When to use a firewall (e.g. ufw)

[Peter Flynn]

On 20/11/2020 11:25, Ian Bruntlett wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> I was wondering, when should a firewall (e.g. ufw) be installed on a 
> computer running Linux - Ubuntu Linux, to be more accurate.

If the computer has access to the Internet, you should use a firewall.

But in a domestic situation, with a firewall inside the router/hub 
supplied by your provider, that's probably enough unless you punch holes 
in it for gaming, or you use dodgy software or websites requiring 
unusual ways to access your system, or you open up the network to allow 
external access to your computer direct from the outside.

In a business situation, this should be dealt with by your IT person.

> Also, what level of networking experience is required for running an 
> Ubuntu Linux system?

None until your network goes wrong or you respond to a scam call or 
phishing spam 😱

Network knowledge is always useful, regardless of the operating system, 
because knowing how it all works will let you tune it for better 
performance.

Peter