Router/security question

[User58]

I'm thinking of installing a simple LinkSys 4 port router on my machine since I'm having some problems that I'm sure this will fix. Will a simple dsl/cable router, in effect, act as a firewall? Or do I need a special Firewall router? They cost alot more.

[kinada423]

Any linksys or netgear (etc.) router has a built in NAT4 firewall. This basically blocks out most would be attackers. Silly little kids learning about tcp/ip functions at home wont be able to ping you and find out more information about your network which will in turn prevent them from fiddling around with any new tricks they might be learning. The truth of the matter is if someone really wants to get in your machine they can if they want too. Thats why people have jobs in Network Security. No one good enough to comprimise a large network is gonna wanna hack ur machines to see what games you have installed or what porn your hiding from your wife. Just get a router and install it and you'll be okay. Keep in mind however if you want to give certain people or programs access to incoming ports youll need to connect to your routers little handy dandy configuration page and punch in some numbers for them to work. Hope this helps. Want more info just do a search on good or read something at dslreports.com (http://www.dslreports.com) .

[WickedDeus]

User58 are you on DSL or Cable? If your on DSL most likely you won't really need a firewall unless you just want piece of mind.