Sorry if the answers to this question are obvious, but I'm very new to Linux, so please don't assume I know anything, whoever basic or commonplace about Linux and it's programs.

What I'm wondering is, what security software should I be running on Linux, please? On Windows I use Avast! Anti-virus, Malwarebytes Anti-malware, and Zone Alarm (a firewall), and all are very good (and free!). What are the equivalents on Linux, please, and what would you recommend?

So far I've tried the live DVD distributions of Mint 15 and Knoppix 7.0 (they are both great, by the way), do these have the (best) security software built in, and if not, how do I install the programs into a Linux distribution? On Windows you just double-click the .exe file, but on Linux I've heard you have to use the command prompt, is that true? And if so, what are the commands, please.

Thanks for any answers.

Avast has or a Linux version. You might try an online search for 'antivirus for Linux' to get some info on others.

Almost all Linux distributions come with a built-in firewall.

As a new user, Mint would be a better choice than Knoppix. Knoppix was designed to be used as a Live CD and although it can be installed to a hard drive, if you go to their site you will see that they recommend doing that only if you are a 'Linux Expert', their words.

Most of the major Linux distributions have their own repositories from which you download software. This as opposed to going to unknown third party sites which may or may not be what they claim.

No.

Also ... remember that the fundamental security principles that apply to Windows also apply to Linux and vice-versa. The most important thing, I think, is to make sure that you maintain "forget-about-it" continuous backups, and that every user of the system adheres to the "principle of least privilege," with strong passwords, meaningful and separate user-roles and so on.

Most security intrusions are pure-and-simply "crimes of opportunity." The computer is out there, running completely butt-naked as far as security is concerned, and all that you (the black-hat guy) have to do is to by random chance find him. You find that you are able to pass easily through his firewall because he treats "the Internet at large" as though it were his own personal network, and because he hasn't thought to secure his router. You find that he doesn't have a password on his (of course, Administrator-level) account. And so on.

also Knoppix 7.0 is a VERY OLD live cd
that was ONLY!!! distributed in a magazine
and technically not a real Knoppix OS ( unofficial version)

7.1 and the current Knoppix 7.2.0 are

if you are going to use a live OS like knoppix , you really will want to use the CURRENT version

Knoppix 7.2.0
http://www.knopper.net/knoppix-mirrors/index-en.html
( though there is another magazine ONLY version 7.3 )

live cd's do not need any AV software
they only run in the ram of the computer( not installed to the computer) and changes can NOT be made to the cd so no virus can install on the live cd

now the Knoppix 7.2.0 cd "can" be installed , but it is not a good installed os , it is a GREAT live cd ( or usb) .

i take it you are to young to have used Windows 1,2,3,3.1, win95 , win98

in XP Microsoft KILLED OFF a very GOOD and GREAT and one of the BEST TOOLS in THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD!!!

##### The Terminal!!!!! ####
( cmd.exe on xp SUCKS BIG TIME )


now Microsoft in windows7 did include a "new" enhanced terminal that mostly adds back in the functions that "Windows for workgroups" had back in the early 90's

" use the terminal Luke , may the terminal be with you "



as to installing software
every major Linux distribution ( distro ) has a package manager
redhat based systems like
rhel
fedora
cent
Scientific linux
use "yum" for the package manager

Debian systems like
Debian
Ubuntu
Mint
use " apt-get"

Opensuse is an "odd ball" as it NORMAL for SUSE
we use " zypper" as a package manager even though it uses RPM's like redhat

Thanks for the great advice, everyone.

And yes, I did get Knoppix some time back, on a cover disc (though I downloaded Linux Mint).

I understand, but I take it Knoppix has a virus killer (for Windows viruses) for when people use it to fix Windows based PCs? I know some people use Linux boot CDs/USB sticks to sort out malware-drenched Windows PCs, so I'd imagine a (good) virus killer would be essential in these circumstances, even though it's detecting and killing viruses aimed at a different OS from the one it's running on (the Linux boot CD/USB stick)?

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Hmm -responding to John VV -m who seems to have an ICredible amount of posts!!!!!?????

I still have Knoppix 5.1.1.0 DVD from magazine --- still boots up OK - I did a install of it yesterday ona 160 gb Harddrive --- had no performance issues //// its just that That Knoppix distro is SOOOOO Loaded with apps/programs that I get lost!!!!!! Indecision??!!


Just want to let you know.


regards ,chilibowl

Knoppix 5.1.1 was released in 2007, which means that you now have 7 years of unfixed security holes on that machine. I strongly recommend to never connect that machine to the Internet.