Firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware for Ubuntu

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I have Ubuntu 10.01 LTS on my computer. I am totaly inexperienced with Linux…

Questions:
1a) Does Ubuntu come with a firewall?
1b) Is it turned on by defauilt?
1c) What is the name of the software and where do I find it?
1d) If Ubuntu does not come with a firewall, which one do you recommend? (Something with a GUI, please!)

2a) In the near future, I am planning on setting up a network with another computer that has Windows installed. Will I need to have anti-virus, anti-spyware installed on my Linux computer to protect from possible viruses etc. coming from the Windows computer? (The Windows PC already has a firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware software installed)
2b) What software do you recommend?

Thanks.

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Hi teebeebee,

To answer your questions:

1a) Yes, Ubuntu comes with iptables.

1b) No, iptables is not turned on by default. Check here for instructions to use the Command Line to turn iptables on. This is a very simple command. This article will answer your question about using an antivirus in Ubuntu as well.

1c) The best way to see iptables and to configure it is to install a gui application called Firestarter. You can read about Firestarter here. You can install Firestarter by using the Synaptic Package Manager, so you do not have to do any command line session to install it. Firestarter is available in the Ubuntu Universe repository.

Here is a good article for learning about the Synaptic Package Manager.

Your best resource for all things Ubuntu is located here.

Hope this helps.

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Hi teebeebee,

To answer your questions:

1a) Yes, Ubuntu comes with iptables.

1b) No, iptables is not turned on by default. Check here for instructions to use the Command Line to turn iptables on. This is a very simple command. This article will answer your question about using an antivirus in Ubuntu as well.

1c) The best way to see iptables and to configure it is to install a gui application called Firestarter. You can read about Firestarter here. You can install Firestarter by using the Synaptic Package Manager, so you do not have to do any command line session to install it. Firestarter is available in the Ubuntu Universe repository.

Here is a good article for learning about the Synaptic Package Manager.

Your best resource for all things Ubuntu is located here.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for your help!
—
tb

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I know this will sound wierd, since all windows users (me included) think that we need to install a whole bunch of security application to fix the OS’ shortcomings. Enter Ubuntu. I can answer you in one sentence: you don’t need anything. I know it sound impossible, but believe me, it’s true. Ubuntu comes with built in safeguards, plus there is almost NO malicious software out there for Linux (believe me, know what i’m talking about, search Ubuntu forums if you think i’m wrong).

So basically, you need not configure Ubuntu at all:).

Welcome the hassle-free Linux world!

I’m writing this on Ubuntu (Xubuntu, actually) right now, without any firewall, security software, etc. and it works like a charm!

The only reason you might want a firewall is if you are running a high-risk computer (like a server) to make doubly sure you don’t get compromised.

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I heard ProteMac NetMine ( http://www.protemac.com ) is a good app too , anybody used it?

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