securing a laptop

[itmsterw]

Hi, My laptop can detect wierless internet. I have been trying to finout how I can mke sure that if I used one that I can get on the internet without someone being able to see or get to the files on my computer.
Thanlk you

[mnosteele52]

Simply secure your own wireless connection by using encryption, preferably WPA2. If you are using a free public hotspot then use Hotspot Shield (http://anchorfree.com/hotspot-shield/).

:)

[itmsterw]

Thank you
I thought there was more to it. Some people tolld me that if I just turn off sharing or having a fire wall is not enough. I did not think so.
Thank You

[Leechy]

well is it possible that someone can get into my computer if i am not using some sort of wireless encryption?

like in what way you guys? i am interested to know. i mean what will they do? all they can do is get my ip right? you mean like they can interfere with the transfer of data?

by the way i was wondering, can an admin to a network hack into my computer if he wanted to? lets say i am connected to his network. can he go into my hard drives and check what i have etc and copy paste delete...you know troll with my belongings.

thanks

[Krunk_Kracker]

well is it possible that someone can get into my computer if i am not using some sort of wireless encryption?

like in what way you guys? i am interested to know. i mean what will they do? all they can do is get my ip right? you mean like they can interfere with the transfer of data?

by the way i was wondering, can an admin to a network hack into my computer if he wanted to? lets say i am connected to his network. can he go into my hard drives and check what i have etc and copy paste delete...you know troll with my belongings.

thanks
Like what mnosteele52 said, that isa good way.

And also just observe regular pc precautions. Good up to dae antivirus, a firewall and don't download like an idiot :thumb:

[YeOldeStonecat]

well is it possible that someone can get into my computer if i am not using some sort of wireless encryption?

like in what way you guys? i am interested to know. i mean what will they do? all they can do is get my ip right? you mean like they can interfere with the transfer of data?

by the way i was wondering, can an admin to a network hack into my computer if he wanted to? lets say i am connected to his network. can he go into my hard drives and check what i have etc and copy paste delete...you know troll with my belongings.

thanks

Wireless security keeps unwanted people out of your network. That's the priority. Now...once someone is on your network..be it plugged in, or wireless, wether or not they can access your computer depends on how you have your PCs setup. If you have simple file sharing setup...yes...they're all available to them relatively easily. If you have blank administrator passwords on your PCs...the entire C drive can be available to them also. That's one of the reasons to always have an Administrator password. They can also unleash some self spreading worms on your network.

Similar to when you travel to wireless hotspots. Or even if you're using a secured wireless network..you're on the network..someone else may be on the same secured network...if you have a blank Admin password on your PC, depending on your settings...your entire C drive can be available to them.

[Krunk_Kracker]

Wireless security keeps unwanted people out of your network. That's the priority. Now...once someone is on your network..be it plugged in, or wireless, wether or not they can access your computer depends on how you have your PCs setup. If you have simple file sharing setup...yes...they're all available to them relatively easily. If you have blank administrator passwords on your PCs...the entire C drive can be available to them also. That's one of the reasons to always have an Administrator password. They can also unleash some self spreading worms on your network.

Similar to when you travel to wireless hotspots. Or even if you're using a secured wireless network..you're on the network..someone else may be on the same secured network...if you have a blank Admin password on your PC, depending on your settings...your entire C drive can be available to them.
Are you meaning blank or blanket? I say blanket like those people who use one password for everything...from forum accounts to bank accounts.

Who in their right mind would have a blank admin password?

[YeOldeStonecat]

Are you meaning blank or blanket? I say blanket like those people who use one password for everything...from forum accounts to bank accounts.

Who in their right mind would have a blank admin password?

Blank as in empty..nothing..no characters....leave that password space with nothing in it. The majority of people leave the Administrator account totally blank when they unbuckle Windows. There has been, and is, malware out there that can install itself assuming that. Also....someone else can gain access to your PC if you leave it blank. I even see workstations that some other tech has setup on a domain...sure the domain Administrator account may have a password..but the local Administrator account on the workstations was still left blank. :nope: Bad bad.

"Who in their right mind?" Heh..the majority of PCs out there are that way.