Is Cable/Router/Firewall connection works on FTP,Sharing?

[denny]

I have 3 computers and have decided to make a small cable network to share a broadband Cable connection NTL - 3Com Box.I have checked which various routers are available and I get Netgear RT314 router. It has built in 10/100 Switch and Firewall and costs around £120.

I have a few questions that I hope someone can help me.

It will work with all the popular protocols that are used for Gaming, Surfing the net etc .. But will it work for FTP programs and Sharing programs like E-Donkey or LimeWire?
How good is the built-in firewall? Am i going to need a software firewall to prevent hacking?

Many many thanks for reading ....

[bob]

Yes, It work with all programs but within certain limits. The way it works is the router requests and sends them back to the originating machine in the case of a local occurred.

There is a nice list of common Apps are... http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/app_port_list.htm

You won't need a software firewall since the router will take all incoming requests and only allows specified connections to pass through your computers.