Router installed checks

[guus]

The more I learn the less I know and I'm dumb enough to risk asking this question.
I've purchased a basic Topcom wired router to basically connect two puters to the Internet. I'm on cable connection, using an ethernet card and the one puter is running XP Pro and the other 98SE. Both legit.
When I installed the router it all went through w/o no setup or option selections from my side. I'm also running a firewall.
My question is - is there anything else I should check or give special attention to?
I did do a on-line port scan and all is stealth except port 113 which is 'closed'. I suppose that is due to my firewall and not the router.
Here are some info that may mean something - MAC Filter is disabled and DHCP server enabled. DNS server, Default Gateway & DHCP server all identical but IP address different.
IP Routing & WINS Proxy not enabled.
Any suggestions most welcome but plse type slowly as I'm a total newbie :-)

[mojo]

Your router is providing firewall functionality in addition to your software firewall on your computer. It looks like you have it set up pretty securely, unless you're running any wireless with the router, in which case there's a few more settings you'll want to lok into.

The reason port 113 shows as closed is that it's the "Ident" port that some old network protocols still look for and freak out if they don't find. If you want that port to be stealth as well look for an option to disable Ident, or forward port 113 to a non-existent computer/IP on your local network.

[guus]

Thank you Matt fot the quick response, much appreciated. No wireless functions.
I do understand somewhat of my firewall and applied a few rules. With this router there is no manual or software, can I do similar actions, such as blocking selectively, with a router? Is this all part of the setup via the Net link?
Is a router also effective bi-directional?
Should I install a new prog then the firewall is quick to advise if the new prog may be attempting to contact home, how can a router block outbound?
I understand that the advantages of a firewall is that it gives you more report back but should my firewall go down for any reason will I be covered by the router?

[Staren]

That would be the only reason for a software filewall these days. The router won't block outbound traffic. What firewall are you using? On the XP machine all you really need is Windows Firewall. It will do the outbound checking and is as unobtrusive as possible.

[guus]

Thanks Staren, as things stand at the moment all in place and running and I will therefore not scratch any furher.