Two networks to a computer?

[Robertm]

Is it possible to put two com cards in each of my computers and establish a
second network between them so shared files are not exposed to the network
that hooks to the internet?

Bob

 

[Chuck]

Is it possible to put two com cards in each of my computers and establish a
second network between them so shared files are not exposed to the network
that hooks to the internet?

Bob

Bob,

Yes, it is. But you'll need a good understanding about binding the different
services, and setting up static routing. If you don't set everything up
properly, you'll be back here again, and your problems may be worse.

I think you need to start one thread, and attack all of your problems in that
one thread. You've made so many short threads here, and doubtlessly tried so
many changes, that nobody here really has any idea what your problems are.
You're going to have to define your problems before you can fix them. And then
you'll have to make one change at a time, and test that change, before moving on
to the next problem, test, and change.

 

[Robertm]

Bob,

Yes, it is. But you'll need a good understanding about binding the
different
services, and setting up static routing. If you don't set everything up
properly, you'll be back here again, and your problems may be worse.

I think you need to start one thread, and attack all of your problems in
that
one thread. You've made so many short threads here, and doubtlessly tried
so
many changes, that nobody here really has any idea what your problems are.
You're going to have to define your problems before you can fix them. And
then
you'll have to make one change at a time, and test that change, before
moving on
to the next problem, test, and change.

I am not currently having any problems with my network. Everything is
running ok. As I read the other posts and look at the problems of others, I
think of new ways that I might enhance the security of my network. One such
post referred to an article in Practically Networked that said the only sure
way to protect shared files was to unplug the connection to the internet. So
my thinking was, instead of unplugging it, was there a way to have the two
computers communicate without being part of internet connection. This has
nothing to do with any of the problems that I experienced in setting up my
network. Merely an ongoing curiosity as I learn more about networks and the
security thereof. Even though I am not experiencing any problems, my current
setup may not be ideal and I'll never know if I stop learning.

Bob

 

[Chuck]

I am not currently having any problems with my network. Everything is
running ok. As I read the other posts and look at the problems of others, I
think of new ways that I might enhance the security of my network. One such
post referred to an article in Practically Networked that said the only sure
way to protect shared files was to unplug the connection to the internet. So
my thinking was, instead of unplugging it, was there a way to have the two
computers communicate without being part of internet connection. This has
nothing to do with any of the problems that I experienced in setting up my
network. Merely an ongoing curiosity as I learn more about networks and the
security thereof. Even though I am not experiencing any problems, my current
setup may not be ideal and I'll never know if I stop learning.

Bob

OK, Bob,

If you absolutely don't have any problems, and everything is working as it
should be, then trying something new is not a bad idea. As long as what you try
can be verified, and can be easily reversed. And as long as you're sort of
familiar with what you're doing, or can readily get advice about what you're
doing.

Running two network stacks in each computer would certainly take care of some
problems. Running two separate sets of computers, one for Internet and the
other for file sharing, would be an alternate, more extreme solution.

That said, if you're looking for a secure system, there's a lot to be said for
sticking with something that folks can help you with. TCP/IP Networking can be
made reasonably secure, if you get the right advice. And, with the supported
solution for Windows Networking being TCP/IP and NetBIOS Over TCP/IP, that's the
best solution with the most reliable advice.

One of the least secure systems, in my opinion, is a computer protected by one
single impenetrate product. As soon as an exploit is produced for that one
product, the computer will be unprotected. And since the owner thinks it's
totally secure, the exploiter will have his way. You have to Layer your
Security.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/please-protect-yourself-layer-your.html>

And the bottom line, the most insecure component in your computer network can be
the CKI. That's short for chair-to-keyboard interface, or the user of the
computer. One of the current trends these days is to use the computer only for
delivering a security exploit, with the payload being something separate. As in
some recent phishing email, which requests that you fax your personal data to an
their "security" fax.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/12/todays-security-alert.html#8/11>

The article that you reference is only partially correct. Unplugging your
computer will not secure it permanently. Many security experts say that the
only truly secure computer is encased in concrete, and sitting at the bottom of
the middle of the ocean. Anything less is Security By Obscurity.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/security-by-obscurity.html>