Question about My Computer > Network

[Mikeohioukus]

Hi guys, yesterday went to my computer and then clicked network it showed my computer name and another computer in the list, The other computer showed there was my uncles which is a desktop computer upstairs, He has a internet modem up there connected with a wireless router, that's how i'm connecting, First question is, how come his computer is showing there?

If i click on his computer, it allows me to see files on his pc, after entering the password he has set on his computer of course, if he didnt have a password would i be able to just have a look? ( we both wondered about this due to privacy )

After this i kinda got worried that people in the area may see my computer in that list and be able to see my files on my desktop or in my documents, i don't have a password set to log onto my account as i'm the only one that uses this laptop, so would they be able to just look?

Our connection is unsecured due to me not being able to connect to a secured network ( no idea why, tried to figure this out for a while ) So if someone else around here does connect to it, then would they be seeing our computers in network and be able to connect?

I know its a long(ish) message but i wanted to explain my concern properly.

Thank you

 

[johnb35]

What operating system are you running on your laptop? Whats the model of this laptop? Usually when you are having problems connecting to a wireless network all you need to do is delete the existing wireless settings for that connection and reset it back up. Did you try doing that?

 

[geekspence]

...i don't have a password set to log onto my account...
...
...Our connection is unsecured...

That is one horrible combination. To answer your question, yes. Anyone who connects to your network can see the two computers connected, as well as the files on your unsecured computer.

Suggestions:

1. Definitely figure out some way to secure your network. WPA is the best solution, but even WEP is okay. WEP will keep out the normal people, but any computer-savy person can break it in a matter of minutes.

2. Put a password on your user account ASAP. It may be a bit of a pain to log in every time you turn on your computer, but your current solution is just asking for trouble.

Hope this helps.
Geekspence

 

[Mikeohioukus]

That is one horrible combination. To answer your question, yes. Anyone who connects to your network can see the two computers connected, as well as the files on your unsecured computer.

Suggestions:

1. Definitely figure out some way to secure your network. WPA is the best solution, but even WEP is okay. WEP will keep out the normal people, but any computer-savy person can break it in a matter of minutes.

2. Put a password on your user account ASAP. It may be a bit of a pain to log in every time you turn on your computer, but your current solution is just asking for trouble.

Hope this helps.
Geekspence

I really never thought about it, i didn't seem possible that someone could get onto my computer just by connecting to my internet.

Turning the network discovery and public folder sharing off wouldn't stop them seeing my computer listed then? When i do that, i no longer see it visible in the Network section.

I will add a password to my username asap, i never even thought about it, i just assumed a password would be to keep it safe from others in my household using it etc... Not to stop people from actually gaining access to my files.

 

[Mikeohioukus]

What operating system are you running on your laptop? Whats the model of this laptop? Usually when you are having problems connecting to a wireless network all you need to do is delete the existing wireless settings for that connection and reset it back up. Did you try doing that?

Windows 7, laptop is compaq cq61.