old static IP network

[MK]

I have been trying to connect a new Vista laptop to an old static IP4
network. The Vista firewall is blocking me. It is a public IP address (I'm
not sure what that means), which apparently is the problem. My IP address
starts with 207.191... Does that make sense to anyone? I need to know how to
unblock this address or just take down the firewall all together. I'll only
be connected to that network for a few hours a week, so temporarily removing
the firewall wouldn't be too bad.
Can anyone help me?

 

[Jack \(MVP-Networking\).]

Hi
If your IP starts with 270.xxx.xxx.xxx, it means that your are sitting
directly on the Internet and you probably do not have a Network.
You need to get a Cable/DSL Router to use two computers on one Internet
connection.
Wireless Cable/DSL Router is a combo device that includes Routing circuits,
Switch, and a Wireless Access Point.
Routing circuit is an electronic circuit that directs Internet connection to
few computers using one shared connection (like a Cop directing traffic).
A switch is a device that acts as a center to connect few computers together
(like hallways that connect between rooms in the house).
An Access Point is a device that allows replacing the wires that connect
computer to a Network; it is sort of a Wireless switch.
The system should look like this, http://www.ezlan.net/network/router.jpg
Jack (MVP-Networking).

 

[MK]

No, it's a network, just an unusual one. It's at work and there are 50+
computers on it. It's just not designed for laptops. My IP address "punches a
hole in the firewall" and is completely unblocked, unlike the student
computers that can't even access email. I am using a switch because there is
only one ethernet plug-in in my room. The other computer connected to it is
doing fine, so the switch is working. I can ping the server and see the other
computers on the network, but I can't get to the internet.
Also, the windows firewall is supposedly turned off. I'm using McAfee, and
it trusts the network and shows that I should be able to access the internet.
Thanks for your response. Do you have any other ideas?
MK

 

[Mick Murphy]

Check what is in the Exceptions , or not in, in the user firewall profile of
McAfee.
You don't say if it is just an AV, or security suite.

 

[MK]

McAfee is just the AV. but it does have a firewall. It's set on security
level: trusting. How do you check exceptions?
MK