USB Ethernet adapter

[Daniel Gimpelevich]

On Sun, 16 Jan 2005 11:36:58 +0100, Andreas Hucks wrote:

> Hi all,
> 
> we are currently looking to buy a small box as a router/firewall/VPN 
> gateway for our small office (4 computers). We have been looking into 
> miniITX solutions, but the new Mac Mini seems to be the best option for 
> speed, price, and size. It only lacks a second ethernet port
...snip...
> Any other comments why this might be a good or a bad idea are of course
> welcome as well.

My previous message addressed only USB Ethernet adapters for Linux, but
there is also the question of the Mac Mini. So far, nobody to my knowledge
(I should have asked an Apple insider when I had the chance) has attempted
to run Linux on a Mini. Owen Stampflee of TerraSoft Solutions may well
become the first as soon as the Mini he ordered arrives. Linux may well
have unforseen issues with the Mini hardware, but if you've decided for
sure that Linux is what you're going to use, the Mini is your best bet as
far as a new machine goes. Note that you can put Linux on any old machine
and it will suit your purpose for a lower price.

Also cheaper than the Mini would be to get a dedicated router/firewall/VPN
gateway box similar to the Siemens SpeedStream 5781 or 5880, preferably
used, or if you prefer Linux, a net appliance such as the NetWinder or the
Cobalt Qube.