Rating: 
Summary: Best. Product. Ever!
Review: If you want to network your computers to share files and surf the net... If you don't have much time and money... If you're afraid to ask your geek friends for help, then this product is for you! I purchased this device around November of 2000, despite my super-geeky friend mocking me and putting me down and criticizing my "foolish purchase".I would say this is my only time I'm ever right, and I've been using the Linksys ever since. Why change proxy server software every few months and/or face constant upgrades (not to mention the time spent). Why keep the "proxy server/internet" computer on 24/7? With this Linksys you only pay for the device and hook up to as many computers as you like (without licensing restrictions). You can turn on/off any computer as you please, it won't affect the internet sharing. Plug in a printer with a built-in network card and you've got a dedicated network printer. What genius! Great for protecting your computer against outside attackers with a built-in firewall protection. Easy to use and configure with the browser. If you got broadband, don't [pay] extra for each computer hook-up. The secret is to get one connection and share it all Through Your Linksys Router. (be wary though some ISPs don't give support for LAN setups) Sure I should use wireless... Sure I've gotten spoiled using this device rather than learning how to setup a DHCP/NAT/proxy server and firewall, but who cares? As long as it works, it works. If it ain't broke why fix it? I give this product a 5 star rating! * * * * *
Rating: 
Summary: Locks up sending attachments
Review: This product worked great for most things, but I couldn't send attachments with my emails when using a particular SMTP server. Changing SMTP server, or computer I was sending from, or email program all fixed the problem, but that wasn't good enough. I returned the Linksys and got the Netgear web-safe router, which didn't have this problem. Also one time it locked up completely and I had to pull the plug. Other than that I liked the product quite a lot -- it was trivial to set up and the web interface was nice to use. Also I've got friends who have no problems with it, so it must have been something about my setup which triggered some obscure bug.
Rating:
Summary: It works - but be prepared to feel hesitant
Review: In all likelihood, you are about to install a product where your understanding of the terms being used is suspect. So at best you will be absolutely amazed that it actually works in a short amount of time. At worst, your lack of understanding combined with instructions aimed at getting you to the end point will cause varying amounts of frustration. I installed this for 4 computers, one of which was attached through a hub using the "uplink" port on the router. It all works as advertised. When you have problems, the Knowledge base at the Linksys site is helpful (I didn't try customer support). I needed (or so it seems) to disable my second network card on one of my computers, or else the internet connection was unreliable. I also needed to change my sharing options on the first network card, because before the router, I was not sharing files with that network card (my internet connection). If you want static IP addresses, my suggestion is to go back and do this after everything works using the default method (letting Linksys assign the numbers). For a Windows 98 Machine, the instructions are insufficient with regards to enabling DNS (this is where the Knowledge Base helped me). (The host is the name (identity) of your computer, I left the domain name empty, and entered 192.168.1.1 for the DNS servers. Excuse me for using DNS as if everybody understands what it is, but like the people writing the manuals, I can't explain it either.) The point is yes, it worked in 15 minutes. It took hours before I had my network the way I wanted it. Don't you love it when a manual tells you to check with your system administrator?
Rating:
Summary: Fabulously Easy Setup
Review: If the protection and versatility that this unit offers isn't enough, the EXTREMELY easy set up should be. I just followed the instructions included in the box and I was up and running. I have 3 machines running off my Cable internet connection. I couldn't be happier with this Linksys router.
Rating:
Summary: For Windows XP, Windows 2000, using a cable modem
Review: This router required "NO" configuration to get it up and running on two laptops, already using a cable modem, running both Windows XP & Windows 2000, plus an existing corporate VPN client. It is a fantastic, easy to use, powerful piece of technology. I'll be programming the built-in firewall soon, plus exploring this routers other great features. If you are already using a cable modem, and a supported OS, you will love this gizmo! Good luck!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Linksys BEFSR41 Cable/DSL Router - Can't get better!
Review: About a month ago our area finally got access to cable internet access and since I have 3 PCs in the house I wanted all of them to be able to access the high-speed service. I received my Linksys BEFSR41 today and it took literally 8 minutes to install! NO HASSLES!! and worked as soon as I powered up! This is a really easy install and the web browser interface to configure the router settings is really slick. Another benefit I have found is that it actually increased my download speed, probably due to the integrated switching functions. My internet access is now all but as fast as running applications on the dedicated PC. Could'nt be happier....Great piece of gear, great value..buy one!
Rating:
Summary: Exceeded My Expectations
Review: In a word: Wow. Installed in minutes. Configured in minutes. All totaled, less than an hour, and most of that was running and organizing the cables into the back of a cabinet where it is installed. This replaces a WebRamp dial-on-demand device, so my premise wiring was already in place. I'm thoroughly impressed; it couldn't be easier to share the broadband connection.
Rating:
Summary: SIMPLE AND GOOD
Review: This was mostly a plug and play. I bought all Linksys NIC Cards for laptop and pc. Never had a problem with any of them.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent little piece of equipment.
Review: Definitely a must if you have DSL or cable and more than 1 computer. This unit does NAT (network address translation), basic firewalling, and will allow VPN access out. I have had mine for a while and love it. Definitely the best DSL router on the market. (IMHO)
Rating:
Summary: Workhorse - so far
Review: I finally got my DSL modem delivered and so was able to set up this router (after waiting a month or more for DSL - but that's another story). What can I say, but it works exactly as advertised. I'm a mac user, but most routers should be platform independent (since it's just a matter of the IP protocol anyway). The Linksys manual was pretty good - though nothing specifically instructed me how to set up my mac to connect to the router. Once I figured out the mac-specific settings, connecting to the router and configuring PPPoE was a piece of cake. I have yet to do any sort of benchmarking, but the set-up was a breeze, and the connection's working just fine. One word of advice: make sure you have a crossover CAT-5 cable (not a straight-through) to connect the router to the DSL modem. For the money, this router is a great bet, and the switch that comes with it only makes it better. I have yet to set up a second machine to work with the router, but there's no reason why that oughtn't to work.
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