internet sharing using iptables or squid?

[hear_linux]

I am running red hat linux 9 and i am intended to configure my internet server which is using cable connection...... I've heard about using iptables or squid to share my internet connection but it seems to unclear for me...
The question i want to pose are :
1. what do i supposed to use iptables or squid ?
2. could you give me any "howto" to configure them to share my internet sharing...?
I know those app. have already in their distro(redhat 9) but i dont know hot to configure or install them.

Thank's in advance..Any respond would be gratefull.

salam, koko

[andrewj]

IPTables is a powerful combination of special kernel code ("core" operating system functions) and programs to construct configurations for that kernel code. It lets you make firewalling and IP Masquerading functionality. IP Masquerading sounds like what you're looking for - a way to use your linux machine to let all the other computers in your house (office, dorm room, whatever) access the internet.

IPMasquerading is similar to Microsoft Internet Connection Sharing on steroids. An excellent walkthrough is available at http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/IP-Masquerade-HOWTO/index.html

(I have it bookmarked, it's that good).

Squid is a proxy server that can be used to cache webpages. This means that if you go to news.google.com and then a fellow roommate goes to news.google.com soon after, you'll only download the page once. This is typically used on larger sites, like possibly an office, but I've never used it, so I've got no idea on how to work it.

[qweqwe1]

if u are planning to share with 5 machines behind the firewall then i would
recommend both. search u will find lot of links to configure ur firewall
using iptables. i personally recommend 'Shorewall'.

for configuring squid - again do a search u ll find lot of howtos. if
u are going to use squid then i would recommend also configuring squidGuard to filter ads. i hv filtered 99% ads in my home network.

-qweqwe