Broadband Router

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.general (More info?)

"Pinto1uk" <Pinto1uk@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:8A40EBD0-FDD2-40CB-BCCF-E12F3667AC63@microsoft.com...
> Hi, i have recently setup a wireless internet connection with my laptop. I
> also set up a workgroup network using the router (wireless), so i can
> share
> files and print.
> I have set up a password for my internet connection.
>
> Just out of interest, how secure is my internet and workgroup network. can
> outsiders access my files etc. How can i determine if someone is using my
> internet connection? (if i never has a password).
>
> regards

Your network should be secured - enable the router firewall and enable
network encryption, 128 bit WEP or better yet, WPA if your router supports
it.

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.general (More info?)

"Pinto1uk" <Pinto1uk@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:8A40EBD0-FDD2-40CB-BCCF-E12F3667AC63@microsoft.com...
> Hi, i have recently setup a wireless internet connection with my laptop. I
> also set up a workgroup network using the router (wireless), so i can
> share
> files and print.
> I have set up a password for my internet connection.
>
> Just out of interest, how secure is my internet and workgroup network. can
> outsiders access my files etc. How can i determine if someone is using my
> internet connection? (if i never has a password).
>
> regards

One thing to add to my previous post. The utility program of your router
will list all the clients ("DHCP Client List" in mine) accessing your
wireless network which will indicate anyone who is connected to it.

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.general (More info?)

Few tips
Enable encryption
Use hard to guess SSID and do not broadcast the SSID
Enable router firewall
If possible do not enable DHPC server and use IP range that's hard to guess

Some routers have module where you can view list of connected PCs. Check
your router manual.


"Pinto1uk" <Pinto1uk@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:8A40EBD0-FDD2-40CB-BCCF-E12F3667AC63@microsoft.com...
> Hi, i have recently setup a wireless internet connection with my laptop. I
> also set up a workgroup network using the router (wireless), so i can
share
> files and print.
> I have set up a password for my internet connection.
>
> Just out of interest, how secure is my internet and workgroup network. can
> outsiders access my files etc. How can i determine if someone is using my
> internet connection? (if i never has a password).
>
> regards

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.general (More info?)

In article <8A40EBD0-FDD2-40CB-BCCF-E12F3667AC63@microsoft.com>,
Pinto1uk@discussions.microsoft.com says...
> Hi, i have recently setup a wireless internet connection with my laptop. I
> also set up a workgroup network using the router (wireless), so i can share
> files and print.
> I have set up a password for my internet connection.
>
> Just out of interest, how secure is my internet and workgroup network. can
> outsiders access my files etc. How can i determine if someone is using my
> internet connection? (if i never has a password).

Since your network also includes your Wireless connection, then it's not
secure at all based on what you describe above.

If you mean, how easy is it for some uninvited person to access my
computers across the broadband connection, then the answer is it's not
easy and you are mostly safe through the broadband connection.

To secure your wireless you need to enable encryption or personal
security (as some call it) and at least use WEP and would rather see you
use WPA.

Also, depending on the router, you can use a free download called
"WallWatcher" to show all router traffic in/out of the router - so you
can see what is happening in real time.

--

spam999free@rrohio.com
remove 999 in order to email me

Just got a Dell laptop & an AT&T broadband and I don't know where to begin on how to set it up

(assuming your using modem & router)
If it's cable, run the cable from the wall to the modem. Use an ethernet(most likely) cable from the modem to the router. Plug both the modem and router power cables in. Plug in your wireless adapter and install the software. View for available networks and connect to yours.