Interested
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Greetings, I'm not certain why because I haven't really fully grasped many of the settings for my router (Asus AX300/AX58U) or the ways that they do what they are suppose to or how they interact with other software that is suppose to do the same or similar jobs, but I am still interested in an appliance and compelled to register and ask questions.
I'm not by any means new to the internet, I've had a PC since 1996 and lived with my uncle prior to that who had been using it pretty much since the beginning who was always explaining things to me. However networking including simple home networks as well as the internet has always been "on the back burner" as far as my technology learning curve has progressed. I suppose this is for a few reasons; I am a gadget guy, I don't have security concerns that are high level, I've been fortunate considering attacks, and just general lack of necessity as I've seen it. I'm certain that isn't the ideal way to look at it, but here I am.
I have usually, especially lately with Windows 10 & 11 just run basic built in security software and have been satisfied with it because I haven't had any significant issues, at least not that I know of as I do understand that some security threats aren't detectable by the average internet user. I've used various 3rd party security solutions for my Android devices. My uncle first mentioned Avast to me when I got my first "smart" phone because it's what he used for his PC needs but security on Android devices wasn't really a thing then and I don't even think there was an Android app yet for anything besides McAfee and Norton which I have avoided using anything from, including especially their "free" offers and offers that come pre installed on certain devices. I have used Avast and AVG as well as a few others on and off over the years for both Android and PC but I have done most of my internet security research through MajorGeeks, a tech website and app geared toward the end user more than commercial or marketing audiences. I find them a great resource for all kinds of technology how to and what works, and especially what doesn't work. I first discovered them around early 2000 while trying to get rid of the first pesky bug that I had to clean from the home PC.
I still haven't learned nearly enough about internet security though as became very evident when I bought this router and went into the UI to set it up. I went through the basic quick setup guide so I could get the wifi working and I got Merlin set up on it, although I'm not completely sure why. I also managed to get a basic inexpensive VPN working on it but I'm not certain that it's effective. I'm also not certain exactly what VPNs actually do or how they do it. I am of the understanding that only 1 VPN is necessary as with other security measures such as anti malware and firewall solutions however I'm not always at home with either my Android device or my Windows laptop so I have VPNs installed on both of those so I'm not sure if that's kosher. I haven't really noticed anything unusual. Once in a while all my devices will have "moments" but I don't know how to tell what causes them if it has anything to do with any of this and it's not often enough to really cause any more than minor inconveniences and I've basically come to terms with that being simply a condition of technology itself as I do understand that these devices and all things about them are creations of people so they will naturally be just as flawed as we are if not more so. Perfection is an illusion and anyone who believes otherwise is delusional as I like to put it. I can't help but laugh when people are surprised and upset when their expensive devices or complex networks mess up on them.
So although I am super curious about these appliances, I'm not so sure whether it's something I should have because I'm not even savvy with my home router or it's various settings and capabilities and that it just might be one more thing that I don't know enough about that I'll be able to get working but probably won't know how to use to it's full potential or whether it's worth it for me to get and learn more about considering my actual need for it based on a very small home network and a general lack of data that's worth anything to anybody with enough motivation to attack my network.
Any input is welcome and will be greatly appreciated. Apologies for the lengthy post but I felt that I should include as much info about where I'm at with this stuff so as to provide a clear understanding of my lack of internet security knowledge.
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Did you have a specific question?
If you're unsure I would first try installing CE on whatever hardware you have to test it.
Steve
