Copyright: The Intelligent Windows Tuner © 1998 Nitin Chandra, Copyright © Intelligent Software Series
Citation: The Intelligent Windows Tuner © 1998 Nitin Chandra


IWT Help Contents
The Intelligent Windows Tuner

Version 1.0

Copyright © 1998 Nitin Chandra

Intelligently Tune up your Windows 9x/NT configurations. Add security, enable/disable features simply, easily and accurately.

Copyright, License & Warranty

Evaluation & Registration

Introduction to the IWT

Main Information Page

Desktop Settings Page

User Settings Page

System Settings Page

Security Settings Page

System Security Settings Page

File System PageSending Bug Reports or Suggestions


Help about the Main IWT Information Page
Main Information Page

This page displays general information about your installation of Windows as seen by the IWT. All this is only for information and cannot be modified.

The top left corner shows the IWT program information and the version. The top right corner shows the ISS company logo. The bottom half of the screen shows the information gathered by the IWT about your installation of Windows.

The IWT displays the version of Windows along with the build number as well as any service packs that might have been applied. The processor in your system as seen by Windows is reported next followed by the user and company name to which your copy of Windows is registered. The last line displays the Product ID of your copy of Windows.


Help about the Desktop Settings Page
Desktop Settings Page

This page allows you to tune up some of the desktop features in Windows.

As you can see from the above picture, the Desktop Settings are divided into four groups for easy access to individual features. Let us look at these options one by one.

Wrap Program Names Under Icons

Automatically End Programs on Logoff

Hung Program Timeout

Kill Program Timeout

Window Border Width

Menu Delay

Grid Size


Help about the User Settings Page
User Settings Page

This screen allows customization of various user related settings.

The User Settings are divided into three easy access sub-groups.

Process The DOS AutoExec.Bat File

No Popup Messages on Boot

Network Warning Messages

Error Popups

Explorer Runs In Separate Process

Do Not Save Desktop Settings

Allocate CD-ROMs Only For Logged In User

Allocate Floppy Drives Only For Logged In User

Keep RAS Connections On Logoff

Default To Dialup Network Login


Help about the System Tune-up Page
System TuneUp Page

This screen allows system settings to be changed.

Enable Automatic Login

User Name

Password

Domain

Welcome Logon Title

Logon Prompt

Legal Notice Caption

Legal Notice Text


Help about the Security Tune-up Page
Security Settings Page

This screen allows security settings to be changed.

The Security Tune up page is divided into two major disable/hide settings groups. These groups are further sub-divided for easier logical access.

Disable/Hide Explorer Features

This group allows customization of the Windows Explorer related settings.

Start Menu

Allows the following commands to be disabled from the Start Menu

Common Admin Groups

Shutdown

Find

Run

Desktop Icons

Floppy Drives

Network Icon on Desktop

Settings Folder

Taskbar on Start Menu

Internet Icon

Disable/Hide System Features

This groups allows customization of the Windows Control & Setup related settings.

Display Control

This group allows customization of the Display Applet found in the Control Panel.

Display Control Applet

Background Page

ScreenSaver Page

Appearance Page

Settings Page

Password Security Control

This group allows customization of the Password Applet found in the Control Panel.

Password Control Applet

Password Page

Remote Admin Page

User Profile Page


Help about the System Security Tune-up Page
System Security Settings Page

This screen allows system security settings to be changed.

The System Security Page is loosely divided into three groups and some un-grouped options.

Allow Shutdown Without Logon

Disable/Hide System Setup

Device Manager Page

Configuration Page

File System Page

Virtual Memory Page

Disable/Hide DOS

Disable DOS Prompt

Disable Real Mode DOS

Disable/Hide Network Setup

Network Control Panel

Identification Page

Access Control Page

File Sharing Controls

Print Sharing Controls

Do Not Display Last Login Name

PowerDown After ShutDown


Help about the File System Tune-up Page
File System TuneUp Page

This screen allows file system settings to be changed.

The File System Tuneup page is currently applicable only to Windows NT systems using the NTFS file system.

Allow Extended Characters

Disable Last Access Date Updates

Disable 8.3 Filename Translation for DOS

Disable Long File Names Access from DOS


Learn about the IWT
Introduction To The Intelligent Windows Tuner

IWT Benefit for the Individual User

IWT Benefit in a Corporate Network Environment

Copyright, License & Warranty

Evaluation & Registration

The Intelligent Windows Tuner or the IWT for Windows 9x and NT 4.x allows you to fine tune your system according to your choice by giving you a simple single click access to quite a few system features which are not directly accessible.

