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.

The use of standard hardware, typically from major manufacturers like Dell, HP and IBM, can in many circumstances offer considerable benefits:

Performance/Value for Money:
The average desktop PC will have many times the processing power and memory compliment of most mid-range hardware firewall appliances. Office PCs have become a commodity, offering exceptional value for money.

Innovation:
The rate of PC development and innovation is truly staggering, something that the major manufacturers have no option but to keep pace with. They have the resources to do so, whereas specialized manufacturers producing smaller quantities will often lag behind.

Flexibility:
RAID disks, 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.

Support:
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.

I need it now:
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!

It is for these reasons that most SmoothWall customers chose to use standard server or PC hardware. If they have a good Service Level Agreement for a particular make of computer then they will simply buy another familiar system.

But I have to install the software! Yes - but it only takes ten minutes 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.

The software can be installed from CD or from a USB memory device. Hardware detection is automatic. The installation procedure is basically:

1. Boot the computer from the SmoothWall CD or a bootable USB device.
2. Accept the default "Quick" install mode (rather than the Advanced" menu based configuration procedure).
3. Sit back while the files are copied to disk and the hardware is automatically detected.
4. Choose the appropriate keyboard layout and optionally configure a system name (hostname).
5. Select one of the detected network interfaces to be the default (configuration) interface, name it and configure its IP address.
6. Enter system passwords to control subsequent administrator access.
7. Finished! Reboot the computer, type the default network address into your web browser's address bar and proceed to configure the system.