When I asked in the PC forums, is a 233 Mhz CPU and 128 Megs of ram sufficient for a external, firewall?, was advised it is more than enough, and probably not realy the go for normal home computing.
Again we have the dilema, I assume speed is essential to get data out, and many of us connect to the betting agencies to put our bets thru. Again, a non relatable issue to the PC advice forums, but a issue to a punter, relying bets have to be processed efficiently to get out thru the line.

I dont' feel it is right to use a older 486 pc with 32 megs of ram as advised. It just don't feel right. Probably is ok normaly.
So the question basicaly is, would there be a minimum requirement of CPU speed and RAM for external firewall, when speed in this industry is a consideration ?
We only want to get a bet put thru, nothing much more is important, is there...?
Except to win the bet ofcourse.

Comments ?


[ This Message was edited by: puntz on 2004-01-16 07:10 ]

Puntz,

I am assuming you would be using a Linux PC for your firewall? If so then 486 with 32MB RAM would be fine. The limiting factor on getting the bet out is not the processor speed of the firewall but rather the speed of your internet connection.

__________________
"Computers can do that????" - Homer Simpson

Using Linux or any other OS for firewall is not the issue at this point. I think, no matter what PC is used for firewall, they all have basic components in the hardware section.
Connections is ADSL.

This is why I am interested in the "next step",setting up racing computers and ADSL combined and getting it right.

Sure, there are software firewalls to simply install.
But 3rd party software compromised system settings. Therefore an external firewall is the next option ?


[ This Message was edited by: puntz on 2004-01-31 00:12 ]

Hi Puntz,

I have been a systems/network administrator in the past, and have done all this work for my current company....

I used to use a wonderful piece of software called iproute for my routing and firewall. It ran on a 286 with only a floppy drive and a hercules monitor... it was a dedicated piece of software... It was a very good firewall.... I believe it's no longer available in it's old form, but is available as the basis of a "dedicated firewall"... you can't go past it as far as I'm concerned.

At home, on the M$ platform, I use Sygate Personal Firewall... It is an excellent piece of software, and more than adequate for my home network... It requires almost no knowledge to setup and use, and I haven't been able to break past it's security yet...

Cheers,
Chris.

G'day Punz, Becareful, Stebbo and all others on this forum.
I run AVG 6 antivirus and Zone alarm firewall,both of which are free for personal use.I was told by a hightech comp. techo that these two are quite sufficient for the everyday user. I am quite happy with both.The antivirus updates automatically and is easy to set up as is the firewall.
My question to you all is, what other type of safety program should one use.????Spyybot, window washer, or some other program that can eliminate tell tale trails and stop spyware....???Would be most interested to hear some views...

Regards Enjay
:-? :-? :-?

enjay,

Lavasoft- Ad-ware http://www.lavasoft.nu/support/download/

Iv'e used it for ages, and recommend it.

Cheers

Hi All,

I would strongly recommend NOT to use lavasoft Ad-Aware... I will preface the rest of my statements with the fact that I haven't used it on XP, but I installed an earlier version on win98 and it completely stuffed up my internet access.....

this occurred because it detected a non-standard FTP stack, one that was designed to access the non-standard IP addresses, and when I uninstalled the other program (as recommended by adaware), no more internet... it took some very intricate manoeveres (?) to get my internet back....

If you use a personal firewall... simply remove all permissions for all applications, then watch what applications ask for permission to access the Internet... a little bit of common sense will tell you if you have spyware or a malignant program on your disk.

Cheers,
Chris.

Chris,

I've been using it for well over a year now and was recommended to me by the guy that builds my computers ( I'm currently running 3 on a home network ) .

I have a lot of friends that use it and everyone are happy with it???????????

cheers

Lavasoft- Ad-ware is a good program but i have found that it won't find all types of ads if you use the pro version you get a few extra programs like ad watcher but this is not free i have a list of free programs that i provide to anyone that needs security they are the best ther is for free some have all ready been mentioned...one of the mos important programs you need is a trojan scanner...most anti virus programs will not find trojans your firewall will detect one in use but won't remove it....trojans are bad they allowe people to see everything on your computer inclueding passwords account numbers in this list you will find a couple of sites to test your securoty put them to good use
LIST OF FREE SECURITY TOOLS:
FREE ANTI-VIRUS SCANNER: http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php
FREE FIREWALL: http://www.zonelabs.com/store/conte...reeDownload.jsp
FREE TROJAN SCANNER: https://onesecond-128.bit-encryptio...itdownload.html
FIREWALL & SECURITY TEST SITE: http://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2 Test your firewall after installation.
ANTI-VIRUS TEST SITE: http://www.eicar.org/anti_virus_test_file.htm


[ This Message was edited by: Shaun on 2004-01-17 00:08 ]

SHAUN,
I'm running the current NORTON anti virus,
doesn't this also pick up trojans ( not worried about the Greeks )

Cheers