Internet/Network Monitoring

[PeterDenStore]

Hello,

I was wondering if it is possible to monitor and block content on a network of computers?

We have a small office with about 9 computers wired and all kinds of computers(now cell phones too) coming and going via wireless. I need something so no matter who is connected to the network I can monitor/block content, without having to install or change setting to the computer that is connected.

thought maybe a Linux box with dual Ethernet hooked up in front of the switch would do the trick. I just don't know what software is available(if any) or how to do this.

Any help would be appreciated.

Pete

[jaakan]

have a look at http://ipcop.org/

[bmathis]

I second IPCop... stable, secure, and will do everything you need it to transparently.

[PeterDenStore]

Hello,

Thanks so much for the help!

My next questions is should I build a pretty powerful system to run this? or can I get away with an older system we have sitting around?

James

[jaakan]

What do you have available?

[PeterDenStore]

It's an old AMD 1.3ghz with 512mb Sdram 133. I think it has an IDE 133 30 Gig WD. I would have to buy another nic card, Should I look for a dual card and not use the one on the motherboard?

Thanks,
Pete

[bmathis]

Thatll be more than capable of handling a network with anywhere from 1 - 300 employees. IPCop takes up very little resources.

The network card on your motherboard is okay. To make things easier, the new nic that youre gonna buy, make sure it is a different brand. The brands will help you figure out whats for the red network and whats for the green network during the install.

[PeterDenStore]

Well Thanks so much for all the help! I'm sure I will be on IPcop forums now asking about stuff I can't figure out.

Pete