Firewall and/or anti-virus

[alan c]

Web1 wrote:
> Hello,
> 
> Is there any reason to have either an anti-virus or firewall on 
> Kubuntu?  I have downloaded clam anti-virus but it doesn't appear to 
> have real time protection.  I have read that there isn't a reason to 
> have either an anti-virus or firewall for Kubuntu, I was just checking 
> to make sure that they are not needed prior to me doing my banking and 
> such on Kubuntu.  I have this on a separate hard drive from windows XP 
> and are slowly transferring over to it.  Pretty good learning curve, but 
> its fun and challenging.
> 
> If I do need an anti-virus, firewall, spy-ware blocker and such, could 
> you guys please recommend the best of each of these to install?
> 
> Thanks and am glad I am making the switch.

Note that a firewall *is* included in the distribution when you 
install it, called iptables. All unused ports are closed by default. 
As also mentioned in this thread, the router also has some firewall 
actions. Things to install yourself such as firestarter are not 
firewalls, they are front ends with GUI to make it easy to manipulate 
and change iptables, and unless you know stuff, best left alone, you 
could easily make things worse!

Viruses - the file system permissions structures in linux unlike 
Windows, is very tough so *unless* you use your password, it is hard 
or in theory impossible to break this. However all of your user files 
- in Home, whatever, are available at user level to be damaged or 
lost, so the most useful precaution is a very regular backup, and be 
ready to test it, and also to use it if or when you need it.

Consider sbackup? it is not perfect yet in that it works in the 
background and seems mysterious, but it does work, and is simple. I 
choose the 'logarithmic' type of keeping stuff.

adept>sbackup
I think

-- 
alan cocks
Ubuntu user #10391
Linux user #360648