#PMFirewall version 1.1.x README

 The webpage for pmfirewall is: http://www.pointman.org

 If you find a bug, please email rick@pointman.org.

- DESCRIPTION -

 PMFirewall is an Ipchains Firewall and Masquerading Configuration Utility
for Linux. It was designed to allow a beginner to build a custom firewall
with little or no ipchains experience.


- FEATURES -

 This firewall should work for most Workstations, Servers and Dual NIC routers 
using either a dialup, DSL, Cable or LAN setup. It is restrictive to outside 
attacks while still being transparent to those inside.

 * Autodetection of the IP Address and Netmask of each interface.

 * Blocking of NetBIOS, NetBUS, Back Orifice and Samba attacks.

 * Protection against IP Spoofing Attacks.

 * Logging of DENY packets.

 * Manipulation of TOS bits of the packet for optomizing transfers. You
   must have CONFIG_IP_ROUTE_TOS enabled in your kernel for this to be
   effective.

 * Masquerading support is decided during install. 

 * Your own custom rules can be added to the pmfirewall.rules.local file.

- SUPPORTED OPERATING SYSTEMS -

 * Redhat 6.x
 * Mandrake 6.x, 7.x
 * Caldera OpenLinux 2.3
 * Debian 2.1 and higher
 * SuSE 6.x 
 * Slackware 7.x
 * Stampede Linux
 * Probably more!!

 If you get it working on an untested system, or anything else please let
 me know!


- KNOWN PROBLEMS -

 None  :-)


- DOWNLOAD INFO - 

 The latest version can always be obtained from:
 
 ftp.pointman.org/pub/pmfirewall


- LEGAL INFO -

 This version of PMFirewall is released under the GPL. Please see the file
COPYING included in this distribution for more information.

 This file distributed without warranty of any sort. If you get hacked it
is your own fault for being stupid enough to put a server on the Internet
when you know how unsafe it can be. :-)


- MAILING LIST -

The mailing list will be used for updates, announcements and general
discussions of the project. To subscribe to the pmfirewall mailing list
send a message to: majordomo@pointman.org with: subscribe pmfirewall 
in the body of the message.


- GETTING SUPPORT -

While I'd like to be able to help each and every person get their scripts
up and running, the reality is that I don't have nearly that much time.

I'm not trying to be rude, I'm just really busy with the rest of my life.
I'm not abandoning PMFirewall or its users. I will never do that. I'm
just seeking understanding that I need to find a balance between:

a) working 10 hours a day
b) having family obligations
c) writing for a magazine  
e) the occasional need to forget all about computers for a while

While I enjoy getting email, I'm horrible about answering promptly. Don't
take it personally, I'll do my best to answer right away, but it usually
will take days or weeks for me to answer.

Having said that, I am willing to help out whenever I have time. However,
your best support option is to subscribe to the PMFirewall mailing list.
The mailing list will be used for updates, announcements and general
discussions of the project.

To subscribe to the pmfirewall mailing list send a message to:
majordomo@pointman.org with: subscribe pmfirewall in the body of the
message.

Even if I'm not available, there are other people reading the list who
likely can help. Be sure to provide enough information to diagnose the
problem. That typically includes: your system type, what options you
chose, what happens when you try to use it, and what else you've tried.

Remember, security has many layers and a firewall is only one.

  	Best Wishes,
   			
	Rick Johnson 
	<rick@pointman.org>
  
  

