Hardware Firewall Question

In my opinion, the Linksys router you purchased is one of the best consumer options on the market for protetction.  It is a true NAT router which means it will drop any incoming request that it cannot match to an internal request.  When you team-up the Linksys router with Zone Alarm to block outgoing requests, you are about as safe as you can get.

Dimension 8300 with Windows XP Pro (SP1a) -Intel P4 3.0 Ghz-1024mb PC2100 RAM - Disk 0: 80Gb Maxtor HDD (7200 RPM) - Disk 1: 80Gb HDD (7200 RPM) Samsung DVD 16x IDE -Sony DRU-510A DVD-/DVD+ DVDRW - Lexar 128mb JumpDrive-Dell 18" Ultra Sharp Flat Panel - nVidia GeForce 5200 AGP 8x(128mb RAM) -Hauppauge Win350 TV Tuner/PVR - Intel Pro/100 Internal NIC- HP LaserJet 5L -Linksys BEFCMU10 Modem- Linksys BEFSR41 Router - Linksys BEFW11S4 Router configured as Access Point

Power Edge 600SC with SBS 2003 Premium - P4 2.4Ghz - 640mb Ram - Disk 0: 60Gb Maxtor HDD (7200 RPM) -Disk1: 80Gb Maxtor HDD - Disk 2: 80Gb Maxtor Gb HDD - Disk 3: 80Gb Maxtor Gb HDD - 48xCDROM - Intel Pro 1000 Gigabit NIC

Dimension 2400 w/ XP Pro SP1a
Dimension 4100 w/Longhorn Build #4740

A+ / Network+ Certified /MCP / Microsoft Partner / Microsoft MVP Windows Server -Networking

I agree 100% with jmwills.  In addition be sure to install anti-virus software and keep the virus definitions current.  If you are using a Microsoft OS and/or Office product, be sure to apply "Critical Updates" when they are issued.  Apply the current Service Pack to your MS platform.

Try to stay current with the latest "Internet Scams."  Criminals these days have taken to putting up bogus web sites that look like the real deal (e.g. FleetBank, etc), where they tell you they need to update your account information and ask for your SS #, Bank Account #, etc.  Don't fall for those kind of schemes.  Never provide personal information on the Internet unless you are confident with who you are dealing with.

Thanks for the replys. I have XP and I always install the critical updates. I also have AVG 6.0 anti virus program and run it every day and also check for updates daily. Now I just have to set up the router. Thanks again.