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Pragma · 08-14-2005, 04:14 PM

Hrm, reading over the features list:

# Hides IP address from intruders
Useless claim - it means that you're behind a NAT setup and any router in the world functions the same.

# Intelligent packet filtration
Stateful packet filter - fairly common routine.

# Full VPN pass-through
Again, part of being a stateful packet filter and doing NAT properly.

# No computer resource usage
It means it doesn't run on your computer - it's a different machine. No brainer.

# No configuration
Means that you can't set it up to forward ports to your computer to run servers, because the average user doesn't need to do this.

# No maintenance
Not really relevant.

# No patches and upgrades required
This could go one of two ways, one it's "oh so perfect" and has no flaws. But at the same time, I'm a little mistrustful of software that the makers aren't trying to improve upon.

# Complete protection from Viruses and all Hacking attempts
Protection from viruses, yes - because it's not on your computer and doesn't run Windows XP and download shady content. All hacking attempts? I suppose this just means that it doesn't accept any incoming connections from the outside world. Any firewall can do this.

# Does not rely on any Preset Rules - Independent Operation
Not sure what to make of this, except that it goes back to the zero configuration thing.

# Works with any computer or Operating System
Because it doesn't rely on your computer for anything, obviously this is true.

It's a little hard to cut through all of the marketing bullshit for this product. I wouldn't think that ThinkGeek would sell snake-oil security products, but that's rather expensive and the wording is so vague and shifty that I can't really tell what it's supposed to do except block all incoming traffic.

End result? I'm not sure - but if you have "SUPER security needs", do what I do: buy a cheap (300$ or so) machine, set up OpenBSD on it along with comprehensive firewall rules, a proxy server, etc. and use that as a router/gateway. That way you have absolute control over your security solution and aren't at the whim of some black box device you can't mess with.

08-14-2005, 04:14 PM	#2 (permalink)
Pragma I am Winter Born Location: Alexandria, VA	Hrm, reading over the features list: # Hides IP address from intruders Useless claim - it means that you're behind a NAT setup and any router in the world functions the same. # Intelligent packet filtration Stateful packet filter - fairly common routine. # Full VPN pass-through Again, part of being a stateful packet filter and doing NAT properly. # No computer resource usage It means it doesn't run on your computer - it's a different machine. No brainer. # No configuration Means that you can't set it up to forward ports to your computer to run servers, because the average user doesn't need to do this. # No maintenance Not really relevant. # No patches and upgrades required This could go one of two ways, one it's "oh so perfect" and has no flaws. But at the same time, I'm a little mistrustful of software that the makers aren't trying to improve upon. # Complete protection from Viruses and all Hacking attempts Protection from viruses, yes - because it's not on your computer and doesn't run Windows XP and download shady content. All hacking attempts? I suppose this just means that it doesn't accept any incoming connections from the outside world. Any firewall can do this. # Does not rely on any Preset Rules - Independent Operation Not sure what to make of this, except that it goes back to the zero configuration thing. # Works with any computer or Operating System Because it doesn't rely on your computer for anything, obviously this is true. It's a little hard to cut through all of the marketing bullshit for this product. I wouldn't think that ThinkGeek would sell snake-oil security products, but that's rather expensive and the wording is so vague and shifty that I can't really tell what it's supposed to do except block all incoming traffic. End result? I'm not sure - but if you have "SUPER security needs", do what I do: buy a cheap (300$ or so) machine, set up OpenBSD on it along with comprehensive firewall rules, a proxy server, etc. and use that as a router/gateway. That way you have absolute control over your security solution and aren't at the whim of some black box device you can't mess with.