secure file sharing

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10-23-2003, 05:24 PM
doctor15

secure file sharing

I have a desktop and laptop on my compus network. They will not always be behing a router/firewall, and I want to be able to share files between them. Is there any sort of software I could use to have access files on my desktop via mapped drive (similary to windows file shring) from my laptop. I was looking at the possibility of either this thing called web folder sharing ms has built into IIS, or possibly some sort of ftp. I would like to be able to save, read direct from my desktop HD when I'm on my laptop.

Thanks!
10-23-2003, 06:17 PM
cat5e

Install NetBEUI and make it the default protocol for file sharing, and your concern are gone.

Link to: Set NetBEUI as the Default Sharing Protocol in WinXP.
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10-23-2003, 07:31 PM
SkyDog

But on a campus network, NetBEUI probably won't provide any extra security since it's likely that a whole bunch of people will be on the same subnet. NetBEUI won't cross subnets since it's non-routable, but everyone on the same subnet will still be able to get in.

I'd suggest you look into setting up a VPN host on the desktop, and you can connect to that from the laptop when you need access to your file shares. Windows XP Pro has VPN hosting ability built-in. I don't remember offhand about XP Home or 2000 Pro.
10-23-2003, 08:06 PM
doctor15

I have XP Pro. I dont see it anywhere... is it called something else maybe. anyone know how to access it/ set it up. That sounds like what I want to do.

could it maybe be what they call "web folder sharing"
10-23-2003, 08:36 PM
doctor15

alright, i figured out where you do this. Create new connectiong > incoming connection. Now does this mean everytime I access the internet its going to go through my desktop. Also how do i give myself acces to my files (they are not shared as my desktop is not behing a router). If i need to share the folders, I can setup a router and do that, but I need to know the ports VPN users.

Also, anyone have advice for configureing this/ any other methods.
10-24-2003, 10:15 AM
ua549

Your desktop is buried deep with several levels of security restrictions I don't recommend changing. Put the files you want to share in another folder where the security can easily be set up. Share the folder and set the access permissions on the folder and the share to the userIDs that will be used for access.
10-24-2003, 11:14 AM
doctor15

Quote:

Originally posted by ua549
Your desktop is buried deep with several levels of security restrictions I don't recommend changing. Put the files you want to share in another folder where the security can easily be set up. Share the folder and set the access permissions on the folder and the share to the userIDs that will be used for access.

well the only person accessing the files would be me.. and I have access to everything anyway. But you reccomend just using normal windows file sharing?? I dont know exactly how the campus network is structured, but I would think when I'm on their wireless network I'ld be on a different subnet than my desktop in the dorm. How exactly would I find my computers. Its just a workgroup network, but theres thousands of computers.

I do have a static IP for every computer, so that would probably be the only way to find my computer on the network.
10-24-2003, 12:12 PM
ua549

Quote:

Originally posted by doctor15
well the only person accessing the files would be me.. and I have access to everything anyway. But you reccomend just using normal windows file sharing?? I dont know exactly how the campus network is structured, but I would think when I'm on their wireless network I'ld be on a different subnet than my desktop in the dorm. How exactly would I find my computers. Its just a workgroup network, but theres thousands of computers.

I do have a static IP for every computer, so that would probably be the only way to find my computer on the network.

You can get more complex with your security by using VPN. Windows XP Pro has VPN capability. It is set up using the New Connection wizard. Once setup you can create a desktop shortuct to open that connection.

To find your computer remotely (no VPN) open Windows Explorer. In the address bar enter \\<ip address>\<optional share name>. If you enter only the IP you'll see a list of available shares. If you enter the share name you'll see that share.
10-24-2003, 12:54 PM
doctor15

Quote:

Originally posted by ua549

To find your computer remotely (no VPN) open Windows Explorer. In the address bar enter \\<ip address>\<optional share name>. If you enter only the IP you'll see a list of available shares. If you enter the share name you'll see that share.

i see

That would probably be the best way. Is that secure enough as long as I use the NTFS permissions? I thought I read somewhere that windows file sharing should never be used on a public network. I want to make sure the information tech people cant see what files I am using across the network.

Also, Im still a little confused on how the VPN would work, but ill experiment with it when my laptop comes (should be within the next 2 hours :D )

Thanks for the reply!