Re: Linux firewall vs Windows and Hardware based firewalls

From: Robert Storey (y2kbug_at_ms25.hinet.net)
Date: 07/31/03

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    Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2003 20:50:21 +0800
To: debian-user@lists.debian.org

    On Thu, 31 Jul 2003 16:11:14 +1000
    "Andre Volmensky" <AndreV@datcom.com.au> wrote:

    > Hello all,
    >
    > I have to put forward an argument to management regarding setting up a
    > firewall on some of our clients networks.
    >
    > What are the advantages of a linux firewall over something like
    > Windows with WinRoute on it, or even a hardware based firewall. What
    > are the disadvantages etc. I know I am asking on a linux users mailing
    > list, but I would also like reply's not to be too bias.

    Everything I've ever read indicates that a hardware-based firewall is
    more secure and reliable than an PC operating system, be it Linux or
    Windows. A PC OS has to be complex because it has so many functions to
    perform, but that adds potential security holes and one can never close
    them all. Furthermore, Intel-based PCs have some well-known exploits
    (such as buffer overflows) which are a function of the hardware and
    there is no real cure because changing the CPU instructions would break
    backward compatibility. By contrast, a router operating system is very
    simple and designed to do only one thing, and the hardware (which has no
    moving parts) is more reliable and uses far less electricity than a PC.

    A Linux-based firewall is probably good enough for the average home
    hobbyist, but in a professional environment it doesn't pay to "save
    money" by recycling an old PC with Linux installed in place of a router.

    regards,
    Robert 

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