If there’s one thing I like, it’s good, free software. I started using m0n0wall as my home firewall/NAT gateway a few weeks ago, and I’m completely in love with it.
m0n0wall is a small (<4MB) FreeBSD distribution that can be run from a compact flash card. It has a beautiful and intuitive PHP-based web interface for configuring and tweaking firewall rules and other settings. It’s got more features than you can shake a stick at, and it’s very professional and polished. As an added bonus, it’ll even act as an 802.11b gateway if you’ve got the right hardware.
It’s what’s running on the little gray box buried underneath all those Linksys boxes in this picture. If you’re looking for a quick, easy firewall solution, I highly recommend m0n0wall.
Comments
Nice and tidy
I wish I had known about that before. When my mates and I moved into our flat I was left to build the firewall/router and used Slackware and iptables to set it up. I could only get one NIC working at a time meaning I couldn't ssh in and had to stay huddled up behind the sofa doing the work on the box itself, NAT is a nightmare! I must have been there for two days, pr0n is worth it though! :)
Shameless plug
m0n0wall
I have been using m0n0wall for about 6 months now and Im loving it. Went over to this computer store that buys up old equipment from people and got 400mhz for about $50. Put two NICs in it and its been running with only one lockup and I think it was due to a power spike.
m0n0wall is the answer
I kind of went overkill with my m0n0wall and use it in a 733mhz. Hey, it was free. I have 3 nic's in it, running crossover to a computer upstairs and another to a linksys 16 port switch. Never one problem with my connections. 5.2mb down consistantly running 3 hardwired pc's, wireless laptop, XBOX 360 and PS2. Can't complain one bit.