DIY Untangle mini-itx advice.

[nlinecomputers]

Ok I have a client with a 5 user office that really needs a cheap spam and firewall solution. I want to build and sell something in a book/router sized case.

I'm thinking something with an Atom CPU would do them fine. I know several build your own setups so what do you use?

 

[angry_geek]

Atom would be fine, but I've been using Celeron chips in a mini-itx desktop chassis. A little bigger than the book size units, but better thermal management. Plus, you can drop in good nics. I wrote a thread on here somewhere.

 

[SAG]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856205007
These little puppies aren't bad if you have to be cheap.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816101332
I prefer these whenever possible though.

 

[angry_geek]

http://www.technibble.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31262

There you go. I've updated our basic config to include Celeron or i3 chips now. But the basics are still the same.

 

[altrenda]

I use the netgate boxes, a little pricey, but solid. I mainly use pfSense as router/firewall, but have used Untangle as well.

The alix kits save a little money, or you can get them assembled.
Kit http://store.netgate.com/ALIX6F2-Kit-Silver-Unassembled-P347C82.aspx

assembled http://store.netgate.com/Netgate-m1n1wall-2D3-2D13-Silver-P219C83.aspx

Some people recommned using a surplus computer, but I have a hard time having a client run their business through old hardware, and these boxes use much less power and are silent.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Atoms do Untangle fine for pure web based stuff, but if you're doing SPAM filtering with Untangle you'll want some CPU and RAM nut.

Recommend, as A_G mentioned, going with a modern Celery or i3 unit. And stick some rammage in there.

If they want a good SPAM solution the purely open source ones that come with freebie packages (including Untangles LITE) don't work all that well, but the upgraded Untangle SPAM solution (based on Authentium...which bought up Commtouch)...is a very good anti spam package. But there goes your "cheap" solution.

 

[nlinecomputers]

http://www.technibble.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31262

There you go. I've updated our basic config to include Celeron or i3 chips now. But the basics are still the same.

Thanks. I knew I had seen that topic but my Google-Fu failed me.

 

[nlinecomputers]

AG so are you still pushing ClearOS over Untangle for your boxes?

Stone, what is the subscription running for Untangle's spam filter these days?

 

[angry_geek]

AG so are you still pushing ClearOS over Untangle for your boxes?

Stone, what is the subscription running for Untangle's spam filter these days?

I am just because I like it. I think both are equally as good. I recommend trying both, go with the one you like. I always just install the firewall and utm components. I don't mess with all the small biz stuff it's capable of. I use it in the office for a lot of reasons, but the cache server component just freaking rocks.

 

[SAG]

I am just because I like it. I think both are equally as good. I recommend trying both, go with the one you like. I always just install the firewall and utm components. I don't mess with all the small biz stuff it's capable of. I use it in the office for a lot of reasons, but the cache server component just freaking rocks.

I looked at ClearOS a long time ago just out of curiosity.
When it comes to rolling out an OS solution I pick Endian because of my familiarity with it.
This makes me want to play with ClearOS again.

 

[Markverhyden]

This site has a lot of info for small stuff.

http://www.mini-itx.com/

Bought a Jetway board w/ Intel nic and a daughter board with 3 Intel nics for use as a router. Started setting it up Vyatta but got side tracked.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Stone, what is the subscription running for Untangle's spam filter these days?

How many mailboxes?
Non profit client?

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

I use the netgate boxes, a little pricey, but solid. I mainly use pfSense as router/firewall, but have used Untangle as well.t.

We use the Netgate boxes with PFSense at some clients....good little units. Can't handle Untangle though....but we use Untangle Appliances for that (now called Nexgen). Starting at 600 bucks...for the hardware alone.
http://nexgenappliances.com/en/4-untangle-appliances

 

[nlinecomputers]

How many mailboxes?
Non profit client?

About 10 and they are staffing service so they can pay they just don't like to. But the spam pain to wallet ratio is reaching the tipping point so they may jump on anything.

 

[RedFoxComp]

Have to agree with everyone else. Go with the an ivy bridge celeron:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116889&Tpk=g1610

Power to spare, cheap and cool.

The Haswell Celerons will be out in early 2014 and then we're really talking about low power and heat at idle with serious performance when you need it! Perfect for these kinds of boxes, can't wait.