[NTLUG:Discuss] Firewalls updated

[Douglas King]

Just wanted to let you guys know, I have been a fairly avid user of both 
the Smoothwall and IP Cop firewalls.  Here is what I have found out with 
the two packages.


Smoothwall - the first and original easy and FREE GUI Linux based firewall 
I found.  Good firewall, however doesn't support very many NIC's.  Also, 
Smoothwall has a pot load of updates....you need to watch this firewall for 
updates.  The update frequency almost reminds me of Windows update!  :-)

IP Cop - forked originally from the Smoothwall code.  These guys are a LOT 
more friendly when it comes to support....PLUS IP Cop supports a bunch more 
network cards than Smoothwall does.  Has regular updates, but not near as 
many as Smoothwall.

I installed BOTH firewalls on the exact same box.  IP Cop found BOTH 
network cards when Smoothwall only found the common 3Com card in the 
box.  So....other than the Corporate Server put out by Smoothwall, I 
personally use the IPCop firewall for many firewall requirements.