Stateful Packet Inspection
(~ This type of filter actually pays attention to the whole 'conversation'. It still looks at each individual packet, but takes into concideration the context in which each packet exists. There may be a packet that seems normal, except it appears out of place when you look at the stream in which it is found.

* This type of scan would have caught the use of the wrong version of the word 'Wood' in the previous example. * ~)

Application Layer Firewall
(~ An Application Layer firewall is a much more sophisticated type of firewall. Not only does this filter look at each packet (word), and recognize when it seems out of place based on the stream (sentance) it is in, it can also pay attention to the whole conversation, and get an idea of what the purpose of the stream is. It may recognise streams common to Web Browsing, Chatting, File Transfers, etc.. If a packet (or collection of packets) does not seem to match the purpose this stream seems to be trying to accomplish, it may be dropped.

* Word processors handle file containing words, sentances, paragraphs, etc.. Spreadsheets generally handle files containing Cell addresses (A1, C4, etc.) and formulas. Program files generally contain Machine code instructions, that would seem like goobliegook to most of us. An Application Layer filter would notice if we asked a Word Processor to open a file that seemed to contain cell addresses and formulas, or worse, one that contained Computer Instruction codes. * ~)

Almost all home routers contain NAT, including ISP routers. It is unlikely, but an ISP Broadband modem may offer some of these features as well, but you would have to find that out.

Special 'Firewall' devices can be purchased. Pay attention to what they claim to have, as the term Firewall is used very broadly. Because more advanced features require higher amounts of processing power, it can become un-economical to build a basic, in-expensive device that can handle them.

Firewall features can also be handled by software on your computer. There are a lot of different options available. Keep in mind, many software solutions may require yearly renewals to keep the software working.

If you only have the one computer in your home, it may be better to use a basic NAT capable router, and then good firewall software on the computer. If you have more than one computer, it may be better to invest in a better 'firewall' router, and use the basic firewall software built into most current Operating Systems.

* a new router can be installed 'in-line' with your current ISP router, or modem. You do not need to replace the one from your ISP.

Protecting Your Computer
(~ The less software running on your computer, the more secure you are likely to be (generally).

Do not install software that you do not need. If you want to install software to try it out, You may want to backup your computer before installing it. Also, when you are no longer using software, you should un-install it.

Often, when installing software you want, it will offer to install other 'free' software. I recommend that you avoid these freebies, until you have had the chance to research them to make sure you want them. (Examples of these are the free 'Search Toolbars' from companies like Yahoo and Google.

Keep in mind that even though the software might be from a trusted source, it may have flaws that are not immediately known about. Each one of these has the potential of being compromized by a hacker, and then becoming a security hole in your system.

Anytime software is offered to you, other than something you are explicitly trying to install, you should probably refuse, and then go to the actual publisher to be sure you are getting a legitimate copy, and that it is current. I have some old games, that when I go to install them, want to install Adobe Reader, version 3.2. The current version is 8+. Older versions of reader have been cracked, and DO present security problems.

Same rule applies to uffers to upgrade software you have installed. You need to be sure the offer is legit. If you are not sure, decline the offer, and go directly to the web-site of the software publisher to get the upgrade.

Malware (Spyware, Viruses, Trojans)
Active vs. Passive Scanning
PC Maintenance (backups, etc)
User Levels (Admin vs. Basic User)
Keeping Critical data on a removable thumb drive.
Careful about the sites you visit.
Careful what you click (some ads are designed to look like they include a 'Close' button, but the button is actually part of the ad.)
Careful what messages you click (Okay) on.
Popup security information bar in IE

Wireless Networking
www.dlink.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_LAN_security

WEP
WPA