Part I-Unleashing Windows 95 Installation and Startup

Chapter 1-Understanding the Windows 95 Installation

Look Before You Leap: Understanding Windows 95 Setup

How the Setup Process Works

Startup and System Check

Information Collection

Hardware Detection

Startup Disk Creation and File Installation

Windows 95 Configuration

Root Directory Files Created By Setup

What Happens to Existing DOS Files?

Windows 95 System Requirements

OSR2 Considerations

Preparing Your System: A Checklist

Check Your System Requirements

Back Up Your Files

Clean Out Your Hard Disk

If Upgrading, Prepare Windows

Check and Defragment Your Hard Disk

Create a Bootable Floppy Disk

Shut Down Any Unnecessary TSRs

Use MSD To Print Out a System Report

Some Notes About Dual- (and Multi-) Booting

Dual-Booting With Windows 3.x

Installing Windows 95 If Windows 3.x Is Already Installed

Installing Windows 3.x If Windows 95 Is Already Installed

Dual-Booting With Windows NT

Installing Windows NT After Installing Windows 95

Installing Windows 95 After Installing Windows NT

Dual-Booting With OS/2 Warp

Multi-Booting With Three or More Operating Systems

Chapter 2-Running the Windows 95 Setup Program

Running the Windows 95 Setup Program

Getting Started

Performing a Clean Installation

Options for Starting Setup

Running Setup From Your Hard Disk

Setup's Command Line Options

Once Setup Is Under Way

Supplying the Setup Wizard With Information

Choose Directory

Change Directory

Save System Files

Setup Options

User Information

Key Identification or Product Identification

Product Identification

Analyzing Your Computer: Typical, Portable, and Compact Options

Analyzing Your Computer: Custom Option

Get Connected

Windows Components

Select Components

Computer Settings

Startup Disk

Start Copying Files

Finishing Setup

Finishing the Installation

Entering a Windows Password

Setting the Time Zone

Configuring Microsoft Exchange

Configuring a Printer

The Home Stretch

Do You Need AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS?

Adding and Removing Windows 95 Components

Adding Windows 95 Components

Adding Components From the Windows 95 CD-ROM

Removing Windows 95 Components

Installing Microsoft Plus!

Installing the Windows 95 Service Pack

Removing Your Old Windows 3.x and DOS Files

Reinstalling Windows 95

Uninstalling Windows 95

Using the Windows 95 Uninstall Feature

Uninstalling Windows 95 By Hand

Summary

Chapter 3-Troubleshooting Setup Woes

Understanding Safe Recovery

Safe Recovery If Setup Failed Before Hardware Detection

Safe Recovery If Setup Failed During Hardware Detection

Safe Recovery If Setup Failed After Hardware Detection

Setup Won't Start

Setup Hangs During Installation

The Clean Boot

Setup Hangs During the ScanDisk Check

Setup Hangs on Disk 2 or Later

Setup Hangs During Hardware Detection

Setup Hangs After the First Reboot

Hardware Problems

Startup Disk Problems

Setup Error Messages

Uninstall Problems

Miscellaneous Problems

Summary

Chapter 4-Start It Your Way: Understanding Windows 95 Startup

The Boot Process, From Power Up to Startup

Custom Startups with the Windows 95 Startup Menu

Logged (\BOOTLOG.TXT)

Safe Mode

Safe Mode with Network Support

Step-By-Step Confirmation

Command Prompt Only

Safe Mode Command Prompt Only

Previous Version of MS-DOS

Shortcut Keys For Startup Menu Options

Custom Startups with MSDOS.SYS

Opening MSDOS.SYS

The [Paths] Section

The [Options] Section

Creating Your Own Startup Logo

Command Line Switches for Starting Windows 95

Troubleshooting Windows 95 Startup

When to Use the Various Startup Menu Options

A Step-By-Step Strategy

Windows 95 Won't Start in Safe Mode

Miscellaneous Startup Snags

Understanding the Windows 95 Shutdown Process

The Shut Down Command

Customizing the Windows 95 Shutdown Screens

Summary

Chapter 5-Windows 95: The 50¢ Tour

The Desktop: Your New Windows Home

Some New Windows 95 Concepts You Should Know

Understanding Windows 95 Objects

Folders: Directories and Then Some

Long Filenames (Finally!)

Shortcuts (Or, Can I Get There From Here?)

The Desktop Redux

My Computer: A Version of Your Stuff

Network Neighborhood: Your Network Community

Inbox: The (Almost) Universal Messaging Client

The Recycle Bin: Your Windows 95 Trash Can

The Internet: Surfing the Web

The Microsoft Network

My Briefcase: Coordinating Desktop and Laptop

A Tour of the Taskbar

The Start Button: The Windows 95 Launch Pad

Navigating Applications with the Taskbar

The Information Area

Explorer: File Manager on Steroids

Taking a Look Around

Basic File and Folder Operations

Explorer Versus My Computer

Control Panel: The Windows 95 Customization Center

A Quick Look at the Windows 95 Accessories

Calculator

Character Map

Dial-Up Networking

Direct Cable Connection

Games

HyperTerminal

Multimedia

Notepad

Paint

Phone Dialer

System Tools

WordPad

Windows 95's Powerful New Help System

Invoking the Help System

Navigating Help Topics

Searching for Help Topics in the Index Tab

Searching for Help Topics in the Find Tab

What's New in OSR2?

The Registry: Say Goodbye to INIs (Sort Of)

Is Windows 95 an Honest-to-Goodness Operating System?

