My (very) small office has two desktops running XP Pro (SP3), that are networked using a cable. They also share a DSL internet connection, which can also be accessed wirelessly via our Linksys router. The internet connection isn't password protected, which is nice in that it allows people who visit to have an easy time getting online. However, I'm pretty sure that free and easy access to wireless network=anyone can access our shared folders on those two desktops. Clearly, this is bad, but I'm not sure what to do. Please explain a fix to me like I'm five. Thanks. [more inside]
posted by 4ster on Jun 26, 2008 - 12 answers

Where can I find detailed information on anti-virus software comparisons? I've heard of and seen some charts that display details such as catch rates and etc but have never known the exact source. Something like this perhaps: http://virus.untangle.com/ but a more broad spectrum, preferablly one that includes AVG and Avast! Also what is the best firewall for Windows Vista?
posted by meta.mark on Nov 11, 2007 - 6 answers

Please recommend some canonical books (or even e-books) to learn networking in general (on par with a CS major), up to an 'intermediate' level. Including stuff on wireless networking and security concerns. [more inside]
posted by philomathoholic on Aug 31, 2007 - 9 answers

OS X: Automatically trigger actions after connecting to a network. [more inside]
posted by uncle harold on Jun 24, 2007 - 5 answers

Am I qualified to do this IT job, and/or is it something I could pick up as I go? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 13, 2005 - 12 answers

Ethical considerations aside, are there any issues I should be concerned with if I were to use my neighbor's wireless internet without his explicit permission? Say, my computer getting hacked, my passwords being intercepted, my email being read, my browsing history being revealed, etc etc.
posted by TheIrreverend on Sep 2, 2004 - 10 answers

Secure WiFi: given one's ability to find free wifi access in any reasonable downtown core, how does one go about using said access securely? [more inside]
posted by five fresh fish on Jun 10, 2004 - 12 answers

I need some help with a Netscreen FR114P Firewall. The problem I'm having is that I can't get it to work with fixed IP's. More inside... [more inside]
posted by trbrts on May 7, 2004 - 0 answers

If several friendly, nosy and very tech-savvy, code-breaking sort of people have access to your computer and you wouldn't wish to hinder their access, but still need to hide, beyond all chance of detection, a folder where you keep your works in progress; innermost thoughts and tentative, early drafts (the kind that could easily be misinterpreted, specially if you write fiction); is there any John Le Carré-approved way of guaranteeing a private patch? I.e. So that they would think it's all open to anyone, but not really? [Mac OSX, if it's relevant.]
posted by MiguelCardoso on Feb 4, 2004 - 37 answers