OT: Internet access for old RH machine

[Bill Davidsen]

Stewart Williams wrote:
> I know, I know, but ...
> 
> I have an old laptop (PII-400MHz) that has RedHat 7.3 installed on it
> and it works like a dream and it's all setup how I want it.
> 
> Currently I use it stand-alone and has no LAN or Internet access configured.
> 
> However occasionally I would really like to access certain web sites on
> it - so I need to use a web browser, text or GUI.
> 
> I know it's no longer updated, supported and probably full of security
> holes, however ...
> 
> I was wondering if there was a way I could connect it to my router, but
> segregated some how, such as an encrypted VPN tunnel. So that if it was
> exploited it couldn't compromise the security of my main LAN.
> 
The strict answer is NO. That said I have two other suggestions, install the 
latest and most secure version of a browser (I use the Seamonket 2.0beta) which 
you will have to install because there's no recent rpm in the usual places, or 
far better just ssh to a machine which is on (assuming you have such) with the 
-X option, and start the browser on a hardened machine.

Your firewall should protect you pretty well and block virtually everything in 
any case.

> I have plenty of spare hardware lying around, such as 802.11b cards,
> routers, etc.
> 
> I'm no expert on (sub?)networks, DMZ's, etc. and was wondering if anyone
> has any thoughts on if this is pheasable.
> 
> Thanks.
> 


-- 
Bill Davidsen <davidsen at tmr.com>
   "We have more to fear from the bungling of the incompetent than from
the machinations of the wicked."  - from Slashdot