I thought I would start a new post. I apologise if the moderators feel otherwise but I felt it would best if someone could read it from the get go rather than sweep through post after post. I'm a newbie to Linux myself and I know what it feels like knocking my head against the wall trying to ascertain what has to be done to make Linux secure. The only guides I have found to be both "free" and comprehensive can be dowloaded from http://www.openna.com/products/books/old/old.php. Now I feel these guides cover Linux and security reasonably well and beyond the issue of which distribution. I don't consider them the answer to my prayers but at least I part of my questions can be answered. I hope my post helps someone out there.

Have you taken a look at the security references thread (by unSpawn)? You can find a number of guides on securing a linux box there.

One of the problems with make a "real simple" newbie manual. is that everyones configuration will likely be different (ie. you may just want to secure some clients, while someone else wants to lockdown a production webserver that is going to take a beating) so a "one-size-fits-all" approach is not always the best way.

Capt_Caveman, yes I have. I do however feel in my opinion that most guides remain disparate. I agree we can't have a "one size fits all" solution however I am quite certain in most scenarios, there would be a common approach to Linux security. I think for newbies, it's best to understand commands followed by what resides where and the followed by basic lockdown using availabel tools. I suppose the next step would be approach security case study by case study based on common scenarios e.g. building a firewall, securng a web server, etc. I would be glad to help in any way I can. All ask is to help "quench my thirst" for understanding Linux well.