I have a router to use my laptop anywhere in my house. my roommate just bought a laptop and wants to use my wireless also, since he pitches in for the cable bill. Do i need to worry about him being able to see information on my computer? can he sees what websites i visit?

If you're running Windows, your folders -- including the desktop -- have so-called sharing properties which you access by right-clicking a folder > Properties > Sharing tab.

I think your roommate can only access those folders (and subfolders) on your computer that you have designated for others to share. If you don't share any folders then he's completely locked out of your data, including internet history.

At least that's how I understand it, BUT I'm not an expert. There might be all kinds of loopholes or workarounds I don't know about. If your machine is non-Windows then I really don't know.

Hope that helps.

Dwight should be along soon, I think, and he'll have your answer.

Oblomov - Nice literary touch.

Thank you both! I was kinda sure that i could control what others can see on my machine with my own settings. will play around with them some before i give him an answer.

funny! i was gonna start my post with "Question!". Dwight would have loved that.

have used oblomov for years now and that's just the second time someone showed any recognition. nice! of course someone using Dorian Grey would probably get it...

If I remember my set up when setting up my Network with a Wireless card router they can be tuned to different channels to prevent Channel hoppers snooping Though, there are people that will use "Active networks" as a "Hot spot" Common if you live in a densely populated area.
I think its up to 8(Channels) but have to read the Installation guide

If you are Both connecting to the Router Then
Do Check that any Remote control option is Disabled In Windows Adminisrative Tools /Computer Management/System Tools/ Local Users and Groups

The Windows Adminisrative Tools/Services section Has several Remote control settings which by default are set to Run. No Ideas if this will affect anything if these are Totally or Partially disabled Guessing It may stop cookies loading?

Firewall access.
The other Computer may have to
given firewall access via its own Firewall plus the Router Firewall May only need the Former setting up? But Check the router Installation guide carefully

PS The Network Password is Always a 13 Character/Number combination (No spaces) Make it so a Hacker cannot crack it Easy and use Uncommon words like your surname.
Examples Bad thirteenthree
Bit Better thirteenthr33
Near Impossible to crack thirt33nthr33

Gives your Pal a bit of homework

As DG Says Dwight is the Best man for advice on this Subject.

Oh yes Your History/cookies List is aways Secure, unless he Has Specific Remote control privileges. Or a Keylogger Program?

Thank you sooo much! Am going to check out those settings right now.