I have recently made the jump to RH8 having been using Windoze for years.

Installed Redhat 8 using fairly standard install options... I understand that it includes a software firewall. I have got my blueyonder/telewest broadband connection up and running.

How do I access the firewall settings and what options should I use to ensure that that my box is adequately protected from hacks?

To give you an idea, I am experienced with Windows and now feel like I am a total newbie and a little afraid that the awesome power of linux if not controlled could leave ports wide open to attack.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

1) Is there any reason why you are using Redhat 8 - there have been 7 releases in the Redhat / Fedora line since RH8, and RH8 is now old and unsupported. I suggest you download Fedora Core 6 - you will have a much better experience with Linux.

2) Search around in the menus for the security settings. The default should block all incoming ports, so you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

3) Out of curiosity, what sort of Internet connection do you have? Most routers have a built-in firewall (but not as good as iptables). Also, if your router assigns your machine with a private IP address (192.168.x.x), then you have a "natural firewall" anyway.

I hope this helps
--Ian

Thanks for the reply