Neighbor or Hacker

I have a wireless network in my home and recently when I looked at My Network
Places, I noticed an unfamiliar computer on my network. I could not access
it -- said it wasn't there -- but I could clearly see it with its computer
name -- after a few minutes it dissappeared. I am wondering if this happens
with a wireless network and I may be picking up a neighbor's computer -- or
if somebody has hacked into my network and is looking at my computer. Also,
how do I prevent other computers from getting on to my network?

Thanks much...

CSL wrote:

> I have a wireless network in my home and recently when I looked at My
> Network
> Places, I noticed an unfamiliar computer on my network. I could not
> access it -- said it wasn't there -- but I could clearly see it with
> its computer
> name -- after a few minutes it dissappeared. I am wondering if this
> happens with a wireless network and I may be picking up a neighbor's
> computer -- or
> if somebody has hacked into my network and is looking at my computer.
> Also, how do I prevent other computers from getting on to my network?
>
> Thanks much...

There is no way for us to answer you because you haven't told us what
security you have in place. Certainly if you left your router's
password and SSID at the default and didn't use any encryption anyone
could get in. It could be a neighbor who connected and then realized
his mistake, or it could be more malicious. If you live in a heavily
populated area, it could be anyone.

Here are links to help you set up your wireless connection securely:

Wireless - Basic Configuration -
http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Config.html

Wireless - Basic Security - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Security.html

MVP Barb Bowman on wireless security - http://tinyurl.com/56fc5

The six dumbest ways to secure a wireless LAN -
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Ou/index.php?p=43

Tom's Hardware Wireless Security FAQs
http://www.tomsnetworking.com/2006/0...ity/index.html

Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User