The Untangle Gateway Platform is a network security distro based on Knoppix. It is intended to be run from a hard drive, with application packages installed only if the function(s) enabled by any package is needed.
Origin - Home Page: USA - Untangle Network Gateway
Management Interface: Browser-based java client, and GNUstep desktop.
Price: Most of Untangle Network Gateway’s applications are free and Open Source, but some features are fee-based.
Key Features: The following are the free features provided by Untangle Network Gateway:
- DHCP and DNS server
- Anti-spyware, anti-spam, and anti-phishing
- Virus blocker and Web content filtering
- intrusion prevention (with about 2500 signatures, and automatic signature updates)
- Firewall and VPN (OpenVPN)
- Protocol control, and easy to use graphical monitoring with Untangle Reports
- Automated email report delivery and report archiving from Untangle Reports
The non-free packages in Untangle Network Gateway are:
- Kaspersky virus blocker
- PC remote
- Configuration backup and restore to USB or hard drive
- Remote access portal
The non-free packages come with a 14-day trial offer.
Comments: Installing Untangle Network Gateway is via a GUI interface, and the process takes about 25 minutes. This is the only distro that, rather than reboot the server after installtion, completely halts or shuts the server down. You will need to power back up, remove the installation CD and continue with the setup.
By default, none of the features - free or non-free - are enabled. A built-in setup wizard helps you determine what features you need to protect your network, and automatically downloads and installs the required packages. Untangle Network Gateway can be run in router or bridge mode.
Other than NuFW.Live, which is run from within a knoppix desktop, Untangle Network Gateway is the only firewall/router distro that can be managed via a desktop environment - GNUstep desktop.
Download/Buy: You may download iso images for Intel compatible, 32-bit platforms form here. Untangle, Inc., the company behind this distro, provides professional support services for enterprise users.
Tutorials/Tips: An excellent introductory video tutorial
