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Untangle and Open DNS review:
What is Untangle? ( )
It is a free open source project, which allows you to create and load a CD which completely configures and dedicates a PC (it is its own operating system)
The user interface is very simple and straightforward. A gui of an equipment rack with various appliances is shown. The following functions are available: (This is the free package, other functions can be paid for))
Spam Blocker
Phish Blocker
Spyware Blocker
Web Filter
Virus Blocker
Intrusion Prevention
Protocol Control
Attack Blocker
Reports
DNS server (not on rack)
Firewall (which I am not using)
OpenVPN(which I am not using)
I have been using Untangle for a few weeks now to filter web access of around 15 users. Installation was extremely easy, plugging the Untangle box IN and OUT Ethernet jacks between the existing firewall and the users, then turning off the existing firewall webfilter function (Netscreen 5GT). I could have left the Netscreen webfilter on, but it did something along with the Untangle filter to limit the data throughput to 1mbit/sec. With the Netscreen filter turned off the throughput is around 4mbit/sec (close to the DSL speed).
No glitches have been noted. The spam filter was grabbing real messages, even in lowest mode, but this may be because mail has already been filtered with a very good Barracuda box. I changed it from Quar to Tag and left it alone. Other filters are working without problems.
Untangle is an excellent example of good software and great user interface.
Note: Untangle is picky about the exact hardware that it will work on. Ok with most IDE motherboards, most SATA, but not many Raid or Server Raid setups (yet!). Certain networks cards do not get along.
Hardware: P4 3ghz, 1gb ram, 40gb HD
Untangle version 5.2
What is OpenDNS: ( )
A replacement for often slow and unreliable internet provider DNS servers.
You can just plug in the dns numbers (208.067.222.222 , 208.067.220.220) on the users desktop and be done, or you can register (free!) so that they recognize your ip adr. When registered you can check off a couple dozen categories such as Porn, games, etc. to block. This works well and is elegantly designed. Individual domains can also be white or blacklisted.
I set my users desktop primary DNS to point to the Untangle DNS server (secondary to OpenDNS), and have the Untangle DNS server also pointed to Open DNS. Since they work from 2 different databases, the coverage is enhanced. I found the Untangle blocking to be very good and Open DNS (by itself) to be maybe 80% effective.
gr
What is Untangle? ( )
It is a free open source project, which allows you to create and load a CD which completely configures and dedicates a PC (it is its own operating system)
The user interface is very simple and straightforward. A gui of an equipment rack with various appliances is shown. The following functions are available: (This is the free package, other functions can be paid for))
Spam Blocker
Phish Blocker
Spyware Blocker
Web Filter
Virus Blocker
Intrusion Prevention
Protocol Control
Attack Blocker
Reports
DNS server (not on rack)
Firewall (which I am not using)
OpenVPN(which I am not using)
I have been using Untangle for a few weeks now to filter web access of around 15 users. Installation was extremely easy, plugging the Untangle box IN and OUT Ethernet jacks between the existing firewall and the users, then turning off the existing firewall webfilter function (Netscreen 5GT). I could have left the Netscreen webfilter on, but it did something along with the Untangle filter to limit the data throughput to 1mbit/sec. With the Netscreen filter turned off the throughput is around 4mbit/sec (close to the DSL speed).
No glitches have been noted. The spam filter was grabbing real messages, even in lowest mode, but this may be because mail has already been filtered with a very good Barracuda box. I changed it from Quar to Tag and left it alone. Other filters are working without problems.
Untangle is an excellent example of good software and great user interface.
Note: Untangle is picky about the exact hardware that it will work on. Ok with most IDE motherboards, most SATA, but not many Raid or Server Raid setups (yet!). Certain networks cards do not get along.
Hardware: P4 3ghz, 1gb ram, 40gb HD
Untangle version 5.2
What is OpenDNS: ( )
A replacement for often slow and unreliable internet provider DNS servers.
You can just plug in the dns numbers (208.067.222.222 , 208.067.220.220) on the users desktop and be done, or you can register (free!) so that they recognize your ip adr. When registered you can check off a couple dozen categories such as Porn, games, etc. to block. This works well and is elegantly designed. Individual domains can also be white or blacklisted.
I set my users desktop primary DNS to point to the Untangle DNS server (secondary to OpenDNS), and have the Untangle DNS server also pointed to Open DNS. Since they work from 2 different databases, the coverage is enhanced. I found the Untangle blocking to be very good and Open DNS (by itself) to be maybe 80% effective.
gr