And another Ubuntu convert!

[Mark Kirkwood]

Robert Parker wrote:
>
> I personally read stuff like:
> http://linuxmafia.com/~rick/faq/index.php?page=virus
>
> It's written by a sysadmin whom I have followed for years.
>
>   
Good article - deflates the (IMHO) pure hype associated with anti-virus 
software. Personally I think the various vendors of such products see 
their market stalling or shrinking as people shift to alternatives like 
OSX or Ubuntu - and are desperate to convince us that "we too" need 
"them". I think we don't, instead:

- use a firewall
- use a script blocker like noscript in your browser
- make sure scripting if off in your mail client
- apply your os updates regularly

The article also points to the behavioural aspects of security - common 
sense about what you do and where you go:

- don't run your system as root (hard to do on Ubuntu, which is good)
- don't install server software that you don't need (e.g don't install 
openssh-server unless you need to)
- don't install programs or packages from untrusted sources (your mate's 
usb drive or email attachment is an untrusted source...)
- use common sense about what web sites you visit

On could go on, but I'm sure you all get the idea.


If you need to operate you machine in a hostile environment  - then 
consider adding:

- drive or home encryption
- intrusion detection/system security audit software


regards

Mark