A Final Treat: The Windows 95 Easter Egg

Summary

Chapter 6-Under the Hood: Understanding the Windows 95 Architecture

Under the Hood: Understanding the Windows 95 Architecture

Device Drivers

Configuration Manager

Installable File System Manager

Virtual Machine Manager

Core Operating System Components

The Windows 95 Shell

Application Support

The Windows 95 Registry

Intel's Protection Ring Architecture

Improvements in the Windows 95 File System

Windows 95 File System Architecture

The Installable File System Manager

File System Device Drivers

The Block I/O Subsystem

More About Long Filenames

Part II-Unleashing Windows Customization and Optimization

Chapter 7-Customizing Windows 95

Customizing the Taskbar

Sizing the Taskbar

Moving the Taskbar

Taskbar Properties

Customizing the Start Menu

Adding and Removing Start Menu Shortcuts

Working with the Start Menu Folder Directly

Start Menu Tricks

A Desktop to Call Your Own

Working with Desktop Patterns

Wallpapering the Desktop?

Setting Screen Saver and Energy Saving Features

Renovating the Desktop: Colors, Fonts, and Sizes

Changing the Display Settings

Easy Access to the Desktop

Setting the Date and Time

Worldwide Windows: Customizing the Regional Settings

Working with the Accessibility Options

Keyboard Options

Sound Options

Display Options

Mouse Options

General Options

Working with User Profiles

Microsoft Plus! Customization Options

Microsoft Plus! Display Properties

Selecting a Desktop Theme

Summary

Chapter 8-Personalizing the Mouse, Keyboard, and Joystick

Personalizing the Mouse, Keyboard, and Joystick

Customizing the Mouse

Customizing the Keyboard

Calibrating Your Joystick

Chapter 9-Windows 95 Performance Tuning and Optimization

Windows 95 and Memory: A Primer

Memory in the Pre-Windows 95 World

The Move to 32 Bits

How Windows 95 Handles Memory

Performance Tuning: General Considerations

Using System Monitor

Examining Performance Properties

General Performance Tuning Suggestions

Optimizing Memory

Using System Monitor to Track Memory Settings

Managing the Swap File

Optimizing System Resources

Miscellaneous Ideas for Optimizing Memory

Optimizing Disk Access

Using System Monitor to Track File System Settings

Optimizing Cluster Size

Using Protected Mode Drivers

Making Cache Adjustments

Overcoming File Fragmentation

Using Disk Defragmenter

Using Disk Defragmenter From the Command Line

Summary

Chapter 10-How Windows 95 Handles Hardware

Windows 95's Hardware Innovations

The Situation Before Windows 95

The IRQ

The I/O Port Address

The DMA Channel

More Device Woes

Device Support in Windows 95

Understanding Device Drivers

Device Driver Architecture

Virtual Device Drivers Versus Real Mode Drivers

Device Driver Loading at Startup

Understanding Plug and Play

The Plug and Play BIOS

Plug and Play Devices

Plug and Play in Windows 95: the Configuration Manager

Working with the Device Manager

Viewing Devices by IRQ, I/O Port, and DMA Channel

Printing a System Report

Removing a Device

Viewing Device Properties

Viewing and Adjusting a Device's Resources

Changing Drivers Via the Device Manager

Adjusting Device Settings

Adding New Hardware

Automatically Detecting New Devices

Specifying New Devices Manually

Setting Up Hardware Profiles

Creating a New Hardware Profile

Adding and Removing Devices in a Hardware Profile

Drivers for Specific Devices

CD-ROM Device Drivers

Communications Device Drivers

Graphics Adapter Device Drivers

Infrared Device Drivers

Keyboard Device Drivers

Mouse Device Drivers

PCMCIA (PC Card) Device Drivers

Printer Device Drivers

SCSI Controller Device Drivers

Troubleshooting Hardware Headaches

Troubleshooting with the Performance Tab

Device Manager as a Troubleshooting Tool

Using the Hardware Conflict Troubleshooter

Troubleshooting Protected-Mode Driver Problems

Summary

Chapter 11-Introducing the Windows 95 Registry

A Synopsis of the Registry

A Brief History of Configuration Files

The Registry Puts an End to INI Chaos

Your Old Configuration Files Still Work

Understanding the Registry Files

The Registry, Part I: USER.DAT

The Registry, Part II: SYSTEM.DAT

Starting the Registry Editor

Examining the Structure of the Registry

Navigating the Keys Pane

Adjusting the Size of the Registry Editor Panes

Registry Settings

The Registry's Root Keys

The HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT Key

The HKEY_CURRENT_USER Key

The HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Key

The HKEY_USERS Key

The HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG Key

The HKEY_DYN_DATA Key

Summarizing the Structure of the Registry

Working with Registry Entries

Changing the Value of a Registry Entry

Other Registry Entry Techniques

Finding Registry Entries

Importing and Exporting Registry Files

Printing the Registry

Troubleshooting the Registry

Summary

Chapter 12-Hacking the Registry

Working with File Types and Applications

Customizing the New Menu

Adding File Types to the New Menu

Multiple New Menu Commands for a Single Application

Deleting File Types from the New Menu

Creating Application-Specific Paths

Associating Multiple Extensions With One Application

Modifying Windows 95's Desktop Icons

Changing the Desktop Icons

Deleting Desktop Icons

Hiding the Network Neighborhood

Renaming the Recycle Bin

Using the Registry to Fiddle With Files

Disabling Numeric Tails

Adjusting Explorer's Refresh Rate

Removing the Arrows From Shortcut Icons

Customizing the Shortcut Arrow

Using a Bitmap File's Own Image as its Icon

Customizing the Windows 95 Interface

