I have a 2-computer network, both running windows xp professional.
For now i'm sharing the adsl connection with sygate home network. But i'm unable to send files with yahoo, msn messenger or mIRC. I'm also unable to run game-servers on the client pc (it may be possible buy doing some port mapping, but that doesn't allways work).
 
My questions are:
 
1. When using a hardware router, does all the above work?
2. If yes, do i still have to configure that router for port mapping or does it all work out of the box?
 
Basically i just would like the router to act as i was directly connected to the internet, all working without having to configure ports.
 
3. What brand would you recommand. In my computershop they sell 2 cheap models: D-Link DI-701, D-Link DI-804
 
Are those any good?
 
Thanks