Unknown computer on home network

[Gin]

The Road Runner tech that came out to my house asked if I wanted to
link my laptop and desktop as a network. He said I could print files
from my laptop to my desktop's printer and that I could view files from
the other computer. So he set it up for me. Just by chance today I
seached my computers for other computers on my network and there is a
third one that is showing up. How can I get rid of this unauthorized
computer on my network? Thanks!

Windows XP Home Editon SP2

 

[Guest]

I'm guessing that you are using a wireless network here. You can enable MAC
filtering on your router. That way only computers that are entered into the
router will be able to connect to the network. Or you can enable WEP
filtering... but MAC filtering works better IMO.

 

[Kerry Brown]

I'm guessing that you are using a wireless network here. You can enable
MAC
filtering on your router. That way only computers that are entered into
the
router will be able to connect to the network. Or you can enable WEP
filtering... but MAC filtering works better IMO.

MAC filtering can be broken in seconds. WEP doesn't take much longer. WPA is
the safest.

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=815485

Kerry

 

[Gin]

How do I enable the WPA? Thank you.

 

[Guest]

Gin,

The option to enable WPA will depend on if your router and wireless card on
your computer have the ability. I would check your router manual first to see
if it is supported and for information on setting it up.

You can also find information on doing the MAC filtering and WEP there as
well.

Keep in mind that even WPA can be broken.

 

[Guest]

While this is true, i dont think it will matter too much with a home
connection. If they really want in they will get in.

For simplicity and ease of use it would be better just to enable MAC
filtering w/wo WEP. Most people will just try the next router if it is not
wide open to them.

 

[Kerry Brown]

While this is true, i dont think it will matter too much with a home
connection. If they really want in they will get in.

For simplicity and ease of use it would be better just to enable MAC
filtering w/wo WEP. Most people will just try the next router if it is not
wide open to them.

If the router and NICs support WPA then it is the safest. Next would be WEP
beiing sure to change the key often. MAC filtering is a waste of time. It
will only keep out the most casual of hackers. A likely scenario is a
neighbour using your Internet connection to download porn. Most teenagers
could get by MAC filtering in minutes if not seconds. The police will come
to your house. It will be up to you to show that someone hacked your network
to download the porn. At the very least they would confiscate your computers
until they gave up looking for the porn on them

Kerry

 

[Chuck]

MAC filtering can be broken in seconds. WEP doesn't take much longer. WPA is
the safest.

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=815485

Kerry

Absolutely none of these are 100% effective. Layered security is the only
solution.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/please-protect-yourself-layer-your.html>

 

[Kerry Brown]

Absolutely none of these are 100% effective. Layered security is the only
solution.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/please-protect-yourself-layer-your.html>

Agree 100%. Good link.

Kerry