Disable file sharing

One of the options at hand, in order to improve security on your Windows operating system is to disable file sharing and printer sharing. If you do not really need these functions in your local network, or if you do not have a local network, then it is higly recommended that you disable file sharing and printer sharing on your computer.

In order to do this you need to go to Start-Control Panel-Network Connections. Right click on the icon that represents your local network connection, then select Properties. In the next window, uncheck the checkbox labeled with 'File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks' and then click ok.

If you have disabled file and printer sharing, you have improved your computer security since attacking your computer can be indeed easier if these options are enabled. If you do not have a local network at all, for example if you are using your computer at home and the only connection you have is the connection to Internet, you may also want to disable NetBios as well. In order to do this, you have to disable the TCP/IP NetBios Helper service in Services. You can reach this setting by going to Control Panel - Administrative Tools - Services. Double click on the TCP/IP NetBios Helper service in the list, and stop the service if running, then set startup mode to Disabled and click OK.