Hi.

I got a question about SmoothWall. I recently just completed setting it up and was wondering if there was a way to "check" to see if it was actually working (although I am sure it is): protecting my home network from the Internet? The main reason I am asking is that I was to be sure it is protecting the computers as I am considering uninstalling the software firewalls from my computers.

Thanks for any help.
Robert2513

Well, one way would be to visit one of many sites that offer free 'security check' - let them scan you and see what they find. For example, www.testmyfirewall.com or www.grc.com (look for shields up).

Also, look at your smoothwall logs - it shouldn't take long before it reports a scan or something I would say my firewall logs something less then every 10 minutes on average.

I wouldn't worry too much about it though. With Smoothwall it's not like you had to edit the rules by hand or anything. If it's installed and sharing the connection, then it *is* working!

www.dslreports.com/scan
and
https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2
will also perform these types of scans
although shields up may report that port 136 ( I think )
is open - ignore
this is because you are connected to their site
at least thats what I'm told by the people at smoothwall
make sure that your computer behind the smoothie also has a firewall enabled
I use Tiny firewall ( on Win 98 ) cos its free and it tells you who wants to connect out to the net and that can be a an eye-opener

live long and prosper
floppy

Thanks for the websites.

I ran the firewall checkers and SmoothWall seems to be working.

Now, I got another question. I know that SmoothWall has VPN built into it but was wondering, can it be used so that I could connect my laptop to my home network when I am away from home? The reason I am asking is that on some websites I read that in order for the VPN to work I need another SmoothWall box.

Thanks again.
Robert2513