network and Router Questions

[rUfUnKy]

I just set up my 2 pc's(1. windows xp pro and 2. windows 98 se) through a router and everything works fine but I have a few questions..

1. On windows 98 SE I go to network neighborhood and it shows my other pc. and its shares ..I can not find this feature on win. XP.???????

2. what things should be done to help better the security of my network (I.e. certain settings that could cause big security risks etc..)

3. How does the router work as a firewall?? Does it do this automatically or do I have to set it to block ports like a software firewall??

Sorry I just jumped into this on a whim and don't know much about it ....:D

[PolyPill]

You have to set up file sharing on your win98 comp, go into your network properties and make sure file and print sharing is enabled. Then you have to select which dirs you want shared.

[I]2. what things should be done to help better the security of my network (I.e. certain settings that could cause big security risks etc..)

If you're behind a router it all depends on how that is set up.

3. How does the router work as a firewall?? Does it do this automatically or do I have to set it to block ports like a software firewall??

This depends on the brand/model you have, and the configuration you have it set as. I think most are set by default to block everything, but you should look at your manual and check this.

[rUfUnKy]

Originally posted by PolyPill


You have to set up file sharing on your win98 comp, go into your network properties and make sure file and print sharing is enabled. Then you have to select which dirs you want shared.

[I]2. what things should be done to help better the security of my network (I.e. certain settings that could cause big security risks etc..)

If you're behind a router it all depends on how that is set up.

3. How does the router work as a firewall?? Does it do this automatically or do I have to set it to block ports like a software firewall??

This depends on the brand/model you have, and the configuration you have it set as. I think most are set by default to block everything, but you should look at your manual and check this.
Thanks PolyPill,totally forgot to give shares on the 98 pc :p...and I looked in the manual for my Linksys router (BEFSR41 V.2) and it says that it serves as a internet firewall..but im just not sure how the firewall works.

[Jon]

Most SOHO routers use NAT (network address translation) for firewall purposes. The router is the only device which is visible to the internet as it has your true IP address. It has a built-in DHCP server which provides all PCs that are attached to it on your LAN with private IP adresses which are reserved for private LANs and not capable of being used on the internet itself. When one of the PCs makes a request for a website, etc., it is actually making the request to the router and the router is getting/returning the information to your PC. Your personal PC is, in essence, invisible to the internet.

The router blocks most all common ports that could be used for entry and you would have to manually open and forward them in order to allow someone to get access. It's not impossible but not easy either.

[rUfUnKy]

Originally posted by Jon
Most SOHO routers use NAT (network address translation) for firewall purposes. The router is the only device which is visible to the internet as it has your true IP address. It has a built-in DHCP server which provides all PCs that are attached to it on your LAN with private IP adresses which are reserved for private LANs and not capable of being used on the internet itself. When one of the PCs makes a request for a website, etc., it is actually making the request to the router and the router is getting/returning the information to your PC. Your personal PC is, in essence, invisible to the internet.

The router blocks most all common ports that could be used for entry and you would have to manually open and forward them in order to allow someone to get access. It's not impossible but not easy either.
Hey thanks Jon,
Good explaination,I now see the light ;)

[dugans]

You should use some kind of software firewall as well. Two of the more popular are Black Ice Defender and ZoneAlarm.

I use ZoneAlarm's free version on my rigs.

Here (http://www.zonelabs.com/) is their website.

[rUfUnKy]

Originally posted by rogerdugans
You should use some kind of software firewall as well. Two of the more popular are Black Ice Defender and ZoneAlarm.

I use ZoneAlarm's free version on my rigs.

Here (http://www.zonelabs.com/) is their website. Ya I use zone alarm pro..... linksys router has a new firmware that you can set up zonealarm trough in conjunction with it. Downfall is that you have to have a multi user license :rolleyes: