Understanding File or Folder Permissions

By Kay Franklin

In this article I am going to talk about file or folder permissions.
If you need to keep a file to yourself you leave it in My Documents. If you want others to have access to it you put it in the "public" folder. Some applications are not configured to use My Documents and store files in application specific folders.
These files will generally be visible to any user that can log into the computer and uses the same application. Many people don't seem to be aware of this.
At that point you may find it helpful to have some concept of how to manage permissions on certain files and folders.
The key points I want to make are:

1. The security tab (or Sharing tab) can be opened by right clicking the respective file or folder in windows explorer and selecting the properties menu. The security/sharing tab becomes visible.


2. Any folder on the System Drive (C Drive) should allow access to the Security tab on the folder Properties window. The permissions can typically be assigned to one or more users, administrators and system based application type permissions.


3. Any file on the System Drive (C Drive) should also allow access to the Security tab on the Properties window. The permissions are typically assigned to one user only, administrators and system based application type permissions.


4. The public folder (shared documents) on the C Drive usually allows more accounts to have access to it including the "Everyone" group. The same applies to files in the public folder.


5. Any folder on a non-system drive (portable drives such as memory sticks or external hard drives) will usually only have a tab that allows the folder to be shared or not shared.


6. Any file on a non-system drive (portable drives or external hard drives) will not have any configurable permissions immediately available.


7. Public folders on a non-system drive are typically treated the same as any other non-system folder. The same applies to files in any public folder on a non-system drive.


8. In effect - any file or folder on a non-system disk or media device is treated as being visible to anyone with a user account on the computer it is connected to.


9. If you decide to modify any permissions using the security tab for either a folder or a file then my very strong recommendation is to stick with ONLY selecting or de-selecting "allow" permissions.


10. If you own a Hewlett Packard (HP) computer then it is possible that you will not have ready access to any of the security/sharing tabs in the file or folder properties window on either the C-Drive or the non-system drive.

I strongly discourage use of "Deny" permissions for security setting. "Deny" permissions override "Allow" permissions and can cause considerable problems and confusion. A single user with a full set of "allow" permissions (as an administrator) but who also has a "deny" permission somewhere (as a normal user) can still be denied access. This can be hard to track down and hard to fix when it happens.
There are a couple of non-standard ways to modify permissions if this is needed. One involves the use of a command line utility (shrpubw) that can help sort out shared folders.
The other involves the use of certain command line instructions that can set access control on folders and files according to specific users or groups of users. I consider this to be quite a risky way to manage folder and file permissions and I don't encourage its use in general.
One other option that sometimes works is to log into the administrator account in safe mode. This can allow security permissions to be set in ways that are not normally available. This may be useful to HP users if they can't get access to security tabs using the normal methods.

By the way would you like to learn more about keeping your computer safe and working at its best? If so then sign up to my free email series now.: Tips & Tricks: Computer Efficiency

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kay_Franklin

Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Computers

By Jayden Webber 

Computers, like other equipment, come as a package. They're made of parts assembled together. Each has its respective function, all to help the whole unit run smoothly. You have to secure every component if you want to prolong its life and do your tasks faster. Keep in mind that a simple damage can affect the speed and quality of your work. A defective unit inside can make your computer unresponsive. Your files and documents may all go to waste once these parts break down.
Poor usage and dirt are the top causes for computer malfunction. It is for these reasons that you have to take care of it properly. Looking after your equipment doesn't involve much work. All you need to do is observe proper measures to keep it clean and running. Here are the common mistakes many people do when cleaning their computers.
Using an air compressor improperly
An air compressor helps clean the computer's external and internal parts. It removes the dirt and keeps the components functioning. It can, however, lead to damage when used improperly. Your compressor may release liquid and freeze your computer when you hold it upside down. Refer to the can's instructions and use it upright. Squeeze the trigger gently and control the sprays. Make sure to turn off your computer and unplug the cords before cleaning.
Spraying directly on the surface
Moisture is the culprit for faulty computer monitors. It can be prone to short circuit once the water and chemicals seep through the surface. Spraying directly on computer screens is an example. The liquid can leak into your monitor and ruin its components. To avoid this, get a recommended cloth for cleaning and spray the formula on the fabric. Wipe the computer in one direction and do even strokes. Be gentle and do not place pressure on the screen. Make sure the surface is dry and free from any streaks.
Cleaning only after a year
Cleaning frequency depends on your usage and location. If you use it every day, it is safe to clean your unit once or twice a month. Dust and particles may build up faster if you place it close to windows and doors. Do not leave it dirty for a long time; clean it whenever necessary. Buy the right cleaning tools and follow the instructions. Consult qualified technicians for repair and damages. Taking your computer for regular check-ups is advisable too.
Failing to put the parts back together
Put your computer's parts back to their proper position. This is just as important as cleaning. Failing to do so can make your whole unit defective. A screw or panel can make a big difference in its operation. Secure all the parts you remove while cleaning. Assemble the pieces back where they were before. Ask for professional assistance if you are having trouble putting your computer back together.

You can maximize and prolong your computer's life with these tips. Observe proper measures and visit websites like solutions.3mphilippines.com.ph for the right computer cleaning tools.
Jayden is a computer technician working for an equipment repair company in the Philippines.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jayden_Webber

Quick And Easy Solutions For a Slow Running PC

By Noah Zee 

When using your computer, there may be a time when you notice that it is starting to run slowly, and this can be an annoying and frustrating occurrence. When noticing this lag on your computer you may begin to worry that you are going to have to pay for a costly repair, however, what you may not know is that in the majority of cases you will be able to fix the problem yourself.
Dump Those Unnecessary Files
The slowing down of your computer may actually be because there are too many files that are no longer needed but have been stored on the hard drive of your computer. These files if left unchecked can take up a huge amount of space on your computers hard drive and this in turn will slow down the processing speed of your computer.
There are certain steps that you can take to eradicate this problem; firstly you can utilize the Disk Cleanup program on your computer. This is a program that will check the hard drive of your computer and tell you how many files there are and how much room they are taking up. This will then give you the chance to delete these files, and some of the files which you will be able to do without are "temporary internet files" and "offline web-pages".
Deleting these files may help to speed up your computer, however, if there is minimal difference then you may need to Defragment your hard drive. Most modern computers that run the latest operating systems normally run a defragment every so often, such as every week or every two weeks for example. If you own an older computer then you will need to do it manually, and this can be found in the Control Panel, under System Tools.
Keep Your Computer Virus Free
Another area that you need to keep a close eye on is the security of your computer. There are many computer viruses around and if you have a slow running computer then this could be a sign that your computer has been infected by a virus. So it is vitally important to make sure that you have an anti-virus program installed, and that it is up-to-date as there are new computer viruses emerging on an almost daily basis.
Follow these steps and you should find that your computers processing speed improves quite dramatically and most of the time a little maintenance is all you need to keep your computer running smoothly.

I hope you this article is helpful. Click here for the official 5-Step Computer Care guide. Remember that before you make any changes or run any tools, you should always backup your data.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Noah_Zee

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