Proxy Software vs. SonicWALL firewall

[nerdcore]

I recently started working as the IT guy for a company with 30+ client computers and a couple servers. We connect to the internet via a DSL line that comes directly into a Windows 2000 machine running Avirt Gateway Proxy software. This machine has dual nic cards and drops to a switch to which the client computers are connected. We don't run a web server or email server here, it is all outsourced. My question is: Is there any reason that this proxy server is necessary and wouldn't a SonicWALL Soho be way better as far as security? I have never really worked with a proxy server and am discouraged by the fact that i can't ping out from a client computer, and the settings on the proxy software only allow accept or deny over ports. I don't trust this configuration as I can browse the hard drive of the proxy server from the internet (with the domain admin password of course, but still...). So is switching to a hardware firewall worth the $1000? I am also planning on using the VPN capabilities to allow users access when on the road.
Any advice on this is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[patrick118]

I think you should take a look at a PIX 500 from cisco. Good firewall and will cost yu not more then 600 dollars. You got a good firewall in front of your proxy server. With VPN functions to stay home and work from there. Take a look

patrick