donpick
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My client needs new firewall - need recommendation
My knowledge of firewalls is very limited.
I have a client who has a small medical office. In the office are 5 computers all running Windows 7 pro (yes, I will update these to Windows 10 )
The staff uses the computers for the usual things, medical billing using the Internet and Chrome browser, creating Word files, creating some spreadsheets, printing documents, receiving faxes , etc. All standard usual computer activities.
The current firewall is a Zywall USG 50 purchased way back in December 2012.
My client’s budget is limited. Getting him to pay for any computer equipment is a challenge.
Q1) What additional information do you need to make a recommendation for a firewall?
Q2) What firewall would you recommend and why?
David Johnson, CD
spare pc with 2 nics use pfsense or buy a negate firewall appliance
Beside David's recommendations I'd add two of them:
- I know it isn't strictly related to the topic but since you mentioned it... W11 is out. Use W11 instead of W10. Provided you'll update the Hardware too. With the same Hardware, W10 might be the only choice.
- I don't suggest you buy a new ZyXEL. I've worked with a couple (USGs) of them and didn't like the Brand.
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for myself, i always buy Asus boards (desktops)
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ASKER
Hello David Johnson:
You mentioned;
spare pc with 2 nics use pfsense or buy a negate firewall appliance
I know nothing about pfense or a negate firewall appliance . Perhaps you could send me a link to explain these things?
=======================
Hello David Favor:
You mentioned:
Or a cheap Linux box running iptables, with 1x NIC for input + 1x NIC for output.
Ok, what are iptables? How would I configure the linux box with 1x NIC for input and 1x nic for output?
What link would explain this?
How does this configuration help protect a network? You are a computer engineer. I am a glorified computer user. I would need extensive help to understand what to do.
================================
What thoughts do you have about this idea? (see link below)
https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/build-hardware-firewall-ipfire
You mentioned;
spare pc with 2 nics use pfsense or buy a negate firewall appliance
I know nothing about pfense or a negate firewall appliance . Perhaps you could send me a link to explain these things?
=======================
Hello David Favor:
You mentioned:
Or a cheap Linux box running iptables, with 1x NIC for input + 1x NIC for output.
Ok, what are iptables? How would I configure the linux box with 1x NIC for input and 1x nic for output?
What link would explain this?
How does this configuration help protect a network? You are a computer engineer. I am a glorified computer user. I would need extensive help to understand what to do.
================================
What thoughts do you have about this idea? (see link below)
https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/build-hardware-firewall-ipfire
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ASKER
Hello David Johnson:
Thank you for the link! I did not know this solution existed.
Thank you for the link! I did not know this solution existed.
ASKER
Thanks to all of you.
You're welcome!
Good luck!
Good luck!