Creating a Desktop Pattern Without a Mouse

Slowing Down the Start Menus

Disabling Window Animation

Playing With Button Shadows

Working with the Welcome Screen

Creating Your Own Welcome Screen Tips

More Welcome Screen Tips

Better Double-Clicking

Customizing Some Setup Settings

Changing Your Registered Name and Company Name

Changing the Windows 95 Source Path

Summary

Part III- Unleashing Files, Folders, and Disks

Chapter 13-Working with Files and Folders

Exploiting Explorer

The Expedited Explorer

The Economical Explorer Keyboard

The Explorer Toolbar

Customizing Explorer

Hiding and Displaying Files

Display the Folder Path

Displaying File Extensions

Toggling the Description Bar

Sorting Files and Folders

Drag-and-Drop Revisited

Easier File Finagling With the Send To Command

Using Explorer From the Command Line

Can I Get There From Here? Working with Shortcuts

What Is a Shortcut?

Methods for Creating Shortcuts

Working with Shortcut Properties

If You Move, Rename, Or Delete the Target

A Cornucopia of Shortcut Ideas and Techniques

Folders

The Start Menu

The StartUp Menu

Disk Drives

Network Computers

Executable Files

Documents

Document Scraps

Printers

Control Panel Icons

The Microsoft Network

Web Sites

Working with File Types

Using a Different File Type to Open a Document

Modifying Actions for an Existing File Type

Creating New Actions for an Existing File Type

Creating a New File Type

Creating a Simple File Type

Creating a More Advanced File Type

Finding File Needles in Hard Disk Haystacks

Starting Find

Searching By Name and Location

Searching By Date

Advanced Searching

Running the Search

Trash Talk: Understanding the Recycle Bin

Sending a File or Folder to the Recycle Bin

Restoring a File From the Recycle Bin

Setting Recycle Bin Properties

Chapter 14-Disk Driving: Dealing with Disks

Disk Driving: Dealing with Disks

Formatting a Floppy Disk

Copying a Floppy Disk

Viewing Disk Properties

Compressing Disks with DriveSpace

OSR2 differences

How DriveSpace Works

If You Compress Files and Free Space

If You Compress Free Space Only

Managing the CVF

Compressing Files and Free Space

Compressing Free Space Only

Modifying the Size of a Compressed Drive

Uncompressing a Drive

Using DriveSpace 3 from Microsoft Plus!

Partitioning a Disk

Creating a Primary Partition

Creating an Extended Partition and Logical DOS Drives

Deleting an Extended Partition

Deleting a Primary Partition

Summary

Chapter 15-Protecting Your Windows 95 Investment

Creating an Emergency Boot Disk

Protecting Long Filenames

Backing Up Your Files (the Better-Safe-Than-Sorry Dept.)

Starting Backup

Selecting the Files to Back Up

Some Thoughts on "Real-World" Backups

Filtering Files

Selecting Backup Options

Working With Backup's Drag-and-Drop Settings

Selecting the Backup Destination

Saving Your Backup Set

Performing the Backup

Working With a Backup Set

Restoring Backed Up Data

Selecting the Backup Set

Setting Restore Options

Selecting the Files to Restore

Restoring the Files

Backing Up the Registry

Creating a Registry Backup

Restoring a Registry Backup

Using the Emergency Recovery Utility

Saving Your Configuration Files

Restoring Your Configuration Files

Preventing and Repairing Hard Disk Errors With ScanDisk

Understanding Lost Clusters

Understanding Invalid Clusters

Understanding Cross-Linked Clusters

Getting ScanDisk Ready

Setting Surface Scan Options

Setting Advanced Options

Starting the Test

Running ScanDisk at Startup

Using the Microsoft Diagnostics Utility

Scheduling Maintenance Tasks With System Agent

Starting System Agent

Changing a Program's Schedule

Advanced Scheduling Options

Modifying a Scheduled Program's Properties

Adding a New Scheduled Program

Guarding Against Viruses

Boza: A Virus Windows 95 Can Call Its Own

Windows 95 Anti-Virus Programs

More Virus Tips

Summary

Part IV- Unleashing Day-to-Day Windows 95

Chapter 16-Installing & Running Applications

Practicing Safe Setups

Check the New Program For Viruses

Make Sure You Have a Bootable Disk

Understand the Effect On Your Data Files

Back Up the Registry

In Fact, Back Up All Your Configuration Files

Save Directory Listings For Important Folders

Read "README" Files and Other Documentation

Take Control of the Installation

Comparing Files Before and After

The Brute Force Method

The FC Command

Your Word Processor's Compare Feature

Working with the Add/Remove Programs Wizard

Installing Applications

Installing 32-Bit Applications

Installation Guidelines for 32-Bit Applications

What Happens to the Registry

32-Bit Installation Procedure

Installing 16-Bit Applications

Installing DOS Programs

Installing Applications from a Server

Uninstalling Applications

Uninstalling 32-Bit Applications

Uninstalling 16-Bit Applications

Uninstalling DOS Programs

Troubleshooting Install and Uninstall Problems

Summary

Chapter 17-Sharing Data in Windows 95: the Clipboard and OLE

How the Clipboard Works

How the User Sees the Clipboard

How the Programmer Sees the Clipboard

Understanding Clipboard Formats

Cut-and-Paste Clipboard Techniques

Working With Data and Files

Pasting Data In a Different Format

Sending Screen Shots to the Clipboard

Sharing Data Between DOS and Windows Applications

Copying Text from a DOS Application

Pasting Text to a DOS Program

Sharing Graphics Between DOS and Windows

Using the Clipboard Viewer

Saving the Clipboard's Contents

Deleting the Clipboard's Contents

Understanding OLE

First, Some Fundamentals

Compound Documents

Understanding Linking

Understanding Embedding

Should You Link or Embed?

