When you connect your computer to the Internet using a Cable Modem or an xDSL connection - security becomes important. Because your system is now permanently connected to the Internet, intruders (hackers) have 24 hours a day to try to break into your computer and read or delete your private information.

  In the old days this was not so important because you were only connected to the Internet for short periods by dialing in with a modem. As such, intruders did not have much time to attempt to gain access to your system. If you've just connected your computer to the Internet directly through a Cable Modem or xDSL connection - you're not safe or secure and are vulnerable to intruders.

  In recent months there's been an epidemic of virus threats for 'always on' connections like Cable Modems or xDSL. These virii are called worms and they automatically seek out unprotected computers to infect. They don't come through email like the majority of the 'older style' virus - they come in all on their own when your computer is connected to the Internet and infect it. If you use a router like the LinkSys it will stop these incursions dead in their tracks. The router acts as a hardware firewall and it's become a necessity for any permanent Internet connection such as a Cable Modem or xDSL.

  I'm not exagerating - my Internet connection gets at least 200 virii per day trying to come in and infect me. I'm not being picked on - as soon as you plug your computer into the Internet it will happen to you too.

  Enter the LinkSys router. It costs roughly 69.00 CDN (at Costco or Future Shop) and provides excellent security for your computer. In addition to providing comprehensive security, you can also use this device to connect more computers to the same Internet connection that you now have. So it can save you monthly recurring fees! In a nutshell the product does the following and more...

• Provides excellent security and protects your computer from intruders & stops worms dead
• Allows you to have several computers sharing the same cable modem
• Has a re-programmable chip so that new features & fixes can be added later
• Supports Industry Standard Protocols

  I´ve monitored my connection to the Internet extensively and found that not a single day goes by without someone trying to break into my system. I'm being serious now - it's that prevalent. When I found this to be common place I myself tried it out. I found that I could break into several Microsoft SQL Server Databases with Administrative privileges! As such, I could have wiped out their entire databases. Fortunately, I contacted them instead and made them aware of the security breach.

  There's many more reasons to recommend the LinkSys product but it would require too much time and complex detail to outline them all. The LinkSys Router (BEFSR41 supports 4 computers / BEFSR81 supports 8 computers) is the best way to go as a necessary component for your cable modem or dsl connection. If you are considering purchasing one please check the LinkSys forum first for late breaking news.

Installation is easy and you don't need to know anything about computer networking to use it or install it. It comes with comprehensive instructions but basically it's this simple;

• Plug the power cord into the wall & into the router
• Plug your computer's network cable into port number 1 on the router
• Plug your cable modem's/xDSL network cable into the WAN port on the router
• Make certain your computer is set to get it's IP address automatically (it already is if your computer has been directly plugged into a cable modem or dsl connection)
• Re-Boot your computer and try the Internet

  The LinkSys Router / 10 & 100 Switch / Hub is easy to use. It's one of the few items in computer networking that can be as simple or complex as you want!

Please address all Questions to the Forum