[Herefordshire] Connecting to broadband without a firewall? ... plus IPcop network card scrounge

[Matt Rhys-Roberts]

Hi all,

Have now got broadband from Demon, a suitable USB modem, and a couple of 
filters. Great, but...

Question: is it wise to try a quick test connection to the internet, 
without a separate firewall betweeen my Mandrake box and the modem? Or 
will I instantly become a hacking target and infected with horrible 
diseases??

Finally, does anyone have any spare PCI network cards (3Com, Davicom 
etc.) that will definitely work well in an IPcop box? I may have to 
sacrifice my old 233 to become this. Cash waiting for working goods.

-- 
Best Regards,
Matt Rhys-Roberts
Leominster