router and ports

[cronus1914]

I know that to get things like ftp and irc to work with your router you need to forward ports. My question is why don't I have to do this with thigs like web browsers and aol instant messenger? Why don't I have to forward the ports for those applications?

BiLL

[aussieolie2]

Usually browsers such as IE can autodetect ports. Other apps require you enter in the port no.
Im not quite sure if you need to forward ports, you might need to open and close them.

Olie