Ninite.com - download commonly installed programs all at once when setting up a new computer.

 Ninite.com is a free and user-friendly service that simplifies the process of installing and updating commonly used software on Windows computers. It is particularly popular among IT professionals and everyday users because it saves time and eliminates the hassle of downloading and installing applications individually.

Key Features:

1. Batch Installation:

   • Ninite allows you to select multiple applications from its list of supported programs.
   • It then creates a custom installer that installs all the selected applications in one go.

2. Automatic Settings:

   • Ninite installs software with default settings.
   • It automatically declines any offers for toolbars or additional software (often included in installers as "bloatware").

3. No Manual Interaction:

   • Once you start the installation process, it requires no further input. You can leave it running unattended.

4. Automatic Updates:

   • Ninite checks for the latest versions of the selected applications and installs them, ensuring that you always have up-to-date software.

5. No Administrator Privileges Required for Basic Users:

   • Standard users can use Ninite to install or update applications without needing admin rights (if the software allows non-admin installations).

6. Supported Applications:

   • Ninite supports a wide range of popular applications, including web browsers (Chrome, Firefox), messaging apps (Skype, Zoom), media players (VLC), utilities (WinRAR, 7-Zip), developer tools, antivirus programs, and more.

7. Safe and Trusted:

   • Ninite downloads software directly from official sources and verifies digital signatures to ensure safety and authenticity.

8. Pro Version for IT Professionals:

   • Ninite Pro offers advanced features such as remote management, automatic deployment across networks, and integration with IT tools, making it a valuable resource for IT administrators.

How It Works:

1. Visit Ninite.com.
2. Select the applications you want to install or update.
3. Download the custom installer.
4. Run the installer on your computer, and Ninite takes care of the rest.

Advantages:

• Saves time, especially during system setups or when managing multiple machines.
• Eliminates unnecessary add-ons and bloatware.
• Reduces the complexity of keeping software up-to-date.

Limitations:

• Only supports Windows systems.
• The list of available applications is limited to popular software; not all programs are included.
• Advanced features are restricted to Ninite Pro, which requires a subscription.

Ninite is a simple yet powerful tool, particularly useful for IT professionals managing several devices or anyone looking for a hassle-free way to install and update software.

Convenient Solution for Instant Internet Disconnection

Rather than manually disconnecting cables or navigating through complex settings, InternetOff provides a user-friendly utility that empowers you to seamlessly transition into an offline mode. This small yet powerful tool is designed for those instances when you need a break from the virtual world or want to enhance your productivity by minimizing online disruptions.

Version: 3.0, Size: 1.9 MB

https://crystalrich.com/internetoff/download.htm

Optimal Order for Running DISM and SFC to Ensure a Healthy Windows System

Maintaining a smoothly functioning Windows operating system is crucial for the optimal performance of your computer. Over time, system files may become corrupted, leading to issues such as sluggishness, crashes, or other unexpected errors. Microsoft provides two powerful tools, Deployment Image Service and Management Tool (DISM) and System File Checker (SFC), to address and repair such problems. While both tools are effective on their own, running them in a specific order can enhance their efficiency. Here's a recommended sequence for running DISM and SFC commands:

1. Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /checkhealth

• This command checks for component store corruption without making any changes.

2. Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /scanhealth

• Performs a more advanced scan to detect component store corruption and assesses the overall health of the Windows image.

3. Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth

• Initiates the repair process and attempts to fix any identified issues in the Windows image.

4. sfc /scannow

• System File Checker is then executed to scan and repair corrupted system files. This step complements the work done by DISM.

5. Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /AnalyzeComponentStore

• Analyzes the component store to provide a detailed report on the space that can be recovered by performing cleanup operations.

6. Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

• Initiates the cleanup process to reduce the size of the component store and enhance system performance.

By following this sequential order, you allow DISM to perform preliminary checks and repairs before engaging the System File Checker. This systematic approach enhances the overall efficiency of the maintenance process and increases the likelihood of resolving any underlying issues in your Windows environment. Always run these commands from an elevated Command Prompt to ensure proper execution and system repair. Regularly performing these steps can contribute to a stable and healthy Windows system.

