True determined hackers have many ways to break into any system as long as it is connected to a phone line or the Internet. But one fairly simple thing most people can do is to allow only TCP/IP protocol on their dial up connections.
The important thing is to not allow NetBEUI or IPX/SPX protocols to be bound to your dial up adapter unless absolutely required. These are networking protocols which expand file and printer sharing to other computers beyond normal Internet access. If you are on a peer to peer network, this is very important. If you are on a Netware or NT network be sure to check with your Network Administrator. He will have the knowledge and details to guide you in this regard.
In Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me and Windows NT you can control this via Control Panel, Network. Also when you first dial up to an ISP (Internet Service Provider) in any of these systems, Windows should ask you if you want to allow file and printer sharing with that connection. Unless your Network Administrator tells you specifically otherwise, the answer should normally be NO.
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This page last updated on 07/06/04