GeneralThis forum is for non-technical general discussion which can include both Linux and non-Linux topics. Have fun!
Notices
Welcome to LinuxQuestions.org, a friendly and active Linux Community.
You are currently viewing LQ as a guest. By joining our community you will have the ability to post topics, receive our newsletter, use the advanced search, subscribe to threads and access many other special features. Registration is quick, simple and absolutely free. Join our community today!
Note that registered members see fewer ads, and ContentLink is completely disabled once you log in.
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us. If you need to reset your password, click here.
Having a problem logging in? Please visit this page to clear all LQ-related cookies.
Get a virtual cloud desktop with the Linux distro that you want in less than five minutes with Shells! With over 10 pre-installed distros to choose from, the worry-free installation life is here! Whether you are a digital nomad or just looking for flexibility, Shells can put your Linux machine on the device that you want to use.
Exclusive for LQ members, get up to 45% off per month. Click here for more info.
Don't waste your time with configuring a firewall on Linux when it is a computer that is alway behind a firewall, such as your home PC behind your home router, or when you have no particularly important information on your laptop. If you keep the services that listen on the network to a minimum and have a decently secure password, you can forget your firewall. I personally have no personal computer, laptop or smartphone with a firewall running. I have, however, a home router with a well-configured firewall.
I have a DSL modem. Is that a time of router ?
I recall that the modem required a long number when I set it up.
You're best to tell us the brand/model details. Many units are combined modem router devices. If your computer gets a DHCP assigned local (private) IP address when you connect the unit, it is doing the routing to the internet. Does it have LAN ports?
A home consumer grade modem is generally not a firewall in any sense of the word. To be certain, you'd need to RTFM your own modem's manual.
You will sometimes see the term, "firewall router." In my experience, home "firewall routers" are not worth relying on. A home router is not at all in the same league as a firewall appliance.
What is commonly referred to as a "firewall router" is a firewall only in the sense that the public ip address is different from the the LAN ips on the devices behind it. If you have any open incoming ports on that "firewall router," for all practical purposes, it is not a firewall.
The WPA key is irrelevant. That is needed to establish your connection. Once the connection is established, it is available to be exploited.
I wouldn't follow the advice you quoted. Firewalls are not foolproof.
Many DSL modems, like mine, are modem/router combos that includes its own firewall. If you can give us the brand and model (and model number) we might be able to help you configure it.
Will High let me still surf the net, email, etc ??
Quote:
Maximum Security High security level only allows basic Internet functionality. Only Mail, News, Web, FTP, and
(High): IPSEC are allowed. All other traffic is prohibited.
Typical Security Like High security, Medium security only allows basic Internet functionality by default.
(Medium): However, Medium security allows customization through NAT configuration so that you can
enable the traffic that you want to pass.
Will High let me still surf the net, email, etc ??
You're welcome, Andy.
From what I see, there is no difference between the two in terms of default settings but the medium setting allows for "customization through NAT configuration."
A home consumer grade modem is generally not a firewall in any sense of the word. To be certain, you'd need to RTFM your own modem's manual.
You will sometimes see the term, "firewall router." In my experience, home "firewall routers" are not worth relying on. A home router is not at all in the same league as a firewall appliance.
What is commonly referred to as a "firewall router" is a firewall only in the sense that the public ip address is different from the the LAN ips on the devices behind it. If you have any open incoming ports on that "firewall router," for all practical purposes, it is not a firewall.
But, most (all?) modem / router firewalls come with preset firewalls that block all incoming ports by default. Even those that don't, provide NAT for hooking up the LAN, so unless you configure explicit port forwarding, the local network is sealed off from the internet.
LinuxQuestions.org is looking for people interested in writing
Editorials, Articles, Reviews, and more. If you'd like to contribute
content, let us know.
