On Thu, 31 Jul 2003 16:11:14 +1000 "Andre Volmensky" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Hello all, > > I have to put forward an argument to management regarding setting up a > firewall on some of our clients networks. > > What are the advantages of a linux firewall over something like > Windows with WinRoute on it, or even a hardware based firewall. What > are the disadvantages etc. I know I am asking on a linux users mailing > list, but I would also like reply's not to be too bias. Everything I've ever read indicates that a hardware-based firewall is more secure and reliable than an PC operating system, be it Linux or Windows. A PC OS has to be complex because it has so many functions to perform, but that adds potential security holes and one can never close them all. Furthermore, Intel-based PCs have some well-known exploits (such as buffer overflows) which are a function of the hardware and there is no real cure because changing the CPU instructions would break backward compatibility. By contrast, a router operating system is very simple and designed to do only one thing, and the hardware (which has no moving parts) is more reliable and uses far less electricity than a PC. A Linux-based firewall is probably good enough for the average home hobbyist, but in a professional environment it doesn't pay to "save money" by recycling an old PC with Linux installed in place of a router. regards, Robert -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
