• Welcome to the Off-Topic/Schweb's Lounge

    In addition to the Mac-Forums Community Guidelines, there are a few things you should pay attention to while in The Lounge.

    Lounge Rules
    • If your post belongs in a different forum, please post it there.
    • While this area is for off-topic conversations, that doesn't mean that every conversation will be permitted. The moderators will, at their sole discretion, close or delete any threads which do not serve a beneficial purpose to the community.

    Understand that while The Lounge is here as a place to relax and discuss random topics, that doesn't mean we will allow any topic. Topics which are inflammatory, hurtful, or otherwise clash with our Mac-Forums Community Guidelines will be removed.

Do I need to purchase a router?

R

relapse


Joined
Nov 1, 2006
Messages
65
Reaction score
0
Points
6
Location
Los Angeles
Your Mac's Specs
17 inch iMac / Intel Core 2 Duo 2.16 gHz / 1 GB RAM / 250gb hd / Black iPod Nano 2nd gen 8gb
I'm really not good with networking related issues. I only have one desktop and one internet connection, and I only have one computer that I need to go on the internet.

I'm asking more from the standpoint of security. Aren't routers a good way of protecting your computer? I know that Macs are pretty secure as it is, but I just want to make sure that I take all the necessary precautions.

I would be grateful if anyone could shed some light on this
 
novicew

novicew


Joined
Jan 4, 2006
Messages
1,385
Reaction score
146
Points
63
Location
Hamburg, Germany
Your Mac's Specs
MacBook Pro | iMac(2.1 G5) | MacBook(2.16 C2D) | MacMini (1.67 CD) | iPhone 4 | iPad (3rd Gen)
Since you have just a single computer it may not be necessary to have a router. However having a router make it difficult for the hackers/intruders to attack your system. The modern routers also come with built-in firewall which gives an extra protection. If you are concerned about the security, you may consider buying a one.
 
Y

yogi


Joined
Jan 14, 2005
Messages
2,078
Reaction score
155
Points
63
I would go with the mac software firewall first.
Since it isn't all that easy to hack Mac OS X, and since there haven't been any reports of a Mac being hacked illegally ever, a router might be a waste of money.

On the other hand, a router will definitely make it harder for a hacker, since it's a hardware wall between him and your computer.

It's really a hard decision. But IMHO, i think routers are only added luxury rather than necessity.
 

Shop Amazon


Shop for your Apple, Mac, iPhone and other computer products on Amazon.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
Top