I will be moving into a big new house on the first of May and for the first time in 10 years I will now have a roommate. Currently my network is secured 2 ways: 1. From the internet via both hardware and software firewalls (plus antivirus/anti-spyware software) 2. On my wireless access point by utilizing WPA-PSK + TKIP, SSID broadcast disabled, I use MAC filtering, and my WIFI DHCP is limited to 5. I currently have file and printer sharing enabled on everything since I am the only user. I can drag/drop/copy/move/backup anything anywhere via Windows Explorer or via my backup-sync software without having to enter user/password info every time. Once I move into the new place we will be sharing the same broadband (cable) service via the built-in ethernet network. I absolutely don't want my roommate or other temporary house guests perusing my files (Quicken data, personal records, financial data, etc) on my NAS, my PCs, my laptop (you get the idea), but all of these devices plus my new roommates and guests computers will all be attached to the same network via a 24-port gigabit switch. What is the most secure way to keep other folks from messing up or viewing my data while still retaining a user-friendly process for myself? Also, what is the smartest way to secure my PC when I am out of town and can't keep my eye on it (short of locking it in a vault that is)? Thanks in advance for your help. Tim

bios passwords on the pcs replace the switch with a vlan capable switch and separate the network via vlans. otherwise your only choice is to do static assignments and then block those ips assigned to your roommate via the software firewall.

Anyone with physical access can do what they want to your system for the most part. If you use encryption on the folders you have some chance of protection. Since you have xp pro you can do it. Be sure to use rotating strong passwords and watch for keyloggers. You shouldn't have any share's open. Might consider other means. I access systems with all sorts of so called protection. It is all over the web how to get to stuff. "Best Practices", Event viewer, host file, perfmon, antivirus, anti-spyware, Live CD's, backups, are in my top 10

Thanks for the replies, the help is greatly appreciated!