Emailed to Tips4pc

Ok i am taking a network securtiy class. The first class was today and i learned some interesting stuff. Im a CIS major and am always willing to learn new stuff. Now that ive stated that, i created a home network.

I have 2 pcs, both running windows xp SP2 and a laptop which runs windows vista.

I have a D-link 524 Wireless Broadband Router.
I have zonealarm on both computers.
I have not found out how to install zonealarm on windows vista as yet.

I hvae a program which scans my ports, and so far, no one is using my port that is not authorized to.

I have also set up each computer to print to one printer and i can access and view files from my every single computer. EXAMPLE.... if i am on my laptop, and i want to view files on say computer 1 or 2, i can. If i am on computer two and i want to access files on computer 1, i can. I have set up shared folders to do this or i basically shared the drive.

I have the main computer (host computer(computer 1) in my room), computer 2 is in the living room and my laptop is where ever i am. On computer two, i have not set it up as to where someone has to put in a password to log in. Basically, i have no guest accounts (i know its bad). This right here is a risk because anyone with computer sense can access files on my host computer because it is always on.

Secondly, i have not set up a password on my wireless network for my router. Another huge, big security risk.

So i have two questions i believe, or im wondering about two main things.

1. How do i secure my router, that is, whenever someone with a laptop comes into my place or in range, i want them to have to put in a password or basically securing it. Thats first

2. I want to do something where only I as the administrator would be able to access each and every folder on my home network.

Any information that is needed, trust me, i will more than happy to give becauase i really want to learn more about this stuff.

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Mitz
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Securing your network.

You can do this by simply typing into your browser 192.168.0.1 If this doesn't work, try the full address http://192.168.0.1

The login screen will come up.

If you have not done this before and changed the default password, the default is ADMIN and the password field is left blank. If you have changed the username/password then enter the current versions. Click OK

With the top tab on HOME click on the WIRELESS tab on the left side...

SSID is the name of your Network. You can enter any name here and the Network will show on network searches as that name.

enable WEP encryption and choose a password.

save and reboot the router

you will now lose connection to the wireless network

when the router reboots, search for available wireless networks, choose your network and attempt to connect

you will then be asked for the password which you just created. enter this and connect, and set the network as default if its the main one you use.

You will need to enter this code for every pc on the network, and you will be able to allow anyone in range of the network to log in, PROVIDED they know which network it is and what the code is !