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October 04, 2002

Lori's Linux

Well...for the umpteenth time, I've installed Red Hat (Linux). It's actually about my 10th time altogether (starting with Red Hat 4-something years ago). This time it was a completely customized install of RH7.2 server to use as a firewall.

I'm done with curious; now I'm serious. I installed only what I felt I needed for the machine's purpose. It's still a long way from actual use, but I just started with it this evening. The installation of the operating system was the easy part, so it's all uphill from here. The only way I was able to install just the necessary stuff was to promise myself that I would go to another computer show and scoop up another "play" box so I can install RH7.2 Workstation (and then reformat and install server) with all the bells and whistles on it. It will be much better to play with that behind the firewall.

Creating a firewall (and writing the rules) will be a snap. I've got experience on a number of different firewalls. In fact, the only classes I've ever had in the computer field were for firewalls (both of them). I've configured an IBM eNetworks firewall on AIX, Cisco PIX, Sidewinder, and now this one... The basic idea remains the same. The principles are the same (security is security - regardless of proxy or packet filtering). I'm looking forward to setting up Tripwire (a program that detects changes) - but that will have to wait until after a good night's sleep. I know how frustrating new things can be when you're tired...

The part that will probably be a bit tricky will be the connection to my ISP. They don't support Linux, so I'm on my own for that. Fortunately, I've already looked into this and found instructions for this online. My ISP allows you to connect with Linux, but they don't "support" it... *rolls eyes*

Anyway -- an adventure awaits... (plus, now I have an excuse to get another computer...)

Posted by BlueWolf on October 4, 2002 11:46 PM