[techtalk] Simple Linux Firewall

[m20bi]

Hi!

I'm building a WebDAV/DeltaV playground for a consultant on a Linux box of
his -- part-time job for this part-time student. On my personal Gateway (W98
SE), I use the ZoneAlarm freeware because I have a cable modem and the
Gateway is always connected to the Internet. ZoneAlarm is a firewall for the
masses -- just download, install and it works without any tweaking -- or
much understanding on my part. <g> When I run the GRC Port Probe test
www.grc.com) my Gateway, everything "shows" up as running in Stealth. Makes
me happy.

Different story on the Linux box (which has its own cable connection to the
net). It's interaction should be limited to the http (for serving and
surfing), kibitz, irc (X-chat and BitchX) and maybe, maybe talk.  (No
email -- I'm content to use Hotmail.) When I run the GRC Port Probe on the
Linux box, ports 25 (SMTP) and 113 (IDENT) show up as Open. The other ports
show up as Closed -- not Stealth.

Is there a simple utility I can slap on this Linux box -- similar to
idiot-proof ZoneAlarm -- that will put all the superfluous ports in Stealth
mode?

Barbara (using Linux since September 2000)

PS Do I need port 113 (IDENT) for IRC?