> Is it possible to just hook up all my machines > to the hub provided by the cable modem > provider, then install a Firewall program on > each one? Or do I have to get a cable router > or something?
You seem to be ignoring a simple concept. All of your machines *must* have a unique IP address, be they private (provided by NAT (cable/dsl router)) or public (provided by your cable co). Most cable companies, and ISPs in general, only provide *one* IP address. Additional ones cost more money. Find out how many yours provides. If only one, how much are additonal ones ?? Then you decide if you're willing to pay it. Otherwise, the cable "router" you mention will work or one of your PCs will need to be configured as a router/gateway, as others have mentioned. Hall