The IWT is also extremely useful for System Administrators of Windows 9x/NT networks as it allows them to easily configure and customize the Windows systems on the network in a consistent manner. The automation of this process by the IWT minimizes the chances of the System Administrator making mistakes while trying to set the same configuration manually. The IWT increases productivity and efficiency by taking far lesser time in customizing the systems and does so without the possibility of human error.

The IWT lets you manipulate the Desktop, User, System, Security as well as File System settings from a simple point-and-shoot interface. For example, you can choose to disable the network control panel and dis-allow any fiddling with the network settings by users once it is set up

For Windows NT servers, you can set up the system to automatically login without requiring a login/password every time the system re-boots as well as disable all error message popups. This ensures a constantly running server without requiring human interaction.

The IWT consists of a familiar tab like interface, which has different tabs for related functionality as shown in the next screenshot.

With extensive context sensitive help for every setting, the IWT never leaves you guessing. Press F1 on any page for the complete help related to that page, or, press the right mouse button on any setting for help on the setting right there. You can also navigate the various tabs right here in the help as you would in the actual program. Just click on the tab you want more information on and it will switch to that tab just like in the actual program.

Unlike many programs which restrict Windows NT settings being used on Windows 9x and vice-versa, the IWT does not restrict you. The reason? There are quite a few un-documented features that are common to both platforms and some utility or system update might start using such settings if present. The IWT automatically adjusts to the version of Windows it is run under and makes the changes in the correct places.

Each of the settings on all these tabs is explained in more detail under the individual tab sections. The tabs are also called Pages analogous to the pages of a notebook.


IWT Benefits for the Individual User
IWT for the Individual User

As an individual user, the IWT gives you the power to control a variety of system features allowing you to customize your Windows system with point-and-shoot ease.

You can now control your system as never before.

Imagine having a friend over who messes up your Windows desktop, or, changes your favorite screen saver…

No more of that! With the IWT you can now disallow such changes by anyone on your computer system.

Do you have any kids who use your computer?

Remember all the times you got back to your system to find the printer deleted, desktop messed up, the internet settings gone and the like?

Well, the IWT can save you from all those kind of problems. With simple mouse clicks, disable access to all such settings by others and always have a working system.


IWT Benefits for the Corporate Windows Network
IWT for the Corporate Windows Network Environment

The benefit of the IWT for the Corporate Windows Network environments are tremendous. In short, the IWT increases your overall productivity by giving more continuous, trouble free, system uptime by simply proper desktop management.

Let us look at some of the petty reasons for any Windows NT system on a network being down, and other network related problems that require manual intervention from the System Administrator to set right.

•	A user accidentally deletes the printer icon effectively disabling all printing.

•	A user accidentally changes the monitor refresh rate and losing the display.

•	A user inadvertently changes the network system name in the network panel cutting the system away from the rest of the network.

Do the above and hundreds of similar small petty problems sound familiar?

If yes, most of these problems can be prevented.

Using the IWT you can selectively disable access to such “features” and prevent these problems which not only require regular maintenance, but, also lead to loss in productivity resulting in possible missed deadlines and financial loss.


IWT Copyright, License & Warranty
Copyright, License Agreement and Warranty

The Intelligent Windows Tuner Version 1.0

Copyright © 1998 Nitin Chandra

Evaluation & Registration

You should carefully read the following terms and conditions before using this software. Unless you have a different license agreement signed by Intelligent Software Series, your use of this software indicates your acceptance of this license agreement and warranty.

For information on distributing the evaluation version of the IWT see the section titled Evaluation License.

Registered Version

One registered copy of the IWT may either be used by a single person who uses the software personally on one or more computers, or installed on a single workstation used non simultaneously by multiple people, but not both.

You may access the registered version of the IWT through a network, provided that you have obtained individual licenses for the software covering all workstations that will access the software through the network. For instance, if 8 different workstations will access IWT on the network, each workstation must have its own IWT license, regardless of whether they use IWT at different times or concurrently.

There is a MulitUser license available for the IWT for such environments.

Governing Law & Disputes

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of India and all disputes are subject to jurisdiction in New Delhi.

