Trust Relationship on a Network

Desktop and laptop computers have abundant sources for Internet connectivity, which raises trust issues, especially when sharing a connection on a network with other PCs.

Instructions

Windows 7

1. Click "Start" on your computer taskbar to get into the Start Menu. In the "Search" box at the bottom of the Start Menu, type "Network and Sharing Center," then press "Enter" on the keyboard.
2. Find one the following network types in the section labeled "View Your Active Networks": "Home Network," "Public Network," or "Work Network." If the "Home Network" is already selected, then a trusted relationship is in effect with the network.
3. Select "Home Network" and a trusted relationship will be established.

Windows Vista

1. Click "Start" on your computer taskbar to get into the Start Menu. In the search box at the bottom of the Start Menu, type "Network and Sharing Center," then press "Enter" on the keyboard.
   
2. Click "Customize." Select "Private" if the current setting is "Public." If it is set to Private already, then a trusted relationship has been established.
3. Click "Next," and then select "Close" to complete the setup of the trusted relationship.

Depending on how the network is configured, several known and unknown users are connected to the Internet using the same hardware device. Most concerning, however, is that other users can "see" that you are connected, presenting a security threat. However, if you feel comfortable with a particular network connection, you can set up that trusted relationship in the Windows operating system.