setting up print/file server & internet security

[thatdude]

Hello,
What i want to do is as mentioned above. I have now 5 PC's (XP Home) which was connected using 16 port hub (accton etherhub). An ADSL Router Modem (Aztech) connects to the hub for broadband connection to all PC. Right now there are 2 Printers (Laser & Inkjet) that connect directly - USB- to 2 PC respectively. This means that that particular PC must be on for other 3 PC to use the printer.

I was wondering if i can set a dedicated PC as a print server and probably file server as well. Maybe for this i can just use my old PII PC (Win98) that has 4 usb port that can connect 2 printer at the same time. It has NIC already. How do i go about configuring the connection?

I'm also aware about the threat if i enable my printer/file sharing while having an internet connection sharing. Is there a way where i can increase security for my LAN from internet intruders/viruses? Can i depends on the Built-in modem firewall?

Any advice and suggestion will greatly appreciated!

 

[JackMDS]

Welcome to AnandTech network Forum.

Though the word Sharing is used for sharing Resources like files and printers, and Sharing Internet it is two different things.

A Router acts also as a Firewall that separate you from the Internet. You can safely Share Files and printer, after all that is the all point of having a Network.

Here how it works, Cable/DSL Routers - NAT & Ports.

Basic Protection for Broadband Internet Installation.

:sun:

 

[ivwshane]

So does your isp give you five IP's? Or does your modem also function as a router?

For file and print sharing you can dedicate one machine that the printers will connect to and then share them. For file sharing just create a folder or folders and share them. If you aren't worried about who logs on from your network then create a username and password that all the other systems use, that way when you connect to the shares you don't have to enter in a username and password.