If you are using a microsoft program as you network gate, in theory, anyone has full access to your hard drives and all non-removable media storage- ie anything that is online. There ae selections you can make to change the defaults involved & limit accessablity. Remember if a hacker can access your drives, they can download anything they want, as well as sending you viruses, or even reformatting. This is not meant as fear-mongering or perpetuating a hacker scare mythos, merely pointing out worst case scenario. Being a consultant on such matter, I am continually amazed at how few lines of code are required to destroy any entire system. Another point to keep in mind is that viruses are so difficult to prevent with certainty, that anti viral software relies on huge databases, constantly updated, to keep track of all presently known ones. The other side of the coin is that hackers have an unwritten ethos, and cultural institutions such as museums are generally not targeted for destructive activities -though occasionally they will send you a message letting you know they are there. You should probably have a risk analysis done by a qualified systems security expert who can them make the necessary recommendations. If you are serious about your inolvment in computers, information technology and virtual media, then you should give serious thought to hiring by contract a departmental director. In todays world it is not just the hacker threat that is the danger, but the risk of being left behind. If I can be of any additional help, contact as above. Dion