Shared Network...

[wyman]

This is kind of related to the previous question I asked a couple hours ago...

My Norton Anti Virus keeps saying I am connected to a "Shared Network"//

I only have 1 PC in this house... cable hooked up directly into the modem.

Every once in a while my Norton will say I am connected to a "Secured Network"//

Im totally lost.. I am new to Windows 7... but I dont want ANYONE, but me to have access to my PC (as I wouldnt want anyone in the world to just be able to stroll into my house).

What is going on here? Who can access my files? I dont want ANYONE to be able, but me (of course).

 

[osholt]

If you're connected directly to your modem with no router involved there is no way anyone (other than a hacker, but that's what firewalls and antivirus are for) to access your PC other than via your desk.

Norton is just barking out nonsense, I wouldn't worry about it.

Oli

 

[wyman]

Thanks... Norton is ridiculous, btw....

Also, any idea as to why Windows 7 prompted me to try to start a homegroup today??? I thought the prompt only comes up when you have other computers in your house on the same connection?


Lastly, I clicked on my Basic Network Information..

I see that My PC goes into a network that in turn goes into the Internet. My computer of course is the only PC listed under my network. But when I click on it, I see files under my name and also "public". Are there public files?

 

[CommonTater]

Thanks... Norton is ridiculous, btw....

Also, any idea as to why Windows 7 prompted me to try to start a homegroup today??? I thought the prompt only comes up when you have other computers in your house on the same connection?


Lastly, I clicked on my Basic Network Information..

I see that My PC goes into a network that in turn goes into the Internet. My computer of course is the only PC listed under my network. But when I click on it, I see files under my name and also "public". Are there public files?

That sounds like you are on a Home Network... In your Network and Sharing folder under "Network" does it say "Home Network"... if so click on that and select Public Network... if you're connected directly to your modem you don't need file sharing or any of the other features of Home or Work networks.

Don't worry about back access from the internet...that's what the windows firewall is for and it's as good as any.

You may also want to simply remove Norton from your system and go with one of the other antivirus programs, I use A-Squared but many are recommending Avast or other real time anti-virus programs. What you don't need is a crap program like Norton climbing all through your system and slowing things down.

 

[wyman]

Common Tater,

Yes, it does say "Home Network".... so I need to change this to "Public Network". I do know how to do that... just want to verify this is what you are telling me to do.

By changing to public network, I am not making my files and PC visible to the public am I? Sorry, Im so new to Windows 7... Ive had XP for the past 8 yrs or so until just now...

 

[wyman]

Yes, and I will 2nd that regarding Norton.... my step mother just had to remove hers bc it was slowing her comp. down and causing mega issues.

 

[wyman]

And PS- why was Windows 7 sensing that I had other computers hooked up to my network? after all... it was W7 that prompted me to create a homegroup.

I believe I was on PUBLIC network prior to the prompt come to think of it, bc I did create a homegroup (before I just deleted it).

 

[CommonTater]

Common Tater,

Yes, it does say "Home Network".... so I need to change this to "Public Network". I do know how to do that... just want to verify this is what you are telling me to do.

By changing to public network, I am not making my files and PC visible to the public am I? Sorry, Im so new to Windows 7... Ive had XP for the past 8 yrs or so until just now...

Just the opposite... by changing to Public Network you are engaging more security... You are connecting to a public network... not creating one.

To change it, just click right on the words "Home Network" a dialog will pop up, select Public Network, click OK and you're all done.

I have no idea why Win7 would think you have other computers on a LAN if you are connected directly to your modem... In the advanced settings part of the Network and Sharing... you could try turning off the File and Printer Sharing, as well.

 

[wyman]

Thanks Tater...

I did set my computer back to Public Network. Makes sense.

As far as the HomeGroup thing, I turned my comp. on earlier, and a prompt came up that said, something like "windows detects you are connected to a network... and it asks me to select Home, Work, or Public". Ive only had the thing 5 weeks... maybe this is normal??? I was confused when the HomeGroup prompt came up the 1st time.

 

[CommonTater]

Thanks Tater...

I did set my computer back to Public Network. Makes sense.

As far as the HomeGroup thing, I turned my comp. on earlier, and a prompt came up that said, something like "windows detects you are connected to a network... and it asks me to select Home, Work, or Public". Ive only had the thing 5 weeks... maybe this is normal??? I was confused when the HomeGroup prompt came up the 1st time.

You should never see that... but if it does come up again, just select public network and carry on. You may also want to Google this one and see if others have found solutions... not that it's much of a problem.

So... is it behaving nicely again?

 

[wyman]

Google returned nothing useful when I searched it re: homegroups prompt.

The prompt only came up yesterday when I was booting up... had never appeared before, and didnt today. Its not really a problem, per se. I just was a bit taken back when the prompt came up> Should I be worried? I guess my worry is that somone hacked onto my home LAN.

On the other hand, it did this after installing/applying Win 7 updates, and my comp is only a few weeks old...

 

[CommonTater]

Google returned nothing useful when I searched it re: homegroups prompt.

The prompt only came up yesterday when I was booting up... had never appeared before, and didnt today. Its not really a problem, per se. I just was a bit taken back when the prompt came up> Should I be worried? I guess my worry is that somone hacked onto my home LAN.

On the other hand, it did this after installing/applying Win 7 updates, and my comp is only a few weeks old...

I shure wouldn't lose any sleep over it. If it happens again, then go after the needed information... but at least now you know how to fix it. It was probably just something done by an update...

Straight up... what makes you think you are important enough to attract the attention of a hacker? Seriously, this whole "hacked by a stranger" thing is totally overblown... unless there's something you have and they want, they're gonna leave you alone. These guys go after national secrets... not your christmas photos.

Also you can trust Windows Firewall... it's as good as any.