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The cornerstone of the .NET Framework is enhanced Internet access and functionality. Some of the more visible enhancements affect the way connectivity is provided and with new features to the Internet Explorer Web browser.
The Internet connection enhancements provide easier configuration and usability, built-in security, and Web-based sharing capabilities.
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The Connection Manager Profiles function provides the ability to turn on log files of client utilization. This is helpful to quickly and accurately troubleshoot connection problems in Connection Manager. This facility is turned on or off from the Connection Manager options.
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The Connection Manager Administration Kit (CMAK) has enhanced wizard functions. This includes the ability to perform most advanced customization tasks prior to creating user profiles. A number of configurable administrative actions, such as establishment of VPN connections, are supported by the CMAK Wizard.
This feature permits the creation of an Internet connection to all designated users without the requirement of a user name or password. Designed for greater convenience, for example, it allows a home user to establish a connection with an ISP and establish it as an All-User connection. Credentials are saved that permit members of the family to gain Internet access without logging on and using a password. This facility can streamline accessibility but it also comes with obvious risks. This is not a facility we would recommend using in a business environment where access to a connected system may be restricted. However, if you have a very controlled situation and don't want associates or family to be "burdened" with a user name or password, then you can configure the computer: Start 
Control Panel Network and Internet Connections Internet Options.
Auto-Configuration for Multiple Network Connectivity provides easy access to network devices and the Internet. This feature can be particularly useful for mobile computer users that regularly connect to office and home networks. Unlike previous operating system versions that required manual reconfiguration of Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) settings, this new feature specifies that TCP/IP will use an alternative configuration if a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server is not found. In practice, an office environment typically would use a DHCP server; such a network configuration would be rare for home use. When moving between these environments, the operating system automatically recognizes the appropriate network settings. To manage the Auto-Configuration for Multiple Network Connectivity: Start Control Panel Network and Internet Connections Internet Options.
The Communication Manager can now be configured so that settings like dialing rules and access numbers can be stored and easily accessed by the user when moving between physical locations. The Favorites feature for Connection Manager eliminates repetitive configuration of properties when a user is switching between dialing locations. To configure the Connection Manager Favorites: Start More Programs Accessories Communications Network and Dial-up Connections.
While firewall technology is discussed in greater detail in later chapters, it is appropriate to highlight here the built-in firewall technology that ships with Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. It is designed primarily as a small business and home firewall that should meet most simplified Internet security packet-blocking needs and port scanning. In an enterprise environment, a more sophisticated approach is recommended. The Internet Connection Firewall provides protection on computers directly connected to the Internet. The environments it supports include LAN or dial-up networking, VPN, and Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) connections. The configuration of Internet Connection Firewall is invoked in one of three ways:
Start Network Connections Make New Connection Wizard.
Start Programs Accessories Communications Home Networking Wizard.
Start Control Panel Network and Internet Connections Network Connections.
In home or small business environments, dial-up or broadband Internet connectivity may be limited to a single line. Connection sharing permits more than one computer to share a dial-up or broadband Internet connection. Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) provides Network Address Translation (NAT) functionality that allows multiple computers to access the Internet at the same time. ICS also provides DHCP and DNS client services. This feature is invoked in one of two ways:
Start More Programs Accessories Communications Home Network Wizard.
Start Control Panel Network and Internet Connections Internet Options Connections.
ICS provides simplified connection and disconnection facilities. For example, when a user needs to use the telephone line, the dial-up connection can be terminated from the client PC. Reconnection is just as easy. This service automatically launches as part of ICS.
The Connection Manager Administration Kit supports the creation of a Connection Manager profile that allows users to select a virtual private network server from the corporation's network. The use of VPN networks is covered in Chapter 13, but it is appropriate to note here that the Connection Manager VPN Server selection facility is available from within the Connection Manager Administration Kit.
With each progressive release of Internet Explorer, Microsoft has introduced incremental improvements. While very little is earth shaking, the following enhancements are welcome and should reduce administrative headaches. Some global enhancements include:
Visual refresh and enhanced support for Document Object Model (DOM) Level 1 and Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) Level 1.
Media Acquisition enhancements that include support for My Videos and My Music folders as defaults for those media types.
Built-in playback support for Flash and Shockwave files.
Improved privacy; cookie handling has been enhanced along with Passport and related authentication dialog credential management.
A notable absence is native Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which is not shipped with Internet Explorer 6.0. Some OEM manufacturers have elected to include a JVM with their version of the operating system, but in most cases a JVM must be downloaded to support Java applets and related code. This might be a concern for system administrators. We suggest that system administrators select a designed JVM and include it during Windows XP or Windows NT installations. This will ensure more consistent browser behavior and eliminate users' questions about loading a JVM when attempting to load a Web page that can run Java.
Instant messaging, which has been in common use by Internet providers like Yahoo and AOL, is now available through IE 6.0. Instant messaging permits people to communicate quickly over the Internet. This can be accomplished through MSN Messenger, Outlook Express, and Outlook contacts in a side-pane with the browser. Windows Message is installed by default.
Capturing an image from a Web page was problematic in earlier versions of Windows. It typically required the user to examine the source file and then track down the identified image by name from the Temporary Internet folder. This process is now greatly streamlined. With Internet Explorer 6.0, the user need merely place the cursor on the desired image, right-click, and select Save or Print.
Another nice feature of IE 6.0 is its intelligent display of large images. Rather than users having to scroll across an image that is simply too large to be displayed with the browser, IE 6.0 automatically resizes the image to fit the screen.
The Home Networking Wizard is really very poorly named because it is an excellent tool for the establishment of small business LAN environments. When Windows XP Home or Professional Edition is installed in a home or small business network, this wizard will set up connectivity with the Internet and among existing local computers. These local computers use this facility while still running downlevel operating systems like Windows 9.x, Windows Me, and Windows NT. The Home Networking Wizard is not used for networking environments based on Windows Server 2003. To invoke the Home Networking Wizard: Start More Programs Accessories Communications Home Networking Wizard; or Start Control Panel Network and Internet Connections Network Connections.
Working in conjunction with the my.NET functions, this feature enables the publication of files to a Web-hosting service. The Passport Signup Wizard is used to sign up users so there is no need to enter a password with the Web site. Web publishing is accomplished in one of three ways:
Start My Documents select files Publish this file to the Web.
Start More Programs Microsoft Web Publishing Web Publishing Wizard.
Right-click the selected file Send To Web Publishing Wizard.
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