Avast WEBforum
Other => General Topics => Topic started by: sf2000 on February 20, 2006, 06:32:30 PM
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Hi
I have a couple of questions but I can't seem to find the right answers on the web. Maybe you guys can help. OK, I am trying out Ubuntu (based on Debian) but I am not totally comfortable with it. In Windows, you can install a firewall like ZoneAlarm or Kerio to assure yourself (to some extent) that only permitted programs can access the internet and also protect you from threats coming to your computer.
Now my question is (finally), Ubuntu like many other Linux distributions is made by programmers from all over the world, isn't it possible for one of the programmers to implement code that would act as a backdoor in the Linux OS? Also, so many freely available packages are available for Linux, how can you be sure that a particular package wouldn't have any malicious code? (Viruses and trojans can be detected by a virus scanner but what about the actual code?) You can probably have the same argument for Windows...
Is there a ZoneAlarm-like firewall for Linux (or Ubuntu) so that you can keep track of programs that access the internet? I know there is one called Firestarter but it does not display any messages when a program tries to access the internet.
I hope I am not being too paranoid. In fact, I like Ubuntu more than Windows because you can customise it a lot. But if Linux does have a firewall like ZoneAlarm then I would definitely move to Linux for good ;D.
Kind Regards
sf2000
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Hi sf2000,
Most Linux distros will have some option of enabling a firewall. Most linux firewalls run in a similar way to the windows firewall - only blocking external attacks.
isn't it possible for one of the programmers to implement code that would act as a backdoor in the Linux OS?
Ubuntu is the most popular distro at Distrowatch (http://distrowatch.com/), they will not risk the bad publicity if a backdoor is found in their OS.
Also, so many freely available packages are available for Linux, how can you be sure that a particular package wouldn't have any malicious code?
The same way that you would in windows - do some research on a program; see what other people say about it.
And since it is opensource, any curious programmer can take a look at the code and blow the whistle if he/she finds some malicious code. By my reasoning, bad programs won't last long in the linux world.
I like Ubuntu more than Windows because you can customise it a lot
Here is something that may help you. Its called Automatix (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=66563). It is meant to help the new ubuntu user customize Breezy Badger (5.10)
But if Linux does have a firewall like ZoneAlarm then I would definitely move to Linux for good
If you do find what you are looking for, please let us know ;)
Cheers
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Hi xistenz
Thanks for your reply. I have installed the 64bit version of Ubuntu and found out later that Automatix is not supported.
Ubuntu is the most popular distro at Distrowatch (http://distrowatch.com/), they will not risk the bad publicity if a backdoor is found in their OS.
The same way that you would in windows - do some research on a program; see what other people say about it.
And since it is opensource, any curious programmer can take a look at the code and blow the whistle if he/she finds some malicious code. By my reasoning, bad programs won't last long in the linux world.
I hope you're right.
sf2000
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Hi,
I would like to try this version of Linux on my Windows machine but I can't partition my drive using Windows.
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Hi,
I would like to try this version of Linux on my Windows machine but I can't partition my drive using Windows.
Hi Justin1278, I don't know about partitioning a drive which has windows already on it but I think you can use the Ubuntu Live to try out Ubuntu without installing anything. I downloaded the DVD distribution of Ubuntu and it gave me an option to either try out the OS without installing anything or install the OS on a HDD. Hope this helps.
sf2000
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Hi,
I have downloaded the program. What do I do now? With what program do I open it with?
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Hi,
If it is an ISO file, you can burn it on a CD using your CD writing software.
sf2000
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Justin, if you downloaded the live distro,you need to burn it to a cd,then insert into your cd drive and reboot.also your system boot order may have to be changed,but try it first.
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Hi,
I put the CD in and it still did not boot from the CD. Also it is an ISO file.
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Hi,
I put the CD in and it still did not boot from the CD. Also it is an ISO file.
justin,you must change boot order in BIOS [urlhttp://www.cyberwalker.net/faqs/reinstall-reformat-winxp/enter-BIOS.html][/url]
this link should give info as to how -but WATCH what you are doing as this is not something you have to do everyday. Is this a live or install version?
hope this helps.
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I may be wrong but, in your computer BIOS if Boot from Harddrive is first boot device, then Windows would most likely boot up first and you would not get to Linux. As Timcan suggested, you most likely will have to set the BIOS to boot from the cd drive first.
But, I might be wrong. :)
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Hi,
I did set it up to boot from the CD drive and Windows still boots.
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Hi,
I did set it up to boot from the CD drive and Windows still boots.
Did you click save before exiting BIOS?
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Hi,
Yes I did save the settings. Also I don't know if this is going to bios but when I start my PC I press F10 and it goes into settings and I just changed the boot order and saved it.
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Try F1
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Hello,
F10 is how my computer goes into setup before booting. I chaged boot order and it still doesn't work. I even press esc and choose what I want to boot from, and yet Windows still boots. Did I do something wrong when I was making the disk. I just downloaded the OS Live version and copied it on to the CD. Do I need a special program?
