Number 216 - May 2001
File Sharing - Did You Know?1
from AT&T@Home e-Newsletter, March 2001
    Did you know that the Internet is a shared resource, with many people using it at any given time? Along with its benefits2, there is an element of risk. These risks are present whether you're online at home through a cable modem or at work on a T-1 [line], whether you're using dial-up or DSL. We want to remind you that the use of the file-sharing feature increases the risk that other Internet users could gain access to any of the files on your computer's hard drive. As a result, you should remain aware of these risks and secure your computer (one option is turning your print/file sharing off)3 from access by other users.

TOGGLE Editor's Notes:
    1 Most of you already know this. However, we repeat this advice here for the benefit of those who may have forgotten as well as for new members who have joined us in the last few months.
    2 If you are using a local area network of computers in your home or office, there may be a legitimate reason for sharing files and printers among computers. There may even be a rare instance when you would want to do this over the Internet. Otherwise, turn the sharing options OFF!

    3 To turn them off, click on Start/Settings/Control Panel. Double click on Network and select the Configuration Tab. Click on the File and Print Sharing button and click to de-select (uncheck) the two options, namely:
    [ ] "I want to be able to give others access to my files", and

    [ ] "I want to be able to give others access to my printers".
   Then click OK, then OK again.
  Number 216 - May 2001