Local Network ( WorkGroup)

[fcsacin]

Hello guys.. now i have a doubt..and a question..

i configured a local network.. (i have a dlink di 524 wifi router connected by cable modem to access a internet.. ).. 2 laptops connected by wifi.. and 1 pc by cable.... i have a workgroup configured on pcs ( same on all of them..of course)....and i have some doubts about it..

1 - what are the risks in keep this network (hackers, stealing of data, intruders using my internet connect)..?

2 - how can i "delete" this workgroup.. i tryed to erase this workgroup after i finished copy my files from desktop...but i simple couldn´t... what should i do to keep my pc like "before lan configuration" ?

i guess.. for now.. just it..

thanks guys..

[M/Q]

First that fact that you have a router (ie Dlink 524) between you and the Internet makes a great deal of difference. For the most part any nefarious type would not realize that anything existed behind the Dlink 524. So you are protected in more respect than most computers which are aligned with the Internet perimeter.

Next, the workgroup configuration is required as you have setup a network. To explain in a rather simplistic way, you need the computers to use the workgroup designation so that they will be able to communicate correctly on layer2.

Thus, there are no risks from the Internet, there may be risks to the internal network if you did not configure the wireless network correctly. By this I mean if you are not using encryption, you could be at a great deal more risk than any posed by using a common workgroup designator.

[fcsacin]

first.. thanks for explanation..... i understand the security part.. and yes.. im using wpa2-psk.. with a 16 caracters( i´ll change it for more characters)....
and about the workgroup configuration.. i undestand the part of i need that for communication between the computers on local network.. but..
what i wanted to know is that... what can i do for "delete" .. erase.. whatever... this workgroup.. cuz i dont intend to keep this network for a long time.. its just for copying my files from desktop to laptop... now im finished.. im thinking about take it out.. .. but i´ll think better on keep it..cuz u said im "safe" from "bad guys" outside my network..

thanks..
Happy Easter!

[M/Q]

Happy Easter to you as well.

The workgroup will not be able to go away as it is used by Microsoft for network management. As I mentioned I certainly would not worry about it. With WPA2, it will be very difficult to break that security. Also it is not essential for someone to know the workgroup name to penetrate and do harm on your network.

[fcsacin]

so.. if u say im secure... then i´ll keep that network here.. :)
thanks for explanation..