Internet with Linux

Its my first time on the net in Linux The modem was surprisingly easy to install, I managed it without step by step instructions! but only because there werent any! I would have copped out and got help otherwise.

After dipping my toe in the water with Linux time and time again ive finally realised I can do everything I do on the computer in Linux. There are two programs which I will need to go back to windows to use.

Anyway, what are peoples opinions on firewalls with Linux? Is one needed for normal surfing? I only really read emails, do a bit of ftp uploading and visit this place and wiki.

Also, there is loads of stuff in ubuntu I wont use so might as well uninstall..... Is it safe for me to go through the Add/Remove Apps screen without worrying about dependancies?

Bloody hell, its 4.50, that modem took longer than I thought!

 

Firewall is not there to stop malicious software.
It is like a shutter to keep out the wrong sort of 'attention'.
It will do two things. It will guard your PC's privecy and it will stop other :swear: from trying to 'grab hold' of your system.
As your network requierments are limited so should your firewall be.
i.e. a basic one would do. Using ubuntu you can either go for the Gnome based one - Firestarter, or you can go for a few others like GuardDog.
I always used Firestarter as it is dead easy and it is readily available from your repositories.
I think Mega has a nother one, which I cannot remember, and he is very happy with it.

Bottom line, I would recomend using one.

You might be able to uninstall some packages but at the basic level, if you have not added any packages yet, uninstalling some packages will 'take out' other essential componenets which you might need for programs you do want to keep. When you opt to remove a programs it will tell you what will be uninstall, if you are happy with it, go ahead but be warned.....

Mega! Inlighten us, you *ubuntu savi!

 

I personally don't use a firewall apart from a router. I've never needed one in Linux.

 

I don't use a firewall on my computers anymore because I have set up a dedicated IPCop server

Firestarter is very easy to use and configure but I think some people will find it lacking in a few features, It's not very powerful, but that being said, most desktop Linux users rarely need a firewall anyway.
GuardDog takes a little longer to configure but it does what most people want. It does require that you have a little more knowledge of protocols and port numbers.

BTW, I wouldn't recommend you uninstall any of the default packages in Ubuntu. Doing so will remove the meta package 'ubuntu-desktop'. That package is used for updates etc.

If you have already removed some things, just type:

Code:

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop

 

Neither do I, since I have my modem/router which has a basic firewall already built in.
However, if one does not have a hardware solution, I think one can only benefit from a software one.

A bit like with underwear, you can do without but it has its benefits

 

Thanks for your replies, i'll have a look through the repositories in a bit.

As for the extra programs, im only talking about uninstalling games, instant messengers, gimp stuff like that. Surely I cant do too much harm? The add/remove apps screen wont let me uninstall anything (!?) so will I have to get stuck into synaptic package manager?

 

IMHO, once you start using Synaptic you will not want to use anything else...

 

Yes, you can use Synaptic

But, IMO, those programs aren't doing any harm whilst they are installed

 

I uninstall the ones I don't need anyway, like Rhythmbox etc. It removes ubuntu-desktop in the process, but the packages still get updates (apt has super cow powers) and cleans up the menus a bit.