[newbe]

Hi I’m wanting to setup a simple office network of 3 PC’s so I can share files and one printer. The network is connected via a four port switch built into an ADSL router. All PC’s currently have access to the internet and are running XP...

Hi


I’m wanting to setup a simple office network of 3 PC’s so I can share files and one printer. The network is connected via a four port switch built into an ADSL router. All PC’s currently have access to the internet and are running XP pro.


Starting on my main PC (with printer) I disable simple networking (which I don’t want) and run network wizard to setup the appropriate network. I opt to enable file and printer sharing - I’m told in a pop up that this is not recommended as anyone on the Internet may be able to access my files and printer!!! (WTF!). I cautiously disconnect my patch lead and go ahead, then reboot as instructed.
I’m now worried about security so click on a drive letter and view sharing. It’s shared but with a $ sign after (C $). I select ‘do not share’ and apply. I now have a popup saying ‘this share was created for administrative purposes only and that it will reappear when rebooted, do I want to continue? (WTF again!!) I look at the security tab and everybody and their dog is invited ( administrator, creator, everyone, system, users). This is the same for my second partition root D: and second drive E: . I now don't now what the hell is going on, but I don't like it.
Is this normal? Am I safe? This seems like a shabby way to layout network configurations, I suspect that as no child folders are proclaimed as being shared that this may be the norm but I just can't trust it as I need my data to be secure, so I've removed file and printer sharing again and now the drives are again shown as unshared and I can rest easy.


I really need sharing but I've scoured the net for info about this to no avail -----HELP! Can any kind soul please explain these setting and if they are a)normal and b)secure.