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Hi Justin1278,
From what I understand, if you plainly copied the ISO file to the CD then you probably have created the CD the wrong way. First open your CD writing program, go to something like FILE and then OPEN. Open the ISO from there. Your CD writing program should then display a message that it is ready to burn the CD. Here, this might help:
http://www.govideo.com/Index.asp?GV=CDWriteHelp
sf2000
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The Ubuntu cd's (both live and install) are shipped for free to your home postal adress if requested. Look at ubuntulinux.org and search for the page named "shipit".
As for the firewall: it is turned on by default but, just as the windows xp-sp2 firewall only blocks INCOMING connections.
As for the dual-boot question: many linux distro's like Mandriva and SuSE co-exist peacefully on the same harddisk with Windows. Ubuntu can also be installed as dual-boot, but is more aggressive than the others: the computer will have Ubuntu starting as default and the boot-loader will become unfunctional should you want to get rid of Ubuntu in case you don't like it. In other words, you will not be able to boot windows again.
So be careful when installing Ubuntu.
Bye,
Fast
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Hi,
Ok then it looks like Unbuntu is not for me. I will look at Suse, I think there is a free version of that, but I still need help on partitioning my drive if you look at the screenshot on the last page I cannot partition my drive using windows so I would like a free program that would partition my drive for me. Any help would be wonderful.
Thanks,
Justin1278
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I did set it up to boot from the CD drive and Windows still boots.
Maybe you need to use a CD-R and not a CD-RW to test your capability to boot by a CD.
I will look at Suse, I think there is a free version of that
Yes, there is. It's a good distro of Linux.
Five CD are needed (for me, the CD-RW worked).
I have Windows + SUSE working tohgeter in one computer.
but I still need help on partitioning my drive if you look at the screenshot on the last page I cannot partition my drive using windows so I would like a free program that would partition my drive for me. Any help would be wonderful.
The SUSE CDs (the first one) have this tool.
You can do by other programs, using Google you'll find. PartitionMagic is the best one but it's not free.
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Hi,
Tech this is wonderful news on my part thanks for the help. But will Suse be able to Partition my HD even though windows cannot? look at the screenshot on the last page. Also does my system qualify for the x86-64 one? Also I think I figured out why Windows was still booting, this was because I was using the Windows CD burner and this cannot burn ISO files so I went and downloaded the add on so now it can.
System Info:
AMD Athlon 64 3200+ 2.0 GHZ
512 MB SD Ram
80 GB HD
Windows XP SP2
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Tech this is wonderful news on my part thanks for the help. But will Suse be able to Partition my HD even though windows cannot?
In fact, why not? I would recommend you a backup of the Windows partition before and, of course, a full defragmentation.
You can start trying to reduce the size of the Windows partition. SUSE requires, at least, 30 Gb of disk.
How is your 80 Bb HDD actually partitioned?
look at the screenshot on the last page.
I can't... I've tried both IE and Firefox but I can't see the picture...
Also does my system qualify for the x86-64 one?
I'm not good on these things... hope some other user could help you.
So now it can.
And what, did you boot the live CD of Ubuntu?
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Hi,
No I did not boot the Unbuntu Live CD because I have decided I will use Suse. I booted with Suse fine but it will not install it keeps getting an error message when trying to partition the drive. The alert message is somewhere along the lines of Error could not install error occured while partitioning the drive.
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No I did not boot the Unbuntu Live CD because I have decided I will use Suse. I booted with Suse fine but it will not install it keeps getting an error message when trying to partition the drive. The alert message is somewhere along the lines of Error could not install error occured while partitioning the drive.
I'll need more info about the error to help you further, the full error message, etc.
Either, SUSE has an user forum and you could get help there.
Did you run a FULL scandisk (chkdsk) into the Windows partition?
You did not say how the HDD is partitioned...
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Hi,
Ok i believe it is because I did not set it to format the windows partition. How can I set it to format the Windows partition and not have Linux take over the whole HD so I can install Windows on the Partition.
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Ok i believe it is because I did not set it to format the windows partition. How can I set it to format the Windows partition and not have Linux take over the whole HD so I can install Windows on the Partition.
It will take a lot of time to go step by step. I won't be able to do it today.
Have a dual boot system is VERY complicated and dangerous if you do not know exactly what you're doing.
I really recommend that you read more about in the internet before, test in another computer, etc. I did a lot of mistakes, lose time and things... It's not easy to guide you through avast forums, maybe by IM. Anyway, you must be sure that you want to take the risks.
You should 'test' the live Linux distros BEFORE triying to install a dual boot system.
By the way, if you want to format the windows partition and start all over again, why don't you test SUSE in all HDD?
You must learn about Linux and about partitioning, and about dual boot systems (how to set them)... It's not a quick job...
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Hi,
I understand the risks of this and am willing to take them, but I have used Suse Linux and did like it, but did not know it was free until a few days ago. If you can help me through IM that would be great, if not I understand. Thanks for all your help so far Tech.
~Justin1278
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Also does my system qualify for the x86-64 one?
Yes, the Athlon 64 is a 64-bit processor.
