I recently added a new D-Link hardwired ethernet router to my set-up at home. Up to this point I have not been happy with the software only firewall approach we were using. In this age you need to stay as secure as relatively possible.
If you do not have a firewall (software, hardware, or both) and anti-virus software installed on your personal computer you should take the time to do this simple step as it will save you from more wasted time and frusturation later.
Happy Rendering...