Hosting a game behind a firewall.

Hi there, I have come back to this game (M:TW/VI) after a long break, and looked into the Guild again. I have also joined a Total War clan. This is a great forum, it reads like a good novel.
I have been reading the 'Beginner's guide to multiplayer' at Totalwars.net, (although it is posted in this forum aswell) & it says that I can host a game from behind a firewall: " There is a workaround, but a rather tricky one. If you are not a technical expert it is not recommended that you try it." But the author does not elaborate. I would like to try despite this advice.
I am no expert....I am a novice.
Is anyone interested in trying to explain to me (& other readers of this) in simple terms how to do this, please? I would love to host my own m/p games, instead of just joining in others.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
In the "New, please read this first" thread, Mithrandir (a moderator) says: All usser accounts on the old UBB board were given member status when they were converted over to the new board.
Well, my profile says I have 3 posts from the old board where I first registered, but I was not converted to a member. Why not then?
As I am listed as a new patron, I am not even allowed to view my own posts! Don't take this the wrong way, I am just curious. Maybe a moderator knows an answer.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
In 'My Profile' there is an area called 'Group Memberships'. Is this where I can add the clan I belong to? If so, as a new patron it is not accessible. Is it opened up to members? If not here, then where do I add my clan to my profile?
Responses will be appreciated, thankyou. :inquisitive:

1) Cool sig :thumbsup:

2) I'll find you a link with instructions on hosting behind a firewall (not at-hand right now, but I'm sure we have that info). What brand firewall do you have?

3) Your profile shows a registration date of 2 July 04. We may have missed you in the forum software transition that happened in August. Mithrander's post actually refers to a forum "jump" of 2 years ago. Rest assured that you are now on my radar for advancement to Senior Patron (and the subsequent opening up of more options on this board).

4) What clan are you a member of? Many clan members add their affiliation into their sig's; perhaps you'll want to try that.

in regards to the link with instructions for hosting a m/p game behind a firewall, thankyou, I wait in anticipation of your reply.
I have just the standard Microsoft firewall.
Good idea, I've put my clan in my sig. But the cool sig of before has now gone, as I read advice that large pics create difficullties for readers. :book:

Thankyou KukriKhan for the advancement to Senior Patron.

Welcome. Finally found what I hope is a helpful link about firewalls, hosting and gamespy

http://www.gamespyarcade.com/support/firewalls.shtml

[I]Thankyou KukriKhan, that was exactly the answer I was looking for.
My M/P gaming will be a lot more enjoyable now that I can host games, instead of just joining others.
Again, thankyou very much. :idea: :jumping: ~:thumb:

Cool beans m8. Sorry it took so long. Remember, when you see me on the player list: be gentle, I'm new ~D