I personally highly recommend people run a router with built in firewall. While it may not be configurable router also has built in NAT (Network Address Translation) another layer of protection. Using a router is much simpler. I love my Linksys WRT54G (a wireless router mind you); I have had a lot of sucess with Linksys routers.

Hope this helps.

Depending on which router you buy, most are not considered to be true firewalls.  Your best bet would be to purchase one of the namebrand routers such as Linksys, Netgear, and D-Link and run that in conjunction with your XP Firewall.

I'm very interested in this "router as firewall" question.  I have the router, but haven't had it installed yet.  I've read all the fine print of the box, but the only mention found is "Wireless connections secured w/ 128 bit encryption".

It's a Linksys Wireless-B, model BEFW11S4.  I'll have a desktop, notebook & (if I get brave) and old desktop, which I want to use for practice; cleaning, reinstall OS, etc.

Do you think this qualifies as a firewall?  No mention of NAT that I can find.

Thank for any input,

Nancy

This is weird.  When I did spellcheck, every single "b" was highlighted.

The Linksys units do incorporate NAT unlike some of the cheaper Netgear models.  Listen, if someone wants to hack you bad enough, it can be done.  By using the router, you are eliminating yourself from the so called low hanging fruit.

The Linksys units do incorporate NAT unlike some of the cheaper Netgear models.

Come again? Can you name any Netgear router that does not "incorporate NAT"? Last time I checked, all their router products actually implement stateful packet filtering, in other words, a real hardware firewall. But who knows, maybe they do sell some $15-model that does not have NAT, although it is somewhat hard to imagine how they could call such a product a "router"...

To me, a router with NAT will be enough for the everyday user. 99% of the hackers out there will probably just skip right past your system if you're using NAT. The other 1%... well, they have better things to do than hack your machine.

In the end, a router with NAT (perhaps even built in firewall) along with Windows Firewall should provide PLENTY of security.

If you want a way to test your network, goto DSL Reposts Port Scan which will do a basic port scan.

jm,  Thanks for the response.  I realize nothing is fool proof.  I do what I can.  N

 

Dietmar, if you're still around, please take a look at my post in First Timers, near top of page.  You got me into this.  Just kidding, of course, but you must know this stuff.  N

Hi amoreyou,

Go here to get more infomation about SP2 for Window's XP G4techTV Forums - Tips for a Safe XP SP2 Upgrade at http://forums.g4techtv.com/messageview.cfm?catid=59&threadid=219022

Yes Dietmar, I do have a D-Link DI-514 router which is not a NAT router.  Confirmed by the staff at D-Link.  This is why they were unloading them for $19.95.

Would you like to buy it?

I do have a D-Link DI-514 router which is not a NAT router.  Confirmed by the staff at D-Link.

What nonsense!

Next time you talk to the fine staff at D-Link, advise them to have a look at the data sheet for their product, which is published on their website. The data sheet for the DI 514 clearly states that the device implements NAT (and quite a few other things.)

Not a "true" NAT router.  I tested it on an internal domain which it could not reach.  Good for the average user but it can't hold a candle to the Linksys products.

ZoneAlarm will still provide better protection of outbound traffic than the SP2 firewall.

For a lot of good info on PC Security & Privacy, NAT routers and firewalls see:
http://www.broadbandreports.com/faq/security