What has changed in Windows 7 networking from Vista and XP versions? In this screencast, we show you how to do a few common tasks, such as connect to a new network, set up firewall options, find and renew your IP address, and how to start to troubleshoot networking problems. We show where the commands are now located in the new interfaces and highlight a few new features.
We don’t really cover the new homegroup feature, since that is aimed at home users and the smallest businesses.
Command Locator Table
| Command | XP | Vista | Windows 7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firewall | Control Panel, Windows firewall | N&SC*, Windows Firewall | N&SC*, Windows Firewall |
| Set sharing options | Windows Explorer, Shared Folders | N&SC*, sharing and discovery options | N&SC*, Advanced Sharing Settings, click on particular location and choose options |
| Display IP address | Network Connections | N&SC*, click on LAN Status, Details | N&SC*, click on LAN Status, Details |
| Renew an IP address | Command line: IPCONFIG/renew | Command line: IPCONFIG/renew | Command line: IPCONFIG/renew |
| Connect to a wireless network | Network Connections, create a new connection | N&SC*, connect to a network, setup newwireless | Taskbar, left click on target network |
| Connect to a VPN | Network Connections, Create a new connection, connect to workplace using Wizard | N&SC*, connect to a network, connect to workplace | N&SC*, Setup new connection, connect to workplace |
*Network and Sharing Center control panel applet which can be found in Vista
For more information about Windows security options, read this article in PC World.
Here is more help on understanding network administration tools.
Want more like this? Sign up for the weekly IT Expert Voice Newsletter so you don't miss a thing!
[...] Posted by strom on November 3, 2009 This week I begin a new series of video screencasts for Dell’s IT Expert Voice Web site. The site has all sorts of useful information for corporate IT folks that are interested in migrating and using Windows 7, and my humble part will be to produce a regular series of videos similar to what I have been doing on my own over at WebInformant.tv. Do check out this video which talks about the differences between Windows 7 and earlier versions when it comes to netw…. [...]
[...] a regular series of videos similar to what I have been doing on my own here. Do check out this video which talks about the differences between Windows 7 and earlier versions when it comes to netw…. Share and [...]
[...] Windows 7’s user interface (UI) changes are also not a major hurdle. For the most part, common tasks are accomplished the same way as in Windows XP or Windows Vista. A user reasonably well used to Windows Vista or Windows XP should not have too much trouble navigating Windows 7. Where the UI is a bit different is in the settings and control panel items, especially in terms of security and firewall settings. Thankfully, most general end users don’t have to go in there very often, if ever, though your administrative staff will need some training. An ITEV article that describes some of these changes is I Know It Is In Here Somewhere: Windows 7 Networking Controls. [...]
[...] Hier ein ITEV-Artikel, in dem einige dieser Änderungen beschrieben werden: I Know It Is In Here Somewhere: Windows 7 Networking Controls [Ich weiß, dass es hier irgendwo ist... [...]