Is there a need for a single household computer to use a router? If so, what is it useful for? I was told I needed a router for my computr by 1 person and another told me I really don't need it unless I had 2 or more computers I wanted to get on the internet or to network them together. I only have the 1 computer. I don't need to know that is would be nice to have one but only if it is really necessary.
Tek-Tips is the largest IT community on the Internet today!
Members share and learn making Tek-Tips Forums the best source of peer-reviewed technical information on the Internet!
-
Congratulations Mike Lewis on being selected by the Tek-Tips community for having the most helpful posts in the forums last week. Way to Go!
Is a router necessary for a single personal Computer? 1
- Thread starter malibu65k
- Start date
No, you don't absolutely need a router.
Depending on your type of connection to the internet and what protection you are using to block access you might want to have one for the safety factor of using one to hide your system from the bad things that can happen.
Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.
Depending on your type of connection to the internet and what protection you are using to block access you might want to have one for the safety factor of using one to hide your system from the bad things that can happen.
Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.
Question: Do you have to have a router?
Answer: No
Question: Should you have a router?
Answer: Yes
A router does more than allowing you to network several computers together. It acts as another layer of protection, even if you already have a software firewall like Zonealarm. A combination of a router and personal firewall is good enough for a home PC. It's not overkill by any means.
Take a look here:
~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind";
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884
Answer: No
Question: Should you have a router?
Answer: Yes
A router does more than allowing you to network several computers together. It acts as another layer of protection, even if you already have a software firewall like Zonealarm. A combination of a router and personal firewall is good enough for a home PC. It's not overkill by any means.
Take a look here:
~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind";
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884
-
1
- #5
Hi malibu65k
No you do not need a router for anything if you have only one PC. You can just forget there is such a thing called a router. A router is no protection in it self. To get extra protection you need a router with a firewall.
What you need a router for is to connect multiple units. Most ppl who claim they need a router these days, really need a
HUB. When concidering to buy a router there is a few things that are important: Do you need wireless transmission? If so, get a WLAN router. Do you need an external firewall? The one included in windows is no good. It has the same holes as the rest of windows. With an external firewal you are safe, whlie with an internal firewall you get the feeling that you are safe. Which one would you go for? If you dont want to connect to the internet you need not worry about firewall.
When all this is said, there seem to be some confusion around these names. At least in my area. Sometimes the ASDL-modem is called a router because it routs traffic and it is definately NOT a modem as it does not modulate. The same can be said about all digital-line hardware (ISDN, cable aso). The fact that these are based on digital datatransmission should tell you that there is little point modulating the signal to fit on the analog phone lines. It not going to the analog phone lines at all. Sometimes the ISP's use combined (so-called) cable-modems and routers/hubs/wireless routers and if they do,, they will refer to the unit as a router.
But no, you have absolutely no use for a router if you only want to run your stand alone PC at home without connecting it to anything.
If you wish to connect to the intenet on dial-up modem, use a software firewall and a virus protection that you can update (otherwise its worthless). I recommend Norton Internet Security if your PC can handle it. (Mine can't) If you need anti-virus without firewall I would recommend a program called Avast. Its easy and free (if you are talking about home computing).
If you want to connect to internet via permanent connection (f.x cable or adsl/ssdl, or T1) you should get yourself proper protection in the form of an external firewall. I am running D-Link my self but others may be just as good. I do not recommend running Windows XP firewall on such a setup. I have a cable line, and before that I used ADSL. On ADSL I used XP firewall and I detected about 40 break-in attempts each day. When I changed to Cable with external firewal I detect about 150 break-ins a day. Imagine what would happen if my PC had to block these during my game.... Software firewalls are to slow, and the slow down your PC. If you want to run software firewall, get hold of a seperate PC and pout it in there. Then connect through that PC to the internet. The firewall PC does not have to be great. The old one will do when you buy a new for instance.
If you need to connect a few computers at home you use a hub (cheaper than a router) or a router lacking firewall (router allows more units I think).
But have you thought about how much cooler you'd be if you had a router??????? This is the most common reason to nuy one if you ask me
))) Just kidding.
A router should cost about 40$ without wireless and firewall. With firewall its a bit more expensive, and a wireless router is even more expensive (I'd estimate 100$+ but I live in Norway so US prices are unknown to me)and in adition you'd want a wireless network card to connect to the wireless router. A wireless router can connect up to 99 pc's (normally) plus the 4 cable connections (also this normally, may be more), plus the WAN (internet). How's that for gaming setup. No more driver installation and no more to short cables.....
