document.write('<p><b><a href=http://www.smoothwall.net?page=rc target=_V>Why a Software Appliance?</a></b></p>');
document.write('<p>SmoothWall produces \"Software Appliances\", complete packages to convert a standard server or PC into a dedicated hardware security appliance: the SmoothWall security software, security hardened Linux operating system, all other necessary software and documentation. <br /><br />  The use of standard hardware, typically from major manufacturers like Dell, HP and IBM, can in many circumstances offer considerable benefits:  <br /><br />  <strong>Performance/Value for Money:</strong><br /> The average desktop PC will have many times the processing power and memory compliment of most mid-range hardware firewall appliances. In recent years, entry level servers have become a commodity, offering exceptional value for money, and many customers can leverage Service Level Agreements for standardized brands from mainstream system vendors. <br /><br />  <strong>Flexibility:</strong><br /> RAID arrays, redundant power supplies, add memory to boost performance, huge range of network interface cards, replace with an alternative unit - all these and many more are the advantages that stem from the use of the universal PC platform. <br /><br />  <strong>Support:</strong><br /> The major PC manufacturers can support their products virtually anywhere in the world, including rapid on-site repair or replacement if the customer requires. Alternatively, in most major cities there will be several computer support companies who could also support such big-name hardware. In contrast, the support available for smaller manufacturers\' equipment is often limited to return to base repair. <br /><br />  <strong>I need it now:</strong><br /> You can download the SmoothWall appliance software, install it on a commodity PC or server and get it up and running in less than an hour! <br /><br />  <strong>But I have to install the software!</strong><br /> Yes - but it <strong>only takes twenty minutes</strong> and then you have a great security appliance that is configured and managed from any web browser. Zero knowledge of Linux or any of the underlying software components is needed. <br /><br />  The software can be installed from CD or from a USB memory device. Hardware detection is automatic. The installation procedure is basically: <ol> <li>Boot the computer from the SmoothWall CD or a bootable USB device.  <li>Accept the default \"Quick\" install mode (rather than the Advanced\" menu based configuration procedure).  <li>Sit back while the files are copied to disk and the hardware is automatically detected.  <li>Choose the appropriate keyboard layout and optionally configure a system name (hostname).  <li>Select one of the detected network interfaces to be the default (configuration) interface, name it and configure its IP address.  <li>Enter system passwords to control subsequent administrator access.  <li>Finished! Reboot the computer, type the default network address into your web browser\'s address bar and proceed to configure the system as you would with any other.  </ol></p>');