How to Install Iptables in Ubuntu

You can protect your Ubuntu computer with the Iptables software firewall.

A software firewall allows only some network packets to arrive to, or leave from, the computer it is running on. The decision on whether to allow a given packet to go through the network adapter, or a given connection to be established, depends on complex, configurable criteria. Sample criteria are the application that generated the packet, its source or destination address and the protocol to which the packet belongs. Iptables is a software firewall for the Linux operating system. You can install Iptables on your Ubuntu Linux computer.

Instructions

1. Log into the computer.

2. Click "Applications" on the taskbar at the top of the graphical desktop, then select "Accessories," then "Terminal." Click the window that opens.

3. Type the following command into the terminal:

   sudo apt-get install iptables

   Press "Enter." Ubuntu will prompt you for your password; enter it, then press "Enter." The Package Manager will download the software package for Iptables from an Ubuntu repository, then install Iptables on your computer. When the execution of the "sudo apt-get" command completes and the window prompts you for another command, Iptables will be up and running on your computer. The default Iptables configuration is adequate for most users.

References

• Netfilter: Netfilter/Iptables Project Homepage