[ILUG] A request for help

[Justin Mason]

John Gay said:

> >Here's the question, would the ILUG like to take us on as a project ??
> >My idea is that, with a few network cards, the 486 on linux could work
> >as a router for internet traffic and run SAMBA ( I believe this would
> >allow all PC's then to share the printer ). 
> >
> As for using the 486's. One solution would be to use SmoothWall for a 
> firewall/Internet router. SmoothWall is specially designed for this type of 
> low-spec'd hardware. I believe that you should not run other services on the 
> firewall for security sake. E-Smith offers similar features plus file and 
> print server functions as well, but I've been told it was a bad idea to run 
> such services on your firewall.

For what it's worth, I'd say you'd be fine using a 486 as an
router/firewall/print server (as long as it's not running any X -- ie. GUI
stuff).   But beg, borrow or steal as much memory as you can, otherwise it
will be pretty much impossible (for memory less than 16megs) or painfully
slow (for memory less than 32megs).

The memory used in 486's is obsolete nowadays, so there should be lots
about.  I know I have a 16mb SIMM at home which I'd donate if I wasn't on
the far side of the globe ;)

--j.