How to Downgrade from Vista to XP

Do you have the Windows Vista blues? Did you upgrade from Windows XP to Vista? If so, join the rest of the world who upgraded to what was supposed to be the next latest and greatest OS. By now if you are running Vista you are probably already prone to how much slower Windows Vista runs and how many times IE crashes on you (Green Ribbon of Death). Let alone the simple fact that XP runs on less RAM and Hard Drive space then its predecessor Vista.

By now you might be thinking, I wonder if I can downgrade from Vista to XP?

As with anything else in life, nothing is every just that easy!

One of the main problems is Windows Setup, you can not install an older version on top of a newer version. There are two “work around” scenarios if you are seriously considering downgrading.
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Kingston “BlackBox” encrypted flash drives

Kingston Technology today unveiled the DataTraveler BlackBox USB flash drive, a Federal Information Processing Standard-validated USB flash drive in 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB sizes. The BlackBox carries FIPS 140-2 certified encryption, which requires the device to pass a Power On Self Test which verifies the encryption architecture is functioning. The DataTraveler BlackBox USB flash drives are currently shipping, starting at $165 and ranging to $425.

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Free Antivirus

Most computers come bundled with a free anti-virus solution, but sooner or later you will find out its just a trial and will eventually need to pay for the service. When your trial expires you leave your computer open and exposed to potential viruses.

In todays world no one is ever 100% completely safe even with the most sophisticated protection. This is why having at least some kind of protection is very important. Whether it be some kind of free anti-virus software or a paid version. For those of you who don’t have the proper funds or desire to maintain a subscription I highly recommend using one of the following free anitvirus versions.

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Broadcasting Wireless SSID

I can’t think of a good reason for a home network to broadcast its presence to the world at large. From a security standpoint, you can’t hack it if you don’t know it’s there.

The SSID is network name data your router View definition in a new window transmits at an interval. Disabling the public broadcast of your wireless network is usually an option on your router View definition in a new window’s basic settings page, once you have configured the clients you wish to allow access. Changing the SSID from the default router View definition in a new window name is just as critical. When you first purchase a new router View definition in a new window such as a Linksys or Netgear, a default network name is set by the manufactures for the particular router View definition in a new window. Changing this name to a unique SSID can help prevent even the savvy hacker who knows your network’s there from hacking into the default network name, even if the network is no longer broadcasting it.

Since every router View definition in a new window is different I have listed below the basics steps on how to set up security on your router View definition in a new window. This is just a simple guide on the key points you need to tweak. Since their are many router View definition in a new window brands out there you will have to reference you routers manual for the exact details.

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