is a router worth getting?

Hello everybody

Is a router worth the expense...? I dont want one to conect multiple

Chris Ridd...

Yes.

machines to the net, it is more for the protection they offer. Is is
correct that a router makes your machine less vulnerable to take overs
etc?

Chris Ridd...

A router doesn't per se, but a router that is performing network address
translation (NAT) does make your machines less vulnerable.

The other good reason to get a router is that it avoids connecting your
machine to the net via some sort of USB connection that needs drivers etc.
Ethernet or WiFi routers do not need additional drivers.

spamfritterspam...

Also worth noting that routers are pretty cheap these days, compared
with what us early adopters paid 3 years ago. :-(

nospam...

Ask the converse: is USB to be avoided?

-Yes-, and worth the money,

gort...

It also means you get a proper always on connection if you leave it
powered up instead of a peasudo dialup connection as per USB modems.

Stimpy...

Out of interest, what's the benefit of that? Won't a USB modem offer an
always on connection once it's 'dialled up'?

Rob...

It will, until power to the USB is cut off (computer shut down for
example). The router seems to go through a 'delicate handshake' when the
computer is switched on. I much prefer the router, but then i've got
various wireless devices that feed through it. Marvellous.

alan.frame...

Yeahbut, a USB ADSL 'modem' doesn't need a wall-wart, and can be plugged
directly into your lapdog[0], so you can get your net-fix when the mains
power goes off... ;-)

rgds, Alan
[0] As opposed to the www.ipcop.org box where it normally lives