Computer question- home networking

[Sunny One]

I’m a little behind when it comes to computer stuff, so I’m hoping you guys can help me out. We are getting a cable modem. My husband and I have two separate computers, but will have to network them since the cable company only installs one modem. My question is, once the two computers are networked, does that mean my husband can automatically access my files, and if we are using the same internet account, will he see my MSN and Yahoo IM’s pop up when he logs onto his computer? I’m not sure how much can be shared when the two home computers are networked- can someone shed some light on it for me?

I don’t know if any of this makes a difference, but my computer is newer and running Windows ME; his is older running Windows 95.

Thanks,
Sunny

 

[Ling]

The two computers share the connection (i.e. the ability to send data to the internet) but nothing more. Stuff for his computer won't show up on yours, and vice versa. You'll want the cable modem on your computer, and then go into the Properties for the connection, then to the Settings tab, and turn on Internet Connection Sharing. Make sure his computer's network card is set to DHCP ("Obtain IP address automatically") and you should be set

Hope this helps

 

[Sunny One]

Thank you. I had planned to put the modem on my computer. I was just worried that he may be able to get into some of the things on my computer. I'll check out the stuff with the settings and the network card as soon as it is all installed.

 

[Ling]

Pretty much the only thing he'll be able to reach is what's on your hard drive (through Windows Sharing). If any folder has a hand by it, that means it's shared. (Don't think anything if much is shared by default.) To unshare it, right click the folder, do Properties, then go to the sharing tab.

 

[Sunny One]

So if I take the hand off of any folders, then he shouldn't be able to get into them? He can't undo my removing the hand from his machine?

 

[Ling]

Nope, he can't do anything like that (only way to do it would be to physically be at your computer).

 

[Sunny One]

Thanks. I'll definitely check for shared files and get rid of them.

 

[Jedi_Outcast]

since you are using windows ME, you should be able to use Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) on your computer to share the connection. If you are truly worried about him peeking, remove "file and print sharing" from your computer. using ICS gives him his own internet address, the only way he could see what you are doing on IM is if he logins to AIM or yahoo as you.

 

[Sunny One]

OK, where might I find file and print sharing? I could search all night, but will take the easy way and ask.

 

[GreenDeV]

I think cable modem is connected to yours comp?

Internet Shared Connection (1 install diskette maked on your comp) probably enabled access your hubby comp to Inertnet (but I don't know exactly that Win95 do it? (don't try before))

Win95 isn't good OS to be connected to the net (win98SE and latest better) <-- security pathes needed

1st attantion

check how many DHCP or stale IP addresses is give for You by the company <--- in mine I must pay nor any next terminal (its checkable by ISP how many comp is plugged)

2nd

disable shared folders and printers is good, but it's possible sniff what doing another person in home net [but not for newbie]


happy surfin'

 

[Jedi_Outcast]

I'm running windows 2000, so my directions will be a bit off, but it sould get you in the right direction.
right click on "my network places" select properties
right click on "local area connection" select properties
uncheck "file and printer sharing for microsoft networks"

you might have another connection there for the cable modem. if there is you really should uncheck the "file and printer sharing for microsoft networks" on that one as well. otherwise your files will be all over the neighborhood.

If there is enough interest I'll do-up an internet security 101 post. let me know if you are interested. It's the least I can do for all the good advice about my wife.

 

[MasterD]

re: networking

Hello Sunny One:

While others have offered some interesting comments, I'd like to add mine.

I gather that you don't care if you are actually networked (.ie able to share files between hubby's computer and yours.)

Looks to me as if what you really want to do is just share the connection itself. Many people call that networking, and I suppose it is in the most primitive sense.

Now, it was suggested the you use ICS (Microsoft Internet Connection Sharing) to accomplish either sharing or true peer-to-peer networking.

As this is a software solution and not always reliable I don't recommend it. BTW, there are other programs like WinProxy or Sygate that do the same thing but suffer from the same problems.
The biggest downside of proxy software like ICS is that the host machine (the one connected to the cable modem must be up and running for the other one to access the net.) ANd reliability of the connection is also an issue. Proxy software can be a real pain to configure--even for a professional. It simply does not always work as promised.

I'd recommend you buy a cable/dsl router. I've seen the D-Links routers for as little as $30 after a $20 rebate lately.

Advantages you ask?

1. It is a reliable hardware solution

2. These devices are a no-brainer to set up and configure. They are as close to Plug and Play as it gets.

3. They have an onboard hardware firewall to protect you from hackers (NAT, also know as Network Address Translation.) OK, no flames from techies--I am merely distinguishing between an-all software and a firmware solution.

