My first self-managed dedicated server

What firewall do you recommend?

[GaryK]

I am leasing a dedicated Windows 2003 Server from ServerBeach (SB).

Clearly a firewall, IDS and IPS are needed.

Here at the office I have a hardware firewall and it's so easy to manage.

I can't install a hardware firewall at SB and Tiny is generally what they recommend. I tried it and got a migraine from trying to understand the UI. I've been a computer professional since 1973 so I'm hardly a newbie.

Can anyone point me to a good tutorial on learning how to use Tiny? Or are there any companies I can contract with to teach me what I need?

Once that's done I have a company standing by to test how well hardened my server is but they won't help with setup.

[GaryK]

Anyone? Please!

[GaryK]

Surely someone can relate to my situation and offer some advice.

I've outgrown my current host and need a dedicated server. I can't afford a managed solution like RackSpace which is why I went with ServerBeach.

Unfortunately I am not a security expert but I have to become one.

I tried Tiny Server Firewall and it's too much for me. BlackIce has a bad reputation of locking up the servers at SB. From what I recall ZoneAlarm Pro doesn't offer the level of granular control I want. I am told Sygate is a pain to access.

Is IPSec enough?

I can't use the Windows 2003 ICF because it can't handle more than one IP Address.

Do any of you use self-managed servers and if so what are you using as a firewall?

[crashomon]

google the terms diywebmaster and look for sites that cater to self-managed servers.

that should put you on the right path.

[GaryK]

I appreciate the reply but that term brings up a web host by the same name. They are clearly marketing themselves to people who are interested in e-commerce. 15 MB of disk space and a limit of 5,000 visitors per month is hardly what I'd consider a professional hosting environment.