Part 13: Windows XP vs. Vista: Network and Sharing

020: Network and Sharing
Other than the Windows Firewall (explained more in another section) XP incorporates Networking Services by installing the services through Add/Remove Programs and then allowing the user to use them. In Vista however, all these services are activated and installed by default (depending on your connection settings, your firewall settings, and your network location settings). For example, in XP to enable UPnP features you have to manually install the feature by using the Add/Remove Programs Control Applet (see screenshot), while in Vista all you need to do is make sure your Network Location is set to Private.

Windows XP - Networking Options

Windows XP - Network Setup Wizard

UPnP network technology allows network devices to advertise and offer services to you directly on your computer than say logging onto a Web Administration page (see example Linksys web administration screenshot). I never use UPnP, as my network here at the home-office is powered through Linux. I also believe it to be more of a secure risk if for example a trojan virus were to take over my machine.

Linksys Web Administration Page

Of course there are many other features like Network locations (typically used for laptop computers), Firewall Configurations, Program and File Sharing Access settings, Link-Layer Topology (which is now installed by default in Vista and is part of the UPnP features), and more. . . there’s no fucking way an average user would understand all this. Hypothetically what if you have AOL 9.0 Security Edition installed along with Symantec’s Internet Security what then – all hell breaks loose! You end up having three firewalls, a redundant Internet slowing traffic down, and a hell of a problem trying to solve the which program is causing the Internet to a halt.

These features in Vista (of course) are all wonderful and dandy, but ask yourself do you really need them just to simply browse the web – I think not! And what happens if something were to go wrong – say “Page cannot be found” errors – where on earth do you go about fixing the problem – it’s not as simple as Ping yahoo.com anymore especially on computer’s that are not your own. As an experienced computer repair individual I would have to say that Microsoft over did it on there features for networking.

Windows Vista - Network and Sharing Center

Windows Vista - Network Map

Windows Vista - Local Area Connection Properties

References:
It Just Works: UPnP in the Digital Home
UPnP NAT Traversal FAQ

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