Visual Editing

Nested Objects

Object Conversion

The Component Object Model

OLE Drag-and-Drop

OLE Automation

ActiveX Controls

OLE and the Registry

Programmatic Identifier Keys

CLSID Keys

OLE and the Windows 95 Shell

Quick View

Shortcuts

Shell Extensions

Working with OLE

Linking an Object

Linking Via the Clipboard

Inserting a File as a Linked Object

Managing Links

Embedding an Object

Embedding Via the Clipboard

Embedding Via Drag-and-Drop

Inserting a New Embedded Object

Inserting an Embedded File

Editing a Linked or Embedded Object

Summary

Chapter 18-Using Fonts in Windows 95

Fontamentals Part I: The Architecture of Characters

Typeface

Type Size

Type Style

Character Spacing

Fontamentals, Part II: Screen Fonts Versus Printer Fonts

Fontamentals Part III: The Font-Rendering Mechanism

Raster Fonts

Vector Fonts

TrueType Fonts

Other Windows 95 Fonts

Working with Fonts

Opening a Font

Changing the Fonts Folder View

Adding New Fonts to Windows 95

Deleting Old Fonts

Font Tips

Using Character Map For Extra Symbols and Characters

Font Limitations

Troubleshooting Fonts

Summary

Chapter 19-Prescriptions for Perfect Printing

Understanding the Windows 95 Printing Subsystem

Spooling Enhanced Metafiles

Printer Drivers

Deferred Printing

Support for the Extended Capabilities Port

Improved DOS Printing

Point and Print

Installing a Printer With the Add Printer Wizard

Removing a Printer

Printing Documents in Windows 95

Using Drag-and-Drop to Print Files

Other Printing Methods

Deferring Print Jobs

Getting a "Soft" Copy: Printing to a File

Managing Print Jobs

Pausing a Print Job

Canceling a Print Job

Changing the Order of the Print Jobs

Working with Printer Properties

General Properties

The Details Tab

Paper Properties

Fonts Properties

PostScript Properties

Tips for Saving Paper

Troubleshooting Windows 95 Printing

Using the Print Troubleshooter

Using the Enhanced Print Troubleshooter

Miscellaneous Printing Perplexities

Summary

Chapter 20-Windows 95 On the Road: Notebook Computers and the Briefcase

Windows 95's Advanced Power Management Features

Understanding Advanced Power Management

Enabling Advanced Power Management Support

Other APM Settings

Monitoring Battery Life

Working with Power Management Properties

Entering Suspend Mode

Synchronizing Laptop and Desktop with Briefcase

Step 1: Copying Files to the Briefcase Folder

Step 2: Copy the Files to the Notebook

Step 3: Work On the Files and then Update the Floppy Briefcase

Step 4: Update the Briefcase on the Desktop

Working with PC Card (PCMCIA) Devices

Windows 95 and PC Cards

Enabling PC Card Socket Support in Windows 95

Inserting a PC Card Device

Removing a PC Card Device

Setting PC Card Properties

Notes About Hot-Docking and Hardware Profiles

Setting Up Your Notebook's Infrared Port

Installing the Windows 95 IrDA Driver

Adjusting the IrDA Driver's Properties

Summary

Chapter 21-DOS Isn't Dead: Optimizing DOS Applications Under Windows 95

What's New

DOS Commands in Windows 95

Getting to DOS

Starting a DOS Session

Starting DOS Without Exiting the Windows 95 GUI

An Easier Method For Opening a DOS Session in the Current Folder

Starting a DOS Session in MS-DOS Mode

What Happens When You Start a DOS Session?

What Happens When you Switch to MS-DOS Mode?

