I have just purchased a Link-Sys 4 port router today.

I have heard that a router functions as a firewall. Is this true?

As a long time user of Zone Alarm firewalls, I want to be sure the router protects my computer before uninstalling Zone Alarm.

Thanks for any information. Also appreciate any links you might have to point me to information about routers.

jrpatt

Not really as a fantastic firewall, but i would recommend that you keep zone alarm

Bayliss

hey jrpatt,

i agree with littlebayliss you should keep zone alarm

here is a firewall faq that one of the security team put together

http://www.pchelpforum.com/firewalls...walls-faq.html

genie3251

Which Linksys model have you bought? I would personally take a hardware firewall over any software firewall, anyday.

I have 2 hardware firewalls and a DHCP server...and don't use a software firewall

It is a Link-Sys BEFSR41 Ver 4.0. purchased at Office Depot.

It is currently on sale for $39.95. Reduced from $59.95, I believe.

Probably is being obseleted since it is not wireless.

jrpatt

Whilst that router has a firewall, it isn't configurable if you need to enable port forwarding for specific applications. To allow that with this router, you need to place the IP address (or PC) outside of the routers protection in the DMZ...not advisable.

That said, I believe that your version number (4.0) will support port forwarding and the latest firmware download is here: Linksys.com Downloads/Firmware