Disclaimer of Warranty

THIS SOFTWARE AND THE ACCOMPANYING FILES ARE SOLD “AS IS” AND WITHOUT WARRANTIES AS TO PERFORMANCE OR MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. Because of the various hardware and software environments into which IWT may be put, NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IS OFFERED.

Good data processing procedure dictates that any program be thoroughly tested with non-critical data before relying on it. The user must assume the entire risk of using the program. ANY LIABILITY OF THE SELLER WILL BE LIMITED EXCLUSIVELY TO PRODUCT REPLACEMENT ONLY.


IWT Evaluation & Registration
Evaluation and Registration

Copyright, License & Warranty

This is not free software. Subject to the terms below, you are hereby licensed to use this software for evaluation purposes without charge for a period of 21 days. If you use this software after the 21 day evaluation period a registration fee is required. The registered version of the IWT will unlock all the IWT functions for normal use which are restricted in the evaluation version.

Unregistered use of the IWT after the 21-day evaluation period is in violation of international copyright laws.

Distribution

Provided that you verify that you are distributing the evaluation version (select About from the IWT Help menu to check) you are hereby licensed to make as many copies of the evaluation version of this software and documentation as you wish; give exact copies of the original evaluation version to anyone; and distribute the evaluation version of the software and documentation in its unmodified form via electronic means. There is no charge for any of the above.

You are specifically prohibited from charging, or requesting donations, for any such copies, however made; and from distributing the software and/or documentation with other products (commercial or otherwise) without prior written permission.


Wrap Program Names Under Icons

All the Icons that you see on your desktop have the program names displayed under them. This option controls whether or not you want these program names to be wrapped into multiple lines or displayed on a single line.


Automatically End Programs on Logoff

Determines whether user processes are ended automatically when the user logs off or stops Windows. If this is checked, then the processes are ended automatically. If it is unchecked, the system waits until the process ends and, if the process exceeds the timeout threshold for hung programs, the End Task dialog box appears stating that the application cannot respond to the End Task request.


Hung Program Timeout

Determines how long the system waits for user processes to end in response to the End Task button command in Task Manager. If this threshold is exceeded, the End Task dialog box appears stating that the process did not respond or, if this is enabled, the system ends the process automatically.


Kill Program Timeout

Determines how long the system waits for user processes to end after the user attempts to log off or to shut down Windows.  If this threshold is exceeded, the End Task dialog box appears stating that the process did not respond or, if this option is enabled, the system ends the process automatically.


Window Border Width

Sets the width of the borders around all the windows that have sizable borders.


Menu Delay

Determines how long after the cursor is pointed at a menu that the menu items drop down. Set this value to 1 for the fastest response to menus.


Grid Size

Specifies the size of the grid used to position windows on the screen in units of 8 pixels.


Process The DOS AutoExec.Bat File

If this option is enables, the Autoexec.bat file is parsed when you log on to Windows NT. If this is off, then the Autoexec.bat file is not parsed. This has no effect on the parsing of Autoexec.nt or Config.nt.


No Popup Messages on Boot

Determines whether pop-up error messages that appear when the system starts will be suppressed. This is designed for computers configured to log on to Windows NT automatically. If this option is enabled, pop-up error messages are suppressed. If disabled, they are displayed.


Network Warning Messages

Determines whether a warning message is displayed if the system is configured to run a network and the network is not running or the wrong network is running. All Windows network-related options are disabled if the network is disabled or incorrect. If this option is enabled, the messages appear, if this option is left un-checked the warning messages are turned off.


Error Popups

Determines which errors appear in pop-ups to interrupt the user. This is a system-level control of pop-up errors from system processes and applications. Applications determine which of their errors can appear as pop-ups. This value can suppress only those pop-ups that applications display.


Explorer Runs In Separate Process

Determines whether the components of Explorer run in a single process or in two separate processes. If this option is disabled [image] (unchecked), all of the components of Windows Explorer (Explorer, Desktop and Taskbar) run as separate threads in a single, multithreaded process called Explorer.exe. If the option is enabled [image] (checked), all instances of Explorer run in one process and the Desktop and Taskbar run in a separate process. Both processes are called Explorer.exe.

Warning	Enabling Desktop Process can interfere with the functions of Windows Explorer if the computer is not equipped to run both processes efficiently. At a minimum, a computer running with Desktop Process set to 1 should have a Pentium processor and more than 16MB of random access memory.


Do Not Save Desktop Settings

If this option is enabled, changes to the desktop, such as the positions of icons, open windows and their locations on the screen, and the size and position of the taskbar, are not saved when the system stops.


