How to Hide User's Account Information on Locked Desktop

You can hide the user's account information on a locked desktop via registry hack or in a Windows Domain environment, you can use Group Policy Object (GPO) setting. In a way this setting protect your unattended PC to some extend.

Windows Domain Environment:

1. Locate Interactive Logon: Display user Information when the session is locked by searching in GPO container: Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\Security Options

2. Then select User display name, domain and user names with registry value of 1

3. Select User display name only with registry value of 2

4. Select Do not display user information with registry value of 3


Standalone PC:

1. Run Regedit

2. Locate HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System for DontDisplayLockedUserID (Reg_DWORD) and set Computer Locked dialog box to registry value of 3

Users now will have to retype their user accounts and passwords each time they need to logon to their locked desktop.

Europe Will Run Out of IPv4 Addresses

According to RIPE (Réseaux IP Européens) or the European regional Internet registry, they are expected to run out of IPv4 addresses in 2012. It is estimated that RIPE will run out its remaining IPv4 addresses on July 22nd. Last year in April, Asia depleted all their IPv4 addresses with the exception of a few remaining reserve for start-up network operators. For ARIN, they are expected to deplete the remaining of their IPv4 by 2013. These depletion of IPv4 has put pressure for various regions to transition their network to IPv6.

Best Configuration for Outlook in Virtual Desktop to Office 365

Typically, it's recommended to use Outlook's Cached Exchanged Mode when connectivity to Exchange Server is not on the same local network. However, if your company have virtual desktop environment and use Office 365, then it's best to keep all data small with no local cache and in its Online mode. You can read more about it here.

Command Line for Enable or Disable Windows Hybernate

To Disable Hybernate

• Open an elevated command prompt, ie. one with admin previlages (Start > cmd > right-click and “Run as administrator”).
• In command prompt, key in powercfg -h off and hit Enter.
• Close the elevated command prompt.

To Enable Hybernate

• Open an elevated command prompt, ie. one with admin previlages (Start > cmd > right-click and “Run as administrator”).
• In command prompt, key in powercfg -h on and hit Enter.
• Close the elevated command prompt.

3 Tips For Securing Passwords

End users need better understanding of the real damage when their passwords are compromised. Here are 3 tips for securing passwords.

1. Use long paraphrases to recall passwords without writing them down. 
2. Don't use any words listed on dictionary and avoid keyboard sequences (qwerty, 12345, etc)
3. Hashed passwords to increase difficulty.

Microsoft Security Essentials

Microsoft Security Essentials is a free system protection software to give protection against viruses, malware. trojans, worms and spyware. It provides real-time protection for your home or small business workstations.  

It is available for small businesses with up to 10 workstations. Microsoft Security Essentials runs quietly in the background. You’ll only be alerted when there are specific actions to take.

Microsoft Security Essentials helps keep your PCs safe without getting in your way or making you worry:

• Real-time protection
• System scanning
• System cleaning
• Windows Firewall integration
• Dynamic signature service
• Rootkit protection
• Protection against real threats, not good software
• Network inspection system

 As of October 2011, Microsoft announced a beta version of Microsoft Security Essentials 2012 and delivered to participants. The company plans to include the following enhancements with the update:

• Enhanced protection through automatic malware remediation - The Beta will clean high-impact malware infections automatically, with no required user interaction.
• Enhanced performance - The Beta includes many performance improvements to make sure your PC performance isn’t negatively impacted.
• Simplified UI - Simplified UI makes Microsoft Security Essentials Beta easier to use.
• New and improved protection engine - The updated engine offers enhanced detection and cleanup capabilities.