Built into modern Operating Systems is a feature that allows you to easily share access to your computer over a network or the internet.  This is most commonly referred to as "File and Printer Sharing".  This service allows easier access to files on computers you need to access, but it is not without risk.

If someone is attempting to enter your computer without your permission this is the easiest way to do it.  Most of us do not need File and Print sharing but sometimes it is installed by default on most computers.  This page will explain how to disable this feature on your computer.  If you must use File and Print sharing for work or other pursuits, please make sure that you password protect your shared files and folders or use a more secure method, such as e-mailing or FTP.

Windows 95/98/ME

To disable file sharing:

1. Click on the Start Button then click on Settings and then click on Control Panels.
   
   You should see the following:

3. Double click the Network icon (it is highlighted above).

4. Select the Configuration tab if it is not selected, and click the File & Print Sharing button.

4. Remove the Checkmarks from both Options on this screen to disable File and Printer Sharing.

5. Click the OK button.

6. Select the TCP/IP protocol that is bound to your Dial-Up Adapter. It should say "TCP/IP > Dial-Up Adapter"

7. Click the Properties button.

8. Select the Bindings tab.

9. Uncheck the File and printer sharing for Microsoft Networks option on this screen.

10. Click the OK button.

11. Click the next OK button.

12. Click the YES button to restart your computer and put your changes into effect.

If you need to enable file sharing on your computer, you can reduce your susceptibility to hackers by setting a password for access to all of your shared files and directories.

For Macintosh

To disable file sharing:

1. Click the Apple menu in the upper left corner. Select Control Panels and File Sharing.
    
2. The default selections should be File Sharing off and Program Linking off, and the buttons underneath should both say Start. If this is the case, file sharing is disabled. Exit the File Sharing window. Nothing needs to be changed.
    
3. If File Sharing on or Program Linking on are selected and the buttons underneath indicate Stop, click the Stop button to disable sharing and linking. Enter 0 in the dialog box that prompts you to indicate how many minutes until file sharing is turned off or how long before you want to disconnect other users connected to your computer. Click the OK button.
    
4. Exit the File Sharing window.