IP Networking

ok basically, i have got apache working on my server now (i have been using linux for about 3 days) and i have installed and setup php and mysql

but now i want to secure the server. I have heard about iptables and ipchains, and have looked at several websites about it, but basically dont understand it

can i download, or even buy a firewall instead of using ipchains and iptables?

If so, what are good firewalls, free would be good, but if not, i will also pay.

please note, its a personal server, im not going to be hosting for anyone, just myself

You can try EasyFw

http://www.linux-kheops.com/pub/easyfw/easyfwGB.html

Trust me it works great. I remember trying it a few years ago. And it works pretty well for me.

You often use: Ipchain and Iptables...It was installed with kernel when Setup Linux (Mandrake)

It very use and powerfull

You can get it from:

http://www.frehmeat.net/
http://www.linuxapps.com/