Home Networking

[Sparkling_Jules]

I have a broadband router with a PC connected to it by ethernet and a laptop connected by wireless. What would be the best way of networking the two computers for file sharing?

[danielf]

Do you mean simply set up the two computers so you can share files between them?

If so, make sure they are both in the same workgroup, and then set up a 'shared directory' (don't share your whole drive), on both machines, so you can access it's contents from the other one. Any files you want to share must be put in the shared directory.

[Sparkling_Jules]

How can I make sure that I'm not sharing files to the internet as well? Does the broadband router prevent this? It has an inbuilt firewall but do I have to activate it or does it just work?

[Aragorn]

Originally Posted by Sparkling_Jules

How can I make sure that I'm not sharing files to the internet as well? Does the broadband router prevent this? It has an inbuilt firewall but do I have to activate it or does it just work?

Your router will (almost certainly) have a NAT firewall and should be blocking file sharing.

I recommend you visit www.grc.com and use the 'Shields UP' port scanner. This should put your mind at rest.

You could also have a look at http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/sh...ad.php?t=16565 for more info about file sharing.

HTH

BTW,

[danielf]

Originally Posted by Sparkling_Jules

How can I make sure that I'm not sharing files to the internet as well? Does the broadband router prevent this? It has an inbuilt firewall but do I have to activate it or does it just work?

Yes, the router helps as it will block 'unsollicited' requests from outside. There is also the fact that you will only share files with computers that are on the same workgroup, and you can/should password protect the shared folders.

That's assuming you have secured the wireless part of the network of course.

I hope I got this correct. It's been a while since I set this up myself. If I'm not correct, I'm sure someone will along to rectify me.

[Sparkling_Jules]

It said port 80 was open, is this a problem?

[TheBlueRaja]

Port 80 is used to access web pages... its not a problem.

[Aragorn]

Originally Posted by Sparkling_Jules

It said port 80 was open, is this a problem?

Depends whether you plan to host a web server.

Assuming you don't it would be better to block port 80. It may be open for remote administration - the router will have a web server for admin and may by default allow remote admin. That should DEFINITELY be disabled (consult the manual or web pages for how to do).

HTH

EDIT - Just to clarify - I assume you are referring to inbound port 80 being open, as reported by Shields UP.

[Sparkling_Jules]

Originally Posted by Aragorn

Just to clarify - I assume you are referring to inbound port 80 being open, as reported by Shields UP.

That's right.

[Sparkling_Jules]

If I configure the routers firewall to block wan pings would this solve the problem?

[Aragorn]

It would make your network even more 'stealthy' but wouldn't affect port 80.

Let us know what make/model the router is and we can probably find the manual and advise better.

[Sparkling_Jules]

It doesn't appear to have a 'make' all it says on the box is 'IEEE 802.11b Wireless BroadBand Router'

[Aragorn]

Originally Posted by Sparkling_Jules

It doesn't appear to have a 'make' all it says on the box is 'IEEE 802.11b Wireless BroadBand Router'

Was this supplied by NTL?

If so, any of the NTL techies know where the manuals for these are?

PS- Going home now - so back online in a couple of hours!

[Sparkling_Jules]

Originally Posted by Aragorn

Was this supplied by NTL?

No, I got it from a local independent computer firm

[Sparkling_Jules]

I made port 80 stealth by forwarding it to a non-existant private ip.

So now Shields UP is all green