Confused about DSL file sharing

[jp7388]

Hello everybody,

I'm actually confused about something. It's about file sharing over a DSL connection. I don't understand how you can share files over the Internet, I tried to and nothing happened when I typed in my IP address. So what's the difference between disabling file sharing in the actual DSL connection properties and disabling it on the LAN. Also, how does disabling file sharing via DSL make the system more secure? Couldn't someone just exploit another port?

This is off topic but I just purchased a new Wi-Fi card (802.11b if that matters) and wondering what security measure I can take. I keep hearing that Wi-Fi is un-secure and should be avoided. I'm sure that the media is making too much of it though. I know I should disable file sharing but I know the packets can be read. Is there some sort of encryption software that can be used?

Thanks for the help! :D

[jp7388]

No one can help explain???

[davis]

Well, im 98% positive you're using the wrong terminology, or you're confused, so ill try to explain what i can make out of your post.

When you say your DSL Share, im going to assume you're talking about your standard internet connection. You can share files over the actual internet, using whats called a peer 2 peer (or p2p) program, which are now being cracked down on for sharing illegal files. typing in your own ip address wont do much for you.

Now i dont know if you're behind a router or not, but when you share files on LAN, you're sharing them over the local connection (ie Computers in your immidate vicinity), over the internet sharing could be anywhere from down the street to accross the world. Sharing on lan is faster, and easier since you can share files with windows on lan without a 3rd party application.


as for your wireless security, im sure there are a few forum stickies on that topic, id suggest you try there.

[cszeto]

It looks like you may be partially cross-posting on the subject of file sharing at:

http://forums.practicallynetworked.com/showthread.php?t=5463

It also appears that the subject is more active on the other thread. It may be more appropriate to continue on that thread for the subject of file sharing. Cross-posting doesn't get answers any quicker. It just confuses things, if different approaches are explored.

As for protecting a wireless connection, the following "sticky" covers some of the practices to consider:

http://forums.practicallynetworked.com/showthread.php?t=4016

[jp7388]

I'm sure I have the terminology screwed up :o. I remember reading that file sharing should be disabled within your Internet connection. That seems to imply that you could share files with your internet connection and didn't know that could be done.

Thanks! :)

[cszeto]

The recommendation on turning off file sharing for computers directly connected to the Internet stems from the fact that the "home" versions of Windows typically do not require passwords to be set. A lot of "home" installations of Windows can have file shares wide open to anyone on the Internet. A simple NAT router/firewall takes care of that exposure in most cases.