Router, switch, hub, firewall. What do I need?

[Sporko]

Can someone guide me to a clear information source regarding the above items. As in what do they do and what the differences are.

I have a single computer with a cable modem and have been using ZoneAlarm for a few years. I would like to use a hardware replacement (if possible) to free up the resources used by ZoneAlarm. Is this feasible? What would I need? Can I safely then get rid of ZoneAlarm?

Thanks for any guidance.

 

[KH85]

Router,
Router splits you internet connection up so that all the computers can use the internet at the same time, and lets you have a LAN

switch,
switch is just something that lets you have a LAN but faster than a hub (i think :S)

hub,
hub is just something that lets you have a LAN

firewall.
you know what a firewall is

a router usually comes with a firewall built in. i would just get a router and then use ZA as well

KHGamez

EDIT : Yay i reached the 400 posts mark

 

[JackMDS]

You can get an Inexpensive Cable/DSL Router, and you will get a smoother Internet connection.

The Router will provide inbound protection. Most people find it necessary to supplement it with Software Firewall.

Firewall resource taking should not be a problem. If you are using old slow computer, or and doing some unusual activities it might.

Link: Basic Protection for Broadband Internet Installation.

Link: What is the Best Firewall?

 

[Sporko]

Thanks for the info. So what I gather is that a router does nothing to stop outbound traffic so I would want to stay with ZoneAlarm anyway. Is the inbound protection of a router superior to the inbound protection of ZoneAlarm? What exactly would I gain by adding a router to what I have now?

 

[JackMDS]

DSL users can benefit from a Router even with single computer (Due to the PPPOE thing).

Using cable connection and single computer, you probably will not experience any differences.