wireless network, no file sharing....firewall enabled....do I need to use the encrypted security?

[VirginiaDonkey]

just as the title says, no file/printer sharing is enabled. If someone were to connect into my network, the most they could do is surf the web, right? I do have the firewall enabled.

reason I ask, when i do turn on the 64bit or 128 bit encryption, my online gaming experience slows down quite a bit.

Thanks in advance

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

If you have a software firewall on all of your attached computers, you are probably reasonably safe, since your risk is no more than if you connect to the internet directly. OTOH, don't depend on the router's firewall to protect your computers, since the wireless link is inside the firewall!

 

[JackMDS]

Link to: Wireless Security for the Home User.

 

[VirginiaDonkey]

so, the real threat would be if someone picked up the wireless signal from the remote computer? (i.e. credit card info etc)

the base station should not be at risk since it is wired to the router, then to the moden...right?

as you can tell, I am a netwoking/wireless noob...so please be gentle.....I even have lube LOL

the firewall I am using right now is the router firewall.

how can I tell if other ppl have connected to my network? I am using winXP pro SP1

 

[TheDebater]

The only think i would worry about is someone picking up the data being sent to and from your comp and the router. To me this possibility seems relatively small but as i dont game much i have 128bit enabled all the time. If you dont plan on sending too many credit cards, online banking information, or freaky porn your ashamed of i guess theres no real need to worry about it.