absolutely get the router with a firewall, and don't use the connection until you get the firewall if you want to keep hackers out. even on a dialup line with a dynamic ip i've had 2 port sniffing attempts in the last month! on a typical cable connection you can expect at least 2 or 3 per day! i'm using a software firewall and i'm very, very glad i am. also, look at your firewall logs, you can detect other odd/bad things happening and they work great for blocking add sites once you get their ip numbers. sure, they are mostly looking for pc's, but macs have some vulnerabilities to, especially if your running microsoft stuff or you have file sharing on, but some even if you don't. there are a couple of sites that will do a free firewall test, ask when you get the firewall and i'll look up my favorites. also remember that with a cable modem you're essentially on a huge lan, people so motivated can monitor all your traffic from the comfort of their own home, encryption is a good thing.
Pat wrote: > > Dear Listers: > > I now have cable/dsl access for internet. The cable > guys wired the house for TV and internet. I want to > connect other computers (the boxes are in place) and > was told I need a hub from them that will go between > the main box to the hub, back to the box. I see how > that works, but would a router be a better choice than > a hub because it has a firewall? Also, would I need a > 4-port router/hub since the wiring is already in place > or a 1-port router or a switch of some sort? > Just call me confused. > Pat in Wyoming ---------------- -- Those who would give up essential liberties for the illusion of security are as deluded as Osama Bin Laden, those who would steal these essential liberties for political gain are as evil and calculating. John Ashcroft is the greatest threat to America since McCarthyism, and has already violated his oath of office, to defend the constitution from all threats foreign and domestic. <http://myweb.wyoming.com/~madscientist/InsatiableAppetite.pdf> -- MacNetwork is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... XRouter Pro | Share your DSL or cable modem between multiple computers! Dr. Bott | Only $199 <http://www.drbott.com/prod/MIH130.html> Now shipping! Farallon Wireless SkyLINE PCI Card for Mac Desktops! <http://www.farallon.com/le/skyline/pci/index.html> Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> MacNetwork list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/macnet.html> Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/macnetwork%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Macintosh? Get free email and more at Applelinks! <http://www.applelinks.com>
