Previewing Windows 10 may cost you some privacy!

Microsoft is offering a preview of the Windows 10 operating system. It is still not ready for prime time, but they will let you look it over. There just happens to be a little catch! When you agree to the software license, you agree to send them what your doing in real time. This just happens to include a keylogger (recording your keystrokes). I'm sure they won't call it that, but they are collecting text you type, and that sounds like a keylogger program to me.

Windows 10 Preview

So keep that in mind as you are checking out the new Windows 10 preview. I'm sure something like that would never make it to the real release of Windows 10, but if you don't like the idea of every keystroke you make being recorded, you might want to just let someone else preview Windows 10 for you. You can read more about it at winbeta.org.

Changing Firewall Settings in Windows XP and Windows 7

I wanted to put a write up of how to change your software Firewall settings in Windows XP and Windows 7.

WINDOWS XP

1. Go to the Control Panel

2. Then Double Click Network Connections

3. Now you want to right click on the Nework Device you are currently using. If you are using Wireless, then right click on the wireless. If you are using a network cable, then right click on the Local Area Connection. Choose Properties in the drop down menu.



4. Now you have open the Connection's Properties box. Click on the Advanced tab at the top and then click Settings under Windows Firewall.

5. You should now see the Windows Firewall Property Box. In here you can turn on or off your Windows Firewall. You can also check the box so that there will be no exceptions to your Windows Firewall. If on the other hand you want certain programs to work uneffected by the Firewall you can click the 'Exceptions' tab.





6. Inside the Exceptions tab you can add any Program you have installed to an exceptions list. If you think your firewall is interfering with a program, you can add it here.

7. If you want to remove the Firewall option from any network device on your computer (Not recommended and only for testing purposes), of if you want to enable Security  Logging on your firewall, you can do this here.

This should give you the basics for starting/stopping and configuring your Windows Firewall in Windows XP.

WINDOWS 7

1. Click on the Start Button

2. Then type 'Windows Firewall' (without the quotes) in the open box. You will see Windows Firewall and Advanced Security appear at the top. Click on it.

3. Now you see the window that will allow you to change settings for your Firewall.

4. Click on the link that says 'Windows Firewall Properties'.

5. This will bring up the Windows 7 Firewall Properties box you can now turn the firewall on or off. The firewall options are much more indepth in Windows 7 and go beyound the scope of this post, but you can at least check and make sure your firewall is on and working properly from here.

Now you have the basics for operating your Windows Firewall in Windows XP and Windows 7.

Technology Showcase

Here is the video from the Technology Showcase Tech Tuesdays Class.

The iPad was the hit of the class, but we also have a Nook, Fujitsu 6470, Lenovo X220 Tablet with a touch screen and the LT1421 14" monitor from Lenovo. In the Thursday class there will also be an MacBook Pro.

As always, thanks for coming to the classes, hope to see you at future Tech Tuesdays!