The Microsoft Network services allows one to share resources like files and printers, and access files and printers on other computers on the network. One should by careful about how to bind these services to the different network connections installed.
- Client for Microsoft Networks - Enables access to shared files and printers on Microsoft Networks. This service should only be installed for network connections which requires such access (Ex. dialup modems doesn't need this service).
- File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks - Enables sharing of files and printers on Microsoft Network. Again this should only be installed for network connections where this is wanted, to avoid sharing personal files with all the people on the Internet (Ex. dialup modems doesn't need this service).
- Win9x - Open Network Properties and change the properties for the TCP/IP protocol, and on the "Bindings"-fan uncheck the binding to file sharing.
- Win2k - Open "Network and Dial-up Connections" and in the menu select "Advanced" -> "Advanced Settings".
If the network connection is used to access the Internet, then it should one should strongly consider getting a firewall. Especially if not hidding behind a NAT router, which gives some protection from direct port attacks from the Internet, and if the same network connection is bound to the Microsoft Networks services for use on the Local Area Network (LAN).
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