firewall configuration

[Billie Joe]

hello guys,
first of all thanks very very much. I'm a complete newbie and I had much problem with configuration of usb flash memory, and by reading this forum I find how to make it work.
Now I have another doubt: in fact I want to configure a firewall for my pc. I read many posts in the security forum but I'm not yet sure. Is a firewall REALLY important in Linux? what feature I have to select in Mandrake configuration??

thanks

[daemonOS]

Unless you really need a extra firewall don't bother. A firewall is built into the OS and on top of that if you have a broadband router it acts as one also. So unless you are a freak about security or need it for work reasons I would say you don't really need a extra firewall. If would like look at Shorewall would be your choice of a firewall.
Squid would be your choice for a proxy.

[jeremy1701]

Well, DaemonOS is mostly correct. However, even though the default MDK config comes with a firewall (Shorewall), it's not on by default unless you told it to be on during installation. To easily set it up, go to MCC > Security > Firewall. This will start a wizard that will let you decide your level of security, open ports, etc...

Jeremy

[daemonOS]

Yes but you can also use shorewall as a independent firewall. Firewall belongs to the kernel version. Their are many other firewalls you can sub. I am using the Mandrake's network firewall on a IBM 486 and is fits my needs. Stand alone firewall/proxy are good things..