DrakFirewall: Securing your Internet Access

Abstract

This little tool allows you to set up a basic firewall on your machine. It will filter connection attempts made from the outside, and block unauthorized ones. It is a good idea to run it just after installing your machine and before connecting to the Internet, thus minimizing the risks of your machine being cracked.

Figure 18.5. The DrakFirewall Window

The DrakFirewall Window

Simply un-check the Everything (no firewall) box, and then check the boxes corresponding to the services you wish to make available to the outside world. If you wish to authorize a service which is not listed here, click on the Advanced button to manually enter the port numbers to open.

[Tip]Tip

The Advanced button will open an Other ports field where you can enter any port to be opened to the outside world. Examples of ports specifications are presented just above the input field, use them as a guide. It is possible to specify port ranges by using the : syntax. Example: 24300:24350/udp

Not checking a service in this list will not prevent you from connecting to it. It will only prevent people from the Internet connecting to your machine. If you do not plan to host any services on your machine (common case for a desktop machine) just leave all boxes unchecked.

Then, simply click on OK to activate the firewall and enjoy your secure Internet connection.

If, on the other hand, you wish to disable the firewall and leave all services accessible from the outside, check Everything (no firewall).