[short101]

I've only just started to look into linux in the last couple of months, and will hopefully be getting my fedora cd's delivered soon. I know you dont have too many worries with viruses with it, but looking at the vulneribilities sticky, I was starting to wonder how it goes with regards to security issues. Also if anyone has any suggestions as to the best firewall to use, I would like to here peoples comments on that also. I'm looking forward to playing around with linux, but untill I get my head around it, I was wondering if I will have to delve into the guts of it to fix these issues that come up. I plan to use it as my main os (once I've got it woked out) and only use windows for the programs that I cant use with linux, so would like to here peoples views on this subject.

[deuce868]

it's as secure as you make it. Like anything, it's only as good as the person using it.

[short101]

Thats my point. I'm gonna be new to it, and will be doing all my surfing with it, (once I get up and running) and was wondering if I have to do serious things to it, just to stop these vulnerabilities.

[tsunam]

erm...the vernerabilities are in the user . If you download something don't check md5 sums, or run as root the entire time. Expect to be in trouble if you do something like that. Best bet is to use a distro such as debian, or one of the near windows like ones like Redhat fedora. We'll help you once your into it as well but really like windows linux is as secure as you make it.

[Whiteskin]

Your not going to get the kinds of problems that windows has here (Eg, Sasser: do nothing = infected). Sure, there will be security problems, however, they are not as serious (usually), nor as data threatening as the windows problems.

[short101]

ok thanks guys. I'll read the book I'm getting with my cd's and take it from there I suppose. Youll probably be hearing more from me in the next couple of weeks/months/years?

[lynch]

If you download something don't check md5 sums,

EH? Why not?
lynch

[tsunam]

err...I did type that wrong ^.^;; gomen gomen meant it as check your md5 sums -.-;;

*sighs* stress from upcoming finals must be getting to me

[Whiteskin]

Oh well, we've all made mistakes like that. Goodness knows i've mades some deeply depressingly stupid blunders before.

[lynch]

Originally Posted by tsunam

err...I did type that wrong ^.^;; gomen gomen meant it as check your md5 sums -.-;;

*sighs* stress from upcoming finals must be getting to me

Just watchin' yer back.

Hope you do well in your finals.
lynch

[utanja]

Originally Posted by deuce868

it's as secure as you make it. Like anything, it's only as good as the person using it.

this is true.....here is another idea....if you run broadband....run it behind a router/switch.....makes no difference whether you are networked or not....the NAT (network translation table) ..makes your computer almost invisible to all unwanted packets...