Labor Day Tips

I found several things I wanted to note down today.

First, which I perhaps should have known is how to turn off the crappy Windows Simple File Sharing. I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to actually find it. Coming from a network admin role I always found it quite annoying when I tried to take ownership of a folder or simply setup sharing of a folder without Microsoft forcibly holding my hand.

This will help me tone down my frustration somewhat with Windows Hand Holding…

To Turn off Windows Simple File Sharing, simply follow these steps;

1. Click Start, and then click My Computer.
2. On the Tools menu, click Folder Options.
3. Click the View tab.
4. In the Advanced Settings* section, click to clear the Use simple file sharing (Recommended) check box.
5. Click OK.

*You should note that in my version of Windows XP Pro that I used this on, there was NO Advanced Settings, I just scrolled down the bottom and it was right there.

The second thing I wanted to write down before I forget is a list of useful Apps I’ve found over the last few weeks;

• TrueCrypt – a great Encryption tool for making disk images that you can mount when you need them. Works with Windows and Mac.
• Eraser – Simple file “shredding” tool – seems to be quite good but I’m still fleshing it out.
• FileZilla – awesome FTP utility that works with Windows and Mac.
• VLC – wonderful video playing tool for Mac. (and Windows) Includes all the decoders you should need unless you’re heavily into alternatives…