just setup my first home network

[Mark]

used a linksys befsr41 router and figured out how to share files between 2 pc's for now, need 1 more cable to do the third.

i assume the router has a firewall or does it ??

i have to disable the windows xp firewall to get permission to see the other pc's.

here is the incoming screenshot
http://img.ranchoweb.com/images/thesnake/networkincoming.jpg

and here is the outgoing shot

http://img.ranchoweb.com/images/thesnake/networkupload.jpg

the 100% cpu usage is just folding so disregard that

is this an average speed and any ideas on how to make this run better and secure, thanks :)

[JackMDS]

Your Router has NAT Firewall.

WinXP internal Firewall (ICF) is barley qualifies to be call “Better then Nothing”.

It is better to disable it since it does not add any more protection then the Router provides.

More info here: Basic Protection for Broadband Internet Installation. (http://www.ezlan.net/firewall.html)

[Mark]

JackMDS, thanks for the advice on the firewall deal, now is there anyting else i can do to speed this up or is this normal type speeds ?

[YeOldeStonecat]

There are no firewall features on the router for the LAN side...meaning, anything on the LAN side...from computer to computer, the router does not get inbetween. The LAN side is connected via the built in switch of the router....treat it like any regular switch. The router only comes into play for traffic going outside to the internet...out the gateway....like walking out your front door to the street.

[Mark]

hi YeOldeStonecat, thanks for the explanation, so i guess i am safe from anyone else seeing my systems then.

how does my transfer speed look ?

normal ?