As an alternative option, you can also follow this sequence:

1. sfc /scannow

   • Start with a System File Checker scan to address immediate issues with corrupted system files.

2. Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

   • Follow up with the DISM RestoreHealth command to further repair the Windows image.

3. Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

   • Conclude the maintenance process by initiating component cleanup to optimize the system.

Running these commands in the recommended order or the alternative option can significantly contribute to the overall health and stability of your Windows operating system. Regular maintenance, including these tools, is essential for a trouble-free computing experience. Always remember to run these commands from an elevated Command Prompt to ensure proper execution and system repair.

 

 Previous article about fixing issues with this command

 

Fine-Tuning Resource Allocation for Specific Programs in Windows

In troubleshooting scenarios, encountering a program that technically functions but operates with glitches, errors, or crashes is not uncommon. I had this issue in applications responsible for generating crucial reports, such as calendar entries and financial reports. If you find yourself grappling with such issues, consider employing an additional strategy to fine-tune your troubleshooting toolkit: allocating more resources to the problematic program.

Follow these steps to adjust resource allocation using the Windows Task Manager:

1. Access Task Manager:

   Right-click on the taskbar, and from the context menu, select "Start Task Manager." Alternatively, you can use the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

2. Navigate to the Processes Tab:

   Once Task Manager is open, navigate to the "Processes" tab. This section provides a detailed overview of all active processes on your system.

3. Identify and Select the Target Process:

   Scroll through the list of processes and locate the one associated with the program you're troubleshooting. Right-click on the specific process to reveal a context menu.

4. Adjust Priority:

   From the context menu, hover over the "Set Priority" option. A submenu will appear, presenting different priority levels. Choose the priority level that aligns with the additional resources you want to allocate to the program.

5. Select Desired Priority Level:

   Click on the desired priority level. Generally, you'll find options like "High," "Above Normal," "Normal," "Below Normal," and "Low." Choose the priority level that best suits your requirements.

A Few Considerations:

- Use Caution: Adjusting process priorities should be approached with caution. Setting a process to too high a priority may impact the performance of other applications. Strive for a balanced allocation of resources.

- Experiment and Monitor: After adjusting the priority, monitor the performance of the program. If issues persist, you may need to experiment with different priority levels to find the optimal balance.

- System Reboot: Changes in process priority often take effect immediately, but for some adjustments, especially with critical system processes, a system reboot may be necessary.

By following these steps, you can enhance the resource allocation for a specific program, potentially mitigating glitches and errors. Experiment with different priority levels to find the configuration that optimizes the performance of your troubled application.

Safer and faster web browsing for you and all organization

 

Malwarebytes Browser Guard by Malwarebytes

gives you a safer and faster web browsing experience. It blocks trackers and malicious websites while filtering out annoying ads and other unwanted content like credit card skimmers. In fact, you can browse up to four times faster.

It is the world’s first browser extension that can identify and block new fake tech support scams. And Malwarebytes Browser Guard crushes pop-ups, browser hijackers, and browser lockers with ease.

GUI for xcopy command

If you're just as exhausted as I am from dealing with command line errors, you can enjoy this xcopy graphical user interface (GUI)

 Github: https://github.com/Cemique/XCopy-GUI

Features:
- Scope select option (root / subdirectories)
- Inline exceptions, files/folders to ignore when copying
- Save & load frequently used exclude lists
- Context menu shortcuts when right click on folders in Windows Explorer

Absolutely free PHP and MySQL website hosting

 Infinity Free .Great test environment that cost nothing. Unlimited hosting, completely free, no ads, any domain.

https://www.infinityfree.com

Enable archive mailboxes for all users whose archive mailbox isn't already enabled.

Well known issue, that you can solve easily by running simple command in powershell:

Get-Mailbox -Filter {ArchiveStatus -Eq "None" -AND RecipientTypeDetails -eq "UserMailbox"} | Enable-Mailbox -Archive

Done :)

Please notice , to be able to do so you have to Connect to Exchange Online PowerShell.

