First time going wireless... how to best protect my info?

Wishpig

Ok, so I just moved into a new apartment complex. The only way for me to get internet connection here is to use the wireless router my landlord set up for everyone.

I got a desktop that didn't come with any wireless capabilities so I picked up a wireless USB adapter. Obviously I am now online and happy!

But this is my first time running off someone Else's router and I wanna make sure all my info is safe and sound from prying eyes.

I have vista and I use AVG to keep my computer safe and sound. Any tips you could throw my way to keep my computer safe would be very much appreciated. This apartment complex has supposedly been home to many hackers and trouble makers.

Grygonos

Make sure you disable windows file sharing. Depending on your version of windows there may be some folders that are shared by default. I ditched AVG in favor of Microsoft Security Essentials or Antivira + Spybot. That's just a personal pref though.

Wishpig

Thats the first thing I TRIED to do, but for the love of god, I can't figure out how! Avg makes it so damn complex!

Clipse

If you're really concerned, you can pick up a wireless bridge (one of these) which will effectively hide your computer(s) from others on the wireless network in much the same way that a router would hide them from other computers on the internet. You want one with NAT and preferably SPI (like this), otherwise it will be pointless.

Edit: I'm not sure the one I linked will actually do what I think it will. Newegg lumps wireless bridges and access points together and I'm a little concerned about that. Maybe someone who knows more can recommend a specific model.

electricitylikesme

If Vista is anything like Windoes 7, then the Network and Sharing Center will let you disable windows filesharing. Most likely it'll let you configure the specific router as being a public network, so it automatically keeps filesharing turned off without you specifically having to configure it.

Lord Jezo

What kind of encryption has the landlord set up on the router?

Is it WEP? If so,

Buttcleft

if your apartment has cable you should be able to get cable internet from the provider if they have it.

Certainly better than using crapy wireless, certainly in your situation where you dont know what kind of shit he has to monitor what you are doing on his setup

theSquid

Surely if you have a phone line you can just take a DSL option.