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As xistenz stated above, the Athlon 64 3200 is qualified in this respect.
You have the same processor as I do. I am sure mine is x86-64 or else it would not work on a 939 mobo. ;)
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look at the screenshot on the last page.
I can't... I've tried both IE and Firefox but I can't see the picture...
Sorry, I get them now. No problems, Linux could manage them as well PartitionMagic.
1) What are the system requirements for Suse Linux (free version)
Processor: AMD K6/II/III, Duron, Athlon/XP (tm); Intel Celeron, Pentium I/II/III,4, Xeon.
Memory: 256 MB or more (512 MB recommended);
Free HDD space: at least 500 MB (2,5 GB recommended);
HDD total size: at least 30 MB
USB 1.1 and 2.0 are compatible
Sound and video cards: mostly compatible with ISA, PCI and AGP existent cards.
2) Does my computer qualify for the x86-64 version of Suse Linux (free version)
Again, I'm not the best for it, but seems that you're qualified.
The best will be reading here http://en.opensuse.org/Download
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After the 'Preparation' step of the installation, SUSE will bring you the 'Installation' step itself.
Select the tab 'Expert'
Then click 'Change...' and then 'Partitioning...'.
Choose 'Create Custom Partition Setup' and then click 'Next'.
Choose 'Custom Partitioning' and click 'Next'.
There you'll be able to Create, Edit, Delete and Resize partitions.
Maybe starting resizing the Windows one 8)
Again, it won't be easy to follow and help you further. You'll need time and reading to do so.
Probably you'll mess, be wrong, etc. I see no other way to learning ;D
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Hi,
Ok I have figured out the installation part, but I would like to know how I choose what OS I want to boot, I think it's F8 but when I tried it, it did not work.
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How I choose what OS I want to boot, I think it's F8 but when I tried it, it did not work.
If you install LILO or the SUSE boot loaders into the MBR, Linux will boot and you'll have to change it's settings to load Windows.
If you them into the partition (not the first one), the system will boot what is set into the MBR. For instance, if you install Windows XP in the first one (C:) you can boot Windows and use the tool bootpart to boot any other operational system (http://www.winimage.com/bootpart.htm).
I really suggest the use of Bootpart.
Other good utility is GAG (http://gag.sourceforge.net).
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Hi,
Ok I have Linux running with Windows, but I can't seem to get the wireless internet configured so I have no internet configured for Linux any tips on configuring the internet on Suse Linux would be awesome. Also Suse is setup so when I boot the computer it comes to the Suse screen and asks what system I want to boot.
Thanks,
Justin1278
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But I can't seem to get the wireless internet configured so I have no internet configured for Linux any tips on configuring the internet on Suse Linux would be awesome.
Run YAST2 (The SUSE Control Panel and check the hardware and software configuration). Also you should adjust the network/bluetooth settings.
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Hi,
I have tried this with no luck, I do not know what to set it to.
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http://www.google.com.br/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&q=SUSE+wireless+Linux
http://en.opensuse.org/SDB%3AWireless_LANs_with_SuSE_Linux
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Hi,
Thank you Tech but I am still having problems with internet. I will keep trying I'll get it eventually.
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Hi everyone,
I've just joined because I'm looking to install the anti-virus on Ubuntu (Breezy Badger).
I use firestarter firewall and it's good. If your bios is set to boot from CD and Ubuntu doesn't boot the boot option is probably missing from the CD. Ubuntu will ship bootable CDs free from ubuntu.com/org (i think it's shipit.ubuntu.org).
If your existing partition is FAT32 it can resize it and set up dual boot with Windows.
I only use linux (ubuntu) online now, but keep windows offline for multitracking! (cubase haven't done a linux version yet).
P.S. How do I install the antivirus on Ubuntu?
Thanks!
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Use the built in package manager to install Aegis. When prompted, add the repository of your choice and click install.
Easy.
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Hi everyone,
I've just joined because I'm looking to install the anti-virus on Ubuntu (Breezy Badger).
I use firestarter firewall and it's good. If your bios is set to boot from CD and Ubuntu doesn't boot the boot option is probably missing from the CD. Ubuntu will ship bootable CDs free from ubuntu.com/org (i think it's shipit.ubuntu.org).
If your existing partition is FAT32 it can resize it and set up dual boot with Windows.
I only use linux (ubuntu) online now, but keep windows offline for multitracking! (cubase haven't done a linux version yet).
P.S. How do I install the antivirus on Ubuntu?
Thanks!
Welcome to the avast! forum fairdoes!
I am also trying out Ubuntu but I haven't installed an AV yet. You can try ClamAV through 'Synaptics'. I haven't tried avast! Linux Home Edition but if someone has instructions on how to install it on Ubuntu that would be great.
sf2000
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Maybe your question is answerd on the Ubuntu-forum ;)
Have a look here:
http://www.ubuntuforums.org/search.php?searchid=4307599
Fast
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Thanks everyone!
I read the 'readme' (belatedly) and it doesn't need installing! It runs self-contained from the place I downloaded it! Nice work Avast! ! :)