 

This is as well useful option to Enable auto-expanding archiving

 

 

Show all users, include local, in Windows login Screen

Windows 10 and 11

If the list of local users is not displayed on the computer logon screen, check the settings of the following local Group Policy options (use the gpedit.msc):

• Interactive Logon: Do not display last signed-in = Disabled (Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Local Policies -> Security Options);
• Enumerate local users on domain-joined computers = Enabled (Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System -> Logon)
• Do not enumerate connected users on domain-joined computer = Disabled/Not Configured (in the same GPO section)

 

 

How to find your Windows product key

 Type this command at the prompt:

wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

 

  Type this command at the PowerShell:

 powershell "(Get-WmiObject -query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKey"

 

 

 

 

Type regedit into the Windows 10 desktop search, and select the appropriate item in the results. Navigate to this key:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform

 

 the BackupProductKeyDefault key will reveal a valid Windows key ( Windows 10)

Fix issues related to windows. SFC and DISM commands

 

Commands that I use at least once a week.

Perform SFC Scan and Repair Windows Image
-This process will perform scan for any corrupted system files or integrity violation and will attempt to repair it along with the Windows Image.

1. Open command prompt with administrator access
2. Type each command below and wait until scan is completed.

SFC /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth 

 

Please see other article about Optimal Order for Running DISM and SFC

How To Use Check Fish Scanner -An AI-powered scanner that analyzes the safety of URLs right from your inbox.

 

How To Use Check Fish Scanner

CheckPhish Scanner for Outlook is an AI-powered scanner that analyzes the safety of URLs right from your inbox.

Find your add-in under Home tab > Get Add-ins > Admin-managed > CheckPhish Scanner for Outlook

Right now it is implemented in few computers, once it will be implementen in all Teams Transport organization, you will receive email ( please see picture)

Once Check Phish Scanner plug in implemented in your cmpuer ( it will be unatendet implementation) you need manualy click on fish icon, to scan suspecious email.

Scan done per one email that you choose to scan, in your mailbox. It wont work in shared mailboxes.

Devolutions Password Server ( Highly recommend)

 

 

 

Choose the right tools

Love this program. 

With Remote Desktop Manager (RDM) and Devolutions Password Server (DPS), you can easily set password policies and implement Privileged Access Management (PAM). You can also easily manage passwords across your entire organization, from technical users to business users.

And it's free for personal use

https://devolutions.net/server

 

 .

Here are some of the most common IT support requests that people within organizations request IT help desk support to solve:

 Problems Logging Into a Device or an Account 1: A lot of people now use different passwords for each of their online accounts and local software applications. However, it’s impossible for users to memorize multiple, complex passwords. Because of this, a common help desk request is, “I’m typing in my password but I can’t get logged in.” When a complex password is manually entered, it’s fairly easy to mistype. Sometimes, the issue may just be a case of the caps lock key being on.

Printing Issues 1: Even though most of us print less than we used to, printing can still be one of the more issue-prone day-to-day computer activities. A common IT support request is, “I’ve tried to print a document several times, but nothing is coming out of the printer.”

Inability to Access Shared Files 1: With an increasingly collaborative work environment, there is more file-sharing than ever. Whether files are on a local server or a cloud drive, a common report is, “I can’t get to our company’s shared folders.”

Missing or Deleted Files 1: This is a common issue that can be caused by a variety of factors, including accidental deletion, hardware failure, or malware.

Challenges With Online Meeting Services 1: With the rise of remote work, online meeting services like Zoom and Microsoft Teams have become essential tools for many businesses. However, they can be a source of frustration when they don’t work as expected.

Slow Internet Connection 1: Slow internet speeds can be a major productivity killer. If you’re experiencing slow internet speeds, there are a few things you can try to speed things up, such as resetting your router or modem, clearing your browser cache, or upgrading your internet plan.

Wireless Connection Problems 1: Wireless connection problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including interference from other devices, outdated drivers, or a weak signal.

A Suspected Computer Virus 1: If you suspect that your computer has been infected with a virus, it’s important to take action right away. Some common signs of a virus infection include slow performance, pop-up ads, and strange error messages.

Software Installation Issues 2: This is a common issue that can be caused by a variety of factors, including compatibility issues, insufficient disk space, or corrupted installation files.

Hardware Failure 2: Hardware failure can be caused by a variety of factors, including wear and tear, power surges, or manufacturing defects.