Hope this helps.
No you do not need a router for anything if you have only one PC. You can just forget there is such a thing called a router. A router is no protection in it self. To get extra protection you need a router with a firewall.
What you need a router for is to connect multiple units. Most ppl who claim they need a router these days, really need a
HUB. When concidering to buy a router there is a few things that are important: Do you need wireless transmission? If so, get a WLAN router. Do you need an external firewall? The one included in windows is no good. It has the same holes as the rest of windows. With an external firewal you are safe, whlie with an internal firewall you get the feeling that you are safe. Which one would you go for? If you dont want to connect to the internet you need not worry about firewall.
When all this is said, there seem to be some confusion around these names. At least in my area. Sometimes the ASDL-modem is called a router because it routs traffic and it is definately NOT a modem as it does not modulate. The same can be said about all digital-line hardware (ISDN, cable aso). The fact that these are based on digital datatransmission should tell you that there is little point modulating the signal to fit on the analog phone lines. It not going to the analog phone lines at all. Sometimes the ISP's use combined (so-called) cable-modems and routers/hubs/wireless routers and if they do,, they will refer to the unit as a router.
But no, you have absolutely no use for a router if you only want to run your stand alone PC at home without connecting it to anything.
If you wish to connect to the intenet on dial-up modem, use a software firewall and a virus protection that you can update (otherwise its worthless). I recommend Norton Internet Security if your PC can handle it. (Mine can't) If you need anti-virus without firewall I would recommend a program called Avast. Its easy and free (if you are talking about home computing).
If you want to connect to internet via permanent connection (f.x cable or adsl/ssdl, or T1) you should get yourself proper protection in the form of an external firewall. I am running D-Link my self but others may be just as good. I do not recommend running Windows XP firewall on such a setup. I have a cable line, and before that I used ADSL. On ADSL I used XP firewall and I detected about 40 break-in attempts each day. When I changed to Cable with external firewal I detect about 150 break-ins a day. Imagine what would happen if my PC had to block these during my game.... Software firewalls are to slow, and the slow down your PC. If you want to run software firewall, get hold of a seperate PC and pout it in there. Then connect through that PC to the internet. The firewall PC does not have to be great. The old one will do when you buy a new for instance.
If you need to connect a few computers at home you use a hub (cheaper than a router) or a router lacking firewall (router allows more units I think).
But have you thought about how much cooler you'd be if you had a router??????? This is the most common reason to nuy one if you ask me
))) Just kidding.A router should cost about 40$ without wireless and firewall. With firewall its a bit more expensive, and a wireless router is even more expensive (I'd estimate 100$+ but I live in Norway so US prices are unknown to me)and in adition you'd want a wireless network card to connect to the wireless router. A wireless router can connect up to 99 pc's (normally) plus the 4 cable connections (also this normally, may be more), plus the WAN (internet). How's that for gaming setup. No more driver installation and no more to short cables.....
Hope this helps.
Baldrian,
Interesting comments. Did you have a chance to visit the link I posted above? You may want to read through that when you have the chance.
The term you might want to become familar with is NAT (Network Address Translation). NAT is what is commonly known as a "hardware firewall". It hides your PC by assigning it a private IP range that you can modify. Your ISP assigns you an IP address which is actually given to your router instead of your PC. Therefore, a hacker would have to gain control of the router before they would have the ability to see the private IP address of your PC.
Some DSL modems offered today have that feature built-in, which is why they are oftened referred to as both a modem and router. There should be no "confusion" in the terminology. Either the ADSL modem supports NAT, or it doesn't.
Perhaps you were saying the same thing, but the recommendation to get a router should be true for anyone that uses a broadband connection, even if they only have 1 PC. The key feature is NAT. Most hubs that I've come across don't offer that. Plus, true routers normally have a built-in switch which is a faster, more reliable connection than a regular hub. If you're not familiar with the difference, I recommend you search the net on "switches and hubs".
~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind";
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884
Interesting comments. Did you have a chance to visit the link I posted above? You may want to read through that when you have the chance.
The term you might want to become familar with is NAT (Network Address Translation). NAT is what is commonly known as a "hardware firewall". It hides your PC by assigning it a private IP range that you can modify. Your ISP assigns you an IP address which is actually given to your router instead of your PC. Therefore, a hacker would have to gain control of the router before they would have the ability to see the private IP address of your PC.
