Newt...when you get a chance...

Hey old boy! You've answered a few questions for me in the past and answered the very same one I'm about to ask. I went back and tried to search but couldn't pull up any past posts around the time span I was looking for. (I hear some older archives were lost?)

Anyway...

2 98 machines 1 xp machine - hard wired...
Without installing NETBEUI am I correct to have the host macine (xp machine) configured as follows: ICS enabled, firewall enabled, cable modem nic as obtain ip address and local network nic as 192.168.0.1 - File and print sharing OFF!
98 machines, after network wizard is run, one machine's local nic is 192.168.0.2 and other 192.168.0.3 File and Print Sharing OFF!
All 3 machines run ZoneAlarm.

Am I MORE SECURE by installing NETBUEI and if so can you provide a quick walkthrough?

 

Joe - if you are running ZA, you absolutely do not need the ICF (internet connection firewall) that Microsoft provides. No extra protection and no where near as good as ZA.

You have the setup part correct as far as the network piece.

File & print sharing - you will need this if you plan to have the PCs share files or share printers. I know some folks on here warn against it as do some internet security folks but with ICS you are behind NAT which is quite a bit of protection and with all your machines running ZA, you are even more protected. I'd say the risk is more theoretical than real with that configuration.

Certainly your network could be hacked if an expert wanted to make the effort. If you are hiding the crown jewels in there so it's worth the effort, you wouldn't be safe but otherwise, there are so many easier targets out there that I doubt you'll be bothered.

Similar to having a 5 year old domestic auto and locking it when you leave. Certainly a good car thief could steal it but since there will be newer ones parked near you that aren't even locked, it isn't likely.