http://pcug.org.au/info/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Firewall_SoftwareFirewall Software - Revision history2026-04-26T17:59:00ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.39.17http://pcug.org.au/info/index.php?title=Firewall_Software&diff=622&oldid=prevRpeters: outlined packet-filtering firewalls2012-09-21T00:53:45Z<p>outlined packet-filtering firewalls</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>== Packet-Filtering v Router ==<br />
a perenniel question is whether it is preferable to run a packet-filtering style firewall on '''each''' workstation/laptop/pocket-PC or to use a '''single''' "hardware" router to protect the whole LAN<br />
=== Packet-Filtering ===<br />
==== Advantages ====<br />
*no additional hardware, cost, wattage<br />
*zero acreage<br />
==== Disadvantages ====<br />
*generally less "hardened"<br />
**many more background prolcesses need to be running to support user apps<br />
==== Linux ====<br />
Most Linux include a packet-filtering style firewall<br />
*usually activated, by default<br />
**but '''check'''<br />
*efficacy likely to be similar<br />
**based on iptables<br />
**may also include ip6tables and ebtables<br />
*administrative interface specific to distribution<br />
**"Guarddog" in KDE provides consistent interface<br />
<br />
==== Mac OSX ====<br />
citation needed<br />
==== Windows ====<br />
citation needed<br />
<br />
=== Gateway/Router ===<br />
Although these are typically a separate hardware item they are not necessarily an '''additional''' hardware item, often being combined with an ethernet switch and/or DSL modem<br />
==== Advantages ====<br />
*generally more "hardened"<br />
**by eliminating many background prolcesses that are not needed to support user apps<br />
*'''single''' point of installation, configuration and update<br />
*provides protection to "visiting" laptops etc <br />
==== Disadvantages ====<br />
*possible additional hardware, cost, wattage<br />
**although often combined in a single unit with modem and/or ethernet switch<br />
*sporadic updates for commercial units<br />
**OTOH frequent updates available for DIY units<br />
<br />
== Recommendations ==<br />
#most households now have more than one device accessing the Internet<br />
#*a separate Gateway/Router device makes sense in this scenario<br />
#portable devices (laptops, sub-compacts etc) should '''additionally''' have a filtering firewall enabled<br />
#*should not conflict with router, when at "home-base"<br />
For further recommendations see (Gateway_Router)<br />
<br />
[[User:Rpeters|Rpeters]]10:53, 21 September 2012 (EST)<br />
[[Category:Technical Info]]</div>Rpeters