I want to link my 3 computers using a wireless network.

The main computer is running XP PRO and has cable modem connection to Optus Broadband.

The 2nd computer runs WIN 98 SE as does my laptop.

I'm considering using DLink wireless components i.e. a DI 624+ Router, a G520+ PCI card for the 2nd computer and a G650+ Cardbus Adaptor for the laptop.

DLink have told me that they only supply drivers for WIN XP and not for WIN 98 and there would only be MS WIN 98 generic drivers for the 2 cards.

My questions are:

1. With these generic drivers for the cards, would I be able to set up my little network ?

2. Are these WIN 98 generic drivers be on the WIN 98 CD, or if not where would I have to go to download suitable drivers for these 2 cards?

3. Woud the router's firewall be adequate for my network's protection, or do I still need to use a software firewall such as Kerio or ZoneAlarm on each computer?

If so, would the free versions of these 2 S/W firewalls allow the 2nd computer and the Laptop to have access to the cable modem ?

Currently with my coax Ethernet connection, either of the free versions of these firewalls only allows my 2nd computer computer to access the main computer and not to the to the cable modem.

I understand that I would have to purchase the full versions of these Firewal to enable the 2nd computer to have access to the cable modem connected Ethernet.

Is this correct?

Thanks in advance

Max Rieper

mrieper@optusnet.com.au

Re: Wireless networking XP/Win 98 computers

You will find there is a difference of opinion about the adequacy of the hardware firewalls built into routers.

Some people, like me, consider them quite good enough to get me from planet to planet, providing the PCs behind them are updated with all the latest security updates and are each running good up-to-date anti-virus software. I choose to do that because I've had problems with one firewall behind another. Other people will point out that software firewalls are better than the hardware firewall in the average router. And they are right.

It's your choice. More potential problems from the firewalls but more protects. Or less problems and less protection.