Okay three day old linux user here. I have heard all the Linux is safe! talk and want to know the truth.

Do I need an Anti-Virus?
If so which one, perferably a free one, I use Avast on windows a "Free" antivirus.

Do I need a Firewall?
If so which one, again perferably free, I use sygate's free firewall for Windows.

Do I need a spyware scanner?
If so which one, I use spybot S&D for windows. I am using kde's webrowser. Might switch to firefox, but I kind of doubt it, can't think of any reason that I would want to.

Do I need to worry about Zombie's "ie" IRC trojans?
If so how do I get rid of them?

What is a good "free" spamfilter?
Kontact shows plugins for spam assasin, blogofilter and something else.


Do I sound cheap? *sigh* A wife, a kid on the way and college. Will do that to you.

Thanks
Kezz

As for the linux filesystem you normally don't need any anti-virus. There are a handful linux-viiri (viruses) but the chanses of
getting exposed are really slim. If your linux box acts as a samba server, administering shares to Windows PC's perhaps
you want to scan those shares for windows viiri. clamav is available on your installation media for that (you might want
to install samba-vscan-clamav as well).

The kernel has a built in firewall. For a simple approach start the Mandrake Control Center (start a terminal and enter 'mcc').
Select the "Security" tab and the "Firewall" icon. If you installed shorewall and webmin I think you can administer your firewall
through that.

Spyware: haven't heard of it in linux.

If your box is hacked the perps might install IRC servers, zombies and stuff. Make sure you upgrade your installation
whenever a security package is released. Check the "Security updates" on www.mandrakelinux.com and sign
up on their security mailing list.

I like spamassassin. You can also configure it to use clam for mailvirus-removal.

Edit: And do not login as root. If you need to install things as root, open a terminal and use 'su'

- Peder

I think bunnadik covered it. Not much else to say. (I had started typing up a similar response, and then saw he had posted. )

While his security suggestion is excellent, I find I do pretty good just by going into the Mandrake Control Center/Software Management screen, and checking for security updates there periodically.

And a good firewall will help protect you from the hackers rooting your box.