I recently got a DSL modem through Verizon (which is a story by itself) so I disconnected my G4 from my "home network" which includes a 5-port hub connected to a LaserJet 4050 and a variety of other computers (older Macs running 7.5.3 and 8.6 and also PCs running 2000 and XP). So now I want to connect it again but I want to make sure that my home network is completely safe from the outside world (I'm running the built-in firewall on my G4 through BrickWall on 10.2.8 ).
So what is the best way of doing this? It would be nice if the various computers on my network could access the internnet (when the G4 is on) but that is not absolutely neccessary. BTW I have an extra ethernet card for my G4 is that helps.
Thanks
IC
Just go out and buy a hardware router. Most on the market have decent built-in firewalls. I've seen wired-only (no wireless) routers go for as low as $30. Plus, then all your machines can get on the Internet.
Oh, gawd, here he goes again about Freesco...;D
If you've got a spare vintage PC around, consider one of the many flavours of software firewalls. They're a bit trickier to set up than a hardware router, but they also offer more services and flexibility - not to mention the high geek factor
And they're free.
I've used Freesco which can run on a 386 off a single floppy. It supports DSL, has firewall protection comparable to a harware router (according to testing done with Shields Up!), supports multiple network cards to partition your home network, as well as offering a whole whack of other services if you install it on a small hard drive.
There are others out there too, like smoothwall and m0n0wall, but I haven't done anything other than boot their CDs and look around so far.
I'd prefer to run something like this off one of my old Macs, but haven't come across anything as user-friendly as the above...and of course there can be no single-floppy distro for Macs...