SmoothWall Linux 0.9.4 is a recent addition to the family of Linux distributions and one with an interesting lineage. The base system files are a stripped-down version of those found in VA-Linux 6.2.1, which in turn was derived from Red Hat Linux 6.2. What is more interesting than its lineage is this distro's purpose in life: to function as, and only as, a firewall to the Internet. . . .
SmoothWall Linux 0.9.4 is a recent addition to the family of Linux distributions and one with an interesting lineage. The base system files are a stripped-down version of those found in VA-Linux 6.2.1, which in turn was derived from Red Hat Linux 6.2. What is more interesting than its lineage is this distro's purpose in life: to function as, and only as, a firewall to the Internet.

SmoothWall Linux is a creation of Richard Morrell and Lawrence Manning, two British programmers who wanted to "extend Linux via a device that they can build that isn't a cobbled together solution but a fully fledged device with management facilities, into the houses with Mac and Windows clients," according to Morrell. In this they have certainly succeeded, since SmoothWall does its one main function very well.

The link for this article located at LinuxPlanet.com is no longer available.