Paul Berberich asked : >Is a router an effective firewall or should I rely on software alone? Yes. A router can provide excellent firewall protection. There are several very good choices available. A hardware firewall can mask the presence of the machines connected to it, whilst a software only firewall allows probes to discover the machine, but (hopefully) not gain access to it. My experience shows that a hardware firewall (in a router) is the better choice. Dave Gray ---------------------------------------------------------------- Ashdown Technologies Working ethically, honestly & fairly to provide PC sales & service for residents of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Phone : (902) 475-1725 Fax : (902) 479-2501 E-Mail : [log in to unmask] ---------------------------------------------------------------- Visit our website regularly for FAQs, articles, how-to's, tech tips and much more http://freepctech.com