A Help File Runs Through It

While the NetGear WGT624 has some of the best and deepest router and firewall features on the market, the real strength of its software is the built-in help column that runs alongside every configuration page and explains esoteric terminology clearly, right where you need it. No paging through a huge PDF manual (although that's supplied too) to figure out the difference between WEP and WPA.

There's also a short and clear installation booklet that tells you exactly how to get connected to your new router via any Web browser. Then you fill in one page of basic settings for your Internet connection, plus one page of wireless settings, and you're done. Of course, you can also go on to configure more advanced firewall and access settings, such as port forwarding or logging. But even those are made much simpler by the presence of the clear documentation right on the page. We wish every vendor did this.

Streamlined Firmware Updates

The first thing you should do after getting connected to the Internet with your new router is check for firmware updates. New firmware often contains major new features, plus important bug fixes. NetGear makes it easy with a handy button that tells you if there is new firmware available, then another button that uploads the firmware to your router. (You'll need to download it from the NetGear site first, but that's a snap.) This procedure is a far cry from days of old when you had to do things like reset the router, wait for certain lights to flash, press an upload button, and pray you didn't upload the latest Eminem MP3 file by mistake...

Tightening Your Net

Even if you have no idea what port forwarding is, and never want to touch a firewall, do configure one more page, the Advanced Wireless Settings page. Make sure "Enable SSID Broadcast" is unchecked (which hides your wireless net from casual snoopers), and click the button to set up a Wireless Card Access list. By entering the unique MAC addresses of each wireless client card, you can limit access to those clients only, effectively locking out hackers. Again, the handy blue Help column explains all.