For what it's worth, the next version of the America Online client will ship with a programme called Port Magic that will automatically open and close the ports as you need them in order to seamlessly coordinate transferring files, sharing pictures in the IM frame, engaging in voice via IM, and playing online games.

It's always a puzzle to me how much people act like they hate America Online when it seems like such a logical alternative for the overwhelming number of Internet users.

 

Riiiiiiiiight, "file maintenance" :rofl:

 

ok, so i go to the linksys set up thingy and click on the DMZ Host tab.

then it says:
This feature sets a local user to be exposed to the Internet. Any user on the Internet can access in/out data from the DMZ host. Enable the feature as you wish to use special-purpose service.

then it gives me a DMZ Host IP address with a box as the last group of numbers i can type in.

then there is the apply button.

what do i do?

 

You enter your PCs IP address.

Anyways, this is about the worse possible thing to do. Just set up port forwarding so your machine will still be somewhat secure.. unless you don't care about security. :shrug:

 

If you're going to put your computer in the DMZ, get ZoneAlarm or a comparable piece of software. Probably a good idea to grab a copy of Norton Antivirus as well.

If you don't mind spending a couple of bucks on another piece of hardware, another way to accomplish what you want is to get a 10/100 switch and plug all three pieces of equipment into it (1. the cable or dsl modem, 2. the linksys router, 3. your pc). If you do this, be aware that newer DSL modems such as the Westel Wirespeed 2200 has a built-in DHCP server that WILL conflict with any other DHCP server on the switch, like the one in the Linksys router. Also, the Linksys may have the same IP (192.168.1.2) as the DSL modem. Best of luck.