im using the built in FW im MDK 10.1 and i would like to know if it would be better to run a hardware firewall. i have the D-Link DI-604

Each has it's uses..

One advantage of your own firewall script is that it can be tuned, really well..
and the hardware device? Who knows what's in there..

One disadvantage of your own firewall script is that it wasn't written by an expert, so it may have holes in it.. Big holes.. And the hardware device? Who knows?

It's only going to be a big problem if you expose connections to the internet, eg run servers.. Then the problem moves to the quality/security of the server/software..

You could always use both, but the real weaknesses are bad passwords, bad configurations and users who don't care.

If you're just a workstation, it's relatively easy to block NEW incoming connections.
That's a good start. Anything more complicated and you'll need to do some study..
eg an iptables example.. http://wiki.linuxquestions.org/wiki/..._a_workstation

oh. i think i will use my hardware firewall from dlink. thanks for refreshing my memory of that the script firewall most likely has BIG holes. and also shorewall could crash w/o me knowing or while im away and if my hardware firewall one "crashed" it would lock all ports or turn off>


lol........ ON MY KEYBOARD NOW. when the CAPS lock is on it will to lower case adn when it is off it will to UPPER....lol time for a reboot. after 2 months

I prefer to trust what I can examine or prove..

So I stick with writing rules.

A quick solution is to use a script that has been tested.
The one on the LQ Wiki is just fine for a workstation..
And also set up some blocks in the DLink box.

Being a little paranoid can help, but use both tools wisely and you'll be ok!

what would u do?

run both shorewall and a hardware FW or just the hardware firewall

Run shorewall.

It is written by a very knowledgable and dedicated man who supports it better than any other piece of softare I know.

The shorewall-users mailing list is one of the best places i've found to learn about iptables firewalling information which I'll probably never have the opportunity to use. This iptables frontend can be very simple or highly sophisticated, depending on your needs.

The support info is at:

Shorewall-users mailing list
Post: Shorewall-users@lists.shorewall.net
Subscribe/Unsubscribe: https://lists.shorewall.net/mailman/...horewall-users
Support: http://www.shorewall.net/support.htm
FAQ: http://www.shorewall.net/FAQ.htm

It's the old belt-and-suspenders thing. You might as well use both HW and Shorewall as they are both pretty easy to set up for a home system.