EnGarde Secure Linux
 | |
| File:EnGarde Screen Shot.jpg EnGarde Secure Linux interface | |
| OS family | Linux |
|---|---|
| Latest release | 3.0.18 / December 2007 |
| Platforms | i686 |
| Official website | http://www.engardelinux.org |
EnGarde Secure Linux is an open source server-only Linux distribution developed by Guardian Digital. EnGarde incorporates open source tools such as Postfix, BIND, and the LAMP stack, and many others.
The platform includes services for web hosting, DNS and email, and others. Since 2005, SELinux has been incorporated into the platform by default.[1] Other security services are included by default as well, such as intrusion detection, anti-virus, network management and auditing and reporting tools.
Users can configure the services through the command line, or remotely manage them through WebTool, the platform's browser-based interface.
Overview of History and Development
Since its inception in 2001, the platform has been developed as an OS that incorporates only server functionality while focusing on security as the priority. Originally, the platform loosely drew on some of the code from early versions of Red Hat.[2] Within less than a year of development, much of that was re-engineered. Since then EnGarde has been treated as its own platform, as it maintains its own package repository based on RPM, among other changes.
Additionally, many desktop functions were not included. For example, EnGarde Secure Linux does not include the X Window System. Traditionally, this kind of utility is called hardening. According to the company, the platform has been engineered to maintain this focus on security for server functions.[3]
Specific focus
It was one of the earliest distributions to include SELinux for complete server implementations, and was one of the very first Linux server platforms designed solely for security. The company does not develop a 'non-hardened' version of the platform.
Because there is no X Window interface, using the distribution often requires the use of a second computer in order to configure. The graphic interface, accessible through a web browser, has been praised in previous reviews. Linux.com reviewed the platform in November 2005, where WebTool was described as innovative and well-designed and lets you get productive quickly.[4] A recent review on PolishLinux.org gave it a positive review, but argued it could have included more popular modules and packages.[5]
EnGarde Secure Linux Professional version
Developed by Guardian Digital, EnGarde Secure Professional is the company's commercial offering. It is more concrete in its development[clarification needed] (based on large scale deployments), includes extra applications, as well as support and services. According to an interview with Customer Business Review Online, the company has over 500 customers, mostly in the United States and Canada, but also in India, Kenya and others.[6]
The additional applications (large-scale email security, VPN, web filter) are not provided for EnGarde Community and are only included with the Professional version, which must be purchased. Guardian Digital's development does, however, benefit from the community of developments. Improvements and features in EnGarde Professional are often tested and developed first for use in EnGarde Community.
Release history and developments for EnGarde 3.0
Guardian Digital publishes a detailed history on their website. There have been sixteen releases since September of 2005.
Some of the early design parameters included SELinux functionality, 64-bit support, interfaces for network intrusion detection, as well as translations for both Spanish and Italian. Other versions of EnGarde are currently being translated into other languages.
Other changes include a point-and-click GUI for using SELinux, automatic hardware inventory generation and a new WebTool API guide for community modules. Changes to the IDS with an Ajax interface and a real-time WebTool support tool are also some changes.[7]
Reaction to the economics of open source business
A $60 fee was placed on users who wanted to continue to use EnGarde Community Edition after 30 days of use. While the platform did not remove its open source license, the price-move caused a a backlash within its user-base. It was very short-lived, and was after only seven weeks.[citation needed]
Development cycles
Guardian Digital is currently releasing platform updates and upgrades about once every thirty to sixty days. Updates for current users are downloaded through GDSN (Guardian Digital Secure Network).
References
- ^ [1] SourceForge Listing: SELinux for Distributions
- ^ [2]"A Look at EnGarde Secure Linux 3.0" - LWN.com October 5th, 2005
- ^ [3]" The LXer Interview with Dave Wreski" - Lxer.com July 23rd, 2007
- ^ [4] "Test Drive EnGarde Secure Linux" Linux.com - November 23rd, 2005
- ^ [5] "EnGarde - Secure Linux Server" polishlinux.org - 2007-08-07
- ^ [6]"Q&A: Guardian Digital CEO on open source security" - Computer Business Review Online.com July 11th, 2007
- ^ Release History EnGarde Release History as of August, 2007