Running DOS Commands

Adding Parameters and Switches to a DOS Command

Working at the DOS Prompt

Working With Long Filenames

Entering Long Filenames

Easier Ways to Work With Long Filenames

Changing Folders Faster

Starting Applications From the DOS Prompt

Starting DOS Applications

Starting Windows Applications

Undeleting Files

Customizing the DOS Window

DOS Properties

Setting Program Properties

Changing the DOS Window's Font Size

Selecting a Font Size

Adjusting the Size of the DOS Window

Setting Font Properties

Setting Screen Properties

Troubleshooting DOS Difficulties

Understanding PIFs

Running a Program in MS-DOS Mode

Modifying a Program to Run in MS-DOS Mode

Modifying DOSSTART.BAT

Troubleshooting MS-DOS Mode

Creating a Program-Specific Startup Configuration

Specifying Custom CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT Files

What Happens When You Run the Program

Optimizing Memory for DOS Applications

Adjusting Memory Properties

Optimizing Conventional Memory

Upper Memory Blocks

A Benchmark: the MEM Command

Loading Modules Into Upper Memory Blocks

Optimizing MS-DOS Mode Memory

Setting Performance Properties

Setting the Idle Sensitivity

Understanding the Role of APPS.INF

The [PIF95] Section

The PIF Settings

The AppHack Setting

The BatchFile Setting

The Disable Setting

The DPMIMem Setting

The EMSMem Setting

The Enable Setting

The LowMem Setting

The Params Setting

The XMSMem Setting

The [Strings] Section

Summary

Part V- Unleashing Multimedia: The Sights and Sounds of Windows 95

Chapter 22-Miscellaneous Multimedia: Graphics, CD-ROMs, and More

Some Multimedia Background

A History of Windows Multimedia

Windows 3.0 with Multimedia Extensions 1.0

Windows 3.1

Video for Windows

Microsoft Multimedia Pack 1.0

Windows 95 and Multimedia

The Media Control Interface

The Display Control Interface

The Audio Compression Manager

The Video Compression Manager

Windows 95's Multimedia Applets

Multimedia Hardware: The Evolving MPC Standard

The Level 1 MPC

The Level 2 MPC

The Level 3 MPC

DirectX: The Future of Windows Multimedia

DirectDraw

Direct3D

DirectSound

DirectInput

DirectPlay

Getting Great Graphics

Understanding Graphics Adapters

Accelerated Graphics Adapters

Local Bus Adapters

Data Width

Display Resolution

Color Depth

Video Memory

Installing a Graphics Adapter Driver

What to Look For In a Monitor

Changing the Monitor Type

Multimedia and the CD-ROM Craze

CD-ROM Drive Specifications

Sustained Data Transfer Rate

Average Access Time

On-Board Cache

Drive/Computer Interface

Internal Versus External

Loading Mechanism

Windows 95 and CD-ROMs

The AutoPlay Feature

Playing Audio CDs

Operating the CD Player

Setting CD Player Preferences

Creating a Play List

Disabling Automatic Playing of Audio CDs

Playing with the Media Player

Media Player and OLE

Copying a Media Clip Object to the Clipboard

Inserting a Media Clip

Setting the Default Audio CD Drive

Summary

Chapter 23-Windows 95 Video: The Big Picture

Windows and the Evolution of Digital Video

The First Step: Computer-Controlled VCRs

The Dawn of Windows Digital Video: Video for Windows 1.0

Things Get Better: Video for Windows 1.1

Video in Windows 95

Understanding Digital Video

How Windows 95 Plays a Video Clip

The Various Video Formats

Video Compression Schemes

Unleashing Video in Windows 95

Playing Video Clips

AVI File Properties

AVI Playback Properties

Inserting a Video Clip Object

Tips for Top Video Performance

ActiveMovie in OSR2

Troubleshooting Video Woes

Reinstalling a Video Codec

Miscellaneous Video Ills

Summary

Chapter 24-Getting the Most Out of Windows 95 Sound

Understanding Audio

Analog-to-Digital Sound Conversion

The Nature of Sound

How an Analog Sound Wave Gets Digitized

Digital Audio Quality I: The Sampling Frequency

Digital Audio Quality II: 8-Bit Versus 16-Bit

Digital Audio Quality II: Mono Versus Stereo

Quality Levels and Disk Space Considerations

Audio File Formats

Audio Codecs

Audio File Properties

Audio Hardware: What to Look for In a Sound Card

Installing the PC Speaker Driver

Getting Your Hands On the PC Speaker Driver

Installing the PC Speaker Driver

Sounding Off: Playing Sounds in Windows 95

Turning It Up (or Down): the Volume Control

Adjusting Audio Sources

Determining the Sources that Appear in Volume Control

Giving Windows 95 a Voice: Assigning Sounds to Events

Working with Sound Schemes

Adding New Sound Events Via the Registry

Recording and Editing Sounds with the Sound Recorder

Setting Audio Properties

Recording a WAV File

Editing a WAV File

Inserting an Audio Object

Troubleshooting Windows 95 Audio

Reinstalling an Audio Codec

Troubleshooting WAV Audio Problems

Summary

Part VI- Unleashing Windows 95 Communications

Chapter 25-Maximizing Modem Communications

A Modem Communications Primer

Modems: The Inside Story

The Modulation/Demodulation Thing

The Difference Between Baud and Bits Per Second

Understanding Modem Standards

A Review of Modem Types

Serial Ports: Communicating One Bit at a Time

Serial Port Pin Configurations

The UART: the Heart of the Serial Port

Modem-to-Modem Communications

Flow Control: the Communications Traffic Cop

Data Bits: The Crux of the Matter

Start and Stop Bits: Bookends for Your Data

Parity: a Crude Error Check

Terminal Emulation: Fitting In with the Online World

File Transfers: A Matter of Protocol

Configuring Serial Ports

Installing and Configuring a Modem

Installing Your First Modem

Installing Another Modem

Modifying the Modem's Dialing Properties

Specifying a Calling Card or Long-Distance Carrier

Working with Different Dialing Locations

Modifying the Modem's General Properties

Modifying the Modem's Connection Settings

The Port Settings Button

The Advanced Button

Testing the Modem

Getting Your Modem to Dial Voice Calls For You

Phone Dialer's Connection Properties

Phone Dialer's Dialing Properties

Dialing 10-Digit Numbers

Quick Connections with Speed Dial

Programming a Speed Dial Button

Editing Speed Dial Entries

Using HyperTerminal for Modem-to-Modem Connections

Opening the HyperTerminal Folder

Creating a New HyperTerminal Connection

Phase I: Defining the Basic Connection Options

Phase II: Defining the Connection's Modem Properties

Phase III: Defining the Connection's Settings

Connecting to a Remote System

Performing File Transfers

Disconnecting From the Remote System

Connecting to Another Computer

Online Services in OSR2

Summary

Chapter 26-Getting Online with The Microsoft Network

Getting Started with MSN

What Does MSN Offer?

How Much Does MSN Cost?

