[wasie]

I was looking to improve my system and increase its security. I use zonealarm 4 pro now as a software firewall and was thinking to add a hardware type.

I read an article on Alpha Shield, touted as a plug and play installation. Would there be any value in such a product? Or am I better off going with a product like Zywall 2. I ask the question because in the past when I purchased various computer add ons, on several occasions they still sit in the box because of difficult installation and overall understanding.


Thanks,

Wasie

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Welcome to G2G wasie

By hardware firewall, I assume you are referring to a router, right? In short, yes, a hardware firewall (or router) is better than a software one.
Broadband routers are so common these days that installation is generally very straight forward. I would recommend you use a wired (RJ45 - network card) router though, as opposed to a wireless one.

Also look for a router/firewall that offers MAC filtering & state inspection (SPI)

[Samm]

Welcome to G2G wasie

By hardware firewall, I assume you are referring to a router, right? In short, yes, a hardware firewall (or router) is better than a software one.
Broadband routers are so common these days that installation is generally very straight forward. I would recommend you use a wired (RJ45 - network card) router though, as opposed to a wireless one.

Also look for a router/firewall that offers MAC filtering & state inspection (SPI)