Networking with your firewall

I plan to purchase another computer, get a wireless router and network the two...my dilemma is, if I have a router and the internet connection (broadband) is being split does it in turn have the same IP number and do i only need a firewall on one PC? My logic says that if I am only coming from one internet source...one computer with firewall should stop issue...what do you guys think?

RitaBelle

 

You need either a router/switch with a firewall built in (not just NAT which helps but isn't a firewall) or else you need firewall software running on each PC.

The hardware solution (firewall on the router) is by far the better of the options.

 

Thanks! Ok, now I got another one for ya! If I was to buy the router with the firewall in it...how customizable is it compared to having a program like McAfee run on both PC's? Thanks Again



RitaBelle

 

Very customizable and not prone to breaking.

- much faster than any software firewall can possibly be
- not prone to being disabled as software ones can be
- you only need the one to protect your entire network

 

Sounds great, have any recommendations as far as names to purchase? This is my first time networking my pc's so Im pretty good with one but a dud with two and getting them to work together

Thanx times 5 RitaBelle

 

I have a Linksys and like it well. Others on here have DLink and also are happy with theirs. I'd have to say you would do fine with a device from either company.

You are looking for a 4 port router/switch with firewall so make sure that is included in the description.

The exact type will depend on what you have now for PCs. You mention that you will be getting a wireless network card for the laptop. Several approaches and both well discussed recently in This thread started by Mudd.