[Eug-lug] Opinion Poll: General security issues for Linux novices

[BB]

Hey all

Next week I finally get some time off, so I've decided to get my computers
in order; at least as far as Internet use goes.  This is all probably a moot
point, since I'm going to start using Linux exclusively anyways, but I was
looking for an up-to-date opinion on the matter.  So:

Given Ubuntu 7.10 w/ free AVG virus protection, and the proper updates how
safe am I, in GENERAL; as compared to XP w/ free AVG?

I understand that there are no guarantees and in GENERAL to me means a
simplified y/n answer.  I imagine that folks will say "hey, what do you
think we have been doing here for the last X number of years?  Oh course
it's safer!," but I thought I would ask anyways.  I've just been "winging
it" on my security for the last couple of years and that has to end.  I'm
looking to find out if I have to go to extraordinary means to be safe
for *on-line
banking* and* shopping*.

This usually starts with a secure web page, travels via some form of Virtual
Private Network (?,) and ends up with the configuration one has at home.
Right now I am behind a WRT54GL router, that I share, communicating
wirelessly with WPA encryption.  I believe the router is updated with
DD-WRT.  I'm looking to pick up a WRT54GL router, update with DD-WRT, and
bridge the two routers (if that is even possible?)  If bridging is not
possible I'm going to start looking into getting my own account, so I can
have a hardwired Internet connection.

If I can get this router delivered on time, and do the research before hand,
I hope to stop by the Thursday meeting and get some help

After years of "dinking around" it's time for me to get serious about my
Linux usage.  I have to admit that I'm never going to be a Linux technical
expert.  I believe in the Open Source approach, but I'm more of a Computer
Artist then a Technician.  I've echoed this before, and I hope I haven't run
myself into the ground on this point.

Brian
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