2005

Windows automation in 2005 is a two-tool world for many of us: batch files for command-line friendly tasks, and AutoIt when the job requires clicking through GUI dialogs. Neither is “better.” They solve different problems, and most experienced admins use both. When Batch Files Win Batch is ideal when: Programs expose command-line switches — xcopy, robocopy on XP Pro, net use, installers with /silent or /S You schedule tasks with Task Scheduler You chain simple steps: map drive, copy logs, start service, exit You want zero extra runtime installed on the target machine Example — nightly log backup: ...

Music labels are fighting piracy with software, not just lawyers. Sony BMG and other majors now ship copy-protected CDs that install player software, limit ripping, and sometimes phone home to verify licenses. The packaging rarely explains what happens when you insert the disc into a Windows PC. That should worry anyone who manages desktops — including your own. Autorun Is the Real Entry Point Most of the friction starts with Autorun. Insert a CD, and Windows offers to launch an installer — often a custom media player with DRM components. Users click OK because the dialog looks official and the CD came from a retail shelf, not a download site. ...

Every power user eventually downloads something questionable: a codec pack from a forum signature, a “speed up your PC” utility, an installer from a mirror you do not fully trust, or shareware from an old CD-ROM whose publisher disappeared years ago. In 2005, full virtual machines are possible — Microsoft Virtual PC and VMware both exist — but they are heavy on typical hardware. A Pentium 4 with 512 MB RAM struggles to run a guest OS smoothly while you also browse and download. Sandboxie offers a lighter idea: run the program in a disposable sandbox and throw the changes away if things go wrong. ...

For years, Internet Explorer 6 was the default and often the only browser on Windows machines. Then Firefox 1.0 arrived in November 2004 with tabbed browsing, integrated pop-up blocking, and a community that cared about web standards. Three months later, the conversation has moved from “have you heard of it?” to “should I switch?” The answer for most people is simpler: install it alongside IE and use both. Why a Second Browser Helps Keeping Firefox next to IE is useful even if you do not switch full time: ...