Router

* Unless you are connecting multiple computers to the internet, or want wireless internet access for your PDA and such, there's no need for a router.

* Routers with hardware-based firewalls do provide additional protection, but not all routers have that. In any case, I don't see a hardware-based firewall as being a necessity.

* Don't rely on the Windows XP firewall...it only protects against incoming traffic (if something gets in Windows will let it communicate back with the sender and never even blink), and has very limited functionality. I'd recommend ZoneAlarm as a good free option to start out with, and if you want you can purchase the professional version for a little more power.

* As to security if/when you turn your computer off, I'd suggest reading the comments in a previous thread, starting with this one.

Hope this helps,
John

I like the idea of a router with a SPI firewall (many inexpensive routers have this). I also use a personal firewall on each computer.

Read:
1. SPI
2. NAT

ZoneAlarm (free) is running on my computers and Windows Firewall is turned off.

Having a wireless router is also convenient if you or guest has a notebook computer.

You really don't need to shut the computer down to prevent being hacked. To prevent from being hacked while "offline" (even thought you're not technically offline), I'd recommend that you place the modem into "Standby" or better yet, turn it Off.

I've heard it's possible for people to hack your computer, even when the odem's on "Standby", however, I've think it's extremely unlikely. Some modems, most notably the Motorola SURFBoard series, doesn't have "Off" buttons. If it makes you feel safer, simply unplug the power cord from the back of the modem at night.

I'll note that I've had boradband (using the Motorola SURFBoard) for a few years, I leave it on at night about half the time, and I've never been hacked...

Best of luck, hooking up anything to a computer can be a ROYAL pain!

Norton Internet Security is an excellent software package to purchase. It is a little pricey but well worth the money. It includes a one year subscription to keep the software updated and you can renew this subscription year after year. I don't recall the prices though. NIS protects from many threats. I have been using for a while and have had good luck with it. If you get a router, get a good one. I have a Linksys WRT54G. It is wireless and also has 4 ethernet ports on the back. It has been problem free for me and I am very happy with it. Good luck.