Router, hub, switch... whats the best for my situation?

[Leythos]

THANKS TO ALL (accept Leythos) for the helpfull info.

Nice kenny, I explained how you could setup more than one system without
a router, explained how you could do it with a router, and then because
I called you to task for running a P2P app you don't remember the HELP
part.

Like it or not, P2P apps don't really help most people that use them -
they actually provide another LARGE entry point into your system for
malware.

 

[Leythos]

I should have specifically mentioned BitTorrent, it's being used for
software distribution TODAY.

Yes, it is being used today, and for a lot of Linux users it's a great
way to get the latest distro, but it's not the only way, and it's also a
great way to share pirated materials - but I don't imagine that you'll
admit to seeing that.

 

[Mike Hall \(MS-MVP\)]

Kenny

D-Link will have whatever you need.. this is the D-Link Europe site..

http://www.dlink.com/products/category.asp

BTW, you need a router..

 

[kenny]

Thanks for the info..

You can *ONLY* use a router. A switch or Hub will not facilitate sharing
of the internet connection.

In addition, the firewall that is included with windows SP2 is inbound
only. You have no outbound protection. Most routers sold these days use
NAT (Network Address Translation) and have firewall technology built in,
much greater protection than the simplistic SP2 firewall.

With a router, you will not have to "mess with ports" or any of the other
things you describe.

Finally, you will need serious Antivirus, adware, spyware and malware
protection running Emule.
Every P2P network is rife with viruses, trojans, dialers, keyloggers, etc.
P2P is more danger than it is worth.

Bobby

 

[kenny]

Thanks Mike...

I have understood that I need a router, now with all the replies. For the
time bieng I am setting up things with ICS, but I will probably get a new
adsl modem/router/wireless hub soon.
The only reason I didnt want ICS is because I had to have a pc on all the
time to work as the software router.. but I have now come to the conclusion
that one of my PCs WILL be on all the time 24/7 anyway...

One last question.. If I continue using the ICS of XP as a software router,
can I just get a "switch" and connect that to the ICS computer?

Also do you have a site as a MVP?

Thanks again.

 

[Mike Hall \(MS-MVP\)]

Kenny

Just go for a 4 port ADSL router.. connect the router to your modem , and
hook up all four of them to the router.. job done..

Re. my own site.. no, I don't have one one up and running at present..

 

[Jim]

it's also a
great way to share pirated materials - but I don't imagine that you'll
admit to seeing that.

Didn't I just say that 99% of its illegitimate TODAY?!

(even when you AGREE w/ some ppl, they just don't wanna believe it, whatdaya
gonna do)

 

[Leythos]

Didn't I just say that 99% of its illegitimate TODAY?!

(even when you AGREE w/ some ppl, they just don't wanna believe it, whatdaya
gonna do)

Maybe I just didn't read it that way you thought you expressed it. It
happens from time to time.