Set up simple network and ensure security

1. if i set up files sharing in my hybrid network, while on the router/modem, is there any communication between the 2 computers (wirelss laptop & ethernet cabled desktop) over the internet. In other words is communication (file sharing) between computers completely independant of the internet, thus no more security risk involved than if the modem was not connected at all...?

2. i read up a little on "client for MS networks", "file & printer sharing", and "netbios over TCP", is my understanding correct that ALL of these must be enabled in order to use windows 7 file shariing, and if so do any of these share anything with the internet?

i read info here http://www.grc.com/su-fixit.htm and here http://www.grc.com/su-bondage.htm, but it becomes somewhat confusing...as im unsure what "should/could" be disabled if unecessary while still allowing file sharing...also the info appears somewhat outdated.

thank you

Hi Balm,

1 No, there is no comms via the internet if you set up your homegroup properly.

2 Let windows 7 take care of what it needs! What you are doing, is to read up a lot on things that are possible, but if your firewall and security are setup properly, then there is little chance of happening.

Tip...When you read these articles, always read then from the perspective of the article writer... in your particular instance, the article is the attempt by the writer to peruade you to buy his product "Shields Up" so really he is trying to scare you into purchase anyway he can(In My Opinion).

Not everyone on the internet is trying to get you..just some guys try to take advantage! Make sure you look after your network setup, antivirus and anti-malware and you will be at the same risk level as most of us!!

thanks Wiley, im just trying to understand the file sharing innerworkings concept.


1. as i understand it, files sharing can also be done without homegroup, but then its less conveniant, and can be less secure, is this the difference?

That depends on where you are sharing the files between. If they are both behind your firewall and you use homegroup, its easy(recommended) anything else such as sharing files between the outside world and your machine behind a firewall does increase the security risk proportionate to where exactly the outside machine is (I'm thinking Bit torrent and other file sharing programs here).

thanks wiley,

since you appear to question Gibsons motives, i would then ask you if you think the shields up port scan "all services" is reliable in terms of confirming whether or not my network is indeed "stealthed"...

thank you again!

thank you golden,

i think maybe Wiley actually meant to refer to the other products ("Spin Rite" for example) which he is trying to sell (this is why i didnt correct him re. "shields up"),...

...i understand his point, raising awareness about vulnerabilities brings attention to his other products, but i get that thats very normal!