thanks for the help....

 

i feel my 'spare' system is going to waste if i use it for ip cop (only).  i have two drives....the smallest is 30g.  the processor is 1.6 amd, 1 gig memory.  my internet connection is 5 meg down via cox cable.

 

i dont feel the install / config of ip cop is too much of a stretch, but what i am wondering is would i get more utility out of building a linux box instead.  my thought is it would accomplish the same task of firewall while at the same time providing me an opportunity to learn more about linux, and i could still use the pc for backups....or something.

 

regards,

 

james