Some DSL modems offered today have that feature built-in, which is why they are oftened referred to as both a modem and router. There should be no "confusion" in the terminology. Either the ADSL modem supports NAT, or it doesn't.
Perhaps you were saying the same thing, but the recommendation to get a router should be true for anyone that uses a broadband connection, even if they only have 1 PC. The key feature is NAT. Most hubs that I've come across don't offer that. Plus, true routers normally have a built-in switch which is a faster, more reliable connection than a regular hub. If you're not familiar with the difference, I recommend you search the net on "switches and hubs".
~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind";
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884
Hi cdogg
I think we may be a bit on the side here. But anyway....
OK so I have what? I have a box with a switch and hardware enough to run a software firewall in it?? I agree, that is a more accurate description, but its not wery pratical to call it that if no one else calls it that. In ads around here these units are refered to as a "Router with firewall" OR "Hardware Firewall with Router". I can't even remember that I used the phrase "Hardware Firewall", but if I did I apologize. I know I did refer to "Software Firewall". But in this case that was intended to indicate a firewall running on the PC in question. The correct phrase for the oposit would thus be an "External Firewall". I could have used the phrase "Internal Firewall" but I think that sounds weird. Anyway, the point was to get the firewall out of the computer you are going to be working or playing on.
I agree with you cdogg; there *should not* be any confusion around the names of these things. I just didn't think that it was worth mentioning that in my post. Because my opinion on how the world should be is not all that interesting to a guy who's wondering wether to buy a router or not. I was trying to give the guy some insight into the field he's asking about. From his question I assumed he did not know a lot about what routers are used for or not used for. How can it be interesting if there really is a switch in it or not? So long as the packet says ROUTER it is a router. My prob is that I know to little of what he wants to do with it. Therefore I tried to cover every angle.
What is a wireless router anyway?? Mine really is a switch that can send signals through thin air. Its not wireless at all. Where would it get its power if it was? And there are shitloads of wires inside it I guess. This is just a phrase we use to describe the dang thing.
I assume whats happened here is that this malibu-character has talked to some dude who assumed he was on the internet. Afterwards he has talked to a guy who assumed he is not on the internet. Now; "assumed" is in this context used in the broadest sence. Either the guy or the dude may have know he was in fact correct, but not both.
So malibu: If you are connecting your PC to what we around my parts call the internet, I would strongly recommend the purchase of something containing something that can protect anything behind the first something. Around my parts of the world we prefer to call this a router with a firewall. It may have other names where you come from.... and maybe it actually has a switch inside it....
But anyway. I still think having a wireless router containing a firewall is cool..... But I admit I would not have had it if I couldn't use it for anything.
btw..... If Malibu is not connecting his PC to the net I assume he can access internet somewhere else (now I know I am correct...).
Baldrian
I think we may be a bit on the side here. But anyway....
OK so I have what? I have a box with a switch and hardware enough to run a software firewall in it?? I agree, that is a more accurate description, but its not wery pratical to call it that if no one else calls it that. In ads around here these units are refered to as a "Router with firewall" OR "Hardware Firewall with Router". I can't even remember that I used the phrase "Hardware Firewall", but if I did I apologize. I know I did refer to "Software Firewall". But in this case that was intended to indicate a firewall running on the PC in question. The correct phrase for the oposit would thus be an "External Firewall". I could have used the phrase "Internal Firewall" but I think that sounds weird. Anyway, the point was to get the firewall out of the computer you are going to be working or playing on.
I agree with you cdogg; there *should not* be any confusion around the names of these things. I just didn't think that it was worth mentioning that in my post. Because my opinion on how the world should be is not all that interesting to a guy who's wondering wether to buy a router or not. I was trying to give the guy some insight into the field he's asking about. From his question I assumed he did not know a lot about what routers are used for or not used for. How can it be interesting if there really is a switch in it or not? So long as the packet says ROUTER it is a router. My prob is that I know to little of what he wants to do with it. Therefore I tried to cover every angle.
What is a wireless router anyway?? Mine really is a switch that can send signals through thin air. Its not wireless at all. Where would it get its power if it was? And there are shitloads of wires inside it I guess. This is just a phrase we use to describe the dang thing.
I assume whats happened here is that this malibu-character has talked to some dude who assumed he was on the internet. Afterwards he has talked to a guy who assumed he is not on the internet. Now; "assumed" is in this context used in the broadest sence. Either the guy or the dude may have know he was in fact correct, but not both.
