Network Access across a router

This document recapitulates the tasks that were needed to be done by us to enable access between the online and offline systems in the lab at my hostel:

1) First set up a DNS ( with a domain name say ssshcc.edu )
- Set up the forward and reverse lookup zones
2) Set up the DNS machine to act as the router also between the two segments.
3) For each computer on the online and offline segments, change the primary DNS suffix of the computer to the DNS domain name ( as specified in step 1 )
- Right Click My Computer > Properties
- Computer Name
- Change
- More
- Type in the new Primary DNS Suffix
4) For each machine in the online and offline segements, make sure that the guest account is allowed network access.
- Start > Control Panel > Local Security Policy > Local Policy > User Rights Assignment > Deny Logon over Network
- Remove the Users whom you wish to allow network access (if the name is in the list)
5) Make sure that the default gateways and Primary and Secondary DNServers are correctly entered in the Network Configuration.
6) In the lab, i.e., in the SSSHCC, the online systems donot have guest login interactively, but we want the guest users from the offline segement to be able to access the online systems. For this, we enable the Guest user account on the Online systems, but prevent their Interactive Login as follows:
- Start > Control Panel > Local Security Policy > Local Policy > User Rights Assignment > Deny Logon Locally
- Add Guest user.
7)Here, you can choose the custom list and add the required IPs or choose then Any computer option as required.
8) One last setting: The windows firewall by default allows only computers on the same segment to access each other. This needs to be changed:

It is like this: Port 445 (which is what windows uses for file and printer sharing) by default accepts connections only from computers on the same subnet as itself. This behaviour can be changed as described in the document: https://docs.google.com/View?docid=ajgs46pc346b_9dxvvjc.
You can find Microsoft's description of the solution(KB840634) at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/840634

Windows XP Pro: Network access: logon failure

Windows XP Pro: Network access: logon failure: the user has not been granted the requested logon type at this computer

Solutions:
0) Start > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Local Security Policy > Local Policies > User Rights Assignment:
- Goto : Deny Access to this Computer from the Network
- Remove the user name to whom you wish give permission to access the computer over the network.
1) Just run the network setup wizard and turn on file and printer sharing. If that does not help, try the next link:
2) http://www.experts-exchange.com/Operating_Systems/Windows_Server_2003/Q_21072962.html?qid=21072962
3) http://www.experts-exchange.com/Operating_Systems/Windows_Server_2003/Q_21072962.html

What the hell is that service?

Two days ago, my system became damn slow. Then, I started looking at the processes and services running. Then, I Googled them and found these amazing sites:

http://www.liutilities.com
http://www.processlibrary.com
http://www.auditmypc.com

For my own quick reference, here is the list of the processes that were running on my machine; now, most of them are scrapped. BTW, my machine is now like a tuned string, waiting to be played with.
*) Bonjour: Apple Computer's
*) vptray : Symatec AV VirusProtectionTray
*) qttask : QuickTime Task
*) cftmon :The cftmon.exe process is a component used in MsOffice to perform language related functions. It is closely tied to the 'Language Bar' present in MsOffice, so if you use the Language Bar you should leave this process running. If, on the other hand, you do not use the language bar, you should terminate this process to free up system resources.
*) igfxtray.exe is a process which allows you to access the Intel Graphics configuration and diagnostic application for the Intel 810 series graphics chipset. This program is a non-essential system process, and is installed for ease of use via the desktop tray.
*) Intel hotcommand hkcmd.exe is installed alongside Intel multimedia devices and allows configuration and diagnostic options for these devices. This program is non-essential process to the running of the system, but should not be terminated unless suspected to be causing problems.
*) vsmon.exe is a processs associated with the ZoneAlarm personal firewall. It is used to monitor Internet traffic and generate alerts depending on the security rules configured by the user.
*) Adobelmsvc.exe is a process which belongs to Adobe Acrobat. This program is non-essential process to the running of the system, but should not be terminated unless suspected to be causing problems.
*) mdnsresponder.exe is a process associated with "Bonjour for Windows" software. It is used by ITunes for music sharing. This is a non-essential process. Disabling or enabling this is down to user preference.
*) mdm.exe is associated with Microsoft Windows process debugging system. It allows the user to debug Internet Explorer errors by using a script interface tool. This is a non-essential process. Disabling or enabling this is down to user preference. Note: is also a process which is registered as the Win32.Lydra.a information stealing Trojan. This Trojan allows attackers to access your computer, personal data and information. It is a registered security risk and should be removed immediately.
*) AcroTray.exe is the Acrobat Assistant used when you print your documents to a PDF. While converting documents to a PDF this process should not be removed.
*) Adobelm_Cleanup.0001 is a process which belongs to Adobe Acrobat. This program is non-essential process to the running of the system, but should not be terminated unless suspected to be causing problems.
*) lsass.exe is a system process of the Microsoft Windows security mechanisms. It specifically deals with local security and login policies. This program is important for the stable and secure running of your computer and should not be terminated.
*) Scrss.exe is a process which is registered as the HacDef-R Trojan. This Trojan allows attackers to access your computer, stealing passwords, Internet banking and personal data. It is a registered security risk and should be removed immediately.
*) smss.exe is a process which is a part of the Microsoft Windows Operating System. It is called the Session Manager SubSystem and is responsible for handling sessions on your system. This program is important for the stable and secure running of your computer and should not be terminated.
*) PSNGive.exe is a process associated with the lite version of Post-it Note from 3M.

References:
http://www.auditmypc.com
http://www.processlibrary.com
http://www.liutilities.com

Post-it notes for the PC

That is one hell of a software for forgetfulls like me. You can cover your desktop with post-its and even set off an alarm on specific notes!. Terrific! You can download the lite version from here. You can try the newest version for 30 days from here. Beware! version 4.2 needs .Net framework 1.1. You can get that here.
The maker is father of paper-post-its -- 3M. Three cheers to 3M!