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

[kjim9 at clearwire.net]

 As long as the box is behind a basic firewall I would use straight 
ubuntu and not worry about antivirus. The WRT54G does NAT which gives 
basic protection which I think most readers agree is more than enough 
for a single home system, however for those who have extra boxes and an 
interest in computers most of them probably have one or more set up as a 
firewall for the experience.
Jim K
BB wrote:
> 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
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> _______________________________________________
> EUGLUG mailing list
> euglug at euglug.org
> http://www.euglug.org/mailman/listinfo/euglug
>