You say you are running Zone Alarm 4.0. Is that the free version? If so, I know the free version is up to version 5 now so you may want to upgrade as there are probably a number of bug fixes in there.

Also, you went 2 weeks without a virus scanner, that is VERY dangerous. Even though you didn't have the cash to purchase one at the time you could have installed a free product such as AVG, and if I'm not mistaken McAfee and Norton offer short term trials of their AV products as well. It is a moot point now because you are protected.

The nice thing about buying a router is that there is typically a built-in hardware firewall. I think 95% of them come with built in 4 port switches too. If you ever needed extra ports you could always uplink the hub into as well. I use a Linksys home router and have never had a problem with it. I keep the code up to date and only ever open ports when I need them for a reason. It was a bit pricier than some of the others, but for the stability I've had I think it was worth it. My friend cheaped out on a DLink brand home router and has had on and off problems with it, although I have no idea how he configures it, he just complains a lot. Obviously 1 of each product is not reflective of the market either. I think whatever product you go for will do you. You can typically find review on site that sell hardware, such as ncix.com. Regardless of what you settle on keep the code up to date and keep it fairly locked down and you should be good. Best of luck.