PC Routers

[James Knott]

john.moniz-rieW9WUcm8FFJ04o6PK0Fg at public.gmane.org wrote:
> Hello all,
>
> I've been using an old PC with Coyote Linux as my internet router for 
> quite a few years. I'd like to set up another router to be ready in 
> case the old one experiences a power supply failure. I have enough old 
> equipment to do this, although I've yet to see the RAM requirements on 
> the new coyote linux. I have 128MB EDO on the unit I want to use. The 
> old coyote fw only needed 16Mb to run. I like this set up because it 
> uses a floppy (or CD) and there's no HD for crackers to get into.
>
> However, I'm wondering if it's time to switch to a commercial router 
> (less power usage, smaller footprint). But can they be made as secure 
> as something like coyote linux? If anyone is still using a PC for a 
> router, what's your reasoning for not changing to commercial hardware?
>
> By the way, I don't need wireless at this point.
>
> Thanks,
>
> John.

I have used a Linux box for a router for years.  My current one is 
openSUSE 11.3 on an old Compaq.  One nice thing about Linux boxes as 
firewalls, is that you can really customize what you have on it.  For 
example, I have mine set up for a masking cahcing DNS, DHCP & NTP 
servers, VPN and 6in4 IPv6 tunnel etc.  I have also considered moving my 
IMAP server to it.

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