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Windows Vista - Network and Sharing Center

Windows Vista > Control Panel -> Network and Sharing Center

Vista has several sections with similar names.  Here is where I review Microsoft's new Vista Network Sharing Center.  What particularly impresses me is Vista's Diagnostics Tool.

Network and Sharing Center is where you get a bird's eye view of your machine's relationship with the network.  One new buzz word that's gradually surfacing is the word 'Personalize'.  XP's 'Properties' menu item is often replaced with Vista's 'Personalize' equivalent.  Thanks to the 'Personalize' button, I changed the name of my network Connection to = 'Oak Room'.  This technique is most useful where you have multiple network cards.

Orientation (See in Address Bar Below):
Control Panel
     Networking and Internet
           Network and Sharing Center

Normal view of the Network and Sharing Center - Connections working OK

I would like to start with a diagram showing the Vista computer connected successfully to the internet; later I will introduce network problems.  Note Microsoft's rich graphical clues, not only the bold icons, but also the Explorer toolbar.  If you were to click on Network and Internet in the address bar, then Explorer takes you back up to that level. (The picture below is a thumbnail)

In the Windows Vista Network and Sharing Center you can turn on / off the following:

• Network discovery
• File sharing
• Public folder sharing
• Printer sharing
• Media sharing

What I found particularly useful in the Network and Sharing Center was the link: Show me all the files and folders I am sharing.

Problem with Network Connection?

Here is an expanded view of a Vista Network and Sharing Center.  It showing that route from the Vista machine to the internet is 'Not connected'.  If you hover over the red cross, 'Click to diagnose' appears.  In real life clicking would activate the troubleshooting wizard.  See below.

Vista is full of diagnostic or troubleshooting wizards to give you clues when resolving problems.  If you double click on the above graphic (in real life!) see below what would happen next:

Windows Network Diagnostics Tool

Windows Network Diagnostics Tool

On a good day, the Diagnostics Tool would give you a resolution to your problem.  Here is such a good day!

See below what happens when the Vista's Network Diagnostics effects a repair.  What it's doing is enabling the network adapter that I disabled at the start of this experiment.  In 'real life' the Windows Network Diagnostics is capable of more sophisticated analysis and more far reaching repairs.

Summary of Windows Vista Network and Sharing Center

Vista's Network and Sharing Center reminds me of the MMC.  In their own way, each are like being in a 'Mission control'.  From the Network and Sharing Center, you can survey all your machines connections and their settings.  Two extra features you will see a lot of in Vista are, 'Personalize' instead of 'Properties', and Diagnostics Tool instead of the troubleshooting Wizard.

Train Signal has just released their New Windows Vista Training Course.  As an MCT trainer, I am a huge advocate of Train Signal’s products.  What impresses is me is that they demonstrate everything that they teach and they stay away from traditional 'lecture-style' training.  If you are looking for a complete DETAILED coverage of Windows Vista, then I highly recommend that you give this course a try.  I have reviewed their 18 hours of videos myself, and I guarantee that you will not be disappointed!

Watch a Vista Training Video Demo.

Configuring Windows Vista Topics:

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