In today's open source roundup: Six GUI firewall management applications in Linux. Plus: Linux Lite 2.2 released, and the story of how Kali Linux was created GUI firewall tools in Linux The command line is a powerful tool for any Linux user, but there are times when a GUI can also be quite useful, particularly when it comes to managing firewalls. There are a number of GUI-based firewall tools available, but some Linux users might be completely unaware of them. Eric Geier at ServerWatch looked at six GUI firewall management tools: As you may know, IPtables and NetFilter combine to make the most popular firewall solution in Linux. Given there’s only a native command-line interface (CLI) for the two, though, there can be a learning curve. The good news, however, is that there are many graphical user interfaces (GUIs) you can use with Linux. Let’s look at some of the most powerful yet easy-to-use options available. Firewall Builder Firestarter Gufw Firewall PeerGuardian Linux FirewallD Vuurmuur Firewall More at ServerWatch Linux Lite 2.2 Linux Lite is a desktop distribution geared toward making it easier for Windows users to transition to Linux. Linux Lite 2.2 is the latest release and includes a back up utility, system cleaner and a variety of other changes. Jerry at the Linux Lite forum lists the changes in version 2.2: We’ve added Backups a very simple to use backup utility, Date & Time, File Search and our newest members to the Linux Lite software family, Lite Cleaner – an easy to use point and click system cleaner and Lite Welcome – greets you on first boot, gives useful information about Linux Lite including Updates, Support and Development, we’ve also added Light Locker as the new default screen locker. There are also improvements to Install Additional Software, allowing you to choose multiple programs at once to install. There is also ‘Check Install Media’ that has been added to the Live boot menu and finally, we’ve added some community created Linux Lite themed wallpapers. More at Linux Lite Forum You can download Linux Lite 2.2 via these torrents: Linux Lite 2.2 32-bit Torrent Linux Lite 2.2 64-bit Torrent A interview with a Kali Linux developer Kali Linux is a security-oriented distribution that helps secure networks. Lifehacker has an interview with one of the developers who explains how Kali Linux came to be, and what challenges the developers faced along the way. Andy Orin at Lifehacker interviewed Mati Aharoni about Kali Linux: If you’ve ever tried to crack Wi-FI passwords or test for security vulnerabilities on your network, then you’re likely familiar with Kali Linux. It’s a security-focused version of Linux that offers a multitude of tools to seek out weaknesses and secure your network. It began out of necessity for lead Kali developer Mati Aharoni (known as muts in the community). While doing professional security work he needed a variety of security tools without being able to install any software on his client’s systems, and so he took to Linux. We spoke with Mati to learn more about how it started and how the community-driven project has grown and evolved over the years into one of the leading security-focused Linux distributions. More at Lifehacker The Kali Linux site has more information: From the creators of BackTrack comes Kali Linux, the most advanced and versatile penetration testing distribution ever created. We have a whole set of amazing features lined up in our security distribution, geared at streamlining the penetration testing experience. More at Kali Linux You can download Kali Linux via these torrents: Kali Linux 32-bit Torrent Kali Linux 64-bit Torrent What’s your take on all this? Tell me in the comments below. Open Source