How Do I Keep Computers on a Network Separate?

I'd like to know how to put three computers on the same wired DSL line and not have any one of them know the other two exist--if that's possible.

All three computers run Win XP SP3. Two have Avira and Comodo firewall, and the third has Avira and PCTools firewall, all the free versions. The modem is Actiontec that works with my AT&T DSL. It has only one place to plug in the ethernet cable; before I acquired this third computer, I just unplugged the single ethernet cable and plugged in only one of the first two computers at a time. I never had them both plugged in at the same time.

Some time ago I had bought a Linksys four-port router, thinking it might be nice one day to network several computers together. However, because malware is now so rampant, I do not want one computer sharing anything with another one.

So, how do I turn off file sharing and whatever else so that the computers stay as separate as possible? I want to take every step I have to to keep them all secure as possible.

 

I would either hook the router back up or get a 4-5 port switch. Then on each computer disable file and printer sharing. You can also assign each one to a different workgroup as well. You can also edit the permissions on each, without having proper permissions nothing can be sent or transferred from any of them.

Sam

 

The only networking Protocol that needs to be used by each of your PC's is TCP/IP, you can uncheck all the others (except those installed by your 3rd party security software = firewall, etc.).

For info on unneeded Windows Services that may be disabled in XP, including those related to networking features, see Blackviper - it's a long read but well worth it. In your case, you'd probably be setting most services somewhere between his 'safe' and 'barebones' settings (mine are mostly the far side of barebones ).

 

Thanks for the quick replies, I guessed there would be more to this than I currently know. I need some very basic, step-by-step help as I know almost nothing about networking!

I have never used the Linksys router; it's still in the box. Am I right to think that I just plug it into my DSL modem, plug ethernet cables between router and computers, and it is going to allow me switch between the computers? I don't want to have to continue doing what I have been doing, which is to unplug that current single ethernet cable from one computer and plug it into another.

Where do I find this? Control Panel--Networks? Any place else?

Just right-click My Computer--Properties and give each a different workgroup name?

How do I do this? Where do I edit from?

Where do I find the networking protocols to uncheck?

Ah, one thing I have learned about: services and Blackviper. I have gone though services on all three computers and currently have his "safe" settings on all three. I've not been adventurous enough yet to try the barebones.

 

A walkthrough is linked from TCP/IP.

 

satrow,
Thank you for the link and your good advice.