cache Size to size x)
sfc /cachesize=x
System Information
msinfo32
System Properties
sysdm.cpl
Task Manager
taskmgr
TCP Tester
tcptest
Telnet Client
telnet
Tweak UI (if installed)
tweakui
User Account Management
nusrmgr.cpl
Utility Manager
utilman
Windows Address Book
wab
Windows Address Book Import Utility
wabmig
Windows Backup Utility (if installed)
ntbackup
Windows Explorer
explorer
Windows Firewall
firewall.cpl
Windows Magnifier
magnify
Windows Management Infrastructure
wmimgmt.msc
Windows Media Player
wmplayer
Windows Messenger
msmsgs
Windows Picture Import Wizard (need camera connected)
wiaacmgr
Windows System Security Tool
syskey
Windows Update Launches
wupdmgr
Windows Version (to show which version of windows)
winver
Windows XP Tour Wizard
tourstart
Wordpad
write

Prevent PenDrive Virus

Prevent PenDrive Virus
:: Do the following ::

1) Disable autorun/autoplay function of your pen drive.

2) Now plugin your pen drive and open any folder of your computer.
(Do not open any folder from ur pen drive.)

3) Now goto tools then select Folder Option
In that box mark the Show Hidden Files & Folders option.
Also Uncheck Hide Extension for known file types & Hide Protected OS files.

Now click apply and ok buttons and close that folder.

4) Now come to desktop.
On the Desktop, click on windows Start button and select Search for files & folders.

When the search dialog box appears on the screen, in that click on All Files & Folders, now click on More Advanced Options then select search Hidden files & folders.


Now go above & in Look In option, select your pendrive letter (For example E: Or G:)
and hit Enter.

5) Now if you see any unknown .Exefiles, simply delete them all.

To lock a folder

To lock a folder
Hi friends try this..
first select a folder for example i'll use a folder name movies in D drive
D:\movies\
in the same drive u create a text file and type
ren movies movies.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}
and save it as loc.bat
again u type in a notepad as
ren movies.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D} movies
and save it as key.bat
now in D drive u can see two batch files loc and key.. when u double click loc the
movie folder will change to control panel and whn u double click key the control
panel will change to normal folder..
Try this out...
Computer

AUTO DELETE TEMPORARY FOLDER.

AUTO DELETE TEMPORARY FOLDER.
First go into gpedit.msc
Next select -> Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/Terminal Services/Temporary Folder
Then right click "Do Not Delete Temp Folder Upon Exit"
Go to properties and hit disable. Now next time Windows puts a temp file in that folder it will automatically delete it when its done! Note from Forum Admin: Remember, GPEDIT (Group Policy Editor) is only available in XP Pro.

show Hidden Files

Method 1:

Go to registry editor by running regedit in the run box.
Go to this key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced


In the right hand area, double click hidden and change the value to 1.

Now you’re all set to go. Check it in your tools menu if the changes have taken effect.
Method 2: (Mannar Deepak Pilla)

1. Click “Start” -> “Run…” (or press Windows key + R)
2. Type “regedit” and click “Ok”.
3. Find the key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL
4. Look at the “CheckedValue” key… This should be a DWORD key. If it isn’t, delete the key.
5. Create a new key called “CheckedValue” as a DWORD (hexadecimal) with a value of 1.
6. The “Show hidden files & folders” check box should now work normally.

Enjoy! :)

Rename recycle Bin as your wish

1. Start, Run, 'Regedit'.
2. Press 'Ctrl'+'F' to open find box and type 'Recycle Bin' to search.
3. Change any value data with 'Recycle Bin' to whatever name you want to give it ( ie, like 'Trash Can' or 'Dump' etc).
4. Press F3 to continue searching for 'Recycle Bin' and change wherever you come across 'Recycle Bin' to new its new name.
5. Repeat step 4 until you have finished with searching and changed all values to its new name.
6. Close regedit and hit F5 on desktop to see the new name on screen.

Note: As a good practice, always backup your registry before changing anything although changing 'Recycle Bin' name is a simple tweak and doesnt affect anything else.

xp shutdown easy

Ever want a quicker way to shutdown XP without navigating through the start menu, or using a third party shutdown utility Here is a script that will do just that.

Right click the desktop and choose New Shortcut. Copy and paste this script or type it in.

%windir%System32shutdown.exe -s -t 0

Choose Next and name it whatever you like. I name mine OFF. Click Finished. Right click and choose properties and pick a Icon for it if you'd like. I use a wall light switch Icon. I drag mine into my QuickLaunch toolbar for one click shutdown.

Enjoy!

Keep Folders Hidden

Keep Folders Hidden

first create a new folder somewhere on your hard drive
when you name it hold down "Alt" and press "0160" this will create and invisible space so it will apper as if it has no name.
then right click in and select "Properties" select the tab "coustimize" and select "change icon" scroll along and you should a few blanc spaces click on any one and click ok when you hav saved the settings the folder will be invisible to hide all your personal files

How to fix corrupted files in XP

** Required **
+ Windows XP operating system
+ Windows XP cd

+ Place the xp cd in your cd/dvd drive
+ Go to start
+ run
+ type in 'sfc /scannow' (without the ')

Now it should all load, and fix all your corrupted file on windows XP :)

How To Copy A Dvd Which Will Play On A X Box

HOW TO COPY A DVD WHICH WILL PLAY ON A X BOX

TOOLS YOU WILL NEED:

DVD decrypter
DAEMON TOOLS
DVD2ONE
NERO 5.5.10 or above.

1. Rip the DVD in ISO mode with DVD decrypter to your hdd.
(mode=ISO-read)

2. Right click DEAMON TOOLS icon on your desktop
virtual cd/dvd rom
Device 0 [k] no media
Mount Image - ISO file

3. Make a main folder ( title MOVIE ) on your desktop.
make 2 subfolders in it VIDEO_TS and AUDIO_TS

4. Open DVD2ONE. choose movie only or entire disc.
source - drive you mounted in step 2 (VIDEO_TS)
Destination - VIDEO_TS folder you created in step 3.
start

5. DEAMON TOOLS - unmount the drive you made in step 2.
you can now delete the ISO file to save disc space

6. open NERO
close wizard
New Compilation DVD
Left Column (DVDROM/UDF/ISO)
No Multisession
UHF check Force DVD compatability (required for x box)
Label ( NAME OF MOVIE ) ALL CAPITAL LETTERS
Click New
drag over the VIDEO_TS FOLDER and AUDIO_TS folder you made
BURN

Secure your Desktop Icons and Settings

Secure your Desktop Icons and Settings :

You can save your desktop settings and secure it from your nerdy friend by playing with the registry. Simply launch the Registry Editor go to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

In the right pane create a new DWORD Value named NoSaveSettings and modify it's value to 1. Refresh and restart for the settings to get saved.