How do I set it so that my files/printers are shared over my network (made
up of 2 pc's connected via a hub) but cannot be accessed by anyone through
the internet? Or does the file and printer sharing tool do this by default?
Cheers,
Bertie
This answer applies to computers that connect to a cable modem or DSL
modem through a hub or switch. It doesn't apply if they connect
through a broadband router.
Your network setup is described in the Windows XP Help and Support
program. Click Start | Help and Support, search for the topic
"Network configurations overview", and look at the section labeled
"Individual Internet connections".
The solution given there is to install the IPX/SPX protocol for file
sharing and to disable file sharing on TCP/IP. I've written a web
page showing how to do it:
Windows XP Network Protocols
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/network_protocols.htm
There are two reasons to use IPX/SPX instead of TCP/IP for file
sharing:
1. If your cable or DSL provider assigns IP addresses in different
subnets to your computers, it isn't possible for them to communicate
with each other using TCP/IP.
2. Since your computers connect directly to the Internet through the
cable or DSL modem, they receive public IP addresses that are
accessible by everyone on the Internet. Using TCP/IP for file sharing
could let other people access your shared files.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)
Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
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