FAQS! FACTS! FAX! 041 (14/01/97)

NET THREAT

We are a school in Bolton and run a network of PC's with Windows 95. Unfortunately pupils delete files and modify the system quicker than I can repair it!  Is there any way to prevent unwanted access to various parts of the system?  I have been told that there is protection software included in Windows 95 but information on this (if it exists) is not readily available. We successfully use protection software on Windows 3.11 but this same software does not run under '95.  How can I safeguard the network?

M. G.

A

Windows 95 has a number of security features, but you’re right, there’s no mention of it in the basic user guide. Everything you’re likely to need can be found in  the ‘Admin’ directory on the Windows 95 CD-ROM. Open it up and you’ll find another directory called ‘Reskit’ this contains a sub-directory called ‘Policies’ plus its associated help-file. The help-file is the best place to start, it explains how to set up password-protection on single PCs and networks. File policies operate on a number of different levels, and should safeguard your system from all but the most determined and resourceful interference, including preventing unauthorised access to system files, the Control Panel and user preferences.

LATE CONVERSION

I have some data stored on floppy discs compiled using First Word Plus, on an Atari computer. I wish to transfer this information to an Amstrad 386 PC. Can you please tell me if this is possible and, if so, how it can be done

R.S., Peterborough

A

You require a small DOS utility called STTOPC, that reads and converts text saved as ASCII data on an Atari ST disk, to a PC readable form. It’s available as a free download from the Atari forum on CompuServe. If you haven’t got Net access a friend can download it for you, and copy it to disc. You’ll find STTOPC, and quite a few other PC related programs, by typing GO. ATARI on the CompuServe Services menu, and using ‘PC’ as the keyword search in the File Finder menu. The software works well, though you may have to tidy up the text as stray symbols and characters can pop up.

EDITORS CHOICE

Can you please advise on hardware or software, or both, which may be suitable for video-tape editing.  I have a P120 multi-media computer with 16Mb RAM and 32 bit sound card.

E. K., via e-mail

A

If you haven’t already got one, the first thing you’ll need is a camcorder (or VCR) with an editing terminal. There are two types: Control L or LANC (Local area network control) is used on virtually all Sony machines, most recent Canon camcorders, and a few Sanyo models. The other one is the Panasonic 5/11 Pin system, used exclusively by Panasonic, but also fitted to clone machines made by them, mostly for Philips. PC editing packages contain the necessary control software and an interface cable, which links the PC -- via the serial port -- to the camcorder’s edit terminal. The lead usually has an infra-red wand as well, to control the recording VCR, via learned or pre-programmed commands.

Video Director Home from Pinnacle Software is a good entry-level package, it costs around £50. Data Video’s PE100 has a few more advanced features and sells for £70. Unfortunately you won’t find much information in the computer magazines, specialist publications like Camcorder User and Video Camera carry regular features on so-called ‘Desktop Video’, and show how -- if you have the time and money -- you can turn your PC into a sophisticated video production suite.

Bandridge Ltd (Data Video P100) 0181 543 3633

Pinnacle (01189) 814230