On the dsl questions:. .1) Disabling file/print sharing has no bearing on the ability of a rogue user to get inside your machine.... Hackers tend to use sniffer programs to access through a TCP/IP port. A firewall is a must! This is not unique to dsl, by the way - but the chances of a successful hack are increased the longer you remain online (via std modem or dsl). Also, make sure you have a virus checker. In the event that a hacker gets through, (s)he will try and leave something behind (like changing your boot parameters).
2) Surprised that your firewall is disabling normal web access - there should be something you can tweak to prevent that happening. I use ICE, and I am not prevented from accessing the web. I do need to occassionally stop the firewall "engine" in order to, say, receive a file via MSN chat (this is normally blocked because it is seen as an unsolicited send, thus could be a hack).
Hope this helps with a couple of your concerns, anyway.
[ 25 January 2002: Message edited by: sanjosebaz ]</p>