having a bit of a problem with sharing an internet connection within a LAN. This is the setup: - one server runing windows 2000 with latest updates installed and hosting a web server (apache), a mail server (kerio mailserver), an irc server (unrealircd), an irc bot (winbot), a dc hub (yoshi), and a ftp server (bpftp). - 30 clients with static ip addresses from 192.168.0.1 to 192.168.0.30 that should have unrestricted internet acces (this includes http, instant messengers, online games, etc) - the rest of the lan should not have internet acces (from 192.168.0.31 to 192.168.0.253) - the server's ip is 192.168.0.254. - the internet connection is through a zyxel cable modem - the 2 NICs' on the server are configured properly (i think) since i've had some experience with windows's ics in the past. - my main objectives are: 1. provide unrestricted acces to 30 users and deny all acces to the rest 2. have all applications and servers working on the server computer without interuptions. 3. provide basic security 4. simplicity of use and configuration on the clients' part. 5. the ability to allow certain types of acces in the future (for example only http acces) to certain clients So, finally, my questions are: 1. Which software is fit for such purposes? (i tried kerio winroute firewall 5.4 and liked the way it looks and feels but couldn't get yahoo and msn messenger to work. http and irc worked. i also found it to be very slow. maybe the integrated antivirus?) (is there any way to reset ALL of kerio's configuration and start over?) 2. Should i use a proxy server? (i undestand that this requires configuration of client applications and if this is the case then the proxy server is not an option since i don't want my clients to go through the hassle) I will give you more information if you give me a starting point. I need the connection working right away and to allow acces to only 30 clients. the rest of the configuration can be done at a later time. Thank you in advance

So, drop the win machine !!! First of all win boxes are slow machines in network app and managemet (slow in the sense that is a rather old machine - pentium II, III or so ) Install a red hat distribution or let's say mandrake distro - very pleasant feelings getting back all the way to windows functionality. Get dirty a few days printing tutorials on how to set you linux as a router. Starting in a monday lets say, by the end of the week you'll know just about everything in order to accomplish your needs !!! Linux is not so scarry !!! Trust me I'm a newbie myself and I've done it !!! I thrust you can ! Constantinescu Nicolaie Master in Information Science

fur windows try thiz one !!! http://www.youngzsoft.net/ccproxy/ Constantinescu Nicolaie Master in Information Science