So malibu: If you are connecting your PC to what we around my parts call the internet, I would strongly recommend the purchase of something containing something that can protect anything behind the first something. Around my parts of the world we prefer to call this a router with a firewall. It may have other names where you come from.... and maybe it actually has a switch inside it....
But anyway. I still think having a wireless router containing a firewall is cool..... But I admit I would not have had it if I couldn't use it for anything.
btw..... If Malibu is not connecting his PC to the net I assume he can access internet somewhere else (now I know I am correct...).
Baldrian
To answer the original question by getting straight to the point.
No, you don't NEED a router for 1 PC to access the Internet.
Yes, you should consider getting one for your 1 PC to provide security through the use of NAT.
I would recommend a wireless-G router in case you decide to go wireless later on. Where I live here in Canada, a wireless G router is cheaper than a wired router. Probably a supply and demand issue.
No, you don't NEED a router for 1 PC to access the Internet.
Yes, you should consider getting one for your 1 PC to provide security through the use of NAT.
I would recommend a wireless-G router in case you decide to go wireless later on. Where I live here in Canada, a wireless G router is cheaper than a wired router. Probably a supply and demand issue.
Hi mainegeek
Yes, I am quite confident that my neighbour does not use my bandwith to surf. Only my network cards can access my router. I am not even running encrypted. If someone wants to look at the files I download og my emails that I send, they are welcome. If anyone wants to go to all that trouble to pick up my signal........ be my guest...... So long as I am not directly bother by it. But to finally put this matter to rest: I am not too worried about the guy next door. He cant access my router. Its locked to the MAC-adresses of my cards. Thus I am very confident no one can use my bandwidth to surf. Not through my router anyway. But I am on a antenna-cable connection and as far as I know there are issues with the topology in question. You could in fact say that me and my neighbour is already sharing the line.... But that is a discussion thats NOT suited for discussion in this thread.
btw....: why are you all so sure the original poster (malibu-something) has his single household computer connected to the internet? Maybe he'll let us know if he ever comes back.............
Baldrian
Yes, I am quite confident that my neighbour does not use my bandwith to surf. Only my network cards can access my router. I am not even running encrypted. If someone wants to look at the files I download og my emails that I send, they are welcome. If anyone wants to go to all that trouble to pick up my signal........ be my guest...... So long as I am not directly bother by it. But to finally put this matter to rest: I am not too worried about the guy next door. He cant access my router. Its locked to the MAC-adresses of my cards. Thus I am very confident no one can use my bandwidth to surf. Not through my router anyway. But I am on a antenna-cable connection and as far as I know there are issues with the topology in question. You could in fact say that me and my neighbour is already sharing the line.... But that is a discussion thats NOT suited for discussion in this thread.
btw....: why are you all so sure the original poster (malibu-something) has his single household computer connected to the internet? Maybe he'll let us know if he ever comes back.............
Baldrian
NAT (Network Address Translation) has one purpose: to permit many users to connect to one broadband source. That it provides a weak type of firewall should not be confused with a proper firewall: it isn't. A firewall examines every packet that passes through the broadband gate checking for its legitimacy (usually called Stateful Packet Inspection).
A NAT router provides a firewall because it stops the outside world directly seeing your workstations/ servers: but if the Router isn't set up correctly, it is a feeble firewall. At the very minimum, the default password must be changed to something sensible and remote admin must be disabled on the router? If not, anyone with a little knowledge can readily circumnavigate your firewall.
If you are using a Router that isn't advertised as a full firewall with Stateful Packet Inspection, then you definitely need a second line of defense - such as ZoneAlarm - installed on all computers connected to the network.
Regards: tf1
A NAT router provides a firewall because it stops the outside world directly seeing your workstations/ servers: but if the Router isn't set up correctly, it is a feeble firewall. At the very minimum, the default password must be changed to something sensible and remote admin must be disabled on the router? If not, anyone with a little knowledge can readily circumnavigate your firewall.
If you are using a Router that isn't advertised as a full firewall with Stateful Packet Inspection, then you definitely need a second line of defense - such as ZoneAlarm - installed on all computers connected to the network.
Regards: tf1
yes, I agree with that cdogg. I had visited many threads b4 this one and somewhere along the line I stopped checking the date... But then again.... someone responded so there was obviously some interest around the matter. And please don't stop now, cause this is getting interesting
Baldrian
Baldrian
- Thread starter
- #13
All,
Thank you for your responses. I have checked back several times and there were no more new posts, then I checked my email today and saw that there were new posts so I decided to checked them out.
