File and Printer Sharing

[Accessdabbler]

In order for Windows computers to share files, File and Printer Sharing must be enabled. However, if those same computers share an internet connection, security folks say to turn file and print sharing off.

One solution is to use IPX or NetBIOS protocols for file sharing but is there other ways to do this by using only the TCP/IP protocol in the network?

 

[eihtur]

accessdabbler,
hi! uhm...would you like to describe your network set up a little bit more?...like...how did you connect your computers?...something like that...ok?
thanks....

eihtur

"cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee ." Genesis 27:29

 

[jimbopalmer]

it sounds like you want a hardware firewall on your ISP line.

SOHOware makes a simple firewall/router for $70 I tried to remain child-like, all I acheived was childish.

 

[Accessdabbler]

Ok, 4 computers connected to a broadband router which, in turn, is connected to a DSL modem. TCP/IP is the only protocol installed.

Or, 4 computers connected to a hub. One computer has a second NIC connected to a DSL modem and uses ICS to share with the other 3 computers.

My question was more a hypothetical one.

 

[Ntr0P]

Accessdabbler, you are right, file and printer sharing shouldn't be allowed out to the Internet. All SMB traffic should be blocked for security's sake.

This isn't really feesible in a MS environment, so the only real option as mentioned above (using only IP as you mentioned) is to employ a firewall to block SMB outbound.