Net.Worker briefs

Linksys has begun bundling Norton Internet Security Suite with all its DSL and cable routers for free. Customers who bought a router after Sept. 25, 2002, can download a free copy from the Web site. The suite provides virus protection and a personal firewall to protect against hackers. Linksys is stressing family safety, touting features like parental controls that block access to unwanted material, privacy controls that keep children from divulging personal information and a spam alert to filter out adult-oriented e-mail.

The HomePlug Powerline Alliance recently completed its second annual HomePlug PlugFest. As the name suggests, chip makers and hardware developers such as Cogency Semiconductor and Linksys gathered at Radio Shack headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, to test their products for interoperability and adherence to the HomePlug specification. Vendors brought a variety of second-generation powerline-to-wireless access points and routers, and small, wall-mounted Ethernet and USB adapters, many of which land on store shelves this month.

To continue reading, register here and become an Insider. You'll get free access to premium content from CIO, Computerworld, CSO, InfoWorld, and Network World. See more Insider content or sign in.

Linksys has begun bundling Norton Internet Security Suite with all its DSL and cable routers for free. Customers who bought a router after Sept. 25, 2002, can download a free copy from the Web site. The suite provides virus protection and a personal firewall to protect against hackers. Linksys is stressing family safety, touting features like parental controls that block access to unwanted material, privacy controls that keep children from divulging personal information and a spam alert to filter out adult-oriented e-mail.

The HomePlug Powerline Alliance recently completed its second annual HomePlug PlugFest. As the name suggests, chip makers and hardware developers such as Cogency Semiconductor and Linksys gathered at Radio Shack headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, to test their products for interoperability and adherence to the HomePlug specification. Vendors brought a variety of second-generation powerline-to-wireless access points and routers, and small, wall-mounted Ethernet and USB adapters, many of which land on store shelves this month.

Read more about home networks in Network World's Home Networks section.