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Simple @home/ home networking questions.

I

Iamtheway

Junior Member
I'm using a Netgear RT311 router and FS105 5 port switch. I have @home and have been running both on it, no problems. Today I decided that I wanted to share files and the printer so I went and set that up. I just want to make sure that everything is all cool. It's working fine, but my main concern is security on my home LAN and what other's (hackers AND @home) can see.
First, I enabled print and file sharing (W98). Then, I setup a shared folder to share files between the two computers and shared the printer (both need a password for access).
Now, normally I would imagine that this would be fine being that I'm behind the router's firewall, but I do have a tendency to open all of my ports on one of the systems from time to time so a friend or two can hook up to me to play games (usually UT). If I do this, will @home (or unscrupulous others) be able to see both systems or access any files from either system (be it the shared folder or not)?
I have heard one thing to do is seperate your LAN from your WAN (@home) by another protocol such as Netbeui. I did load Netbeui, but I saw nothing in there to share files or anything. I just used the Share Files and Printing right in Networking Properties.
One last thing I'd like to know is if I wanted to play games between the two computers, how would I go about setting that up? I know in UT you type in an IP address, so would I just type in the LAN address of the serving computer?
Keep in mind that this is the first time I'm setting up a network EVER so detailed explanations would help a TON. Of course any other suggestions to secure this network or other things you might do are greatly appreciated. TIA!!
 
Normally it would be fine with your router's firewall in place... but when you intentionally open up your ports, that could be very dangerous (even if you are not sharing anything, that's a big problem)... There's really not much you can do to protect that machine if you intentionally open up all it's ports...

Using Netbeui for the LAN instead of TCP/IP will make it very hard for hackers to get to your other machine if they ever hack into the other. In order to configure Netbeui for your LAN, you need to unbind your file and printer sharing from TCP/IP first... It wont work if you simply install the protocol... Go to Shields Up, they have a detailed explanation on how to go about doing this...

You can also run and scan of your PC on Shields Up to see how secure your PCs are... Try running a scan after u open up your ports and you will see how insecure and dangerous it is...
 
OK, so far so good. I have my TCP/IP unbound from everything and my Netbeui is bound with Print and File Sharing and Client For Microsoft Networks.
NOW, in reference to another question I had: I know that opening all of my ports isn't the safest thing to do, but being that I have the RT311 and not the Linksys Befsr (hated it) sometimes I have to do that as I can't forward port ranges to play UT with my friends. It's a risk I have to take and I'm cool with it.
What I DO have a problem with (and a question about) is since File and Print Sharing and Client For Microsoft Networks is bound with Netbeui and NOT TCP/IP, if I forward all of the ports on my machine, will @Home see both systems? Also, will both machines (not just the one) be vulnerable to attack? TIA!!
 
just do this.. if all u play is ut than open one port when u play not all your ports.. ut fines open ports to host games on thats the best thing... other than that keep every thing closed up
 
Ok, there is one thing I haven't managed to learn without reading a book. Which is, how do you open and close your ports? Specially in W2k?

Now about your last question, I THINK that your NetBeui connections will not be seen if you open up your computer TCP/IP ports since they are two different protocols.

BUT, a big but, I'm no expert at this and I advovate what Iamtheway said. Keep your legs tight closed, and no adventurer will try to probe you. With so many kids out there why make it any easier than you have to?

 
Any port specifically for UT? I know there are a million ports there (well not quite). The only ports I know I need open are for Napster and Roger Wilco. Other than that I'm fine.
 
OK, Wounded Wallet, as far as opening ports in W2K I haven't a clue as I've never used it. On my setup, all I have to do is access the router (I do it thru telnet). Most routers (if not all) have the ability to forward ports. Anyone else know for sure if I'll be able to be seen by hackers and @Home?
 
Thanks Iamtheway,

one of these days I'll get myself a router. But I'll need to make sure it will work with some of the odd ports I have open. I have a webserver, a live video feed, an email server and a ftp server.

Now regarding what people see on your IP, the best way for you to know is to use a modem on one of the computers and try to connect to your @home IP. This way you will know what can be seen. But as far as I'm concerned @home will only see the router IP and that's it. They may guess you have a router and consequently another computer, but I doubt they are too worried about that. Unless you start uploading a lotta stuff(server) they will never stop to look at you.

WW
 
Probably meaningless @ this point but what the hell -

Allowing specifci ports in Win2k:

1. Local Area Connection
>TCP/IP Properties
>Advanced
>Options
>TCP/IP Filtering
>Properties
>Check enable TCP/IP filtering
>Permit Only Under TCP Ports

Type in the port numbers. Only those ports allowed will open (even if a configured service tries to use them).
 
I'm in the process of setting up a network between two PC'S with Win 98 se and a cable modem with a Netgear DS104 4 port hub. Do i need anymore hardware?
Thanks
Mike😱
 
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