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'Firewall' and 'Broadband Router' may sound like technical jargon that only an IT professional would need to know, but in today's world they are terms that everyone with a home computer that is connected to the Internet should be familiar with. Firewalls and broadband routers are in integral part of the home computing landscape, and no residential network should be without them. Since these may still be foreign terms to some, a review of the basics is in order.

Contents

• Firewall Basics
• Broadband Router Basics
• What to Look For in a Firewall or a Broadband Router
• Popular Firewall and Broadband Router Brands

Firewall Basics

Having a firewall installed on your computer is an absolute security necessity. In a nutshell, a firewall is used to distinguish authorized users from unauthorized users, and makes sure the bad guys cannot get in and access your computer or network without your permission. A firewall can be implemented with either software or hardware, or both. A secure firewall delivers peace of mind, and the protection works both ways – you can be online without worrying about malicious users getting into your computer over your Internet connection, and you also need not fear your personal information migrating out and being available to prying eyes.

Broadband Router Basics

Broadband routers expand on the firewall concept by adding DSL/cable modem and hub functions and putting them all together into one convenient networking package. As a so-called 'residential gateway' broadband routers used to offer diminished capabilities when compared to business devices, but today's broadband routers are robust enough to be indistinguishable in many ways from their office and corporate counterparts.

What to Look For in a Firewall or a Broadband Router

Compatibility – Make sure any firewall or broadband router you buy is compatible with your computer. Technical specifications may vary, and can be quite hard to decipher, so do your homework and talk with your sales representative if you are at all unsure about your requirements.

Connectivity – Plug-in connectivity is still standard on many models, but wireless connectivity is the wave of the future. Laptop users in particular enjoy the advantages of wireless connectivity, which allows you to access the Internet from anywhere in your home, or nearby.

Speed – Speed should never be an issue with the standard capabilities of today's generation of broadband routers; they are designed to handle the top rates that can be achieved by DSL and cable networks. However, if you anticipate abundant downloads of huge files (movies, video and graphics applications, etc.), avoid the entry level models and find a router that has the stamina to keep up with your usage.

Popular Firewall and Broadband Router Brands

Linksys, D-Link, and NetGear are the three most well-known names in the firewall and broadband router arena and have a long history of delivering quality devices. All three companies offer outstanding products in several different configurations, and they have something for every level of user. Belkin, Draytek, and ZyXEL do not have the same level of name recognition as those three companies, but their products have been well-received by computing enthusiasts and the prices are comparable.