SmoothWall Setup, NICs, advice please....

[emmahip]

I'm planning on setting up a fairly basic PC with SmoothWall to use as the primary firewall, connected to ADSL for 30 users.
What I need is some advice on what NICs to get and any tips on setting up SmoothWall.

Thanks for any help(Linux novice!)

 

[sleipnir214]

The Smoothwall install program is pretty bright, so it usually goes smoothly. I recommended it to a friend who used it to set up a firewall and VPN across DSL, connecting 5 offices, and he just raves about it.

The secret with Linux (any version) is to not succumb to the very real temptation of buying the cheapest hardware you can find. Linux will run on almost anything, but the ease of installation is directly proportional to the ease of driver installation, and no OS distribution can possibly have the drivers for everything.

As far as NICs go, I've always had good success with 3Com's venerable 3C905. ______________________________________________________________________
TANSTAAFL!

 

[emmahip]

Thanks sleipnir214 -

Do you recommend the 3C905CX-TX-M (management) or 3C905CX-TX-NM (no management), version of the 3com card? They seem to be the same price(?)

:>)

 

[sleipnir214]

Honestly, the last time I bought hardware the only choice was 3C908-TX.

It really depends on whether you think you're going to need the management functions. ______________________________________________________________________
TANSTAAFL!

 

[sleipnir214]

correction.

That's "the only choice was 3C905-TX".

Teach me to preview before I post. ______________________________________________________________________
TANSTAAFL!