Hello
I use a router with my desktop and laptop.
When I am away, what is the safest yet easiest way to use my laptop?
We are with a friend with Comcast who will let us use their cable[+ Pc] but I do not trust the security of their pc. I think I lose some security without my router/firewall but it would seem impractical to install my router softeware in their pc.
I dont want to waste your time with the ideas I have come up with but one is to run their ethernet cable from their modem to my laptop instead of their pc and when done just replace it to their pc.
If this is the way, can it be done on the fly? Are there any connection adjustments in the control panel I have to make like enable or disable local area etc.?
Thank you

If I run my ethernet cable out of her modem to my router then each of us coud wire into the router.
Question is, if she has malware or a keylogger in her pc, could it affect my router or pc?

I am pretty certain that you are quite safe, you are not connecting to they're system, only they're net, and as such you are not at any risk, and your software security will (or should) protect you anyway in the worst case scenario, but I will ask the other guys just to be safe for you, they may be aware of factors that I am not, but I'm as sure as I can be that you'd be safe, but I will double check for you to be certain.

*edit
OK asked the guys if there was anything else to be done to increase your safety, and Thanks to Doug he reminded me about file and printer sharing, so make sure this is disabled, to do that here is a guide from m$ on what to do, apart from this you are as secure as is possible to be without not turning the PC on, hope this helps.
Disable File and Printer Sharing for Additional Security

This post has been edited by 8210GUY: Aug 13 2009, 09:22 AM

HI again
I think I will get an ethernet switch and run a cable from her modem to my router and one to her pc.
I will also be sure to check that file or printer sharing is not enabled.
Thank you

>>I do not have dialup which the article seems to refer to. I have cable.

Yes I appreciate your not on dial up, but it's still relevant when systems "could" connect, it's just closing another door in your security, and that was simply the 1st article with clear directions on what to do, but the info is still good.

I reread the article with what you have told me in mind and will exercise caution.
Thank you

Hello all
I am now online in MA. since arriving from MD.
I am tying up the information from my first post where I asked if I could usemy friend's Comcast connection to run my laptop especially through my router.
At first it did not work. I ran my ethernet cable from her modem to my router, than a cable from the 1st lan port to my pc.
I called Comcast and was told to power cycle the modem oor at least power it off for ten seconds.
After about 4 or 5 triies I am online as you can see.
I called up my router and all seems ok.
I would like to thank all those who took the time to help me with this issue and to tell any one who will be doing this, to be patient when working with the modem.
Thank you

I'm glad all is well, and I am not surprised about rebooting the router, often when struggling with things people overlook the simple things, so rebooting a router when you have no net never hurts, I suspect it's caused by kind of a surge connecting to it, but it's good you got it figured out.