Question about Cable...

[MournSanity]

I'm getting cable internet tomorrow or the day after(W00t!). I have a question. Since the cable internet runs through the cable TV line things, would people in my neighborhood with cable be able to access stuff on the network. Err...What I am trying to say is, is the cable internet networked with other cable users in my neighborhood? Would they be able to access my files on a network?

Sorry if I came out sounding stupid. i have never had broadband and don't have a very good understanding of the subject. Thanks for your time.

 

[stash]

If you take precautions the answer is no, or at least, it would be less likely. If you just stick on a machine on a fat line like cable, anyone can do things to your machine that you may not want...not just people in your neighborhood.

If you arent experienced in locking down a (im asssuming) windows box, and even if you are, you should get some kind of gateway/firewall device. Anyone trying to scan your IP will just be getting the gateway, which if configured correctly, will not let anything malicious through.

 

[JackMDS]

Internet cable Connection is the most sensitive connection, has to do with the concept of nodes and sharing bandwidth with your neighbors.

Here you have a big blah blah on the subject.

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=36&threadid=811369

 

[Cooky]

Would they be able to access my files on a network?

Just because your neighbors use the same cable company doesn't mean that they'll have bigger chance to hack you. Like STaSh said, anyone w/ an Internet connection can try to break into your machine so get a free copy of Zone Alarm at www.zonelabs.com for a peace of mind.