Can I use Simple File Sharing relatively safely on Windows XP Home Edition to share all the files between my desktop and laptop with full read/write access? I have a wireless router using WPA-PSK with a passphrase over 60 random characters in length. I've turned off broadcast SSID on the router. The router and firewalls (ZoneAlarm) on both computers limit access to specific IP addresses that are assigned by MAC addreses. I use strong passwords on user accounts. I've assigned a strong password to the guest account and disabled it. On my laptop, I've disabled automatically connecting to networks and set it to "Access point (infrastructure) networks only." I use AVG antivirus. With Simple File Sharing enabled on both computers, how easy is it for someone to access my files and what more can I do to make this more secure? Thanks.

Also, in case it is helpful to know, the router I'm using is D-Link DI-614+, and it's updated with the latest firmware.

Simple File Sharing only "dumbs down" how to do file sharing for people who don't know NTFS and share permission assignments. Otherwise, compared to when that is disabled, it's not any less secure, except that you could get more granular in what permissions you want to assign, but I doubt you need that granularity. From what you've said above, you've done a good job with security, and I don't see anything else really you need to do aside from a few things. #1. Store your documents on the desktop, and access them from the laptop and/or sync them using offline files. Using the encryption feature for Offline Files could allow for easy on the fly encryption of your data on the laptop in case the laptop is ever stolen. #2. Because the only file shares are on the desktop if you do #1, you can now unbind File and Print Sharing from the laptop's NIC's. This protects your machine while on the road connecting to other people's wifi networks. "Enough, enough bowing down to disillusion! Hats off & applause to rogues & evolution! The ripple effect is too good not to mention. If you’re not affected, you’re not paying attention!"

disable the file sharing and use barracudadrive if you are worried. I read it wrong and answer it wrong too. So get off my case you goober.

"simple file sharing" isn't "dumbed down". Its all you get with windows xp home. So there is little one can do, even with knowledge of NTFS, when one is stuck with it. Compaq Presario SR1720NX Desktop Computer AT&T SBC Yahoo DSL Home Linksys Router/2 computers

It is still dumbed down, whether you're forced to use it or not. And FYI, if you want to not use Simple File Sharing to assign permissions in XP Home, reboot into safe mode and assign permissions. :-) "Enough, enough bowing down to disillusion! Hats off & applause to rogues & evolution! The ripple effect is too good not to mention. If you’re not affected, you’re not paying attention!"