[Ruahrc]

I use my powerbook (OS X 10.3.5) on my university campus a lot. They have wireless networks set up all over the place so it is very convenient to be able to use my computer practically anywhere.

I was using it one day and curiosity got to me so I opened up the Finder and hit network. I immediately saw all these workgroups (227 of them, to be exact) and whatnot of all the computers connected to the network I guess. Most of them were windows. I was able to connect to some that I randomly selected and browse the contents of their folders.

Now I wonder- can other people do the same to me? I have a mac (of course) but did not enable the Windows sharing on my Powerbook because I have no need. I also have not set up any specific shared folders (don't know how) but I don't know if any public folders exist by default on OS X that people could get into?

Also how safe is my computer from a network/port standpoint? I turned on the firewall and have no additional services (like AFP or Windows Sharing) enabled- so are there any open ports on my mac, and is there any way to check?

I used the Network Utility and found that I could ping myself although some of my friend's computers (windows) would not respond to my pings. Does that mean if they tried to ping me my mac would respond, despite my having the OS X firewall enabled?

As if you couldn't tell already I am pretty new to macs so I am not very knowledgeable with the specifics of network security and filesharing, etc. just yet. If you guys could give me some pointers or links to websites where I can learn about it more that would be great! Thanks!

Ruahrc

[romeosc]

1.go to system preference:

2.select sharing under internet & network

3. select firewall & turn on (only check services you desire)

[Ruahrc]

That's what I did- but how well does that protect me? Does that prevent people from logging into/browsing my laptop?

I can still ping myself.... is that because it's a ping originating from the same computer it is directed at, or a "feature" of os x?

Ruahrc

[SMacTech]

Even without the firewall, they would have to know your log on and password. And then you would have to have file sharing on for anyone to browse your files.

Pinging yourself is bad!

[utidjian]

Originally posted by Ruahrc:
That's what I did- but how well does that protect me? Does that prevent people from logging into/browsing my laptop?

I can still ping myself.... is that because it's a ping originating from the same computer it is directed at, or a "feature" of os x?

If you have file sharing turned off, with or without the firewall being turned on, no one can "browse" your system.

If you want to share nothing... just go into System Preferences --> Sharing and make sure that none of the services are checked.

If you want to be even more sure, though it isn't really necessary, click on the Firewall tab in Sharing and click on Start to start the firewall.

The fact that you can ping yourself from your machine is nothing remarkable. All machines can do that. It is nothing to worry about.
The fact that other people may or may not be able to ping your machine is also nothing remarkable. It is nothing to worry about.