Can I use a router as a firewall? Suggestions?

Factual Questions
1

I’m still struggling with some problems after going from dialup to broadband cable. I find that my TrendMicro firewall will not work, nor will the free ZoneAlarm. I’m uneasy about having a constant connection, so when I log off, just unplug the modem, but that’s sort of a pain.

Somebody suggested using a router, and from reading about them, it seems they do work in that capacity. Unfortunately, there seem to be a gazillion of them out there.

I’m using a desktop with Win98SE, 512 RAM and plenty of space on a 80 gb HDD. Have only the one computer, so have no need for the networking aspect of a router.

  1. Any suggestions for an inexpensive one that will work well as a firewall? Do I need a “wireless” router or is there another type that is cheaper?

  2. Assume it connects between the computer and the external cable modem with a ethernet cable, right?

  3. Will it be reconized by Win’s P&P? Does it require any software, and if so, will that need tweaking?

Any info will be appreciated. Thanks.

2

Before investing in possibly uneccessary hardware, give Sygate’s free firewall a try.

I use both Zone Alarm and Sygate (not on the same machine) and they are both OK as far as I can tell, very little to chose between them.

I also hide behind a D-Link DSL-54T router but this is essential as there are three PCs and an Xbox on the home network.

Again, it seems fine to me but I only have one other to compare it with, a friends Netgear wireless router that isn’t, that is, the wireless part of it is crap and keeps dropping out so it is connected with enthernet cards and cables. At four times the cost of the D-Link, I don’t think it was value for money.

And the D-Link does have a firewall and NAT built in.

3

:smack:
Just seen you have a cable connection, so the D-Link is probably out but an alternative is sure to be available.

4

Any router will do. A router serves as a “firewall” in that it offers NAT (Network Address Translation).

5

Note that a router is only a partial firewall. It stops a lot of inbound bad stuff, but it doesn’t protect you from outbound evil if your computer gets infected with malware. Still keep a PC based firewall running.

Belts and suspenders is the approach to Internet safety.

6

Since I got a d-link router, I skipped software firewalls. I find that it’s sooo much better and just as safe. If you’re careful about what you download, run ad-aware and spybot, then there shouldn’t be a problem.
The big advantage is that a router doesn’t hog ram or cpu.
Configuring it takes a bit of patience though: I find it less intuitive than the software firewalls.

7

Thanks, myglaren, for the info. Downloaded Sygate and it works just fine. Don’t know why ZoneAlarm would not let my Firefox come up, but this program is even better, think.

I’ll probably take ftg’s “belt & suspenders” policy and get a router too, now that I see there are quite a few not too expensive.

Thanks all, for the input. I feel more secure now! :slight_smile:

8

Thanks to all for the input. I feel more secure now! :slight_smile: