Hi list, some days ago i had a discussion on configuring the optimal kernel for a firewall gateway. I know this is a never ending story but i have a small question out of it: Does it matter how big the kernel is for the speed of the packet flow ? I mean is it better to have a small kernel without all the optional things like soundcard etc., or is it equal because it doesn't has a negative behaviour on the performance of the firewall ? I know that you always hear about small kernels without modules and just the options enabled which you really need, but my friend said this is all because of security and not performance. Is this right ? I feel that a small kernel is not just more secure but also has more performance. Is this right ? Bye Markus