|
SWITCHING NETWORK SETTINGS ON THE FLY.
There are three ways to switch a notebook between
networks with one click. First is to use a built-in windows feature of saving
and loading network settings. This way is for experienced users. Second is by
using Windows XP "alternate configuration" feature. The third way is to use
third-party utilities like Net Profile Switch, IPSwitch etc. Let's discuss all
three.
WINDOWS "NETSH" UTILITY.
Windows 2000 comes with the "netsh" utility
that gives you the possibility to "dump" all network settings into a file which
you can later use to restore your complete Network settings.
To Save the current Settings use "netsh -c
interface dump >netset1.txt" To Load the Settings again use "netsh -f
netset1.txt"
Create a dump file for every Network that you
use (e.g.., netset2.txt, etc.) and create a desktop shortcut for every Network.
Pros: - Cons: hard for inexperienced users,
does not deal with switching a proxy server in a web-browser, mapping network
drives etc.
WINDOWS XP "ALTERNATE CONFIGURATION" FEATURE
Windows XP contains the "Internet Protocol
(TCP/IP) properties" dialog box, which has a tab "Alternate Configuration" in
it. You can specify "alternative" settings, which would be used when the
"default" settings are not accessible.
Pros: simple Cons: does not deal with three or
more networks, no proxy switching etc.
"NET PROFILE
SWITCH" UTILITY
Another way is to use the "Net Profile Switch"
utility from Jitbit Software (http://www.jitbit.com/). This tool creates a
profile with your configuration settings, and you can easily switch between
locations by activating a profile with one click. Net Profile Switch not only
switches the TCP/IP protocol settings but also switches the proxy-server
settings of your Web Browser (Internet Explorer or Firefox), Windows Firewall
settings and maps/unmaps network drives for each location. There a free
non-commercial edition of this tool available.
Pros: multiple locations, proxy settings, drive
mapping etc.
|
