Physical PC Firewall

[HondaF1]

Hi,
I would like to setup a firewall for my home. I am not an expert on firewalls. But I believe that there are several methods. One is software, other is physical dedicated firewall equipment, and the other, a seperate PC box running software that controls the network internet connection for a group of computers. I am more interested in the last one mentioned. However, I have no clue as tow hich one is the best. Can someone help me out, preferably with the last one?


Thankyou

 

[MichaelD]

Hello,

For turning a PC into a hardware firewall, I'd post this over in Networking. Those guys have scary knowledge on this kind of thing.

I looked into it, but never followed thru (I have Symantec software firewall now...) but I remember them telling me that you could literally use a PII-300 box for a software firewall and that would be more than enough.

In order to use such an old box, I would guess that some form of Linux/Unix would go on the box...can't help you there, though. Post over there; you'll get results.

Good luck.

 

[JackMDS]

This is one way: Windows 2003 Server Trial

And this is the $9.99 way: Wireless 4 Port Cable/DSL Gateway Router, $9.99 after rebate.

And there is also the Penguin way: SmoothWall Express 2.

There is No Best, Good, or Bad way. :shocked:

The choice depends on your Network and what it is used for.

A combo of Cable/DSL Router and Firewall Software is the most common method in Use in Home and Small office Networks.

Link to: Basic Protection for Broadband Internet Installation.

Link to: Internet infestation -Or, how you are getting Internet ?Junk? in and compromise your Computer/Network?

:sun:

 

[MichaelD]

:Q Whoa.

"....And one of Networking Gods did swoop down from the sky like a vengeful Phoenix, but destruction it did not bring...It brought The Knowledge of The Gods to Mankind..."


:beer:<---for you, JackMDS

 

[HondaF1]

So are you saying that a PC firewall i.e. SmoothWall is no better than or worse than a router?

I am just a home user, but I do have some junk PC's lying around and could make use of them.

So, for a PC firewall, I am guessing that this is the setup:?

DSL modem to SmoothWall PC on one ethernet card, 2nd ethernet card on SmoothWall PC sends out to router, router caters to home network?

THe Smoothwall PC will need 2 network cards?

 

[InlineFive]

Originally posted by: MichaelD
:Q Whoa.

"....And one of Networking Gods did swoop down from the sky like a vengeful Phoenix, but destruction it did not bring...It brought The Knowledge of The Gods to Mankind..."


:beer:<---for you, JackMDS

Yeah, he has that effect on people. 🙂 It's something to do with that fact that he studies NeuroRehabilitation. I think he knows a good deal on how the human mind works and then he phrases things so that we can better comprehend them.

:sun:

 

[HondaF1]

Does a box dedicated as a firewall running firewall software have the exact same function (and effectiveness) as a seperate hardware firewall?

 

[JackMDS]

There are differences.

Being a full computer with software the Computer Firewall can do more and can be added to change and reconfigure easily.

However being a regular computer with every thing running in software might be more prone to attacks and hacking than embedded hardware Firewall.

Hardware Firewall doing every thing in Hardware would be faster then a computer doing every thing with software.

For home and small Network, Since Cable/DSL Routers are less then $20. A combo of Cable/DSL Router and regular Software Firewall (many are free) on each computer seems to be the preferred way.

For businesses that working with Windows platform, there is a Software Firewall that works together with the server (Windows2003), and provide very flexible protection power full protection.

Link to: ISAserver.

There are also High level complicated hardware Firewall and Software servers for other OS platforms. Each has Pros and Cons and the choice is made according to the specific envioroment and the security needs, and financial consideration.

:sun: