firewall

I am planning to set up a small net using my pc (winxp) and a laptop (winxp). The laptop will be wireless. I will access via a cable modem and a linksys router. I have antivirus and antispyware software running. I do not understand the firewall issue. Do i need another piece of hardware (or software) besides the router? or is just a matter of proper configuration. Getting pretty confused asking at retailers.

thanks in advance...

 

No you dont need any other firewall software.

Your router has Hardware Firewall.
Windows XP sp2 has built in firewall.
You need to make sure you properly set security for your wireless:
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/broadbandnetworking/10_concept_wireless_security.mspx


As for antivirus/spyware some programs are better than others.

Here is some info on firewall's:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial60.html
http://www.techsupportalert.com/pdf/s0499.pdf