developerWorks: Configuring Firewalls for Linux (kernel 2.4.x) Using netfilter/iptables

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"Linux has become extremely popular in the IT industry because of its robustness, reliability, flexibility, and seemingly unlimited scope for customization. Linux has many inbuilt capabilities that let the developer customize its tools, behavior, and appearance according to his needs without requiring expensive third-party tools. One such inbuilt capability is firewall configuration for Linux systems on a network, be they systems connected to the Internet or a LAN, servers, or proxy servers interfacing between a LAN and the Internet. This capability can be put to use with the help of the netfilter/iptables IP packet filtering system that comes integrated in versions 2.4.x of Linux kernels.

"The netfilter/iptables IP packet filtering system is the latest among Linux packet filtering solutions like ipfwadm and ipchains and is also the first one to be integrated into the Linux kernel. The netfilter/iptables system is ideal for Linux system administrators, network administrators, and home users who want to configure firewalls according to their specific needs, save money on firewall solutions, and have total control over IP packet filtering..."

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• The Register: Internet Anonymity for Linux Newbies(Aug 28, 2002)
• ZDNet Australia: Firestarter: 5 Minutes to a Linux Firewall(May 08, 2002)
• ZDNet Australia: Setting Up a Strong Linux Firewall(Apr 09, 2002)
• LinuxGazette: Implementing a Bridging Firewall (Mar 04, 2002)
• UnixReview.com: Firewall Roundup: Offerings from SuSE, Mandrake, and Coyote Linux(Feb 20, 2002)