Hello.

Recently, I purchased Mandrake Linux 7.2, with the intent on running my own web server on it. Everything works fine, except the security features. In GNOME, I was given three choices for security; Low, Medium, and High. I clicked high, but that really doesn't explain much to me. What exactly does "high" mean? Can I still run a web server on it and not get hacked?

My confusion stems from what I have on my Windows computer. I have Norton Internet Security 2000 installed on my PC. Granted, it kind of gave me three choices (low, medium, high) for protection, but it was a lot more configurable than what Mandrake gave me! Norton gives me the choice of what application will access the Internet, and I can block individual ports, etc. Nothing like that in Mandrake.

What should I do in Mandrake? Is "high" a good setting(considering I will be having a web server on it)? Or should I invest in a firewall for it? I have seen a couple of freeware firewalls on http://downloads.cnet.com If I should get one, what should I get? Any suggestions?

Thank you.

Gomer1701ems

P.S. This might make a difference, but I prefer a graphical user interface. I will use the command line, but only if push comes to shove.

Firewall, firewall, firewall! and Tripwire.
Very good for security. also, check out PitBull LX from Argus-even if they get in, they aren't in.