D-link 704, Sygate and XPpro help, please

[Lioness]

I missplaced my firmware disk that came with my router. Can I use the "upgraded" firmware on the D-link site? Or does an "upgrade" require the original to be installed first?

I plan on using the 704 router with Sygate firewall and XPpro's PPOE. Is this the best set-up? My DSL will be Verizon. I've been doing some research on the big WWW, yet I'm only finding fragments on how to install and set-up each individual component. I need to have an idea of the order.

Yes, I know the NIC card is first and then I contact Verizon who will also supply the DSL modem. After Verizon sends me the DSL modem, I hook up all my hardware. When do I then set-up the XP PPOE and install Sygate?

Thanks

 

[manly]

Nah you don't really need the original software for a router. Unless you have problems, you don't strictly need to update the router's firmware either. But it's usually a good idea as long as you're a computer expert/power user.

The router will do PPPoE to login to Verizon. Make sure Verizon gives you an external DSL modem with an Ethernet port; if it's internal or USB-only, it won't connect to the router. So you don't need any ISP software on your PC either. You just need to know how to configure TCP/IP on your NIC to utilize the router. If you have the documentation, there should be a quick start guide of some type. The router is pretty much plug & play.

Finally, SyGate isn't strictly necessary, but it might still be a good idea to run a quality software firewall if you're concerned about privacy.

As far as security goes, the router is already doing that for you by preventing outsiders from connecting to your PC.

 

[Lioness]

Thankyou. It doesn't sound difficult. I can follow directions, however sometimes I get stumped on the computer lingo. But..I just look it up in the glossary. Living and learning.