If I choose the paranoid mode, will I be able to connect to the internet? I've never chosen anything beyond the standard mode, since I want to connect to everything. But how safe am I with standard? I personally want it to be as safe as possible, but I don't want too many restrictions, like not being able to download Firefox or receive files people send me in aMSN. Is it possible to change security setting after installation? If so, where is it done?

Hi.

I can't speak on the Mandrake firewall tool, but I can recommend "shorewall" (shorewall.net).

They probably both manipulate the iptables utility anyway, but shorewall gives you limitless configurations instead of the four or five you see in distro firewall tools like those in Redhat (and probably Mandrake).

Also, you can go with manipulating iptables yourself <shudder>. I wouldn't recommend

I see. Thanks a lot for the advice. But is the Mandrake firewall bad?

I doubt the Mandrake firewall is bad per se, but it can't meet the needs of every individual. It essentially has to generalize, meaning that if you choose the highest level of security you might block something, and with the lowest you could be letting something in. That's why you might want to go for a script to ask you questions so you can get that "personalized" protection.

I highly doubt that Mandrake will cripple you for putting it on paranoid. I'd try it out and see if all of your applications work - just take special note of file sharing apps like bittorrent or mldonkey clients, instant messaging clients, and apps that need the internet like karamba.