Signing Up with MSN

Signing In to MSN

The MSN Upgrade

New Settings Available with the MSN Upgrade

A Tour of MSN Central

Navigating MSN

MSN's My Computer Interface

MSN's Explorer Interface

MSN Navigation Techniques

Using Go Words to Navigate MSN

Navigating with Shortcuts

MSN Today: The Daily MSN News

Categories: MSN's Meat and Potatoes

Exchanging Messages in Bulletin Boards and Newsgroups

Reading Messages

Posting Your Own Messages

Downloading a File

The File Transfer Status Window

File Transfer Options

Real-Time Conversations in the Chat Rooms

Adding Favorite Places

Searching MSN

Using the Find Feature

Using the MSN Directory

MSN Administrative Chores

Signing Out From MSN

Summary

Chapter 27-Setting Up Microsoft Exchange

An Introduction to Exchange

Installing Exchange

Installing the Exchange Client and Service Providers

Setting Up a Microsoft Mail Postoffice

Creating a Postoffice

Creating Accounts In the Postoffice

Setting Up Your Default Exchange Profile

Adding Services After Exchange Is Installed

Configuring Exchange Services

Setting Up Microsoft Mail

Connection Properties

Logon Properties

Delivery Properties

LAN Configuration Properties

Log Properties

Remote Properties

Setting Up Microsoft Network Mail

Installing and Setting Up CompuServe Mail

Installing CompuServe Mail

Setting CompuServe Mail Options

General Properties

Connection Properties

Default Send Options Properties

Advanced Properties

Installing and Setting Up Internet Mail

Installing Internet Mail

Configuring Internet Mail

General Properties

Connection Properties

Customizing Exchange

Setting Exchange Options

General Options

Spelling Options

Delivery Options

Addressing Options

Creating New Exchange Profiles

Customizing the Exchange Toolbar

Making Exchange Secure

Summary

Chapter 28-Exchanging E-mail with Microsoft Exchange

A Tour of the Exchange Window

Customizing the Message Columns

Sorting the Messages

Working with the Exchange Address Book

The Address Book Toolbar

Adding Addresses to Your Personal Address Book

Adding Addresses From Other Address Lists

Adding New Addresses

Changing the Properties of the Personal Address Book

Creating a Personal Distribution List

Setting Your Member Properties for The Microsoft Network

Composing and Sending a New Message

Exchange's Send Options

Composing a Message

Using the Address Book to Specify Recipients

Inserting Objects In a Message

Setting Message Properties

Setting Up WordMail

Reading Incoming Mail

Retrieving Messages

Retrieving Messages with Remote Mail

Starting Remote Mail

Downloading Message Headers

Marking and Retrieving Messages

Exchange's Read Options

Opening a Message

Working with Your Messages

Replying to a Message

Forwarding a Message

Working with Folders

Finding Data in Exchange

Using the Inbox Repair Tool

Summary

Chapter 29-Using Microsoft Fax to Send and Receive Faxes

Configuring Microsoft Fax

Configuring Microsoft Fax Via the Inbox Setup Wizard

Adding the Microsoft Fax Service Provider

Microsoft Fax Properties

Message Properties

Dialing Properties

Modem Properties

User Properties

Sending a Fax

Creating Fax Addresses in Your Personal Address Book

Composing a Fax From Scratch

Using the Message Composition Window

Using the Compose New Fax Wizard

Faxing From an Application

Working with Fax Cover Pages

Starting the Fax Cover Page Editor

Editing a Cover Page

Inserting Information Fields

Inserting Text Fields

Inserting Graphics Fields

Receiving Faxes

Answering Incoming Calls

Answering Calls Automatically

Answering Calls Manually

Working in Don't Answer Mode

Opening Received Faxes

Using the Fax Viewer

Accessing Fax-On-Demand Systems

Network Faxing

Setting Up the Fax Server

Specifying the Fax Server On a Client Machine

Summary

Part VII- Unleashing Windows 95 Networking & Internet Connectivity

Chapter 30-A Networking Primer

First, Some Networking Basics

LANs, WANs, MANs, and More

Client/Server Versus Peer-to-Peer

Client/Server Networks

Peer-to-Peer Networks

Which One Should You Choose?

Hardware: NICs and Other Network Knickknacks

The Network Interface Card

The Cable Connection

Twisted-Pair Cable

Coaxial Cable

Fiber-Optic Cable

More Hardware Goodies

Topology: The Lay of the LAN

The Star Topology

The Bus Topology

The Ring Topology

Talking the Talk: Networking Protocols

An Introduction to Windows 95 Networking

Windows 95 and Microsoft Networks

Architectural Overview

Notes About Microsoft Networking

Windows 95 and NetWare Networks

Client32 Overview

Novell or Microsoft Client?

