Network Security

[Jedakiah]

Hey Jakeypoo and kjuibins, I need your help!  You guys got me looking into installing a linux firewall box on my network.  However I have a plethora of questions that I wouldn't trust anyone else to answer (that means no posting in my thread Gid). 

• What version of Linux should I install?
• Is it reasonable to expect my ping to drop and me speeds to suffer?
• What hardware would you recommend?
• The primary thing I'd like is for this box to do all the virus scanning... is that possible?

Once I get it setup I may have a few setup questions.  That is all. 

[benji]

I don't claim to be any expert, but I've had mild success with IPCop http://sourceforge.net/projects/ipcop/ don't ask me tho...i didn't set it up..only modified a few things on a box already running it fine

[Jedakiah]

Thank you sir. 

[Gidgidonihah]

And while you're at it, put dansguardian on and stop the prawn.

[Kjuib]

did you call me a cuban?

Anywhy... Depends if you are looking for just a gateway/router, then sourceforge has some distros that focus just on those things like routing and virus goods.
If you want to play around with what cool things linux offers maybe try your hand at a web server, then go ahead and try Ubuntu

Hardware-wise any old box will do. The thing you want the best is make sure the network card is good. You should not expect any performance loss... (unless you set your virus scanning to check every packet and what not)

There... now I just explained the world to you with our any references of why you should believe me... woot!


wait! here is my references: 

[b.ho]

man, those cactuar work 24/7.  miss miss!!

[Jakestaby]

Anywhy... Depends if you are looking for just a gateway/router, then sourceforge has some distros that focus just on those things like routing and virus goods.
If you want to play around with what cool things linux offers maybe try your hand at a web server, then go ahead and try Ubuntu

Hardware-wise any old box will do. The thing you want the best is make sure the network card is good. You should not expect any performance loss... (unless you set your virus scanning to check every packet and what not)

There... now I just explained the world to you with our any references of why you should believe me... woot!


wait! here is my references: 

I agree completely.  There are even some live CD's that you can put into any old box and run a firewall from bootup.

Ubuntu is definitely a good place to start.  Very user/noobie friendly and most of the stuff is easily configurable.  A router doesn't require much (mine is a P2), but I would definitely make sure you have a good network cards.  The performance is the same between my Linksys and my Linux box.

[Jedakiah]

If you want to play around with what cool things linux offers maybe try your hand at a web server, then go ahead and try Ubuntu

That was the other thing, I would like to setup a web server because I have no idea how some of that stuff works.  And it would prove a useful education for my job. 

A Pentium 2 you say?  I do have a plethora of old boxes.  But since this will be my parents money, I'm more thinking of a buying one of those cheap servers.  Or just getting a $200 box but upgrading my network backbone to "compensate for the loss in speed". 

And I will be able to setup a virus scanner? 

EDIT: Okay, I know it will be more complicated but I got to thinking some more and here is what I've come up with.  A headache.  Other than that I also have a few thoughts. 

Could I completely replace my router with a box?  I know it is possible with a switch but I will also want optimum network speeds, especially for wireless. 

I'm trying to come up with a cheap way to build a kick ass server with my parents money & upgrade my network to 1000/100 & Wireless B, G & N. 

Oooo, while I'm on that topic according to my understanding I can install speed booster on my Wireless G laptop. Has anyone done that?  If so was there a real speed boost?  Since my computer is not connected to the network I have to copy all my downloads with a USB drive, and I don't get that great of speeds. 

[Gidgidonihah]

did you call me a cuban?

No.  Kjuiban.

[Kjuib]

did you call me a cuban?

Kjuib is the most cooliest guy in the WORLD! w00t for Kjuib! Kjuib rocks my face off!

ahh... thanks gid.

oh.. and this... 

[Jakestaby]

If you want to play around with what cool things linux offers maybe try your hand at a web server, then go ahead and try Ubuntu

Could I completely replace my router with a box?  I know it is possible with a switch but I will also want optimum network speeds, especially for wireless.

Yes, you just need to put a good wireless card in your Linux box.

[Jedakiah]

EDIT: Okay I'm noticing a problem.  If I was to setup my Linux box as my router

a) Can I connect to the computer's shared files over the network?
b) The wireless network will than be a computer-to-computer won't it? Doesn't that have disadvantages? 

Through my research I think I already know the answers, but it never hurts to ask. 

[Jedakiah]

A reply would be great, I was two seconds away from purchasing all this crap yesterday but I'm waiting on a reply. 

[Jakestaby]

a) Can I connect to the computer's shared files over the network?
b) The wireless network will than be a computer-to-computer won't it? Doesn't that have disadvantages?

Yes.
No.  It will be an AP just like your Linksys.

[Jedakiah]

Okay, I read about setting ubuntu up as an AP.  But I wasn't sure if that would be smart or not. 

I'll just have to figure the rest out.  It has been a while since I touched Linux.