Creating a Linux Router

      When creating a linux router the first descision to be made is whta is it going to do. From there you can decide on hardware, and pckages to install. The easiest and fastest way to setup a reliable linux router is with a router distrobution such as Freesco Linux. It provides an expandable base OS that fits on a floppy or installs to a small hard drive. The main questions as to whether to use a HD or a floppy is going to be what roles it will serve in the network. If it is just a router a floppy install will be more than sufficient. If you are going to use Secure Shell to administer it or are going to add any packages I would recommend using the HD install. I guess a list of features it comes with would be useful in making this decision wouldn't it?

       Well as you can see you get a very functional machine for something that fits on a single bootable floppy. There are however thousands of packages available for FREESCO. They range from squid (the proxy server) to open ssh(the telnet replacement) to samba(the file share protocol). This little box will allow you to expand it to just about any task. Packages can be found at FREESCOsoft. Once you have decided what you want it to do the next thing to do is to set aside some hardware for it. depending on the task you chose for it to perform you may need a HD.

      Once you have made your decisions and set aside your computer it is time to install.