Firewall exceptions in WinXP-pro

[George]

I wondered about the difference between Remote Assistance and Remote
Desktop, and the risk of opening up some of the other firewall items in
WinXP. (They are set at...)

Cntl Panel > Security > Win Firewall > Exceptions >
[has check boxes for Remote Assistance, Remote Desktop, Win Messenger, UPnP
Framework, etc.]

Does Remote Assist mean anyone with my IP address can get past WinXP's
firewall AND the firewall router and browse around?

Is Remote Desktop even more open...allowing someone to take control? Would
it be blocked by the router?

Can a "visitor" somehow come in on Win Messenger or UPnP Framework...I
wondered what this abbreviates.

Thanks for any insights.

 

[Alex Nichol]

I wondered about the difference between Remote Assistance and Remote
Desktop, and the risk of opening up some of the other firewall items in
WinXP. (They are set at...)

Cntl Panel > Security > Win Firewall > Exceptions >
[has check boxes for Remote Assistance, Remote Desktop, Win Messenger, UPnP
Framework, etc.]

Usually best to have them permitted unless you are not going to use the
facility.

Does Remote Assist mean anyone with my IP address can get past WinXP's
firewall AND the firewall router and browse around?

No. It is only available if the one end asks to use it and the other
agrees. As to the two, think of R Assist as being allowed to stand
behind the user at the other end, to watch what he does and advise. R
Desktop (which must be running on a Pro machine at the other end) allows
you to operate his machine with your Keyboard and mouse, as well