Opensource software are free of charge, this blog is about the Open source network appliance which is very popular in Small, Medium size and large companies as well as educational institutes.
Many Other opensource software are there but I have found this one the best software firewall.
Yes! , really it has helped me in Web Filtering, Malware (Virus, Spyware, spam) Blocking, email scanning, attack blocking it has built in IDS.
Not just this using this I have established Virtual Private Network (VPN) across all the locations using OPENVPN, which is again open source.
So Imagine one box contains everything.
What is Untangle?
Untngle is a powerful suite of internet/network management application for small to medium businesses, education institutes and other organizations.
it is a Multi Function-Firewall and a security product which suits the business needs of todays internet world. it is simple to use and easy to implement.
Why Untangle Firewall
I have been using ISA Server for past 7 years. But it was not fulfilling my requirements and it was expensive too. I wanted to to for a box which must be all in one, but here was again issue of priing.
Luckily I looked for opensource, which helped me to use my existing extra computer (Desktop PC) and use this as firewall.
I looked for many Opensource Firewall devices and applications but I found untangle had all the options and best.
I started using Untangle in 2007, and and I didn’t face any issue in past 3 year. I thought sharing my experience would help many.
It didn’t cost me anything because , I used extra PC with an additional LAN and started the Installation.
Untangle Firewall Installation
For Installing this application you just need to download ISO. Downloaded Untangle 7.4 now there must be new. So download latest Image.
- Your PC must have at least 2 Network Cards (one for WAN and another for LAN)
- My PC had the Hardware configuration (HP DX2300, 3.0Ghz, 2GB RAM, 120GB HD)
- Install the Untangle Software from ISO Image/CD
- Boot the system .
- Once the system it installed you will be able to see web user interface.
- Just on few easy steps for basic confirmation your firewall will be ready.
- Lite package is free which does most of the jobs.
Similarly I had extra computers, so Instead of wasting them I installed Untangle in all the systems.
Installed in 12 branches/offices and created the Virtual Private network in easy steps.
Firewall policy is replicated across all the locations.
Untangle Fierwall Packages
Untangle has some free applications and some paid applications but free applications are even enough for small and medium organizations.
Version 8.0 has bandwidth control options available, which is really an amazing feature .The package list contains, Premium, Standard, Education Standard, Education Preimum, and Lite Package, Lite Package is off course free.
Untangle Firewall Step by Step Installation
Please click here to see the User Guide and all tutorials of Untangle Server 8.0