how do i find out what files i am sharing on my computer and more importantly how do i stop sharing them because isnt file sharing a way that people use to hack into computers and screw them up/sniff etc. I did have limewire but i uninstalled it but does that mean it is definitely deleted and no more files are sharing???
Also how easy is it for hackers to 'infiltrate' my computer/hardrive if i have the free edition of AVG anit - virus that has anti -spyware , anti virus and resident shield.......I also have windows firewall and windows defender.
Finally how do i raise the secruity level of my firewall/change the settings if possible (im on windows vista)
Any comments are much appreciated, thanks!What files am i sharing, how vulnerable am i to viruses/hackers.?If you uninstalled Limewire then you should not be sharing anything because it is Limewire that does the sharing, so without Limewire it cannot share.
Using peer-to-peer programs like Limewire is dangerous because you do not know the person(s) on the other end. You could end up downloading a hacked version of a file that could allow them entry into your computer, store the keys you press (looking for usernames, passwords, etc), do damage to your computer, and a load of other things.
Since you have stopped using Limewire you have eliminated a very large danger to your system.
Now, if you had downloaded a hacked file it could still be lurking on your system but with AVG, Windows Firewall, and Windows Defender most those types of files will be detected/dealt-with.
With a Windows machine your vulnerability is really tied to how up-to-date you are with Windows Updates and what security software you are using. So, if you are forgetful person setup automatic updates. As for security software you have a solid program, AVG, and Windows Vista firewall is better than older versions, so leave it on unless you get a third-party firewall.
As for changing the security level of your Windows Vista firewall there really are not levels besides on/off, although I could be mistaken. To access and view your firewall settings:
Start -%26gt; Control Panel -%26gt; Security -%26gt; Windows Firewall
I personally use Spybot - Search %26amp; Destroy instead of Windows Defender which I linked in my sources. Also, be wary of pop-up anti-spyware/virus software that claims your system is %26quot;infected.%26quot; Those are almost always spyware themselves. Stick to the mainstream vendors and ask a computer-literate person their opinion when in doubt.
Bottom-line, keep away from peer-to-peer programs like Limewire, keep your system updated, and if something seems to good to be true is most like it so don't.What files am i sharing, how vulnerable am i to viruses/hackers.?Leave the firewall at default. Check for file and printer sharing by looking at faloders to see if the have the hand image underneath them. Right click any shared ones and turn off sharing. It is very unlikely then that anyone can get to you. But be cautious which sites you visit, if you manage to click a rogue download it tells your anti-spyware you want whatever it is, and it will let it in.What files am i sharing, how vulnerable am i to viruses/hackers.?yeah you should think about changing the firewall
