Hardware Routers: Protect Your Computer From Thieving Hackers - Computers - Security

Which type of hardware router to buy depends on your setup, as to whether that's for a LAN with cables only or a wireless setup for the home or office. For the most part we're going to look at the home setup. On the PC side of the equation, those would be D-Link and Linksys. I personally use Linksys, a broadband firewall router, with 4 port switch/VPN Endpoint. This type of firewall is relatively easy to use and set up.

If you're in an office setting with multiple machines, printers, etc., you'll need a switch, more routers, and print server.One option that I like in particular for a wireless router (for both PC and Mac users) is the Airport Express and the Airport Extreme. These are easy to set up and are an excellent option.

The Airport Express supports up to 10 wireless users, you can add a printer, send your music wirelessly and it's really compact, 3.7x2.95x1.12 inches and weighs only 7.4 ounces. It's 802.11a/b/g wireless and supports 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequency bands.

The Airport Extreme supports up to 50 wireless users, it supports 3 three Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports for connecting computers or network devices and you can set up wireless printers. If you have a USB hard drive, it can become a wireless shared drive, accessed by everyone on your network. It's 802.11n wireless and supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless frequencies. It's 6.5x6.5x1.3 inches and weights 1.66 lbs.

The down side of these routers is the price, at around $100 for the Airport Express and $179 for the Airport Extreme.

Note: There are some who say that you should use a software firewall, such as Zone Alarm, but this isn't the best approach. Whenever possible, use a hardware firewall. Here are two reasons why. Hardware routers provide better protection. A software firewall tends to slow down your computer.

Hardware routers are essential for your protection. Give me 10 minutes of your time and I'll show you how to speed up your computer, rid yourself of computer infestations and protect yourself online.

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