Allocate CD-ROMs Only For Logged In User

Restricts access to the CDs in the CD-ROM drives only to the user currently logged on to the computer. In this mode, CDs are allocated to the user as part of the interactive logon process, and freed for general use or for reallocation only when that user logs off. Satisfies part of C2 security requirement that removable media must be able to be secured. By default, this is disabled and the contents of the CDs in the drives will be available to all processes on the system.


Allocate Floppy Drives Only For Logged In User

Restricts access to the disks in the floppy disk drives only to the user currently logged on to the computer. In this mode, floppy disks are allocated to the user as part of the interactive logon process, and freed for general use or for reallocation only when that user logs off. Satisfies part of C2 security requirement that removable media must be able to be secured. By default this is disabled and the contents of the floppy disks in the drives will be available to all processes on the system.


Keep RAS Connections On Logoff

By default, at Logoff, Windows NT closes all Remote Access Service (RAS) connections opened during the session. If this option is enabled, the system will not close RAS connections at Logoff.


Default To Dialup Network Login

Determines whether the Logon Using Dialup Networking check box is selected by default when the system starts. If this option is checked, Logon Using Dialup Networking is the default. If this option is disabled, the check box is cleared. This option applies only when a dial-up networking (Remote Access Service — RAS) connection is installed and the workstation is part of a domain.


Enable Automatic Login

Specifies Automatic Logon if enabled. You must also enter proper values for the User Name, Password and Domain (if required) for automatic logon to work. When the Automatic Logon is used, Windows NT automatically logs on the specified user when the system is started, bypassing the Logon Information dialog box.


User Name

This defaults to the name of the last successfully logged on user. If Auto Logon is enabled and the Password is set, this will be the user who is logged on by default during automatic logon.


Password

Specifies the password for the User Name to be used for Automatic Logon.


Domain

Defaults to the name of the domain to which the user last logged on successfully. If Auto Logon is enabled, this is the domain that will be used.


Welcome Logon Title

The text entered here appears in the caption bar beside the title of the Begin Logon, Logon Information, Workstation Locked, and Unlock Workstation dialog boxes. The maximum length of the text allowed here is 256 characters.


Logon Prompt

The text entered here appears in the Logon Information dialog box. This is designed for additional legal warnings to the user before they log on. The maximum length of the text allowed here is 256 characters.


Legal Notice Caption

Specifies a caption for a message to appear when the user presses CTRL+ALT+DEL during logon. Enter some text for your Legal Caption if you want to add a warning to be displayed when a user attempts to log on to a Windows system. The user cannot proceed with logging on without acknowledging this message.


Legal Notice Text

Specifies the message to appear when the user presses CTRL+ALT+DEL during logon. Add the text of your legal warning here if you want to add a warning to be displayed when a user attempts to log on to a Windows system. The user cannot proceed with logging on without acknowledging this message.


Common Admin Groups

If this option is enabled, the common program groups, such as Administrative Tools (Common) will not appear on the Start menu.


Shutdown

If this option is enabled, the Shut Down command on the Start menu is disabled. This value entry does not affect the Shut Down button on the Window NT Security dialog box that appears when the user presses CTRL+ALT+DELETE.


Find

If this option is enabled, the Find command does not appear in the Start menu.


Run

If this option is enabled, the Run command does not appear in the Start menu.


Desktop Icons

If this option is enabled, all default and user-defined desktop elements, including Briefcase, Recycle Bin, My Computer, and Network Neighborhood are hidden.


Floppy Drives

Enable this option to hide floppy drives. The floppy drive icons do not appear in My Computer, Explorer, or Network Neighborhood, and the drives do not appear as a choice in the Open menu of applications.


Network Icon on Desktop

If this option is enabled, the Network Neighborhood icon does not appear on the desktop and the user does not have access to the network.


Settings Folder

If this option is enabled, the Control Panel and Printers options do not appear on the Start menu, in My Computer, or in Explorer.


Taskbar on Start Menu

If this option is enabled, the Taskbar option does not appear in the Start menu. If the user tries the alternate method of displaying the Taskbar Properties dialog box (right-clicking the Taskbar and then clicking Properties) the following message appears, “This operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer. Please contact your system administrator.” This setting does not prevent users from using the drag-and-drop method to add items to the Start menu or Desktop.


