How to Configure Network Security in Windows 7

Locking down your computer's network security protects your files.

The usefulness of computers drastically increased once one computer was connected to another computer to allow the sharing of information between them. All of the connections between all of the different computers makes up networks; even the internet is just a large computer network. In addition to adding usefulness to computers, networking also adds security risks since information that can be shared can also be taken. Windows 7 allows you to configure wireless network security as well as local area network security, and internet firewalls to keep your information safe while you're connected to a network.

Instructions

Wireless Security

1. Press the "Start" button, which is the circular button with the Windows logo in it. Type "Network and Sharing," then press "Enter." The Windows 7 Network and Sharing Center appears.

2. Click "Manage Wireless Networks" in the list on the left. Right-click on the name of the wireless network you for which you want to configure the security settings, then click "Properties."

3. Click on the "Security" tab at the top of the dialog box that appears. Change the "Security Type," "Encryption Type" and "Network Security Key" to match the settings on the wireless router, then click "OK."

Local Area Network Security

1. Click on the "Start" button, and type "Network and Sharing," then press "Enter." Click "Choose Homegroup and Sharing Options" from the list at the bottom of the dialog box.

2. Select the types of files and folders that you want to share with your local area network by checking the boxes. Note that if you haven't yet joined a Homegroup, you must first do that before sharing files and folders.

3. Click "Change the Password" to choose a different password for logging in to the LAN Homegroup. Share this password only with people you want to be able to access the shared files on your computer.

4. Click the "Advanced Sharing Settings" link to adjust whether your computer will share its printer, discover the network automatically, use public folders, use file encryption when sharing files or require a password for network sharing. Click "Save Changes" when you have configured the LAN security to your liking.

Windows Firewall

1. Click the "Start" button, then click "Control Panel." Click "System and Security," and click "Windows Firewall."

2. Click the links on the left to "Allow a Program or Feature through Windows Firewall," to "Change the Notification Settings" or to "Turn Windows Firewall On or Off." The firewall is designed to block any unauthorized traffic from the internet in order to provide network security when your computer is online. If the Firewall is blocking authorized traffic, you can allow it through here or temporarily turn off the Firewall while you run the program.

3. Click "Advanced Settings" to adjust the Firewall rules in detail. Only use this network security configuration tool if you know the correct settings. You can expose your computer to significant security risks if you do something wrong. If you don't know how to configure these settings, you should use the default firewall settings.

References

• Windows: What are the Different Wireless Network Security Methods?
• Windows: Making your Network More Secure