Computer Gurus
 

If I have the base station on a network, does the remote computer need anti-virus protection since it is connected to the internet through me?

Yes each machine needs antivirus

Thank you !

No problem. I love the easy questions :)

Okay then, one more. Would the remote machine need a firewall as well?

Ideally yes. I think a router acts as a sort of firewall, but is not the best. I run full antivirus and internet security software on both my computers. Many of the new programs have multi user licenses that allow it to be installed on up to three machines.

Personally I can't stand any of the current commercial offerings - www.avast.com completely free - and way better than nortons or mcafee...

It'll handle your day to day needs - add in spybot search and destroy - and you're pretty much solidly protected.

That's some solid advice, right there. Your router/firewall will protect you from most active attacks, largely because they won't be able to target your machine's IP address, but you still need anti virus and local firewall to protect you from all the passive attacks (software/browser exploits).

This is wireless right? Make sure you enable your wireless encryption.