Home Networking & Internet

[Tricia]

I've just set up a home network with DSL. I currently
have file and print sharing turned on. I have antivirus,
spyware and ad-ware software installed. What are my risks
when I access the net? Should it be turned off

 

[Richard G. Harper]

How are you sharing the connection? If it's via a router, you're somewhere
between reasonably and pretty safe. If it's via Internet Connection
Sharing, you're weak at your ICS host as at least it is visible to the real
world, along with any shares it can see.

 

[Tricia]

Its via a router and I don't have any shared drives.

-----Original Message-----
How are you sharing the connection? If it's via a router, you're somewhere
between reasonably and pretty safe. If it's via Internet Connection
Sharing, you're weak at your ICS host as at least it is visible to the real
world, along with any shares it can see.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x] (e-mail address removed)
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

I've just set up a home network with DSL. I currently
have file and print sharing turned on. I have antivirus,
spyware and ad-ware software installed. What are my risks
when I access the net? Should it be turned off

.

 

[JasonA]

Never turn your antivirus and firewall off. Installing firewall (Native XP's
can't) software has the added advantage that you have protection from rouge
programs (your routers firewall is more likely to let them through where-as
firewall software assesses the application also).

 

[Richard G. Harper]

Then you should be in good shape. Your router provides NAT (Network Address
Translation) which, in effect, 'hides' the PCs attached to it. If it has a
firewall as well, you're probably doing all that you can to protect your
flanks from any nasties out on the Internet. Keeping your antivirus and
antispyware programs updated will take care of much of the rest. Practicing
safe computing should handle the rest.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x] (e-mail address removed)
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

Its via a router and I don't have any shared drives.

-----Original Message-----
How are you sharing the connection? If it's via a router, you're somewhere
between reasonably and pretty safe. If it's via Internet Connection
Sharing, you're weak at your ICS host as at least it is visible to the real
world, along with any shares it can see.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Win9x] (e-mail address removed)
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

I've just set up a home network with DSL. I currently
have file and print sharing turned on. I have antivirus,
spyware and ad-ware software installed. What are my risks
when I access the net? Should it be turned off

.