Why home firewall software is a leaky dike

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. That's doubly true when it comes to protecting computers that are connected to the internet. Anyone who thinks that a virtual firewall is enough to protect a PC from the dangers of the internet -- such as hacker attacks and unwanted contact with damaging programs -- is making a mistake.

The so-called personal firewall programs commonly used with home PCs are not comparable to the powerful firewalls used in companies or public organisations.

A recent test in the Munich-based computer magazine PC Professionell showed that the software often causes more problems than it solves. Not one of the six firewall programs the magazine tested, regardless of whether commercial or freeware, could prevent all attempts from the test programs at establishing outgoing connections between the PC and the internet.

Read the article HERE.

Build your own gateway firewall

Learn how to build your own gateway firewall using FreeBSD and old PC parts. The cost of this project should be between US$0 and US$200 depending on your resourcefulness.

Read the instuctions HERE.

Or, you may like to have a look at another of my favourites - IPCOP.

IPCop installation generally runs 25 minutes, and you can complete it with relatively modest hardware requirements. This document describes how to install the IPCop firewall and create a small home or office network.

Full set up details HERE.