Hi, hope this is the right place for this question.

I recently switched from a DSL cable connection to a wireless network connection thru a router to share internet access w/ my house mates. I often leave my computer on overnight for various reasons.

I'm wondering if I can block off the wireless internet access somehow, by closing off ALL ports for ALL internet access easily -- messages, web, e-mail, etc.

I used to USE Norton Security & it had an option in the firewall to do just that -- block all access thru all ports temporarily, w/ the click of one button, & easily switched back on. I figure it would be useful to do this in the small chance my computer gets ID'd for phising expeditions or whatever when it's on for long periods of time.

Is there something in the Microsoft control panel that does this? I've searched around & can't find anything.

I've tried to use "search" on forums but I either don't know the right keywords to use, or this is simply not something that anyone else does or is concerned about.

I have a Dell Dimension 3000 tower, 512K RAM 2.34 Ghz; using MS XP home edition; i use IE 7 & Mozilla browsers. I don't use Outlook for mail, just the calendar. I currently use the Microsoft firewall & the free verion of AVG 7.5 virus & spyware programs for security. I use a Linksys Compact Wireless -G USB adapter to connect up to the house router. The router (also Linksys, I'm pretty sure) was set up w/ password to keep others from leaching off our internet connection.

So, is this not something to even worry about, and if so, how can I easily block & unblock all internet access from my computer, while my USB connection is LEFT on?

An additional question is, is there some other security concern I should be aware of? This is the first time I've used a wireless connection, I've always had DSL cable connections in the past.

Thanks in advanceI am not an expert by any sense of the imagination but here is what I do::
Go to START, CONNECT TO, highlite the net work that shows tha you are connected,
hit DISCONNECT.
Repeat the operation in revers order in order to re=-connect. Good luck, JIMI agree with jim.mar. The easiest would be to simply disconnect from the wireless or disable the wireless netcard when you don't wish to be connected to the network.You have to know that a wireless LAN is the LEAST secure configuration out there, but it is handy and in fact, one that I personally use. Why would you want to arbitrarily shut it down if you installed it for the express reason of sharing your connection with your roomies in the first place? As long as your personal PC is setup as the hub with password protected user and admin accounts, the average home pc user is reasonably secure and I think that you're being somewhat paranoid, IMHO. I sure wouldn't want to sign on with someone who always had his finger on the off button.If your looking to block of your mates from getting on just make a password to your computer acc, like admin and password it.

Other than that just do what Jim.mar said it works great.Quote from: jim.mar on DECEMBER 18, 2007, 02:07:15 PM

I am not an expert by any sense of the imagination but here is what I do::
Go to START, CONNECT TO, highlite the net work that shows tha you are connected,
hit DISCONNECT.
Repeat the operation in revers order in order to re=-connect. Good luck, JIM