As I understand it the router acts as a firewall "WHEN" you create your own
password. I've used Zone Alarm" and it is a little irritating. Problems were
minor. Thanks for the input.

William

> If you're on a tight budget, you should use BlackICE defender or a
> similiar firewall product on each machine directly connected to the
> network, (ZoneAlarm is ok too).  A half decent router should at least
> perform network address translation (NAT) for you- this is a form of
> protection in itself. The best solution in my opinion is the
> installation of a dedicated firewall box. (like a SonicWall)
>
> Sorry to hear you had a problem.
>
> developtrust wrote:
>
> >At our center here in California (Whole Health Foundation) we were
recently hacked. Fortunately, not seriously since we have Norton virus
protection. But here is how it we discovered it and how it happened.
> >
> >A few residents could not log off their hotmail accounts or get their
email. So a resident here who is a networking expert began to ponder the
problem.
> >
> >We installed a router here to network our 13 rooms and our common areas
so that computers and laptops can be used everywhere. (We used a  Linksys
router but the problem applies to any brand.)
> >
> >After installation, I forgot to change the default password and left the
default password in place which everyone who owns or knows Linksys hardware
knows is simply the word "admin". This allowed a malicious person to enter
and mess with the hotmail accounts.
> >
> >We got hacked but since we are a small operation no damage was done and
since we have Norton virus protection there were no viruses installed on our
computers.
> >
> >If  you buy a router or other network hardware, be very sure to change
the default password to protect your computer and your files.
> >
> >If you have a business or know someone who has one and is on a network
using a router or other network equipment please remind them to change the
default password.
> >
> >Have a good day and keep on truckin' (or should I say vanagoning.)
> >
> >William
> >1989 Vanagon GL
> >1988 Mercedes 300SE
> >
>
>