Cable Router vs Firewall

A firewall can be either hardware or software (or both).

Most routers today have built-in firewalls, but not all of them do. Your router may or may not have a built in firewall. Look at the manufacturer specs to make that determination.

Even if you do have a firewall router, it's always a good idea to have a second layer of protection. A simple and inexpensive firewall software, such a ZoneAlarm, installed on each computer can provide such protection.

Good answer Maxwell! That's Smart advice! "Maxwell Smart?" :)

Hey South Bend! Good to hear from a neighbor! If you use the USB Port from your cable router you will not need a router. It assigns a 192.168.x.x IP.

I would never do this because I'd rather put the router in front of a server so that I could adjust the settings of the firewall and the route traffic as I specify it.

ALSO - the Cable Modem will not let you adjust security settings like the DMZ, Specific Applications or a VPN.

Just to add to what Maxwell gave you, check the specifications for the router you have or intend to use.

Some have a hardware firewall built-in.
Others have a firewall feature! The firewall feature is a setting to not allow computers that do not have a supported software firewall installed connect to the router.

Either way, for ANY broadband internet connection installing a software firewall on any connected PC is just good sense.

Chas

The nat translation that is utilized in a router will not in any way protect you from a virus.

You invite the virus into your computer via infected emails, downloading files that are infected, putting floppies in your computer that you got from your friend that has an infection.

I could keep going but you should have the message by now.

Run a good antivirus program!

Set it up to download and install the updates everytime you log on!

Download and install one of the spyware programs. Spybot is the one I use. Check for updates weekly and run it often.

It is a shame that we have to protect ourselves from Idiots that waste talent to create code that has no other use than to destroy.

Hope This Helps

Good Luck Lee