Hey, n/p Propig. I don't think your ditzy...I just think you don't know that much about networking hardware...which is completely acceptable. Plus it's nice, because i get a chance to flex my geek-muscles
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To answer your question: yes. If you get a 'router,' it will prevent people from establishing connections with your computer from the WAN. (They won't be able to get at your computer...they'll get stopped at the 'router.') Unfortunately, it won't help deter annoying people from IMing you though :P.