This paper is a consultation for setting up a small network for a business. It includes the steps to make user accounts, set up dual authentication, and to make the system more secure through Internet Explorer 8 changes and other steps. It also includes a diagram for how to make the system more secure and lists tools available through Windows to manage the system.
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.
Update Distribution Method
It is extremely important that all aspects of the operating system and other Windows components be kept up-to-date. This will ensure that they are both as secure and user-friendly as possible. However, downloading and installing these updates as they occur on each individual computer can be time-consuming while also slowing down the network. Windows 7 allows the update client to download from the Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) location, which allows much more manageability for small networks.
WSUS is a free client that conserves bandwidth by downloading the updates once from the Internet and then distributing them to Windows Update clients on the local network. The administrator also has the ability to evaluate and test the updates before deployment and to decide which updates to release to clients (Zacker, 2010, p.276). The WSUS could be set up to distribute the updates after the company is closed so that it will not interfere with the network during valuable working hours.
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.
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