>
> You should decide what feature you need for your network. Are you
> going to need a DMZ for publicly accessed servers? Are you going to
> need a FW capable of IPS functions and anti-virus? How many interfaces
> will you need? Do you need VLAN capability? VPN?
>
> I have a personal bias for Secure Computing's Sidewinder appliances
> because they are rock-solid (never been compromised) and have more
> out-of-the-box capability than any other firewall I know of.
>
> http://www.securecomputing.com/index.cfm?skey=20
>
> The 210 is fairly inexpensive and can handle 150 clients.
>
> http://www.securecomputing.com/index.cfm?skey=1676
>
>

Well it looks like I'm in way over my head, since I'm not sure how to
answer your questions. I'm not even sure I understand them.

I did look at the Sidewinder and it seems like overkill.

- We're using a standard Cable connection to the internet, so we only
need 3 to 5 MBits of throughput.

- The teachers have laptops and they need to get to an internal database
for grades and homework assignments, etc.

- We have 3 small websites that we'll want the world to get to.

- We currently use RAS and RDC for remote troubleshooting, and some file
access.

- We're looking at bringing our email in-house on a local Exchange server.

- Our budget is small, and we're looking at getting some state and
federal grant money to pay for whatever we buy.

How does this fit into your recommendations?

RB