[mikester]

Okay - here's my suggestions...price not being a factor at all.

If your OS is Windows XP I suggest you use the firewall that comes with it OR Zone Alarm. Zone Alarm is a good product but requires some configuration which takes time and patients. Offloading the Firewall function to a hardware device is ideal but even if you do this with a dedicated firewall my suggestion would be to still run the XP firewall. If you need file sharing in your local network the XP firewall can accommodate this need.

An extremely good hardware firewall is made by Cisco, it’s the PIX 501 – I have one myself and I love it but it requires some expertise to configure and it is a bit on the pricey side even on eBay. If you know someone who is a Cisco reseller then you might be able to get one for ~$400 unless they get super discounts. The next stop on the firewall lineup would be one of Linksys (owned by Cisco) products that offers and integrated firewall. This is the most realistic solution and it really doesn’t need to be a Linksys product as their competitors do a good job for the home market as well. Belkin, D-Link, etc make decent products just stay away from the no name brands.

Let me know if you have any questions.