Questions about Networking 2 computers

[Shasha114]

I have a Desktop computer and have a tenant in my house who has a desktop computer. He is a computer geek and I had a few questions before I got in over my head. I offered to get a wireless router and he could get the USB card to get my internet service for free. This was before I knew that he would then have access to my computer.

I'm statring to do some research and need your help.

~ If we are on the same network, can he access my computer files (Especially considering he is a Computer geek).

~ Can I get a virus from him if he got one on his computer?

~ Is there any fool proof way to keep me safe from him entering my files?

~ Would I be better off just telling him that he'll need to have a new cable line run to the house for his own computer?

~ Or if you have any other ideas that I could offer, would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

[Rob]

If he is a serious geek and doesn't play nice then eventually any networked computer can probably be hacked.

However, if you have a software based firewall on your computer, you have your computer set with a reasonably strong password for all the accounts used on it, requiring those accounts for log in,, you don't have file sharing enabled, you will be reasonably secure. After all if you trust this person enough to rent a room in your house, he is reasonable isn't he?

[Shasha114]

He is only moving in this week. He has his own space and is has no access to my part of the house. I know nothing about him really. All I know is he does something with computers for a living.

I am not all that familiar with computers or their attachments and just want to be sure that my computer is secure. How do I find out about the proper set up and passwords?