When you use BCI service, your computer becomes part of a large Network of computers. If you change your file sharing settings, you can make the data on your computer available to others on the network, enabling them to read, modify, or even delete your data. To prevent this, ensure that file sharing is turned off. If you need to use file sharing, ensure that it is protected by password. In addition installing a hardware or software based firewall is important.

A firewall is simply a program or hardware device that filters the information coming through the Internet connection into your private network or computer. You use a firewall to protect your network and family from potential hackers. If an incoming packet of information is flagged by the filters, it is not allowed through.

To disable file sharing (or verify settings) for Windows 95/98/Me:

• Open the network control panel

From the start menu, choose Settings, then Control Panel and then open Network control panel.

• Click the configuration tab.
• Click the file and print sharing button.

The File and Print Sharing dialog box appears.

• Ensure the check boxes for �I want to be able to give others access to my files �and� I want to be able to allow others to print from my �printers� are not checked.
• Click the OK button in the file and Print Sharing dialog box.
• Click the OK button in the Network control panel.
• If you have made changes, you are prompted to restart your computer.
• If you made changes, restart your computer.

To disable file sharing (or verify settings) for NT/2000:

• Open the network control panel

From the start menu, choose Settings, then Control Panel and then open Network and dialup control panel.

• Open the properties of the LAN Network

Right click the LAN Network and select properties

• Ensure the check boxes for �File and Print sharing� is not checked.
• Click the OK button in the Network control panel.
• If you have made changes, you are prompted to restart your computer.
• If you made changes, restart your computer.

Viruses

Some files can contain viruses or otherwise harm your computer. If you run a program or open a file with a virus, and it causes your computer or other programs to shutdown, you could lose unsaved work in any open files on your computer. Some Viruses can replicate or make copies of it self.

Most viruses are spread by email from an infected computer or commonly infected diskettes.

Viruses can be best avoided by use of antiviral software most of all, by avoiding the use of suspect diskettes. Be aware that anti-viral software can only detect known viruses, and therefore it is not foolproof. In addition it must be updated regularly as the number of "known" viruses increases.