File/Printer Sharing

[Eric H.]

I'm egar to share files on my server PC with other computers in the network, but I keep reading that turning on Windows File/Printer Sharing is a big security risk. I'm using Sygate Personal Firewall as my firewall, will that help close the holes? How can I share files without it being a risk?

[glc]

The most secure way is to use NetBEUI for filesharing, not TCP/IP.

[Eric H.]

how do I set that up?

[racerbrownn]

control panel/network icon/add button/protocol and add button/microsoft and pick netbuei from the list on the right to select and install with ok button and you will need the windows cd to load the protocol. now configuring it is another story and i'll let someone more knowledgeable handle that one.

[glc]

There is no configuration - it just works. It doesn't use addresses like TCP/IP.

[Eric H.]

do I need to install NetBEUI on all the computers on my network?

[christo418]

But keep in mind - if you are hitting the internet, you need TCP/IP installed. NetBeui is a non-routable protocol.

[melloman]

If you get your internet access via the network, you'll need tcp/ip. if not, then you can disable tcp/ip on the NICs, and still have network access for file sharing.

Also, I'd certainly say don't share your entire hard drive on the local network.