I suppose the first question is, "Is a firewall necessary when using Linux"? I presumed it was and tried to install Firestarter.
I am running Ubuntu 8.04 connecting wirelessly via a Netgear wireless router to my virgin cable broadband connection. I am using a Toshiba netbook. My desktop PC is running Windows.
When I attempt to run Firestarter I get "Failed to start, device wifi0 not ready" I checked preferences and three devices appear to be recognised wifi0, eth1 and ath1.
In preferences it states under Internet connected device wifi0 and under Local connnected device eth1.
Anyone any ideas. Thanks for looking.
Pete

well necessary is a pretty vague word. Ultimately you should have one if you want to have a secure system.

Note though, that firestarter is NOT a firewall. it is a configuration wrapper for the systems inbuilt tools, iptables / netfilter.

Are you using wifi? You can disable the interface completely if you want.