Internet Icon

If this option is enabled, the Internet Icon is removed from the Desktop.


Display Control Applet

If this option is enabled, the Display Control Panel applet is disabled dis-allowing any changes to be made to any display related settings. If only some display settings need to be secured, consider disabling the individual pages of the Display Control Panel applet from the sub-options.


Background Page

Enable this option to disable the Background Page from the Display Control.


ScreenSaver Page

Enable this option to disable the Screen Saver Page from the Display Control.


Appearance Page

Enable this option to disable the Appearance Page from the Display Control.


Settings Page

Enable this option to disable the Settings Page from the Display Control.


Password Control Applet

Enable this option to disable the Password Control Panel applet. This will restrict any changes to the features and options offered by the Password Control Panel applet. If you want to restrict only certain aspects of this applet, you can selectively disable the individual pages from the following sub-options.


Password Page

Enable this option to disable the Password Page from the Password Control Panel Applet.


Remote Admin Page

Enable this option to disable the Remote Admin Page from the Password Control Panel Applet.


User Profile Page

Enable this option to disable the User Profile Page from the Password Control Panel Applet.


Allow ShutDown Without Logon

Specifies whether the Shut Down button in the Logon Information dialog box is enabled. If this option is enabled, users can click the Shut Down button to stop the operating system without logging on or turning off power to the computer. If disabled, the Shut Down button is disabled.


Device Manager Page

If enabled, this option hides the Device Manager Page.


Configuration Page

If enabled, this option hides the Hardware Profiles Page.


File System Page

If enabled, this option hides the File System Button.


Virtual Memory Page

If enabled, this option hides the Virtual Memory Button.


Disable DOS Prompt

If enabled, this option disables the DOS Prompt in Windows.


Disable Real Mode DOS

If enabled, this option disables the running of the single mode DOS programs.


Network Control Panel

If this option is enabled, the Network Control Panel applet is disabled restricting all changes to the network settings. If less stringent control is required, you can do so by disabling individual pages of the Network Control Panel applet from the following sub-options.


Identification Page

This option, if enabled, hides the Identification Page of the Network Control Panel applet.


Access Control Page

This option, if enabled, hides the Access Control Page of the Network Control Panel applet.


File Sharing Controls

This option, if enabled, hides the File Sharing Controls of the Network Control Panel applet.


Print Sharing Controls

This option, if enabled, hides the Print Sharing Controls of the Network Control Panel applet.


Do Not Display Last Login Name

By default, Windows NT displays the name of the last person to log on in the Username space of the Logon Information dialog box. If you enable [image] this option, the Username space is always blank when the Logon Information dialog box appears.


PowerDown After ShutDown

Determines whether the Shutdown and Power Off option appears in the Shutdown Computer dialog box. (This dialog box appears when you press CTRL+ALT+DELETE and then click the Shut Down button.) This option appears only if you enable [image] it.


Allow Extended Characters

Determines whether the characters from the extended characters (including foreign access characters) can be used in 8.3 short filenames on NTFS volumes. If this option is enabled [image], extended characters are permitted. If disabled [image], 8.3 short filenames on NTFS volumes are limited to the standard ASCII character set (minus any reserved values).


Disable Last Access Date Updates

This option, if enabled [image], instructs NTFS not to update the Last Access time stamp on a directory when traversing the directory tree on extremely large NTFS volumes.

This can substantially increase NTFS response time on large amounts of nested directories.


Disable 8.3 Filename Translation for DOS

Controls whether NTFS creates a short name for a filename that is not in the format xxxxxxxx.yyy, contains extended characters, or both. Creating short names degrades performance. Enable this option if you do not intend either to use MS-DOS-based applications on long names, or to share disks with different code page computers (that is, computers in the United States). For example, in the Far East, where all native filenames generate short names, enable [image] this option.

You must reboot the system for a change to this value to take effect.


Disable Long File Names Access from DOS

Controls whether the FAT allows creation, enumeration, opening, or querying of long filenames, and whether extended time stamp information (Creation Time and Last Access Time) is stored and reported. Enable [image] this option to revert to basic Windows 3.x (and Windows NT 3.5) semantics.


Sending Bug Reports or Suggestions

If you come across any “Bugs” or problems with the IWT, or, have suggestions on it’s improvement and what else you would like to see in the future versions of the IWT, just send an email to ISS@DeathsDoor.Com with the subject line containing the word “Bug” or “Suggestion” as appropriate.