The idea of making a folder on my computer available to others on the net is way too scary.
How can I be sure that once in that folder a clever cookie could not venture further into my computer?


Windows XP
Firewall: Zone Alarm - free version
Cable connection.

many thanks

oh..I don't know...perhaps some studying of how the internet works and such will clear it up for you....

cookies have nothing to do with your shared folder, though a virus/worm/trojan acquired by irresponsible downloading could indeed cause you problems, hence our constant advice to NOT download programs..

are you being gently sarcastic? )
We have firewalls to stop people invading our computers. But here we are inviting them in. Perhaps the answer is that the downloader is dowloading via lime wire and that effectivley the downloader does not have access to the target's share folder.
If Limewire has written up how this works I would appreciate a link.
thanks all

Rockart

Although Peerless might not have answered you in the way you would have liked he has made a valid point which experienced internet users will recognise.

For example, you only use a firewall to protect your computer while most people would have added an anti-virus program as well, which is an essential tool to have on your PC.

To add extra protection when using LW I also use PeerGuardian 2, which is an IP blocker, it sits behind your firewall and blocks, on the IP level, various computer companies and government agencies trying to use port 6346 to gain access to your PC.

There are also other protective software that protects your PC on various levels, e.g. BHO Demon protects your IE browser from attempted hi-jackings, Prevx1 protects from secret installations and zero day virus attacks, MS Anti-Spyware protects from keyloggers and adware. I could go on but, as Peerless said, when you gain more experience of the internet you will have a better understanding of what protection you need to get the best out of your browsing and downloading while minimising the risk to your PC's security.



UK Bob

Hi UK Bob, how you been??
Im going to hijack this thread lol..
I was wondering if you could suggest a free firewall program I can use along side of Avast AV...
I tried Zonealarm but ran into trouble as its not compatible with Avast..
Thanks Mate...

Thank you ukbobby01.

My computer:
Firewall: Zonealarm
Virus protection: Vet Antivrus ( Computer Associates) [already nabbed a virus in a
Limewire download]
Spyware detector: Spybot

Do you think I also need the IP blocker


I use Firefox when browsing - downloading ( and IE when testing web pages in production)

Always willing to learn more...
I’m no admin technocrat but have been constant net user since ‘96 - built websites for major corporations.

BTW "clever cookie" meant clever joker, person, fellow, not related to computer cookies.

Cheers,

Thanx,
Just reviewed my setup and I have "shared" on the C drive open for sharing. The contents at the moment are all the files I have dowloaded.
The FTC warns that files sharing programs set up wrongly can give access to all your files.
I'm satisfied that's not the case.

Have just installed PeerGuardian.
(The last screen in the setup says: the best way to protect your privacy is not to use p2p at all. [!] )
Thanks,

Hi WW

Just now I seem to lurch from one family crises to another but that is another story which will keep me busy for the foreseeable future.

Anyway, your question about free firewalls, I have come across the following:

Outpost Firewall (Basic Version)
Sygate Personal Firewall
Kerio Firewall

Now, I cannot vouch for any of them because I have not used them myself or know anyone else that has used them.

I suggest you approach each one of them with caution and let the forum know how you get on.

Good luck.



UK Bob

Thanks for the advice on the firewalls, I will look into them and let the forum know how I get on...
I've heard Kerio mentioned on the Norbiesworld forums, it was listed in their preferences, so that will be the first one I'll check into...
Again many Thanks...
Theres nothing like family to keep you busy, I know if its not one thing its another...
Take care Mate

ukbobby
noticed you telling ww about firewalls.
Didn't include Zone Alarm??
Been using this for years ( free version), seems fine and i thought it well regarded?