[tomiboi]

I just installed Ubuntu on my desktop PC. I wanted to know if I need a firewall and anti-virus software. I am on a Cable connection behind a well configured WRT54G Linksys Router. And, is it safe to use the Ubuntu system to login to sites like eBay, Paypal, or even your Bank?

[msabramo]

Ubuntu, unlike Windows, is pretty darn safe in that very few ports are left open in a default install. Your firewall is probably blocking almost all incoming requests so you are pretty safe and there are very few known viruses for Linux. If you do enable SSH, you might want to take measures to prevent brute-force attacks like disabling root logins and disabling password authentication (i.e.: requiring an SSH key for authentication).

[Squashman]

Any OS is vulnerable. You should take the necessary pre-cautions. I am kind of surprised that the default install didn't give you an option to Turn on a Firewall. Red Hat 9 did way back when. I am sure there has to be some builit in Firewall on it. Most Likely Iptables.