NetStumbler and Vista

[atsw]

Having discovered that my beloved NetStumbler software won't work on my new Vista based laptop I spent a happy few hours yesterday trawling the Internet for a Vista Capable WiFi scanner that would give a good level of detail about surrounding WiFi networks (i.e. SSID, channel, frequence, signal strength, security, MAC addresses etc.).

Why, well because I seemed to suddenly be having trouble connecting to one of my two Access Points at home. The reason, next door have just gone Wireless and their AP was set on Channel 11, the same as one of mine (I used 1 and 11). The basic WiFi Scanner in Vista showed next doors network, but no details. I suspected a channel clash, but needed to know what channel they used to be sure.

Anyway, after a few tries with a number of freeware apps, I came down on the side of this little gem -> http://www.xirrus.com/cgi-bin/press_...186&template=1 It's a Vista Gadget, very neat and tidy, and provides all the information you might need about your own network and those around you.

All my problems were solved by switching my AP from channel 11 to channel 7 . Also, nice to note that next door are using WPA security, so often 'new' WiFi users just get the AP out of the box and switch on, leaving the door wide open for everyone to jump in.

If you use Vista and WiFi, and you've not got anything better to do, have a little play with this Gadget while its still freeware (anyone else noticed that a lot of Freeware apps have changed to 30-day Shareware after being updated to support Vista?).

Cheers

Andrew

[nettech]

Originally Posted by atsw

The basic WiFi Scanner in Vista showed next doors network, but no details. I suspected a channel clash, but needed to know what channel they used to be sure.

For me it shows channel numbers, it's probably chipset dependant.

Will have a look at that gadget as soon as time allows.

My next door neighbours still have their 'Zoom' router unsecured Even two doors down with Sky have their network secured.

Am I the only home user on the planet that actually likes Vista? Admittedly I seem to be lucky and have had no compatability problems with any peripherals (minor issue with security on my NAS). UAC can be a pain with software from an "unrecognized publisher" but that's my only gripe.

[atsw]

Originally Posted by nettech

Am I the only home user on the planet that actually likes Vista? Admittedly I seem to be lucky and have had no compatability problems with any peripherals (minor issue with security on my NAS). UAC can be a pain with software from an "unrecognized publisher" but that's my only gripe.

No, you're not the only one, I love it, I really do.

As you say, there are still many applications which don't work at all, or are "unsupported" on the Vista platform, but they are usually old legacy software/hardware, in which case it's probabily time to move on anyway.

I've actually managed to get a lot of "unsupported" applications working perfectly well on my new Vista based laptop, even an old copy of PainShopPro v4!

As well as my new (work) laptop, I have just got a new Desktop for home use. That also has Vista, and that's been fine too. My other half even admits that the new Windows Mail is far better than Outlook Express, now that she's had time to get used to it.

So, yes, I'm a fan of Windows Vista

Cheers

Andrew

[nettech]

My work laptop is Windows 2000 Pro despite only being about 18 months old - I would love it if it was upgraded/replaced with Vista Business, though I have a feeling it would feel slightly less responsive (that can be tuned of course) even though it isn't a bad spec.

I also prefer Windows Mail to OE (even though there's not a huge difference) and in fact I had setup OE originally (because that was what I used on my old laptop) but switched to Windows Mail. Have to put up with the mess that is Lotus Notes on my work laptop.

I think Photo Gallery is the best photo management software I've ever used (and I've tried a few) and Movie Maker ain't bad for "free" either.

[atsw]

I agree with you on all points - Hum.. bit of a Vista love fest going here now .

The automatic Junk Mail filtering in Windows Mail is particularly welcome (straight ot of Outlook 2003 of course).

If, like me, you run a pretty big home network, with all manner of Network Switches and Wireless AP's connected to the Router, then the Vista "Network Map" function is invaluable in seeing how everything is connected up (or not, as the case may be ). Downloading the hotfix MS$ provide for Xp workstations allows them to be seen in the map too, which is great!

My Vista Laptop is new with a Core2Duo T7700 chip and 4Gb of RAM. As you might expect, it doesn't hang about! The home desktop is right at the other end of the scale, still Core2Duo, but only T4300 processor and just 2Gb of RAM. Still, it flies along very nicely, and certainly meets all the requirements currently asked of it.

Andrew