4. You will always be able to access the net via a given machine regardless of whether or not others are powered on.

5. If you have kids who use a machine you can block websites or access in the router config software (easy to use.)


Good luck and do repost if you have more questions.

You may also wish to have a look at

http://www.cablemodeminfo.com

Good Luck!

D

 

[MasterD]

re: networking

Hello Sunny One:

While others have offered some interesting comments, I'd like to add mine.

I gather that you don't care if you are actually networked (.ie able to share files between hubby's computer and yours.)

Looks to me as if what you really want to do is just share the connection itself. Many people call that networking, and I suppose it is in the most primitive sense.

Now, it was suggested the you use ICS (Microsoft Internet Connection Sharing) to accomplish either sharing or true peer-to-peer networking.

As this is a software solution and not always reliable I don't recommend it. BTW, there are other programs like WinProxy or Sygate that do the same thing but suffer from the same problems.
The biggest downside of proxy software like ICS is that the host machine (the one connected to the cable modem must be up and running for the other one to access the net.) ANd reliability of the connection is also an issue. Proxy software can be a real pain to configure--even for a professional. It simply does not always work as promised.

I'd recommend you buy a cable/dsl router. I've seen the D-Links routers for as little as $30 after a $20 rebate lately.

Advantages you ask?

1. It is a reliable hardware solution

2. These devices are a no-brainer to set up and configure. They are as close to Plug and Play as it gets.

3. They have an onboard hardware firewall to protect you from hackers (NAT, also know as Network Address Translation.) OK, no flames from techies--I am merely distinguishing between an-all software and a firmware solution.

4. You will always be able to access the net via a given machine regardless of whether or not others are powered on.

5. If you have kids who use a machine you can block websites or access in the router config software (easy to use.)


Good luck and do repost if you have more questions.

You may also wish to have a look at

http://www.cablemodeminfo.com

Good Luck!

D

 

[Pervert]

If you need more stuff to hide from your husband, PM me.

 

[Sunny One]

MasterD- you are correct. I'm just looking for a way to give both PC's web access. I have no interest and getting into his files and surely don' t want him plundering in mine. Nothing too bad, just a few friends he might not be too happy about. When referring to networking, I was using the term the lady at the cable company gave me. All she knew was that I should go to Radio Shack and ask for the networking stuff.

Pervert- thanks for the offer, sweetie, but I tend to get into enough trouble on my own. Being off in the summer can do that to a person.

Jedi- I responded on your other threads, but again, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

 

[Weird Harold]

MasterD- you are correct. I'm just looking for a way to give both PC's web access.

A router is the solution my daughter uses for her cable modem with two computers. It's cheap, works well, and keeps things separate that needs to be separate.

Windows ME has a very good help file entry for home networking, but (as mentioned above) Win 95 isn't very good at family networking. If you have the Win ME disks for your computer, It might be a good idea to upgrade his system to the same OS as your machine.

To answer your question "will he see my MSN and Yahoo IM’s pop up when he logs onto his computer?" The answer is NO. Each computer will need it's own copy of any IM programs and the configurations, cookies, history, etc will remain separate.

I would recommend that you set up a folder on each computer that is shared where you can put files that you WANT to transfer from one computer to the other. It will save time when you eventually decide you want to share a file between computers -- a situation which WILL arise if the computers are connected.

 

[Sunny One]

Thanks WH!

Thank you Weird Harold. Seems like I heard somewhere that you're the one with the answers.

Thanks to everyone for the response. Off to bed. Please share any more advice, though!

 

[SouthernSting]

The Dark Side

There are a few snoop programs out there that capture every keystroke. They are not visable to the user and can be hard to track down even if you know they are there. Thankfully most of them are used in Corporate Lans and not at my House!

Your cell phone, your portable phone, your computer and most certainly your e-mail should be understood to be NOT SECURE.

MY Social security # is 777287987 he..he ...just kidding!

 

[MasterD]

re: home networking

Hello Sunny One:

Sorry for not getting back sooner but have been on holiday.
Had a nice time at my cabin in Canada training a new sub.

It's clear to me all you need is a basic consumer-grade cable/dsl router. Most you'll need to spend is $50 US.

I'd also recommend you either downgrade to Win98 or upgrade to Windows 2000. Me is probably the worst OS ever released--and even Microsoft knows it.

Good Luck,

Master D

 

[steve_n_houston]

I use a Linksys router to share my cable modem and it's
worked just great. Don't have to worry about one or the
other computer being on for the sharing to work, etc.
Very easy to setup too!