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Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2002 10:43 am
by joekerrthejoker
I recently acquired another computer, and I plan to use it as a router on my home network. My question is, which operating system best acts as a router. I have downloaded Linux, and I already have Win2K. I have heard that Linux is the best, but I have no knowledge in that OS. I installed Mandrake Linux, and I couldn't figure out what the heck to do. So I just stuck 2K back on it. Any ideas people?

Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2002 11:57 am
by Spune
I ran an old 486 as router last year when I was still in Rez. A friend set up Linux router project on it for me and it was awesome. I turned it on and ignored it all year. It routed 7 of us over a single DSL line, we could play games at the same time download it didn't matter. It was fast all the time pings were a little highr but it wasn't a big deal. I vote you do like me and get your hands dirty in Linux. I still use windows most of the time but I find the time I spent in LInux worth it. Besides then I'll have someone else to help when linux has kicked my ass again and I need help! :wink:

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Spune on 2002-02-11 16:16 ]</font>

Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2002 5:07 pm
by Despite
Yep, the linux router project might be a good, quick and easy way to get a machine performing routing/nating duties for you. I suggest you check out http://www.freesco.org; that one's so simple I've got my dad using it.

Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2002 4:21 am
by Bruce
Take a look at OpenBSD - proactively secure and stable. I'm running 2.9 on cable at home with PPTP for access to work - works a treat. I have a lot more faith in the security of OpenBSD than I do in the security of Linux-based firewalls, and I've been using Linux lots longer than BSD.

I love being the contrarian :grin:

Bruce

Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2002 9:18 am
by Despite
I might have recommended OpenBSD too, but the guy admitted not being able to figure out what to do on Mandrake (no offense meant there, joekerrthejoker), and he only mentioned using it as a router, not specifically any firewalling. That's why I recommended a quick and easy one floppy solution.

Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2002 9:31 am
by Bruce
Good point.

Advice: don't use Mandrake on a router. Well, not unless you like unwelcome visitors on your network. :razz:

Bruce

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2002 10:23 am
by joekerrthejoker
I've looked at the OpenBSD website and it looks interesting. Maybe later. Anyways, if I were going to install a version of Linux, what kind would you recommend? RedHat? Open Linux? I have a bud who knows the ins and outs of Linux, and I can figure the OS out pretty well. I just need some time :smile: Oh, if you can tell me where I can get your suggested OS too that'd be great.

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2002 11:17 am
by Bruce
Whatever distribution/tool you pick to use, lock it down tight. Redhat defaults to having too much on, IMHO. LRP or Rock Linux might be good choices from the security point of view, but neither are the easiest to get started with - get your friend to give you a hand.

Also, have a look at these sites:

http://www.linuxjournal.com/article.php?sid=5693
http://www.freesco.org/
http://lrp1.steinkuehler.net/

Bruce

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Bruce on 2002-02-12 10:20 ]</font>

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2002 2:40 pm
by Tarkin
Forget LRP or Freesco... I've used both... lrp can be a PITA to set up... and The guys doing freesco haven't updated it in a long time... I ran Freesco for a year and was never rooted or anything...

If you really want a good router/firewall go to http://www.ipcop.org it has built in http://www.snort.org an intrusion detection system, runs off a 200 meg or greater HD, has a built in web proxy and most ports are all stealthed...

Ipcop rules over all those other routers... at the moment anyways

Later
Tarkin