Hi Jerry,

Since I was not able to exclude openSSL in my custom install, I again did a full reinstall of RedHat Linux. I set up samba and restored my web site from a backup. I restored it in a directory that will allow me to run my site as a virtual host. In this way I can host other web sites all with the same static IP address. You can now pinp my static IP address of 68.15.242.97. Also you can access my web site at:

https://www.smvfp.com

The site will be brought up with the default httpd.conf file from the CDs, so all my paths are broken right now. I'll need to configure httpd.conf to get it all setup again; also will need to put the new paths in the html and perl cgi-bin scripts.

Since the NIC that binds to the static IP address goes directly to the cable modem, instead of to a hud, router, switch, or some other network device, there is no way to route the local network into it.
This has it advantages in that any virus entering the Linux computer would not be able to find a route into the local network. However, the second NIC in the Linux computer is hooked into a router that manages the local network. This allows the local network to use the Linux's computer files system via samba.

My present network configuration makes my linux box kind of like a proxy server. A lot of corporations are going to a configuration something like this, as security concerns are high since the Sept 11, 2001 terorist attacks.

My wife is not a happy camper as she does ebay, in addition to her Hendricks job, and she has been disconnected from the internet here at the house for a while. I will need to look into acquiring a second cable connection so the local network here at the housewill have a gateway out into the internet.

Thanks for you help.