Securing Mandrake 9.1?
 

Im running Mandrake 9.1 (just installed it) and I was wondering what security measures I would take.

Im on a stand-alone PC and Im on dial-up. I know that Mandrake has a built-in firewall. Will this firewall keep me secure? And whats the best way to setup the Security Center?

What about Antivirus? and spyware scanners? Do I really need an Antivirus for Linux?? If yes, then whats the best FREE AV software for Linux??

Strong passwords, updates - also - in the MCC - Security - Levels & checks, set the seurity level to "Higher" - if you don't want to use Mandrake's firewall use Guarddog instead - certainly adequate.

BTW - the "Higher" security setting is restrictive, but tight - for more flexibility use the checkboxes on the other tabs for personal fine-tuning.

Could you please tell me where I could get the Updates????


Do I need an Antivirus too??? Or I do not need one on Linux platforms.

If yes then is there a free one??

What are the chances of Linux getting infected with virii or trojans???

And where could I download the Updates?? Explain where it is located in Mandrake.

Thx

You should be aware that 9.1 is an old version and it's about to loose all update support. It already partially expired on March 25 and will fully expire on September 25. Information here .

Updates are easy to find if you do a little searching of the Mandrake home page, find out about urpmi and check out www.urpmi.org/easyurpmi to set your update sources.

In addition - Mandrakesoft Security Advisories - Currently Supported Products - MandrakeLinux 9.1

http://www.mandrakesoft.com/security/advisories

My question is, what are the chances of a Linux system (stand-alone) to get infected with virii or trojans???

I did not know that Linux has its own Security Updates just like Windows does. Thats weird. I thought Linux was secure and stable for that matter.

Re viruses - for a "typical" desktop user - not likely - running an ordinary user account with limited priviledges aids security across the board, think propagation ;)

I downloaded GuardDog. But I do not want to touch it until I learn how to use it. I assume its not like a Windows type fiewall where you just install and forget.

I saw the screenshots and its pretty much advanced like I said.

As far as the settings go, I only use the computer for Internet, Email, and mainly off-line stuff. So what ports, IPs, do I have to block for this type of basic computing??

Please explain. I need some examples. Examples are good.

And remember, Im on dial-up. So I dont even know if this is worth installing first of all. One question though, is the Mandrake Firewall precise and accurate??




Thanks.