My cousin constantly downloads music and movies, both

Hello Grif

Sorry about the delay, I tried to follow your directions for XP and I think I left-clicked on the lan and disabled my internet connection, I just got back online a few minutes ago.

As for my computer I have XP and I do have McAfee firewall and anti-virus software, I have spybot and adaware and run them every now and then. I will run them more from now on, thanks for reminding me to update them. I'll download the CWShredder, I've never heard of it, so thanks for that.

When I go to uncheck the "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft networks" there isn't an "Apply" option, just "install...", "uninstall" and the "OK" button. Which do I choose?

So once I create a password and I disable the "file and printer sharing", I'll be set? Do you need anymore info?

Thanks so much,
dreamrio

...next to "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks", then click OK. That will cause "File and Printer Sharing" to stop functioning although it is still available if you need it some time in the future. There's generally no need to actually uninstall it. (You would use the "Uninstall" button to physically remove it from the computer, but that's not necessary.)
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To create a password for the hidden "Administrator" user, do this: Click on Start-Run, type, "CONTROL userpasswords2" (without the quotes), then press the "OK" button. When the User Accounts' window loads, click on the Administrator user listing to highlight it. Now click on the "Reset Password" button. At the next window type the password of your choice. Make it something fairly complex.

You can also create a password for your own user if you wish..

Hope this helps.

Grif

It's important that your computer and the other computer can't "see" each other...If you don't have a network setup and you aren't sharing files, you should be fine. Make sure your firewall isn't set to allow his IP address to access your computer and that should help. If you haven't set up a network previously, that shouldn't be a problem.

Other than that, stay vigilant, keep your scanning tools up to date and use them frequently.

Hope this helps.

Grif

I'll keep vigilant and I'll also continue to read these boards to educate myself. The help and info everyone offers is invaluable. Thanks!

Which one did you answer?

Questions in the original post:

1."If he gets a virus from his downloading, my computer will get one too right?"

Yes, it's very possible to receive a virus from a networked computer. You don't have to open e-mail. You don't have to do anything. The infection just happens. (I cleaned up a half dozen of these types on our LAN in the last week or so.) It happens all the time when shared files on networks are involved or poor network security is in place, especially with the recent viruses such as Sdbot, W32/Sobig and the older W32/QAZ.worm. There are a lot of others as well.

2. "What can I do to protect my computer?"
"No" doesn't seem to be an appropriate answer..

3. "I already have McAfee anti-virus, is that enough?"
"No" is appropriate but a little further explaination would sure help.

4. "Should I get a regular router instead of using the family's wireless router, will that help?"

Well, YES and No..., Using a regular "wired" router would help with security somewhat over a wireless router, but I don't think it will assist with the issue of the cousin's potential to infect Dreamrio's computer...

Just curious about why you answered what you did?

Grif