Home network 2 computers

26 Sep 2006 6:17 AM

peterhayes

I have 2 PCs networked via router, I am the only person to use both so what I
want is to be able to treat these two PCs as one ie totally share everything
but protect both from web attacks as they are both connected to the web via
an ADSL modem/router. What are the best settings in WinXP Pro toachieve
this, ie no security settings for the network and maximum security for thr
web connection.
Thanks

--
PeterH

26 Sep 2006 1:24 PM

Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]

In news:42E83D4C-8818-4F2F-B029-CB5226FB8C1A@microsoft.com,

peterhayes <peterha***@discussions.microsoft.com> typed:

> I have 2 PCs networked via router, I am the only person to use both
> so what I want is to be able to treat these two PCs as one ie totally
> share everything but protect both from web attacks as they are both
> connected to the web via an ADSL modem/router.

That isn't sufficient, in my book. I'd get a decent little hardware firewall
appliance and stick it in between your modem & the LAN, for extra
protection. NAT alone isn't a firewall.

> What are the best
> settings in WinXP Pro toachieve this, ie no security settings for the
> network and maximum security for thr web connection.
> Thanks

You can enable file/print sharing exceptions in the Windows Firewall (and
I'd leave that enabled) or in whatever software firewall you've got. You
don't mention whether you're using XP Home or Pro, so the rest depends on
that.

26 Sep 2006 4:13 PM

Curious George

"Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]" wrote:

<snip>

>
> That isn't sufficient, in my book. I'd get a decent little hardware firewall
> appliance and stick it in between your modem & the LAN, for extra
> protection. NAT alone isn't a firewall.
>

<snip>

Any suggestions for a decent little hardware firewall appliance?

26 Sep 2006 11:41 PM

Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]

In news:CD48FDAB-367B-4BA3-83F8-D5206D9A2E22@microsoft.com,

Curious George <CuriousGeo***@discussions.microsoft.com> typed:

> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]" wrote:
>
> <snip>
>>
>> That isn't sufficient, in my book. I'd get a decent little hardware
>> firewall appliance and stick it in between your modem & the LAN, for
>> extra protection. NAT alone isn't a firewall.
>>
> <snip>
>
> Any suggestions for a decent little hardware firewall appliance?

Let's see your wallet!
Well, beyond that, even a consumer grade doohicky like a
Linksys/Netgear/Dlink would do - just make sure it isn't just doing NAT.