Linux? Which one?

[Lisandro]

Another question: Once installed, do I need a software firewall (I don't have a hardware FW)? Avast for linux?

Yes, you can use DogGuard (if you have Gnome desktop, Ubuntu) or FireStarter (if you use KDE on Kubuntu).
You can download and install the debian package (.deb) of avast for Linux (just on-demand scanning, not resident).

[OrangeCrate]

Another question: Once installed, do I need a software firewall (I don't have a hardware FW)? Avast for Linux?

There is a powerful built in Linux firewall called iptables. The two programs that Tech mentioned, are the GUI interfaces respective of Gnome (Firestarter) or KDE (Guarddog) to configure the firewall. When you get that far, let me know, and I'll give you the settings to use.

Here's some reading on security in Ubuntu Linux:

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/security

In fact, Psychocats is a very good reference tool, that should be bookmarked and then read thoroughly when you have the time.

[Lisandro]

I'll give you the settings to use.

To use what? Firestarter? KDE? IPTables?

[OrangeCrate]

I'll give you the settings to use.

To use what? Firestarter? KDE? IPTables?

For the Firestarter or Guarddog GUIs to configure iptables. As I'm sure your quite aware, by default, iptables blocks all inbound traffic. In otherwords, all ports are closed by default.

But it does not block outgoing traffic, which is why you use Firestarter/Guarddog to configure iptables, if you think you need to, or simply want to. (The link above (^^), discusses the need for a firewall on Ubuntu.)

If you're going to filter outbound traffic, you need to configure, in particular, the ICMP settings, so a person can run as "stealth" if they desire.

Like I said, if and when he gets there, I'd be happy to help him walk through the settings.

The following link is an overview of Firestarter. Guarddog is similar, since they're both are tied to iptables, which is standard on all modern Linux distributions. I believe there are some other GUIs in the repos, but I've never looked at them. I've been happy with Firestarter, and I assume Guarddog does what you want it to do.

http://firestarter.sourceforge.net/manual/wizard.php

[FastGame]

Hi Spyros, give PCLinuxOS a try for the best in KDE. 

In other words, you might not know what you're missing if you don't 

[Spyros]

Hi Spyros, give PCLinuxOS a try for the best in KDE. 

In other words, you might not know what you're missing if you don't 

Thanks, I understand it is in some kind of "release candidate" at the moment, right? I just might give it a try when the Final version comes out.

I also downloaded Ubuntu yesterday and played a little bit with it (as Live-CD), I liked it, looks like an "orange-Mac"    I'm going to send my old PC to a technician one of these days (probably destroyed Hard Disk). As soon as it is ready, I'll install a distro. I just hope XP was the last OS I spent money for...

[FastGame]

Thanks, I understand it is in some kind of "release candidate" at the moment, right? I just might give it a try when the Final version comes out.

Yes its at test release 3 and test release 4 should be out within a day or 2. TR4 will update to Final, but its best to wait like you said 

Happy Linux 

[Spyros]

Thanks, I understand it is in some kind of "release candidate" at the moment, right? I just might give it a try when the Final version comes out.

Yes its at test release 3 and test release 4 should be out within a day or 2. TR4 will update to Final, but its best to wait like you said 

Happy Linux 

It's out! See the >>UPDATES<< thread.
I'm going to download tonight 

[Lisandro]

For Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu and Edubuntu lovers 
http://tech.cybernetnews.com/2007/05/22/full-circle-magazine-for-ubuntu-users/
Link gracefully found by drhayden1 

If you want more...
Running Windows XP In Ubuntu: http://tech.cybernetnews.com/2006/06/18/running-windows-xp-in-ubuntu/

[Spyros]

After booting with the PCLinuxOS live cd it asks me for a username & password. Anyone knows what those are?

[timcan]

After booting with the PCLinuxOS live cd it asks me for a username & password. Anyone knows what those are?

As root: username= root
            password = root

As guest : username = guest
               password = guest
Hope this helps.

[Spyros]

Thanks! 

[Spyros]

After booting with the PCLinuxOS live cd it asks me for a username & password. Anyone knows what those are?

As root: username= root
            password = root

As guest : username = guest
               password = guest
Hope this helps.

OK, so I tried the "guest" username & password, it works, but then it asks me for another login. I tried "guest" again, but that doesn't work. Any help?

[timcan]

Hi Spyros, is it asking for root privileges?  Try "root"