Sorry about all the questions today: Should I run file and print sharing on a PC w/a cable modem?

[Arkitech]

All right here's the situation I'm finally getting close to networking 2 pcs.

My first PC is connected to a cable modem and a hub and the file sharing is turned OFF

My second PC is connected to a hub and the file sharing is ON


Under network neighborhood I can see my files on the 2nd pc but I cant see the first pc at all. Is this because file sharing is off on that first pc

Also if I turn the file sharing ON can other people get to my files from the internet?
Does anyone know if zonealarm will protect against outside intrusions


this is probably confusing the way i have it worded so I'll just try to sum up what i'm trying to accomplish

1. I want to be able to have full networking between both of my win98 machines (for games and sharing files)
2. I want to share my internet connection with my 2nd pc
3. I want to protect both PC's from internet intrusion or attacks



thanks for any help

 

[Journeyman]

Some suggestions:

1. Get a router - it'll simplify your setup for connection sharing, plus provide a nice hardware firewall.

2. Then run Zone Alarm. Then you'll have a hardware AND a software firewall.

3. Unbind TCP/IP from File/Print sharing, use NetBEUI instead. NetBEUI is non-routable, so shouldn't be able to go out through your firewall.

4. Use a password on your shares. No explaination should be necessary.

This is the setup I use with my DSL/LAN and I'm of the opinion that, while a real hacker who REALLY wanted in could probably get in (but why would they go through the trouble?), it's secure enough. It's kinda like using a car alarm and a club on your car - you really can't stop the thief from stealing your car if they want it bad enough, but you try to make it hard enough they'll just go find some easy prey.

My $.02...

EDIT: thought of one other thing...

5. Only share what you need to. Don't just share your whole hard drive - you probably don't need things like your Windows folder included... If you don't, keep 'em out.

 

[Arkitech]

I probably will invest in a router within the next month or so. RIght now however the funds are kind of low


i tried that internet sharing and i could'nt get it to work


does internet sharing only work if you don't specify the ip addresses on the local nics?

 

[Budman]

What Journeyman says it your best bet,use netbeui & never use file sharing over tci/ip when using a cable modem.
Netbeui is perfectly safe since netbeui is non routable as Journeyman said.

 

[Arkitech]

If I disable the file sharing is there another way for both of my PC's to share files and play games

 

[SeoulMan]

I am new at this so please excuse my ignorance...how do I unbind TCP/IP from the print/file sharing?

 

[Pabster]

settings-network-click on advanced and look at your protocols. You should see "File and Printer Sharing" with at least one (hopefully at least two) check boxes below. Leave NetBEUI selected and de-select TCP/IP. If you only see TCP/IP, go install NetBEUI and then do the above. *Never* bind TCP/IP with File/Print Sharing.