How can I set up a wireless DSL connection with my neighbor and prevent file sharing at the same time?

Question

Do the firewall software that comes with the router really protects my neighbor or others from hacking into my desktop?

Do we both need Microsoft XP to access the same router?

Thanks!

Answer 1

It depends on what you want to do.
If you mean by file sharing the use of Kazaa or emule or other file sharing tools, then you should be mostly safe. These applications often require incoming ports to be open to work properly. If you don't configure this so called "NAT traversal" for your neighbor, he is unable to use these programs efficiently.

If by filesharing you mean the Windows File and Printer sharing, you just don't put anythin in the folder "Documents and Settings\All Users\My Files".

Regarding the hacking attempts: As long as you don't manually configure the router to open any ports, a hacker has no chance on hacking into your desktops.

Within your own network, your Neighbour could try to hack into your PC and vice versa, if you don't keep your Windows up to date or turn off the built in Firewall, that comes with Service Pack 2.
To check if you have Service Pack 2, visit http://update.microsoft.com.

You don't *need* XP. But it is easier to manage your security and network connectivity with the Windows XP Networking wizard.

Answer 2

Quite honestly, anyone thats good at hacking and has a reason to hack your network CAN. Wireless isn't very secure even with a large WEP key (basically a huge password to connect to your network).

Just setup the wireless, your friends wireless card will detect it and when you connect, it should ask for a key (found in the router when you login to the router for instance if you type 192.168.1.1 into the browser it should go to the gateway management). You both would have to enter that key as a password to connect to the network.

You both DO NOT need windows XP to access the same router.

The firewall software will reduce your chances of being hacked, but will not 100% prevent it.

To prevent file and printer sharing just disable it in windows firewall or from my network places.

Answer 3

give them the password to you wireless security code, and then as far as files sharing he can not view any of your files unless you want them to, as for the connection they will just need the wireless name and code to access you network.

Answer 4

Password protect file and print sharing.