Windows 9x --- Installing critical updates,disabling sharing & Unbinding NetBIOS to TCP/IP

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<u>Windows 9x</u>

Installing Critical Updates

A feature that often goes unnoticed in Windows is the update utility. Microsoft uses the term 'critical updates' for patches and bug fixes related to your operating system, though sometimes these may be for other applications too. You can download individual updates from Microsoft's Web site, or just click on the Start menu and select Windows Update.

It's not necessary that you install every update, especially if you haven't had any problems. It is safer to select all updates that pertain to your browser or operating system and install them.

Disabling sharing

If you have a standalone machine, there's no reason to enable the File and Print Sharing feature. To disable it, open Control Panel and double-click on the Network icon. You will see a list of installed protocols, including 'File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks'. Click on File and Print Sharing, click Remove and finally, hit OK. Reboot your PC to save the changes.

<img src="http://www.hashdot.com/disable.jpg" width="419" height="544" border="0" alt="" />

Unbinding NetBIOS to TCP/IP

By default, NetBIOS is bound to the TCP/IP protocol and therefore it is possible for outside intruders to access your shared files. You can prevent this by unbinding NetBIOS from TCP/IP. Firstly, you need to have NetBEUI installed along with TCP/IP. You can install NetBEUI from the Protocols options in the Network Configuration menu. Now, select the dial-up adapter that you use to connect to the Internet and click on Properties. Go to the Bindings tab and uncheck all the boxes except for the TCP/IP Dial-up Adapter. Click OK. Now select TCP/IP > Dial-up Adapter, and click on Properties. Ignore any warning messages and click the Bindings tab. Uncheck all the boxes here and click OK. You will get the following warning message: 'You have not selected any drivers to bind with. Would you like to select one now?'. Click No, close the Network properties menu and restart the machine. This will result in NetBIOS being unbound to TCP/IP and you no longer have to worry about your shared file being accessed over the Net.