yes a router provides a hardware firewall in your network, you should also of course have a software firewall setup on your pc, so that is one way that a router can provide added security. If it is a wireless setup then using the strongest security settings on the router is also added protection.

>just hang up quietlyThat's no fun :-) I argue with em. They usually say My comp is downloading files...when I ask what files they don't seem to understand the question. When they ask if I'm at the computer I say, "No." Another concept they fail to grasp. I told one there was no 'windows' key and he said I must have a Mac. I reminded him he had just told me my Windows comp was bad. The darn guy hung up on me! Can you imagine such impudence? Same guy has been phoning me for years. When I say I recognize his voice he gets defensive. If I admit there are no yellow flags he about comes unglued. etc. :-)

You will need a straightedge that can be clamped on the table to use as a guide. You need to make sure the table and legs are strong enough to support all the extra weight. If the table isn't strong enough, the tiles/grout will move and crack. A plunge router with a straight bit will work just fine----larger bits such as a 3/4" will take more material and thus be faster. It is usually easier to start in the center and work a quarter of the area. That way you have some of the original surface on which to steady the router base. Do some practicing on a piece of plywood, you will quickly see where the problems occur and what technique is best.

I just wanted to thank the three of you for your thoughts, info and advice re my spiral bit question. Yesterday I had an opportunity to get a bit (one of HD's Porter Cable line)and it worked great. As reported by handymac, I encountered zero tearout on the finish side of the ply. Even on the top work surface there was only very tiny, minor splintering. I'm a "once in a blue moon" woodworker so a lot of anxiety goes into every move I make. I must admit that not only was this the first time using a spiral bit for a through- cut but it was also the first time I had ever used my plunge router base! I did a test piece in old ply to get my procedures down. I never exactly said what I needed this for... simply because it seemed a bit long and complicated to write up. So, here goes. I designed a 3-case entertainment center for a 32" LCD, audio/video components, cable box and lots of drawer space at the bottom of each case. (Graphed it all out and made up a parts list with sizes et al.) All three cases are to be screwed together as one unit so I can disassemble it should we move. I needed to vent the area over the LCD and also over the stereo component case to alleviate heat buildup. The top of each case consists of a double thickness of cherry ply... one finish face facing down, the other facing up. With the jig and spiral bit I did a straight cutout into the LCD cabinet. Then with a 3/4" straight bit and the jig I routed to a depth of 1/2" into the bottom of the upward facing ply member. Next I used the 1/4" spiral to cut through fully. This left a matching cutout in the top finish ply member but one with a shoulder in which I inserted a piece of decorative aluminum mesh held in place with some small wood strips. Since I routed the two members separately I had to make sure everything was precise and so the cutouts lined up exactly when put together. They did!! After repeating the process for a smaller cutout in the stereo component case tomorrow then I'll start milling down solid cherry for 1 1/2" x 3/4" facia strips that will finish off the ply edges. I have edge glued solid cherry for five drawer front panels and one pair of doors that will hide the stereo components. The finished cabinetry should be fairly contemporary and simple with the slab doors and drawer fronts all being flush with the facia. I have had a jointer/planer for years but finally got a Ridgid thickness planer. Nothing like a new tool! All-in-all it has been a challenging project but I have just taken it all little by little and not rushed things. There will be some imperfections here and there but I'm learning a lot and enjoying the process. And thanks to the internet and people like you who like to help others you can get through the rough spots. Regards, Bob W. Campton, NH