How can I check for iptables?

imsam · 11-02-2004, 03:26 PM

Hi,

When I installed Linux I chose "No Firewall" option so that I would go through the process of installing and setting a firewall.

So my question is how do I know if iptables is installed or not?

When I type service iptables status, I get "Firewall is stopped". When I type iptables start, I get "Bad argument". When I type service iptables start, nothing happens.

I could use some help here.

imsam · 11-02-2004, 03:49 PM

Hi,

I figured out that iptables is installed on my test linux server. It tells me I have version 1.2.8? Is this the latest version? If not, how do I get the latest or most stable version?

By the way, I'm running Scientific Linux.

Tinkster · 11-02-2004, 03:49 PM

iptables -L
will list the rules.
If the firewall is inactive you should see:

Code:

Chain INPUT (policy ACCEPT)
target     prot opt source               destination         

Chain FORWARD (policy ACCEPT)
target     prot opt source               destination         

Chain OUTPUT (policy ACCEPT)
target     prot opt source               destination

Cheers,
Tink

imsam · 11-02-2004, 03:52 PM

Hi Tink,

That's exactly what I'm getting. So the firewall is inactive. How do I activate it?

Tinkster · 11-02-2004, 03:54 PM

By creating rules, I suppose ...

man iptables
for details ;)

Or have a look at the scripts on
http://www.linuxguruz.com/iptables/

Cheers,
Tink

imsam · 11-02-2004, 03:55 PM

Thanks Tink!!