Chapter 7. Networking and Internet
Pop quiz: how do you compromise your PC’s security, stability, and performance in about 10 seconds, without installing any new software? If you guessed “sledgehammer,” you’re wrong—that takes only two seconds.
Of course, the correct answer is “connect it to a network.” You get bonus points if you added, “leave Windows 7’s security settings intact.”
It’s fair to say that Windows 7 is more secure than any previous (network-capable) version of Windows, but unfortunately, that’s not all that reassuring. Sure, the Windows Firewall isn’t booby-trapped to prevent file sharing or time synchronization like it was in XP, but the defaults can still leave your PC vulnerable to anyone who knows where to look.
Use this chapter and Chapter 8 to connect your PC to a local network and the Internet without having to worry that Windows isn’t doing its job of keeping your data safe. Certain aspects of networking, such as homegroups, file and printer sharing, and security, are covered exclusively in Chapter 8.
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