Firewalls 'n' Ethernets?

[Widget]

Hi,
For a while I've been aware that I need a decent Firewall (Security system in general actually but that's another post). First a little about my setup. My server hosts my dialup connection ::) to the rest of the network via Microsoft's ICS. It running a WinXP Pro/2k server dual boot (I'm trying to phase out the 2k partition actually). Most other computers also run WinXP Pro however there are 2k, an ME (not mine I swear) and 98 machines also. Currently my last only line of defence is Norton IS2002, and after reading various articles posts about it I’ve decided to switch. After reading jvmorris's relpy to Smokey's post I can safely say I'm in the second group ready to jump ship. Now, the eternal question, what is the best firewall? ;D hehe.

Ok, until broadband becomes available in my area the hardware option is out. I've read through the sites and have it nailed to either a Sygate or a Tiny. What? Me, cheap... never, I believe the word is student. Which would be better for me? Also I'd like to confirm something I've been wondering about, I don't need firewalls on all my machines do I? Just on my server...right?

If any of that made sense then I'd appreciate any input. Thanks.

Widget.

[FanJ]

-{ Quote: "Also I'd like to confirm something I've been wondering about, I don't need firewalls on all my machines do I? Just on my server...right?
" }-

It would be wise to have a firewall on ALL your machines, not only on your gateway-machine.
In that way the firewall on each machine could control outbound connection attempts.

[Widget]

-{ Quote: "

It would be wise to have a firewall on ALL your machines, not only on your gateway-machine.
In that way the firewall on each machine could control outbound connection attempts." }-
Thanks, I'll *do that then. I've just finished puting Sygate Personal Firewall on the server and I've notice that machines trying to use ICS are having trouble unless I set "Allow all". Any idea which Applications or Advanced rules I need to counter this?

[FanJ]

Hi,

Sorry, I can't help you with Sygate; I hope someone else will jump in.
But there is also a Sygate forum:

http://forums.sygatetech.com/

[Widget]

-{ Quote: "Hi,

Sorry, I can't help you with Sygate; I hope someone else will jump in.
But there is also a Sygate forum:

http://forums.sygatetech.com/" }-
Thanks again. I check ou the Sygate Forum and in the FAQ forum I found this...
-{ Quote: "
Details:
Sygate® began offering ICS support with Sygate® Personal Firewall 4.1. However, ICS will only function with Windows 98se on an Ethernet connection. It will not work with Windows ME, XP or 2000. Earlier versions of Sygate® Personal Firewall do not support ICS." }-
So I've gone for Kerio Personal Firewall, which actually states it supports gateways which is good. Running sweetly so far, I'll give it a couple more hours of hard usage and if it holds up then I'll install it on the rest of the network. I'm very grateful fir the help, Thanks

Widget.