Linux Firewall + Web Browser Control

[napoleao]

Is there a open source linux firewall with browser gui to control that has the ability to block for exemple msn messenger per user? Something that allows me to say which user can use it, and which one cannot not use.

 

[geirendre]

This is one of the many places Linux differs from Windows,
in Linux there's no application or program that acts as a firewall.
It's buildt right into the kernel as default and it's called Iptables.
You only need to activate it, and configure it to your liking.
There are several different GUI's to Iptables.
Search your package-manager, and you shall find.

But I don't think you can restrict users usage of applications
through a firewall. It normaly blocks on IP-adresses and Ports, not usernames.
You can probably only block all MSN-traficc, not restrict only one user.

Maby AppArmor or SeLinux can do that for you....

 

[jet042]

You would need some kind of authentication or proxy to control it by user. RADIUS is used for that in some circumstances but has its limitations and problems (passwords transmitted in clear text is the main one). I'd suggest setting up a proxy server that all your clients would then go through. Unfortunately though I know the theory, I've never done it so I can't give you any advice about how or what product. I'm sure someone else on here has, though.