I'm using Redhat 9, and can see the iptables are working brilliantly. But is there a software firewall that can protect outbound connections, for instance spyware or cheeky marketing plugins ?

Also, I'm still not getting the hang of the file extensions, but I'll come to that when someone suggests a product.

Thank You in Advance,
Matt
P.S. Would like it to be freeware

is there a software firewall that can protect outbound connections, for instance spyware or cheeky marketing plugins ?
Use iptables, you already got it.

AFAIK spyware, BHO's and invisibly installed apps are Wintendo-only, apart from ppl using an email reader that supports reading HTML mail (the horror) and so are subject to "webbugs" or the occasional ad when using a browser like Opera (easily disabled if you really want to), I haven't seen any of those in Linux.

If you want to pursue this, you could add a simple "pass" rule that only logs traffic and add blocking rules for domains you want to be blocked using the Yoyo or Adshield blocklists, or deny outgoing traffic to dst port 80, 443, 8000, 8080, and only allow that traffic to travel through a proxy (for those familiar with Junkbuster, Webwasher or Proxomitron: try Privoxy), then load the blocklists there.

I think logging outgoing traffic ain't bad, it provides you with an general idea what traffic you generate, but as spyware isn't a Linux thing I don't think you need blocking those domains.

Thank you for your clear and reassuring reply. I am new to the Linux Desktop, but not UNIX. I've hated 'Wintendo' ever since I started with computing, and have understood the technical advantages of moving to Linux.

But I have now got Broadband, and a high-spec PC, so i've tried to migrate and have thouroughly enjoyed the light-side thus far!