Network config for Win2k

[Muse]

I'm running DSL on an unnetworked home computer with Win2k Pro SP2. I have an external modem attached to a PCI ethernet card and my network connection settings is using each of the following components:

Client for Microsoft Networks
File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

Should I uninstall the first two components?

I have a static IP and I've been running without a firewall for something like 3 years. I installed Zonealarm 2.6 yesterday and I've gotten 3 or 4 messages about external IPs seeking to access my computer. I'm looking at two such alerts (2 different IPs) right now seeking to access a NetBIOS Session on my computer. What should I do and how should I set things up? Thanks for any help.

 

[Jonitus]

If your DSL service keeps you "always connected", I would personally disable or uninstall the "file and printer sharing". The "client for Microsoft networks" may or may not be needed. Uninstall it and see if your connection still works.

Do a search on google for BlkViper. He has a sheet for download that outlines the methods necessary to disable all unneeded services running in your Windows background. Disabling these services closes off alot of open ports, making the need for a firewall kind of moot. I followed the directions on his site, and didn't recieve a single alert from ZoneAlarm for a week and a half...(and I will guarantee my network connection is more hostile than anything you'll ever face).

Keep researching.

 

[Muse]

<< If your DSL service keeps you "always connected", I would personally disable or uninstall the "file and printer sharing". The "client for Microsoft networks" may or may not be needed. Uninstall it and see if your connection still works.

Do a search on google for BlkViper. He has a sheet for download that outlines the methods necessary to disable all unneeded services running in your Windows background. Disabling these services closes off alot of open ports, making the need for a firewall kind of moot. I followed the directions on his site, and didn't recieve a single alert from ZoneAlarm for a week and a half...(and I will guarantee my network connection is more hostile than anything you'll ever face).

Keep researching. >>

I'm at BV's website and going through his Win2k services recommendations one by one and reading what he has to say and making the changes. I printed a screen shot of my current config (after making a few changes...) so I'll have a record of how things _were_, since I won't know afterward. I couldn't find a download of his config recommendations, but it's plain enough to see them at his website. Thanks for the link. I haven't tried removing the connection protocols yet, but will (Client for MS Networks and File and Printer Sharing).