.:: Pfsense : How To Install : Part 1 ::.

There are basically 2 different platforms :

1. Embedded
2. LiveCD / Harddisk Install

1. Embedded

The embedded builds are made for embedded hardware platforms like the popular PC-Engines WRAP and SOEKRIS 4X01 amongst many other suitable platforms.

Writing the image

You can download the embedded image from one of the pfSense mirrors. When using a windows machine the easiest way to write your media is with physdiskwrite.

Place physdiskwrite and the pfSense image in the same folder. Attach the media you want to store pfSense on (i.e. CF-Reader and CF-Card). Then issue the following command:

physdiskwrite pfSense-embedded-x.x.img.gz

Physdiskwrite will show you a numbered list of suitable devices (USB-stick, CF-cards in USB-readers, harddisks,...) . Enter the number of the desired media.

BEWARE: By choosing the wrong destination you might as well whipe one of your harddisks! Check and recheck your selection again!

Booting pfSense the first time

After your media was succesfully written place it in your system as bootmedia. Check your BIOS to select the correct bootpriority and configure the device. If everything is configured correctly you should see the kernel beginning to load. At systems with vga the output will stop displaying a "/" at the screen. From that point on all output is at COM1. Please check the bootup process there by using a null modem cable and a terminal program.

The image has a default config that works with the WRAP and the SOEKRIS. With these platforms simply connect a client to the LAN Interface and it gets an IP by DHCP. You can access pfSense at 192.168.1.1. Logon with user "admin" and password "pfsense". If you are using a direct connect from your client to the pfSense interface remember that you need a crossover cable. For other systems please continue at "Initial pfSense configuration" as you most likely have to assign interfaces before you can access pfSense's webgui.

To download physdiskwrite and the pfSense image, click url below :

Physdiskwrite :

http://www.sharebigfile.com/file/151428/physdiskwrite-exe.html

Pfsense Image :

http://www.sharebigfile.com/file/151427/pfSense-img.html

2. LiveCD / Harddisk Install

U can running pfsense on the pc using the CD as a boot drive. You need a CD-Burner and a CD-Writing application that is capable of writing a CD from an iso file. A system with at least 2 nics and a CDROM to boot from is needed.

The Install option

At the same time the LiveCD is the installer which can setup pfSense to your harddisk. It's recommended that you first configure pfSense before you run the installer (option 99 at the shell menu).

To download LiveCD, click url below :

LiveCD (ISO Format) :

http://www.sharebigfile.com/file/152148/pfSense-1-0-1-LiveCD-Installer-iso-gz.html