Topic: newbie question : firewall & e-smith

[Thierry Bucco]

Hi,

I have some questions...

I have a linux box with e-smith installed.

I use e-smith as a server and gateway. The linux box is on a LAN and we pass through it to connect to Internet. There is an ADSL modem (alcatel speedtouch) plugged in the USB port.

We use also e-smith as a file server.

My question is :

Must I install a firewall to protect all my files ?
What is the best way to have my configuration secure, what must I change (add an ethernet card, separate file server and gateway,...)

All advices will be appreciated.

Sorry for my poor english and thanks a lot for your help.

Thierry

[Bill Talcott]

You have an SME and another Linux box? I got confused by your post...

SME is a firewall. With only that between your LAN and your connection, it's pretty secure. However, I don't think SME supports USB modems yet, so you wouldn't be able to plug the modem directly into the SME. If you could get a modem with an Ethernet port, you'd be all set.

FYI, "Server & Gateway" mode is designed for a small business or something, where you want people to be able to access your web server and stuff. "Private Server & Gateway" is made more for a situation like home users, where almost everything is not available from the internet side (basically internet sharing with a few local services).