SMC7004BR

I just wanted to start of my telling you guys how lucky I was to find this site. I was up in the air about what router to buy and after reading about it here I went out the SMC7004BR. The setup was a piece of cake. I have 3 computers running Windows ME and I have @home cable. I do have a few questions about my router. I read the posts on this fourm but I don't think my questions have been answered. So if anyone can help me out I'd appriciate it. First off, under configuration in network I have Client for Microsoft Networks, SIS 900 PCI Fast Ethernet Adapter, IPX/SPX compatible Protocal, TCP/IP and File and print sharing for Microsoft networks. I have enabled file and print sharing because I want to share files across the network. I'm not sure how the firewall in my router works. Since I have file and print sharing enabled can someone break into my network or does the firewall still prevent that. I also know I can enable DMZ so my computer has full access to the internet. But I don't really understand that. Do I need to enable DMZ to download files from ftp's or mIRC. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

1. RE: SMC7004BR
lbyard May-18-01 03:36 PM
In response to message 0

Since I have file and print sharing enabled can someone break into my network or does the firewall still prevent that. Yes
Do I need to enable DMZ to download files from ftp's or mIRC. No. For mIRC DCC file transfers see http://duxcw.com/faq/ics/mircdcc.htm. Larry

2. RE: SMC7004BR
Tnkrtrn May-18-01 05:26 PM
In response to message 1

Thanks for the info on the mIRC dcc file transfers. That was actually going to be my next question. I'm still a bit confused on the other issue. Can my computer be accessed by an outside source because I have file and print sharing enabled. Thanks Larry.
Sam

3. RE: SMC7004BR
lbyard May-18-01 06:09 PM
In response to message 2

LAST EDITED ON May-18-01 AT 06:10 PM (GMT)
As far as know your computers cannot be accessed by an outside source through the Barricade because you have file and print sharing enabled, unless you open a hole through the Barricade (e.g., for DCC file transfers), and the Barricade is as good and probably better than any software firewall you can purchase. But I cannot give an absolute NO for an answer because man, given enough effort and expertise, can usually defeat any security system invented by man. Larry