Summary

Chapter 31-Windows 95 Networking

Network Installation and Configuration

Installing and Configuring a Network Adapter

Adding an Adapter

Installing a Client

Installing the Client for Microsoft Networks

Installing a Client for NetWare Networks

Configuring Your NetWare Client

Installing and Configuring Protocols

Adding a Protocol

Binding Protocols

NetBEUI Properties

IPX/SPX Properties

Installing and Configuring Network Services

Adding a Service

Establishing Your Primary Network Logon

Microsoft Networking Logon Options

Setting Up Server Accounts

Identifying Your Computer

Accessing Network Resources

Logging On to the Network

Windows 95 Logon

Client for Microsoft Networks Logon

NetWare Client32 Logon

Client for NetWare Networks Logon

NetWare Login Scripts

The Network Neighborhood

Universal Naming Convention

Mapping a Network Drive

Connecting a Resource

Disconnecting a Resource

Accessing Resources on NetWare Networks

Browsing a NetWare Network

Connecting to a NetWare Server

Mapping a Network Drive

NetWare and Long Filenames

Changing Your Password

Network Printing

Installing a Shared Printer Via the Add Printer Wizard

Using Point and Print With a NetWare Server

Other Point and Print Methods

Capturing a Printer Port

Windows 95 as a Server: Sharing Your Resources

File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks

Setting Up File and Print Sharing

Sharing Drives and Folders

Sharing a Local Printer

File and Print Sharing for NetWare Networks

Service Advertising Protocol

NetWare Services Client

Enabling File and Print Sharing for NetWare

Sharing Files, Folders, and Printers

Accessing Files, Folders, and Printers

Clipbook: the Network Clipboard

Network DOS Commands

Chapter 32-Network Administration and Security

Network Security

Hiding Shared Resources

Access Control: Share-Level Versus User-Level

Enabling User-Level Access Control for NT

Enabling User-Level Access Control for NetWare

Sharing a Resource with User-Level Access

Tips for Choosing a Password

NetWare Security Issues

Keeping an Eye On Your Net with Remote Administration

Setting Up Remote Administration

Remote Administration Via the System Policy Editor

Installing the System Policy Editor

Setting Up Clients For Group Policies

Working with the System Policy Editor

Working with a Local Registry

Working with a Remote Registry

Creating a Network-Wide Policy File

Working with User Settings

Working with Computer Settings

Expanded coverage

Registry equivalents

Connecting to a Remote Registry From the Registry Editor

Watching the Network with NetWatcher

Connecting to a Remote Server

Viewing the Current Connections

Working with Shared Folders

Working with Open Files

Using System Monitor on a Remote Computer

Remote Administration From the Network Neighborhood

Summary

Chapter 33-Network Troubleshooting

A Starting Point: Microsoft Network Diagnostics

Naming Your Diagnostics Server

Examining Adapter Status

Some System Policy "Problems"

When All Else Fails, Reinstall Your Drivers

Troubleshooting General Network Nuisances

Cable Conundrums

Some Things to Bear In Mind When Running Cable

Cable Limitations

Troubleshooting Cables

Troubleshooting Adapter Afflictions

Chapter 34-From Laptop to Desktop and Back: Direct Cable Connection

Port and Cable Considerations

Serial Ports and Null-Modem Cables

Standard Parallel Ports and Cables

Enhanced Parallel Ports and Cables

Extended Capabilities Ports and Cables

Infrared Ports

Configuring the Host Computer

Step 1: Set Up Direct Cable Connection as a Host

Step 2: Share Folders, Drives, and Printers

Configuring the Guest Computer

Step 1: Set Up Direct Cable Connection as a Guest

Step 2: Installing Network Protocols

Establishing the Connection

Direct Cable Connection and Infrared Ports

Direct Cable Connection and Briefcase

Summary

Chapter 35-Remote Computing with Dial-Up Networking

Dial-Up Networking Fundamentals

Dial-Up Networking Client Architecture

Dial-Up Protocols

Dial-Up Servers

Setting Up Windows 95 For Dial-Up Networking

Step 1: Install the Dial-Up Adapter

Step 2: Configure the Dial-Up Adapter

Setting Dial-Up Adapter Properties

Setting Properties For Bound Protocols

Step 3: Create a New Connection

Step 4: Configure the Connection Properties

Connecting to the Remote Network

Dial-Up Networking Prompts

Configuring Microsoft Mail for Remote Sessions

Creating a Remote Microsoft Mail Profile

Setting Up Microsoft Mail's Remote Properties

Using Microsoft Mail Remotely

Using the Dial-Up Scripting Tool

Installing the Dial-Up Scripting Tool

Understanding Scripts

The halt Command

The delay Command

The waitfor Command

The transmit Command

More commands

An Example Script

Assigning a Script to a Connection

Running the Connection With the Script

Using the Dial-Up Server from Microsoft Plus!

Configuring the Dial-Up Server

Setting User-Level Caller Access

Setting Share-Level Caller Access

Other Configuration Options

Activating and Deactivating the Server

Summary

Chapter 36-Implementing TCP/IP For Internet and Network Connections

Understanding TCP/IP

What Is TCP/IP?

Understanding IP

The Structure of an IP Datagram

The Structure of an IP Address

IP Routing

Dynamic IP Addressing

Domain Name Resolution

Understanding TCP

TCP Sockets

The Structure of a TCP Segment

TCP Features

Installing and Configuring TCP/IP

Installing the TCP/IP Protocol

Configuring the TCP/IP Protocol

IP Address Properties

WINS Configuration Properties

Gateway Properties

DNS Configuration Properties

Bindings Properties

Advanced Properties

Finishing the Configuration

Connection-Specific TCP/IP Settings

Wielding the TCP/IP Utilities

The PING Command

The TRACERT Command

More commands

Summary

Chapter 37-Windows 95 and the Internet

Setting up Windows 95 to Connect to the Internet

What You've Learned So Far

A Note About WINSOCK.DLL

The Internet Setup Wizard

Internet Access Via The Microsoft Network

Internet Access Via CompuServe

Windows 95's Internet Properties

Connecting to Your Service Provider

Connecting to a Third-Party ISP

Connecting to MSN

Connecting to CompuServe

TCP/IP and Internet Security

The Net Is Your Oyster

Using ftp for Internet File Transfers

Complete coverage of all ftp commands

Using Telnet for Remote Internet Sessions

Starting the Telnet Client

Setting Telnet Preferences

Connecting to a Remote Host

Logging a Telnet Session

Disconnecting From the Remote Host

Setting Up A Windows 95 System as an Internet Gateway

A Review of Windows 95 Internet Software

Expanded coverage

Web Browsers

FTP Clients

Usenet Newsreaders

Miscellaneous Applications

Summary

Chapter 38-Exploring the Web with Internet Explorer

First, A Few Words From the Web

Getting Your Hands on Internet Explorer

Starting Internet Explorer

A Tour of the Internet Explorer Screen

Navigating with Internet Explorer

Following the Links

Entering a URL

Retracing Your Steps

Creating a Shortcut to a URL

Using the Search Page

Dealing with Files

The Favorites Folder: Sites to Remember

Adding a Shortcut to the Favorites Folder

Viewing the Favorites Folder

Opening an Internet Shortcut From the Favorites Folder

Setting Some Options

Appearance Options

Start and Search Pages Options

Advanced Options

News Options

Security Options

Viewing Newsgroups with Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer and VRML

