I am switching from dialup internet to broad band & I am wondering whether I should buy a router or a modem? I have only one PC & I'm not going to share my bandwidth with anything else. The only concern is the security. Does a router with firewall give me more protection than a software firewall? Is it worth paying the extra money? Thanks to all P.S. In general apart from the security issue, do routers (with Ethernet connection) have any advantage over USB ADSL modems?

Yes, and when combined with any free software program to monitor outgoing traffic you have a layered defense that is low in cost and the best available for a home owner. The DLink604 which is what I use, it works great. It takes a couple of easy changes from its default settings to make it completely stealth. The Linksys is another good router, SMC also has one too. These routers all are about the same cost you would pay for the pro or paid version of a software firewall. You could also get a wireless router, which has cable connection too. Then you are prepared for the future, should you get a laptop. HTH

Router or Modem? BOTH! A broadband modem is an absolute necessity, without it there is NO internet (usually these are supplied by your ISP). A router installs between your modem and PC and masks your IP address to the outside world as well as inspecting all inbound traffic. Without a router you will have problems with the "Windows Messanger Service". Hardware firewalls (router) far outperform software versions, although many people use both, my experience is only a router is necessary. Periodically, people have had problems with USB connectivity, though not very common. For sure fire trouble free connectivity, stick with a NIC and CAT5 cable. With the move to broadband , you will become a very desireable target for evil doers. Learn computer security and get religious about it. Embrace paranoia, they ARE out to get you! _________________________ The internet is no longer a toy, it's a COMBAT ZONE!

To add to Martin Crandalls reply above. The Messenger Service is disabled by default in SP2, so that one would probably not be a problem anyway. Personally I prefer to use a software firewall together with a router, so I can explicitly decide which software are allowed to connect to the Internet. Nigel I support Bigger feet for rabbits