Windows 7 workgroup network setup and security recommendations

Windows 7 Workgroup Consultation

Setting up a Windows 7 workgroup network is an effective way to manage user accounts for multiple computer users. There are several steps that should be implemented, however, to ensure the security and integrity of the network. Taking the necessary precautions will make it far more likely that the network operates in an efficient manner for the foreseeable future.

Setting up User Accounts

When the computer is initially set up, an Administrator account will be created. This will be Sally Chu's account for each computer and she will provide a user name and a password to be used for that specific account. It can be the same for each of the computer's, but she is the only one who should know the password for the Administrator account. For each other user on that particular computer, a Standard user account can be created with its own user name and password for the employee. A Standard account allows access to the full capabilities of the computer but restricts the user from making any changes to system settings; installing, uninstalling, or configuring software or hardware; and accessing other user's folders and files (Phillips, 2011, p.446).

Dual Authentication

Dual authentication provides an added layer of security beyond simply entering a password. With dual authentication you still enter a password but then you must also verify your identity in another way, usually either with an electronic token or a biological property (Cowart & Knittel, 2009). Biological property can be obtained through the use of a fingerprint reader or retina scanner. This provides an excellent level of security, since someone may be able to steal a password but it would be exceedingly difficult to obtain a finger or eye. However, the equipment necessary for reading fingerprints or scanning eyes is expensive and would need to be purchased for each of the six staff members.

The electronic token is usually a smart card, which is inserted into a reader attached to the computer. Windows 7 has built-in support for most of the major new features for smart card use, including Plug-and-Play and encryption methods (Panek, 2011). While this also offers an added level of security beyond password authentication, it is not as secure as fingerprint or retina scanning, since it is possible that someone could physically steal both a password and the smart card. While the smart card still requires that a reader be purchased for each of the six staff members, these readers cost significantly less than fingerprint scans or retina scanners.

Security Modifications to Internet Explorer

Outside attacks can come in many different sizes and shapes. Many of the latest outside threats attack Java vulnerabilities. Internet Explorer 8 allows you to configure your browser to disable Java and that should be done. Other threats can be eliminated by running in Protected Mode, which restricts Internet Explorer from making changes to the registry or files in systems and user folders (Phillips, 2011, p.461). This will keep viruses and hackers from taking control of computer systems through the browser.

Computers Running Slowly

Sluggish computers can be caused by several things and Windows 7 comes with diagnostic tests to determine the cause. The Performance Troubleshooter can automatically find and fix problems. This tool can identify how many users are logged onto a computer or whether multiple programs are running at the same time ("Optimize Windows 7," 2013). This tool is available in the Control Panel.

A computer can also be slowed by several programs running at startup. The number and type of programs can be limited with the AutoRuns for Windows program. By unchecking the box for any program listed in the tool it can be prevented from running at startup, freeing up resources for other programs ("Optimize Windows 7," 2013). There is also the possibility that the hard drive is fragmented or needs to be cleaned. The disk cleanup tool will remove unnecessary files from the hard disk and the disk defragmenter can be scheduled to run to rearrange data so the disk can work more efficiently ("Optimize Windows 7," 2013). Finally, it is important to have good up-to-date malware protection to ensure that there are no viruses or spyware slowing down the system.