Carla Schroder

Webcams are everywhere these days: they’re standard on a lot of laptops, LCD monitors are starting to incorporate them, and decent standalone USB webcams can be had for less than $40. In this two-part series we’ll set up a Webcam on Linux, and then use it to perform a number of amazing and fun tasks. […]

Fonality has become the first open-source-based VoIP provider to strike a deal with a Tier 1 computer vendor. Starting this February, customers will be able to purchase fully provisioned Fonality VoIP Phone System servers from computer maker Dell. The Fonality VoIP Phone System will come installed on Optiplex 330 PCs, according to Fonality CEO Chris […]

In Parts 1, 2 and 3, we set up Asterisk as a PBX for four PSTN lines. We set up incoming and outgoing calling and restricted outgoing calls to authorized users only. Our fine example users Alrac, Stan and Ollie still need voice-mail. Our mission today is to give it to them. Setting Up Voice-mailVoice-mail […]

In the previous installments of this series, we built a good, solid iptables firewall on Debian Linux. In part five, we left off with testing and activating the firewall. At this point your firewall blocks all incoming connection attempts, and allows only connections initiated from inside your LAN, such as checking e-mail, IRC and Web […]

In Parts 1 and 2 we got as far as connecting four PSTN lines to our Asterisk server, setting up extensions for three users, and routing inbound calls to one of the users. Next we’ll configure outbound calling. This must be set up with care, because you don’t want to leave your network open to […]

In part one, we learned how to connect an Asterisk server to legacy phones and phone service. Today we’re going to set up a connection to the outside world and set up internal extensions, so we can actually place and receive calls through Asterisk. Starting the TDM04B at BootWe need to finish configuring the TDM04B. […]

In our previous installments we did a lot of important preliminary configuration, and we hardened our firewall box. Now we’ll take a quick tour of Webmin, and set up an iptables Internet-connection sharing firewall. Don’t connect your firewall box to the Internet just yet, as there are some important steps to take first. Cruising WebminWebmin […]

Today’s exciting installment shows how to have both old-fashioned analog phone service and VoIP on the same local network, for small shops with fewer than ten analog phone lines. Scenario: you want to keep your existing analog lines, add VoIP, use Asterisk for your PBX, and have a reasonable upgrade path for future changes and […]

In Part 3, we installed Webmin. Now we turn our sites to configure the network interfaces and firewall box security. Obviously, a firewall, like any network border device, must be highly secure. Configuring NetworkingSince your firewall box has two network cards, you need to configure one with your WAN IP and one with a LAN […]

You probably already know that a firewall is an essential component in your network border security. But you may not know that a Linux-based iptables firewall is especially robust and configurable. Today we’ll set up system administration using Webmin, and in our next installment we’ll create a good, stout Internet-connection sharing firewall. It’s important to […]

In our first installment, we described why you need a Linux-based network appliances. Today, we’re going to start construction. (Please see the Introduction to this series for hardware requirements.) We will be building two separate appliances: one for network border services, such as firewalling, secure remote access, and intrusion prevention; and one for LAN services, […]

Welcome to our new series on how to build your own Linux-based network appliance. If you’re a small business owner with a shared Internet connection and some networked PCs, this is just what you need to secure your LAN with a powerful, flexible device that outperforms comparable commercial devices for a fraction of the cost, or […]