Windows 2000 Quick Fixes

Keep track of who is using your computer’s resources across the LAN

Even if you trust the other users who have the ability to access your shared resources, you might still concern yourself with who is using which resources, and when. For example, keeping track of remote connections can alert you to access by unauthorized users.

You can use a couple of different methods to track connections and resource use: actively monitoring connections or using auditing.

View connections dynamically

You can use the Computer Management console to view the current connections and files opened by those connections. While this requires that you take an active role (therefore not the easiest method, particularly if you’re busy), you can see the current connections at a glance. Here’s how:

1. Right-click My Computer and choose Manage to open the Computer Management console.

2. Open the System Tools\Shared Folders\Sessions branch. Current connections are shown in the right pane (see Figure 12-1).

3. Open the System Tools\Shared Folders\Open Files branch to view open resources by connection.

Figure 12-1. You can view and terminate connections through the Computer Management console

Configure auditing

Auditing is a better method than manually monitoring connections because it’s always monitoring even when you can’t and maintains a record of access. If you have a problem with an unauthorized user accessing your computer, ...