It is a well known fact that its UNIX origins give the Linux source code significantly more stability than, for instance, Windows 9x and NT and is also less vulnerable to virus attacks. However, Linux is a network operating system and since servers are more likely to be the target of attacks than desktops, security is high on the agenda of Linux users. It is also a key consideration for small companies wishing to transition their networks to Linux in view of its technical strengths and highly attractive total cost of ownership.

"Linux is the logical alternative for small and medium size companies that typically don't have the time nor the resources to invest in complex and difficult-to-managee office networks', states Frédéric Bastok, Co-Founder and Technical Director at MandrakeSoft. Bastok further explains that "it is MandrakeSoft's mission to encourage the take-up of open source technologies. The new MandrakeSecurity product family aims to remove an important hurdle for potential SoHo, SME and individual Linux adopters, by providing them with specifically designed security solutions for Linux."

Similar to earlier releases, version 8.0 of the MandrakeLinux distribution,alleviates some of these user concerns, by incorporating the fruits of the 'Bastille' project, a set of scripts to help secure the computer on which MandrakeLinux runs, as well as basic firewall functionality. However, to fully address Linux user concerns and to further encourage small and medium businesses to opt for Linux, the 'Single Network Firewall', the first in the new series of MandrakeSecurity products developed by the Company's growing community of users and contributors, is an innovative stand-alone appliance that runs on a dedicated computer, and combines ease-of-use and configuration via a secured and functional Web interface. The Single Network Firewall caters for an unlimited number of shared Internet connections. As well as making it available for free download at http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/ftp.php3#security, discussions are ongoing to market the product via leading OEM manufaturers.

The Single Network Firewall's functionalities are numerous:

• Packet filtering
• Proxy Squid: integrated and easy to configure (manually, transparent and/or with authentification)
• Intrusion detection systems Snort and Prélude.
• Graphical (web) tools for monitoring the system activity.
• Logging of network activity, attacks, resources utilisation.
• Internet acces configuration for analogue and ISDN Modems, LAN and (A)DSL and cable.
• Integrated DHCP server
• "port forwarding"
• Different access restrictions: ingoing traffic,outgoing traffic
• Filtering URLs ("parental control")
• Saving of configuration parameters.
• Updates through the Internet (web-version of Mandrake Update)
• Based on a secure 2.2.19 kernel

For more information on the Single Network Firewall

"Linux is the logical alternative for small and medium size companies that typically don't have the time nor the resources to invest in complex and difficult-to-managee office networks', states Bob Winslow, MandrakeSoft's VP of Sales & Distribution. Winslow further explains that "it is MandrakeSoft's mission to encourage the take-up of open source technologies. The new MandrakeSecurity product family aims to remove an important hurdle for potential SoHo, SME and individual Linux adopters, by providing them with specifically designed security solutions for Linux."

ABOUT MANDRAKESOFT

Mandrakesoft provides a trusted interface between users of information technology and open technologists. The company offers customers in the small office, home office (SoHo), small and medium size enterprise, government and educational sectors a set of GNU Linux and Open-Source software and related services, user-friendly and highly competitive information technologies at a very attractive total cost of ownership. In addition, Mandrakesoft offers technologists committed to open software and courseware a trusted channel to offer their services.

The Linux-Mandrake distribution, which became the leader in US retail sales last year (PC Data), received the awards for « Best Product of the Year » and « Best Linux-Distribution/Server » at LinuxWorld Expo 99, as well as the PC Answers Platinum Award in April 2000, the Linux Magazine Editor's Choice Award in September 2000 and the Chip Magazine « Best Technique and Winner of the Test » in December 2000.

« Born on the Internet » in late 1998, MandrakeSoft established headquarters in Pasadena (U.S.), Montreal (Quebec), England, Germany and Paris (Europe). Please visit the Web site, http://www.mandrakesoft.com for more information.

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