Use Windows to block IP's and IP ranges

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If you dont have control over a router or firewall you can block IP's at the server via Windows.

Click 'Start' > 'Run' >type 'MMC' press ok.

In the console click > 'File' > 'Add/Remove Snap in'

In the 'Standalone Tab' click The 'add' button

Seclect 'IP Security Policy Managment' > 'ADD' > 'Local Computer' > 'finish' > 'close' > 'ok'

You should now be back to the console.

In the left frame right click 'IP security policies on local computer' > 'Create IP security policy'

Click Next and then name your policy 'Block IP' and type a description.

Click 'Next' then leave 'activate' ticked then click 'Next'

leave the 'edit properties ticked and click 'Finish'

You should now have the properties window open.

Click 'ADD' then click 'Next' to continue.

Leave 'This rule does not specify a tunnel' selected and click 'next'

Leave 'all network connections' selected and click 'next'

You should now be on the IP filter list. You need to create a new filter, so dont select any of the default ones. Click 'ADD'

Type a Name for your list, call it 'IP block list'
Type a description in, can be same as name.
Click 'ADD' then click 'Next' to continue.

In the description box type a description. As its the first IP you are blocking call it 'IP1' or 'IP Range 1'
Leave ticked the 'Mirrored. Match packets with the exact opposite source and destination addresses'
Click 'Next'

The 'Source address' should be left as 'My IP address' click 'Next'

You can now select 'A Specific IP address' or 'A Specific Subnet' for the Destination address.
Type in the IP address you want to block and if blocking a subnet type in the subnet block. Click 'next'

Leave the protocol type as 'Any' and click 'Next' and then 'Finish'

You have now blocked your first IP or IP range.

Connecting a Microsoft Vista computer to a domain

This article reproduced from this page:
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/decf180e-ec4c-4db5-9086-eb8003c529b31033.mspx

Connect your computer to a domain
Applies to: Business, Enterprise, Ultimate.
Which edition of Windows Vista am I using?

A domain is a collection of computers on a network that are administered as a unit with common rules and procedures. Each domain has a unique name. Typically domains are used for workplace networks. To connect your computer to a domain, you need to know the name of the domain and have a valid user account on the domain.


1. Open System by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking System.

2. Under Computer Name, Domain, and Workgroup Settings, click Change settings. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

3. Click the Computer Name tab, and then click Change.

4. Under Member of, click Domain.

5. Type the name of the domain that you want to join, and then click OK.

You will be asked to type your user name and password for the domain.

Once you are successfully joined to the domain, you will be prompted to restart your computer. You must restart your computer before the changes take effect.

Note:If your computer was a member of a workgroup before you joined the domain, it will be removed from the workgroup.

3xd PC Tips & Tricks: Keep your computer secure and reduce spam with Office Updates!

One way you can keep your computer safe and secure as well as cut down on the spam email you receive is to keep your Microsoft Office Software up to date.

Windows Updates
You probably knew that keeping your Windows PC secure with Microsoft updates is important. You can configure your computer to do this automatically or you can go here to get the latest updates: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/

Office Updates
What you might not know is that your office applications need to be updated as well against security exploits as well. These updates don't always come through the automated Windows Updater. Some of these updates must be applied by visiting the Microsoft Office Updater here:
http://office.microsoft.com/search/redir.aspx?AssetID=ES790020331033&Origin=HH101730061033&CTT=5

Controlling Spam
Updating your Office software also installs the latest updates for the Junk Mail filter built into Microsoft Outlook 2003 and above. This is a great tool to manage spam in your inbox. We recommend visiting the Office updater once a month at least to keep your Office application up to date.

3xd PC Tips & Tricks: Keyboard shortcuts using the Windows logo key
10-24-06

Keyboard shortcuts using the Windows logo key

The Microsoft Windows logo key, located in the bottom row of most computer keyboards is a little-used treasure. Don't ignore it, it is the shortcut anchor for the following commands:

Windows: Display the Start menu
Windows + D: Minimize or restore all windows
Windows + E: Display Windows Explorer
Windows + F: Display Search for files
Windows + Ctrl + F: Display Search for computer
Windows + F1: Display Help and Support Center
Windows + R: Display Run dialog box
Windows + shift + M: Undo minimize all windows
Windows + L: Lock the workstation
Windows + U: Open Utility Manager