Anyway, I have cable service for my internet. I use the Internet for surfing. I don't log into a work network or bay bills on line or transfer money. I don't plan on shopping on line nor will I keep any personal info on my computer. I only play games I've installed or surf the net for info. Am I still at risk? I am not one to spend money unless it is necessary. I am not cheap, I'd rather have money for other things as well rather than spending all of it on computer stuff I really don't need when all I want to do is surf and play games.
BTW, this malibu-character is a she not a he. I know it's hard to tell by my type writing.
Thank you for your responses. I have checked back several times and there were no more new posts, then I checked my email today and saw that there were new posts so I decided to checked them out.
Anyway, I have cable service for my internet. I use the Internet for surfing. I don't log into a work network or bay bills on line or transfer money. I don't plan on shopping on line nor will I keep any personal info on my computer. I only play games I've installed or surf the net for info. Am I still at risk? I am not one to spend money unless it is necessary. I am not cheap, I'd rather have money for other things as well rather than spending all of it on computer stuff I really don't need when all I want to do is surf and play games.
BTW, this malibu-character is a she not a he. I know it's hard to tell by my type writing.
I would still say you need a router with NAT.
The last cheapo I got for $12.00 and the last fullpay for $62.00 so the outgo isn't that much.
Somewhere on this forum you probably could find a news item that said that the unprotected computer first hooking to the net gets hit with garbage on average of 22 seconds after connecting. And if you are surfing you are on the net.
This issue is somewhat controversioal, as you can see by the responses. But those who have been hit with anything or have been responsible for cleaning up after a hit pretty much will suggest that the router and NAT are important.
Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.
The last cheapo I got for $12.00 and the last fullpay for $62.00 so the outgo isn't that much.
Somewhere on this forum you probably could find a news item that said that the unprotected computer first hooking to the net gets hit with garbage on average of 22 seconds after connecting. And if you are surfing you are on the net.
This issue is somewhat controversioal, as you can see by the responses. But those who have been hit with anything or have been responsible for cleaning up after a hit pretty much will suggest that the router and NAT are important.
Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.
Hey girl!
This time we agree, edfair and me. I would recommend some form of protection against malitious software or hackers. You could probably just reinstall everything on your computer if you get hit, but it takes time. I'd rather close them out.
Baldrian
This time we agree, edfair and me. I would recommend some form of protection against malitious software or hackers. You could probably just reinstall everything on your computer if you get hit, but it takes time. I'd rather close them out.
Baldrian
Meh, people will offer many different thoughts on how to stay safe...so, why not offer mine!?
A router is not sufficient protection for your network/home computer when connected to the internet (unless it has a built in firewall and can do more than NATing). Unless you're running multiple systems you don't need a router, as a matter of personal preference if you aren't familiar with hardware and hardware troubleshooting I say the less you use, the better you are. It's just another device that may cause a headache. I would avoid the router and any other physical devices unless you expand your home network, stick to software.
What you DO need is the following
A firewall...
Windows XP has a freebie as does Zone Alarm, Zone Alarm is a more thorough and provides better protection, it also prompts you quite often about possible intrusions.
Antivirus
AVG/Grisoft offers a pretty well respected free antivirus program (at least it was free, I recall someone mentioning the possibility of this having switched to a charged service now). Beyond AVG there are the staples...Symantec, Mcafee, TrendMicro, and Panda (to name a few).
TWO spyware/malware programs
With the speed and variations that these evolve at it is next to impossible for one program to catch these and it is generally accepted that the best configuration is to run two blockers. Some programs that can be used...Spybot, Adaware, Microsoft Beta (all free), and Trend Micro (to name a few).
In addition to those mentioned above I also run Spyware Sweeper a more "silent" program that is geared specifically towards active X based spyware.
My home configuration is as follows
Windows XP firewall
Symantec Antivirus
Spybot
Microsoft Beta
SpySweeper
This should give you adequate protection and will prevent most (nothing will prevent all) spyware, virus, or malware from being installed to your system.
As a final note, also ensure that you keep your system up to date with the latest service packs from Microsoft. These are designed to close security holes and exploits that a virus or malware may exploit to gain access/control of your system
A router is not sufficient protection for your network/home computer when connected to the internet (unless it has a built in firewall and can do more than NATing). Unless you're running multiple systems you don't need a router, as a matter of personal preference if you aren't familiar with hardware and hardware troubleshooting I say the less you use, the better you are. It's just another device that may cause a headache. I would avoid the router and any other physical devices unless you expand your home network, stick to software.
