Stupid Networking Security questions

[LR6]

I have a XP home PC and a new vista laptop connected to a linksys router. The network is set up for WPA encryption with a strong password. The router does not have the default admin password.

Is it safe to share folders on the XP PC without a password? Assuming that it will never connect to the internet without the router. Is there any way that someone could connect from the internet?

Also, If I turn on "Password Protected Sharing" on the laptop with a strong password, should it be secure on open wireless access points?

 

[mpilchfamily]

If you leave it open then anyone in range will be able to connect to your router and piggyback off your Internet access. Always encrypted your wireless router. If you leave the password for the router at default and you are sharing folders on the network then anyone can gain access to your files.

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: LR6Assuming that it will never connect to the internet without the router. Is there any way that someone could connect from the internet?

Internet -Basic protection: http://www.ezlan.net/firewall.html