question about xp netbios default enable or disable?

Hi

on my laptop i have still xp sp3 , i tried to update to w8 but it's not compatible

in the lan ->tcp/ip -> advanced -> wins

i have netbios
default
enable
disable

i read on many securiy sites i should keep disabled ,is it true?
even some firewalls warns to disable it

what should i do ?
and is there a reason to keep it enabled?
thanks

 

This site presents the "fact and fiction" regarding NetBIOS:

http://cable-dsl.navasgroup.com/netbios.htm

Worth reading.

 

thanks!
sadly i tough to translate
i tried google translator too

by the way Shields UP , file sharing warns me ,about every site can have sensible information

 

@ mantra

Excellent NetBIOS guide here https://www.grc.com/su-bondage.htm

At the bottom of the page

My XP/SP2 has been set like this from day 1 with NO issues



If you're Not using Shares or Printing, i don't think you need it.

 

thanks cloneranger!

 

It may be worth noting that the link Wild Hunter provided is quite critical of the information on the Shields UP! page. Either way though, it seems you could disable it if you don't share files/printers.

 

@ mantra

Pleasure

@ Wild Hunter

Good link I seem to remember visiting it Years ago ! How quickly we forget sometimes

@ SirDrexl

He does seem to take a dislike to SG & SU etc Anyway, i've learned some interesting things from SG over the years !

 

Why

 

Xp SP3 here also (still) I've used SeconfigXP for years now which disables just that and more. (works for me )

 

@ LoneWolf

Ahh.... SeconfigXP I used to use it ages ago, i think even on 98SE ! Thanks i had forgotten about it I might take another look at it, but i expect i've got those things covered via other means by now ?

 

Using those same settings here on Windows 7, without any problems either.