What would happen if...

[mattpg1]

If I'm online and someone I know is online on their seperate phone line and ISP account and I know their IP address, what would happen if I entered their address into the address bar of my browser? What would that allow us to do?

[degsy]

It depends on their setup.

If they have a Router then you will be at the login page for the Router.
If they haven't changed the password then they could be in trouble.

If they are running a webserver then you will get their website index page.


If they are running a firewall then you will probably get a Page Cannot be Displayed message.

If the ISP uses a cache proxy server then the IP Address will be for that server and you will get a Page Cannot be Displayed or similar error.

[mattpg1]

What if they're just on a PC, no router, no firewall and no ISP cache proxy? Could they communicate or send files to each other?

[renegade600]

What if they're just on a PC, no router, no firewall and no ISP cache proxy? Could they communicate or send files to each other?
Generally speaking, you could but others could too since it is an open system. I certainly would not want any files from that system since who knows what type of nasties could have entered.

[degsy]

Not without any dedicated software to do it.

Sounds like you're looking for FTP Server or Filesharing software. Maybe VPN.

Checkout Cerberus
http://www.cerberusftp.com/
Cerberus FTP ServerTM provides powerful, multithreaded FTP server performance without sacrificing ease-of-use. Designed to use very little CPU and memory, Cerberus features a user-friendly interface that can be easily hidden or accessed from the system tray. The server is able to listen for connections on multiple interfaces (Multi-homed PCs), run as an NT service, resume failed transfers, and offers an easy-to-use manager for controlling user access to files and file operations. Connection limit, timeout, and IP access can be controlled by the administrator as well as a variety of other settings. In addition, Cerberus FTP Server offers statistics on connections as well as robust logging capabilities.
or maybe this
http://www.wfshome.com/

WWW File Share Pro is a small HTTP server that can help you share files with your friends. They can download files from your computer or upload files from theirs. Simply specify a directory for downloads and a directory for uploads. Your friends can download/upload files via browser (IE/Netscape/Opera/etc.) They will not be required to install this software or any other software because an internet browser is enough. WWW File Share Pro supports password protection. If you enable password protection, only authorized user can access your service.

And there are also programs such as Laplink
http://www.laplink.com/

[mattpg1]

Thanks

Matt