I have a quick question I was hoping someone had some experience with. Well two actually.

I have 2 x 2.2+ GHz machines that are both running WinXP Pro that sit behind a SMC Barricade Router with built in ADSL modem. Both run FProt and ZoneAlarm...

First, Is it worth converting a spare 166MHz machine to act as a router to sit either between the router and the boxers or in front of the router? and if so which is the best way round - topographically?

Secondly, I am intending on converting a fourth machine into an apache server, probably with RedHat, doing any prep coding etc on the XP machines where I can use photoshop, dreamweaver etc and then upload them onto the RedHat machine which I perceive to be more securable as a host.

If I forward all traffic to a closed or HTTP porton the RedHat machine that is initiated from the internet, and blockconnections from the IP of the redhat machine from the two WinXP machines (allowing them to intiate calls through the router to the internet but not to have any traffic to the "open" machine) have I effectively screened of the XP machines from the internet

Does this make sense or am I barking up the wrong tree?

Your thoughts would very much be appreciated.
Best wishes

Simon