Linux as Internet Gateway.

[JosephSJI]

Hi, i havent worked with linux before,as u can tell already im in the newbie's section, anyway, i need a little help here with something, im a network administrator, mostly working with cisco routers and windows 2003 server configured with ISA, i want to shift to linux, since its a free OS, offers more than windows 2003 server, and i have the time and resources to test it at my work place, i want to give it a try. Now ... this is what i want:

I want to use Linux OS(server or desktop editions) as Internet Gateway, i have less than 50 hosts (internet users) on my network, and i simpley want to know what is the most convenient linuxs distro for me to work with as a biggener to install, configure and administrating a linux OS(working as an Internet Gateway).

its a simple network, 50 users connected to a switch, the switch to a server(where i will run the linux OS), the server to a cisco router, the router to the internet line.

(PS : any tips on what do i need to be able to configure firewall rules and user activity monitering like im used to do with ISA on windows server 2003)

Thanks ahead.

[Rubberman]

You can use pretty much any current Linux distribution for this, but for such (even small) enterprise applications I would recommend Red Hat Enterprise Linux (or CentOS, which is same code base), or possibly Ubuntu Server Edition. RHEL/CentOS supports the SELinux (Security Enhanced Linux) extensions that provide very solid security for purposes such as you are stating.

[JosephSJI]

You can use pretty much any current Linux distribution for this, but for such (even small) enterprise applications I would recommend Red Hat Enterprise Linux (or CentOS, which is same code base), or possibly Ubuntu Server Edition. RHEL/CentOS supports the SELinux (Security Enhanced Linux) extensions that provide very solid security for purposes such as you are stating.

Thanks, but i heard that RHEL is not totally free, you have to buy it cuz it comes with support service(correct me if im wrong cuz im a linux newbie), so i think i'll be going for the CentOS, just one last Q, how hard my task gonna be on CentOS(for he goals i stated) since im a linux knob?

[oz]

Thanks, but i heard that RHEL is not totally free, you have to buy it cuz it comes with support service(correct me if im wrong cuz im a linux newbie), so i think i'll be going for the CentOS, just one last Q, how hard my task gonna be on CentOS(for he goals i stated) since im a linux knob?

Welcome to the forums!

Unless you want to pay for updates and support, I'd recommend sticking with CentOS. It's the same thing as RHEL, but without the RH logos and paid support channel. You'll be able to get updates with it as well. If the money is not an issue, RHEL might be the better choice.

[JosephSJI]

Welcome to the forums!

Unless you want to pay for updates and support, I'd recommend sticking with CentOS. It's the same thing as RHEL, but without the RH logos and paid support channel. You'll be able to get updates with it as well. If the money is not an issue, RHEL might be the better choice.

CentOS it is then. Thanks alot.

[Rubberman]

CentOS is in effect Red Hat Enterprise Linux, but with Red Hat's logos and such removed. It is kept closely in sync with Red Hat updates, usually within 48-72 hours. RHEL itself is available for download, but you need a service agreement to get official Red Hat support. However, they have a 30 day trial period so you can get started and have access to their tech support as you check the system out. After the 30 days lapse you can keep the OS, but you have to pay if you want anything but community support.

For firewall support, the default iptables in Linux will deal wtih most stuff very well. Check out the Security forum on this site for more information about that stuff.