The "computer" guy at work convinced me that I need a firewall router and I wanted to get feed back on a good router for a cable connected - single PC machine. He suggested Linksys because Cisco bought them out and are integrating Cisco technology into these routers. Any suggestions on an inexpensive (on sale) router?

Most cable modems come with that functionality built in these days. At least at a rudimentary level. Are you sure yours doesn't have it?

If you don't need wireless, you can get a nice cheap linksys or d-link router and you will have no problems with it. You should be able to get a basic router for around $30 or a wireless G router for $40. Just pop into your local Bestbuy/compusa/staples/favorite_generic_store and see what they have. Just look for a broadband router. Even the cheapest router is safer than not having anything between your cable modem and your PC.

The Linkysys WRT 54G is a pretty good all around general wireless router, also fairly cheap.

What they said, if you want cheap and basic, get Linksys. Other good consumer brands are D-Link and Netgear. If you want to spend a little more, you can get one with built in wireless capability, or with more features (e.g., VPN if your business uses it, a better firewall, etc.). Don't even think about Cisco, they just make high end stuff.

http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=323
that is what I have..

Since the output on a cable modem is ethernet anyway, it will work with any router.

I guess it's the Cable routers that have cable modems built in these days, not the other way around. :p You could always do a software firewall.

I've been pretty happy with this, though unless you do some pretty heavy multi-PC gaming, it's probably overkill.

http://games.dlink.com/products/?pid=370

http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=323
that is what I have..
I use the same cable modem. Any broadband router will do ya. There have been a few good suggestions here already. :) Any one of them will work fine.