kidhavoc765
09-25-2003, 08:53 PM
Ok, after reading a few various other posts as well as replies to this one, here is my current setup. So far this is working for the Pcs on the network to be able to see one another and communicated to share files, incidently the speed of the network for browsing shared folders has gone up greatly since I stopped using TCP/IP for my LAN. In my current setup I have 3 PCs, 2 of which running Windows XP professional with SP1 and all updates from Micrsoft installed, one of which running Windows 98se with all updates from Microsoft installed. They are connected to each other via cat5e or cat6 ethernet cabling and 10/100 network cards going to the Lynksys cable/dsl NAT router which connects directly to our ADSL "modem" for internet access. In my current setup I have TCP/IP installed on each system and configured so that it is not bound in the bindings to client for microsoft networks or for file and printer sharing for microsoft networks. I have IPX/SPX with netbios installed and configured on each system for LAN communication. At present I the Windows XP software firewall disabled and have disabled any additional software firewalls on the network. Things seem to be running fast, smooth, and efficient. I am also figuring that since the LAN is not using TCP/IP for communication with each other that the network is fairly secure. However, I am curious, will the NAT built into the router provide sufficient security for protecting each Pc that is networked through it to the internet connection or should i keep a software firewall like ZoneAlarm installed? Likewise, is there anything else I can do to help increase the security of my home network and help protect user privacy on the internet?