Windows 7: Hardware firewall setup?

I have two pc's running in my room and i was wondering if it was possible to run the internet through one computer into my main computer and have the first computer act as a firewall which will protect the main computer from attacks but still allow access to the home network and internet.



If so has it got a specific name so i can research it further.

Any help would be greatly appriciated

Cheers

I know this can be done in Linux, having one computer acting as a firewall, but Im not sure how this would be done under Windows... It would be easier to use a router as your firewall and setup a quick network....

Take a look at these products:

• Express Open Source Firewall Project
• m0n0wall
• pfSense Open Source Firewall Distribution - Home
• IPCop
• Endian - Unified Threat Management, Firewall Appliance, UTM Appliance, Hotspot, Antispam, Antivirus, VPN, OpenVPN, Open Source

Hope it will help you

Thanks for the replies guys,

Is it possible that i install linux onto the pc so i can install one of these produts onto it (as there all linux based)
but use it to protect the windows 7 pc

Cheers

Did I understand you right:
You want install Linux to PC1 and install hybrid Firewall (mentioned above) and protect your PC2 which is Windows 7?

As far as I know, yes it should be possible.
But have a little more read about those programs before, so you will have more details about them and you will know which will be the best for you..

Yes, you can use a linux box to run as a headless (no monitor needed) server/firewall for your Windows 7 box, but its a bit of overkill if you ask me... fun, but overkill....

Thanks guys il have a read yea i kno its overkill but hopefully il learn a few bits from it and will avoid installing a process eating security software.

Just a little project really

Cheers

Really would be easier to buy a hardware firewall/router device that runs Network Address Translation (NAT). Linksys, NetGear, and other manufacturers build what you need. I've always ran a hardware firewall between my home network with multiple computers and my Internet connection. The only security issues I've had are ones caused by users clicking on things they shouldn't. So I feel like my setup works very well.

Now if you are interested in building your own firewall/router so you can learn how it works, then have at it. Always good to learn new things!