Macworld: Other computer references in Finder

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8 Replies Last post: Aug 7, 2007 6:00 PM by smax013

Amanti05

8 posts since
Aug 3, 2007

Aug 4, 2007 2:37 AM

Other computer references in Finder - Network

Recently we have installed a cable modem from ADSL and have noted a recurring problem. Launching Finder I have two NETWORK icons at the same level as Mac HD. Each NETWORK icon has two sub icons/folders, Library and Servers.
One NETWORK icon is an alias, the other is a Volume with server:nfs://automount%20-nsl%205B148. Looks like a network to me. Interestingly enough the server sub menu is a number whic is my Cable ISP manually assigned Ethernet address. During a four or five hour period as many as four computer names will also show up. It is as if other computers have been given access to mine. Firewall and file sharing are turned On and OFF respectively. No internet sharing allowed.

If I try to trash the icons or computer names, I am told the original cannot be found and I do not have sufficient privilege (using the administrators account).
Activity monitor does not seem to indicate anything unusual is happening - Any ideas?

d00d

12,140 posts since
Apr 24, 2001

1. Aug 4, 2007 3:33 PM

in response to: Amanti05

Re: Other computer references in Finder - Network

I'm having trouble understanding a lot of your post.

If the problem you think you are having is that you are finding other computers under network, one of two things is happening.

One, someone is connecting to your network (likely if you have a wireless router you haven't secured). Or two, your ISP doesn't filter broadcast packets and you're seeing nearby customers using the same ISP that have file sharing turned on.

To sum up, what you're describing sounds perfectly normal to me and not an indicator of anyone having access to your computer.

smax013

2,408 posts since
Jul 6, 2007

2. Aug 4, 2007 6:07 PM

in response to: d00d

Re: Other computer references in Finder - Network

Quote:<hr />
I'm having trouble understanding a lot of your post.

If the problem you think you are having is that you are finding other computers under network, one of two things is happening.

One, someone is connecting to your network (likely if you have a wireless router you haven't secured). Or two, your ISP doesn't filter broadcast packets and you're seeing nearby customers using the same ISP that have file sharing turned on. 

To sum up, what you're describing sounds perfectly normal to me and not an indicator of anyone having access to your computer.

<hr />

Sounds like the latter to me.

Member of the "Crazy Mac Users who run Anti-virus on their Macs" club - come join us and you too can be snickered at!

Amanti05

8 posts since
Aug 3, 2007

3. Aug 4, 2007 11:48 PM

in response to: d00d

Re: Other computer references in Finder - Network

Thanks for the tip and sorry about the ambigious post - With DSL we have never seen this condition. It is quite possible that my ISP, Delta Cable, does not filter broadcast packets and maybe this condition is quite normal..... Thanks again

Amanti05

8 posts since
Aug 3, 2007

4. Aug 7, 2007 3:20 PM

in response to: Amanti05

Re: Other computer references in Finder - Network

Working with my ISP, the issue is exactly as noted - all other computers are Apples (at least the ones we checked) all were configured with file sharing on and/or Apple Bonjour. Everything was working normally. Thanks again for the two replies.....

smax013

2,408 posts since
Jul 6, 2007

5. Aug 7, 2007 3:31 PM

in response to: Amanti05

Re: Other computer references in Finder - Network

Quote:<hr />
Working with my ISP, the issue is exactly as noted - all other computers are Apples (at least the ones we checked) all were configured with file sharing on and/or Apple Bonjour. Everything was working normally. Thanks again for the two replies.....

<hr />

My guess is that you don't have Windows Sharing service turned on...if you did, then you might see some Windoze PeeCees as well, although it is less likely as security is drilled into Windoze PeeCee users MUCH more than it is drilled into Mac users. There are lot of Mac users that believe that Mac OS X is untouchable and thus don't have anything in terms of security (firewall, anti-virus, etc). Personally, I don't buy that. Nothing is untouchable. Macs will have their day and so I run security on my Macs. Just call me paranoid...

Member of the "Crazy Mac Users who run Anti-virus on their Macs" club - come join us and you too can be snickered at!

d00d

12,140 posts since
Apr 24, 2001

6. Aug 7, 2007 5:57 PM

in response to: Amanti05

Re: Other computer references in Finder - Network

If you're feeling particularly responsible, you might point out to them that they really should alter their network settings. It's common practice to filter these packets between users (particularly because it can be used as an attack vector for some PC viruses).

d00d

12,140 posts since
Apr 24, 2001

7. Aug 7, 2007 5:58 PM

in response to: smax013

Re: Other computer references in Finder - Network

smax013, you're paranoid.

smax013

2,408 posts since
Jul 6, 2007

8. Aug 7, 2007 6:00 PM

in response to: d00d

Re: Other computer references in Finder - Network

Quote:<hr />
smax013, you're paranoid.

<hr />

Ya think?!?

Member of the "Crazy Mac Users who run Anti-virus on their Macs" club - come join us and you too can be snickered at!

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Aug 4, 2007 2:37 AM

Other computer references in Finder - Network

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