Installing the Internet Explorer VRML Add-In

Giving VRML a Whirl

A Look At the Future: Internet Explorer 4.0

Summary

Chapter 39-Remote Collaboration with Microsoft NetMeeting

Configuring NetMeeting

A Tour of the NetMeeting Window

Placing NetMeeting Calls

Placing Simple Calls

Hanging Up From a Call

Using the Directory to Make a Call

Accessing the Web Directory

Placing Advanced Calls

Using the SpeedDial Feature

Hanging Out a "Do Not Disturb" Sign

Exchanging Files in NetMeeting

Using the Chat Feature

Using the Whiteboard

Sharing Programs

Sharing an Application in Work Alone Mode

Sharing an Application in Collaborate Mode

Some Notes About Sharing Applications

Setting NetMeeting Properties

The General Tab

The Protocols Tab

The Audio Tab

The My Information Tab

What to Expect in NetMeeting 2.0

Chapter 40-Internet Mail: Messaging Made Easy

How Does the Internet E-Mail System Work?

Internet E-Mail Addressing

How Does My Mail Get There From Here?

How Do I Get E-Mail If I'm Not on a Network?

Message Anatomy

The Header

The Body

The Signature

Minding Your E-Mail Manners

The Three B's of Composing E-Mail

DON'T SHOUT!

Avoid Tabs and Other Unusual Characters

Take Your Subject Lines Seriously

Experiment with Yourself

More Snippets of Sending Sensitivity

Can I Get There From Here? Sending Mail Between Systems

Exchanging Mail with America Online

Exchanging Mail with AT&T Mail

Exchanging Mail with CompuServe

Exchanging Mail with MCI Mail

Exchanging Mail with Prodigy

Learning the Lingo: E-Mail Jargon and Acronyms

Your Handy English-Internet Phrase Book

The Incendiary Internet: Playing the Flame Game

An Initial Look at Internet Acronyms

Internet Hieroglyphics: Smileys

E-Mail Miscellania

A Note About E-Mail Security

The Privacy Problem

The Authenticity Problem

Is This All a Bunch of Paranoid Fearmongering?

Configuring Microsoft Internet Mail

A Tour of the Internet Mail Window

Customizing the Message Columns

Sorting the Messages

Working with the Internet Mail Address Book

Adding New Addresses

Creating a Personal Distribution List

Composing and Sending a New Message

Internet Mail's Send Options

Composing a Message

Using the Address Book to Specify Recipients

Inserting Objects in a Message

Adding a Signature

Reading Incoming Mail

Retrieving Messages

Internet Mail's Read Options

Working with Your Messages

Replying to a Message

Forwarding a Message

Working with Folders

Finding Data in Internet Mail

Using the Inbox Assistant to Filter Messages

Summary

Chapter 41-Internet News: Usenet News and Views

Some Usenet Basics

Figuring Out Newsgroup Names

Understanding Articles and Threads

Some Useful Usenet Jargon

Some Netiquette Niceties for Usenet

General Usenet Netiquette

Lurk Before You Leap

Check out the Newcomer Newsgroups

Read the Frequently Asked Questions Lists

A Primer on Posting Politesse

Use Your Subject Line to Warn Others

Pick Your Groups with Care

Practice Posting Patience

Avoiding Follow-up Faux Pas

Configuring Microsoft Internet News

Checking Out the Internet News Window

Customizing the Message Columns

Sorting the Messages

Working with Newsgroups

Subscribing to a Newsgroup

Unsubscribing from a Newsgroup

Downloading Messages

Connecting and Downloading Messages Online

Downloading Messages Offline

Downloading Headers for Entire Newsgroups

Downloading Individual Messages

Message Options in Internet News

Writing a Rejoinder: Following Up a Message

Composing a New Message

Working with Messages

Summary

Chapter 42-Setting Up a Windows 95 World Wide Web Server

Getting Personal Web Server

Viewing the Personal Web Server Defaults

Personal Web Server Startup

The Web Server Startup Options

Service Startup Options

Testing the Web Server

Testing an Intranet Connection

Testing an Internet Connection

Administering the Web Server

Starting the Internet Services Administrator

The Service Options

Configuring Web Folders

Another Way to Setup Web Folders

The Logging Options

Web Server Security

Access Control Security

Local User Security

Adding a Local User

Creating a Group

Implementing Local Security

Administering the FTP Server

Remote Administration of Personal Web Server

Part VIII-Appendixes

Appendix A-Windows 95 Online Resources

Appendix B-Glossary

Appendix C-Windows 95 Command Line Syntax

Appendix D-A Setup Smorgasbord: Server-Based and Custom Setups

Appendix E-The Windows ANSI Character Set

Appendix F-An HTML Primer

Appendix G-A Batch File Primer

Appendix H-Known Dirty and Deadly TSRs and Device Drivers

Appendix I-What's On the CD-ROMs

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