Newbie question on gui
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I am just learning pfsense or should I say reading allot about it. A friend gave me a alix2d13 board. I know I have to install the console version of the os through a null modem cable as it doesn't have video. My question is once the os is installed with basic setup will I be able to access it though the web gui for further settings. I am pretty technical so just need that clarified. Thanks in advance.
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My question is once the os is installed with basic setup will I be able to access it though the web gui for further settings. I am pretty technical so just need that clarified. Thanks in advance.
Yes. That is the typical/main method of configuring and managing the system. Once the network interface is configured via the console it should tell the IP address to browse to.
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Ok thanks. Have so much to learn but then again I am an old retired guy and have nothing but time. I am sure I will have many more questions and hours of reading. One more question. I don't have a compact flash reader and am a little confused about whether I need one. Can I create an install flash drive and boot to it like a regular computer that has video or do I have to transfer to the cf from my computer with a reader and then install it back in the alix.
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pfSense has a preconfiguration like the most other routers. It comes up with 192.168.1.1/24 on LAN interface and DHCP active. So like you've to do with other routers, connect the LAN interface to a computer, if the computer is set to take an IP automatically from DHCP you've just to type 192.168.1.1 in your browser, otherwise you need to give the computer an IP in this range manually.
You can also connect the ALIX with a serial crossover cable with a computer and configure the interfaces via the console.
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I'm not familiar with the alix someone else will need to answer that.
Would think it could be installed to a USB flash drive though, like some of us do to run on system without a hard drive.
What I do is
- Download the full-install mem stick image and restore it to a flash drive.
- Insert install flash drive and a target flash drive.
- Boot from the install flash drive.
- Install to the target flash drive.
Think this is covered with more detail in the docs as well. But that's the gist of how I install to USB flash drive.
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On the ALIX 2D13 you should install the Nano BSD version, but there is no Nano BSD install version available, as far as I know, just the image to write it on the CF or stick.
If have a CF, but no card reader/writer it could be possible to boot the ALIX with a minimal Linux (32 bit!) from an USB stick and write the image with that to the CF card. But I've never done something like this.
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Ok thanks for all the advice. I will see how it goes and post my progress or lack of. Lots of fun anyway.