Windows 7 Pro Initial Setup Questions

scams · 12 Oct 2009

I am trying to parepare for when I receive my new Dell Studio XPS 9000 next month. I should note that my computer will be used as a standalone computer only , connected to the internet with the AT&T DSL, using the 2WIRE Router. I would appreciate answers to the following questions:

a. What are the Procedures for disabling shared printers, shared folders and files, and Wi-Fi capability?

b. I plan to use the MS Security Essentials for the new computer. Just before receiving my new Dell computer, Can I download this program on my existing Dell computer and then burn it to a CD, so as to have it ready for the new Dell computer when it arrives??

c. Network connections - As I understand it after reading one of the recently published Windows 7 handbook, during the initial boot up, I will have a chocie of "Home Network,' "Work Network," and "Public Network." The more I read, about network connections the less I understand!! Since the new computer will be the only computer to be used, do I really need a local network? I am currently using windows XP Pro and don't have a local network setup. I don't want to setup a local network unless I need to because of increased security.. If I don't slect any of the offered network options during the initial computer bootup, what is the procedure to connect to the internet for a standalone computer?

Any other suggestions would also be very much appreciated. Thanks Sam

Barman58 · 12 Oct 2009

scams said:

I am trying to parepare for when I receive my new Dell Studio XPS 9000 next month. I should note that my computer will be used as a standalone computer only , connected to the internet with the AT&T DSL, using the 2WIRE Router. I would appreciate answers to the following questions:

a. What are the Procedures for disabling shared printers, shared folders and files, and Wi-Fi capability?

If when you are setting up your network you select "public" this will automatically disable local network access (public is this case means in a public location where you do not wish to share with any other users).

If you have a built in wireless option on the PC this may be disabled following instructions in the Dell documentation or if this is not possible in the Network and Sharing centre

b. I plan to use the MS Security Essentials for the new computer. Just before receiving my new Dell computer, Can I download this program on my existing Dell computer and then burn it to a CD, so as to have it ready for the new Dell computer when it arrives??

As MSE performs a genuine windows check whilst downloading and prior installing this would not really provide any advantages.

c. Network connections - As I understand it after reading one of the recently published Windows 7 handbook, during the initial boot up, I will have a chocie of "Home Network,' "Work Network," and "Public Network." The more I read, about network connections the less I understand!! Since the new computer will be the only computer to be used, do I really need a local network? I am currently using windows XP Pro and don't have a local network setup. I don't want to setup a local network unless I need to because of increased security.. If I don't slect any of the offered network options during the initial computer bootup, what is the procedure to connect to the internet for a standalone computer?

Any other suggestions would also be very much appreciated. Thanks Sam

As stated above the public option is the one I would suggest in your circumstances - You are after all connected to a network - The internet, you just need to disable the additional local connectivity

DeaconFrost · 12 Oct 2009

A. Those are off by default, and Wi-Fi can be disabled through various means.
B. Yes, but why waste a CD? Keep a USB flash drive with all your drivers and main apps on it.
C. If you are connected to a router, you technically have a home network setup already. The labels for the networks determine what is enabled or disabled be default, so just set it accordingly.

If I am getting the gist of it you are WAY overly paranoid about security. Install the OS, install MSE, grab a manual scanner like Malwarebytes, and enjoy using the system. Nothing changed about the network setup, so nothing will be different, in terms of how you connect to the internet.

scams · 13 Oct 2009

Barman58 and DeaconFrost,

many thanks for your reply and information, Sam.