To install a new wireless router between PC and modem, do you have to disable the Smart Firewall while installing and setting up the router?
The router instructions say to connect it to the cable modem first, then to the PC, then once everything is booted in order, to go into the router panel and configure the router wireless security, etc. So there is a period of time where it appears to me the network is unprotected at least until I get into the router control panel and establish a network password, security type, etc. So if the Smart Firewall is disabled, that would be even another level of "unprotection."
I'm tempted to disregard the instructions, and log into the new router and set up the router security before connecting it to the modem. In that case, it wouldn't matter if I turned the Smart Firewall off, since I would not be connected to the Internet.
Thanks for any advice.