What you DO need is the following
A firewall...
Windows XP has a freebie as does Zone Alarm, Zone Alarm is a more thorough and provides better protection, it also prompts you quite often about possible intrusions.
Antivirus
AVG/Grisoft offers a pretty well respected free antivirus program (at least it was free, I recall someone mentioning the possibility of this having switched to a charged service now). Beyond AVG there are the staples...Symantec, Mcafee, TrendMicro, and Panda (to name a few).
TWO spyware/malware programs
With the speed and variations that these evolve at it is next to impossible for one program to catch these and it is generally accepted that the best configuration is to run two blockers. Some programs that can be used...Spybot, Adaware, Microsoft Beta (all free), and Trend Micro (to name a few).
In addition to those mentioned above I also run Spyware Sweeper a more "silent" program that is geared specifically towards active X based spyware.
My home configuration is as follows
Windows XP firewall
Symantec Antivirus
Spybot
Microsoft Beta
SpySweeper
This should give you adequate protection and will prevent most (nothing will prevent all) spyware, virus, or malware from being installed to your system.
As a final note, also ensure that you keep your system up to date with the latest service packs from Microsoft. These are designed to close security holes and exploits that a virus or malware may exploit to gain access/control of your system
Hope i dont get into trouble here or start a big argument, lol, but reading all of the above i get the impression that a router is like a hub with NAT, at least in laymens terms?
Either way, a hub offers no firewall protection but a router with NAT abilities, properly configured, gives a person a good hardware firewall, as opposed to a software firewall.
I would suggest that most people on the net today use a plain connection with a software firewall and av.
But, to have a safer system it does seems wiser to go with a router with NAT abilities.
Thanks for the info people as i have decided to go wireless when i move and i believe i will go with a router with NAT abilities.
Good advice + great people = tek-tips
Either way, a hub offers no firewall protection but a router with NAT abilities, properly configured, gives a person a good hardware firewall, as opposed to a software firewall.
I would suggest that most people on the net today use a plain connection with a software firewall and av.
But, to have a safer system it does seems wiser to go with a router with NAT abilities.
Thanks for the info people as i have decided to go wireless when i move and i believe i will go with a router with NAT abilities.
Good advice + great people = tek-tips
Garebo, never worry about stating something on topic most people here respond with the focus on that and not the person.
In regards to what you've stated, I would advise against it. A router with NAT enabled is not sufficient protection, it really amounts to very little protection. I would strongly suggest that if you're going with a router you purchase one with a "True" firewall built into it.
In regards to what you've stated, I would advise against it. A router with NAT enabled is not sufficient protection, it really amounts to very little protection. I would strongly suggest that if you're going with a router you purchase one with a "True" firewall built into it.
I give my two bits as well. I have here three computers on line. A fourth very old p3 machine is sett up as a linux system and firewall. The internet connection is through ADSL and a firewalled router going into the Linux machine, which also has a firewall. Then it goes to a data switch which distributes it to whatever machine needs the access. The machines run in XP pro or in Sun Solaris, as the case might be. Since I installed this system I never had a virus or any other intrusion whatever. This is now over a period of two years. I automatically scan all systems with AVG once a day and also use spycatcher, adaware etc. Nothing ever gets detected. Before I used the Linux "buffer", I suppose you could call it that, I had about 10 to 20 intrusions every week. So to be more or less secure use any old PC without keybord or monitor to sett it up. That should give you peace of mind. Regards
Jurgen
Jurgen
To Aquias: Thanks for the info. However, i am confused as
i believe that cdogg states a NAT is a firewall and you state that NAT "amounts to very little protection" and to get a router with a "True firewall built in". So what is the difference then? This is what is confusing to me. After we learn the difference between NAT and a true firewall, now do we know which is which when making a purchase decision? Now this isnt my thread to begin with, however, if the maker, malibu65k, reads thru all this he or she will read what i have read, and would have to be left wondering.
This is a very informative thread though!
Thanks
Good advice + great people = tek-tips
i believe that cdogg states a NAT is a firewall and you state that NAT "amounts to very little protection" and to get a router with a "True firewall built in". So what is the difference then? This is what is confusing to me. After we learn the difference between NAT and a true firewall, now do we know which is which when making a purchase decision? Now this isnt my thread to begin with, however, if the maker, malibu65k, reads thru all this he or she will read what i have read, and would have to be left wondering.
This is a very informative thread though!
Thanks
Good advice + great people = tek-tips
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked
- Question
- Locked
- Question