PCLinuxOS 2007 - Firewall & Anti Virus
 

I am not convinced that Linux is completely safe to use for on line banking without a firewall and anti virus software installed. For my peace of mind could someone recommend suitable software. I would also like recommendations for anti spyware. I am delighted with the OS. The best since I began to be interested in Linux some years ago

Let say Linux is fare more safe than Windows
Most Linux distros come with a firewall ,anyhow my distros does
In my adsl modem is also I firewall installed by the manufacture and tuned by my provider ,and I can change the settings if I wish so
But even so never go on the internet as root ,
Daily work use su or sudo I do not know it is called in PClinux instead of root.
I run a virus scanner avast4 workstation it is free ware but you need to register to get you,re license key if you,re dual booting it can scans linux and windows at the same time.
You can reduce the risk a lot in the way you manage you,re system.

But there is no such thing as no risk . Risk is part of life


all the best

This will check if iptables is running. If not, check out http://easyfwgen.morizot.net/gen/

PCLinuxOS is a fantastic distro, and their forum community is very helpful. Please check there for distro-specific hints.

Joel

I am not convinced that online banking is completely safe, period. Well, no it can't be completely safe - very few things are - as there have been incidents, and although those involved say that those threats have been obviated, sometime someone will find a new exploit.

All desktop or server distros (AFAIK) come with a firewall system. This is Iptables, but it is basically a programming language for firewalls. What you would probably be happier with is one of the systems like guarddog/guidedog/firestarter, etc, etc that are 'easy to use' front ends to the IPTABLES system.

As usual, the first place to go for software is the package manager installed on your system. Search for 'firewall'. There should be a selection of firewall packages (gui front ends for Iptables) so try what your distro supplies and see how you get on with it.

Your best and easiest protection against viruses is never to engage in practices that make virus infection more likely (so only install software via trusted repositories, never mess with .doc files in a way that allows macros to run,...). As an extra measure a scanner can't hurt...